Publications by authors named "C Hertweck"

Furan-functionalized peptides are of significant pharmacological interest due to their pronounced bioactivities and unique potential for orthogonal bioconjugation and derivatization. However, naturally occurring peptides with furyl side chains are exceedingly rare. This study presents a streamlined method to predict and assess the microbial production of peptides incorporating 3-furylalanine (Fua) moieties.

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is a mold fungus that has gained attention for its positive correlation with soil health, plant growth, and applications as a crop biocontrol agent to suppress the threats of nematode pests. To date, the mechanisms underlying the protective traits of against these plant parasites have remained elusive. Here we report that abundantly produced peptidic biosurfactants, malpinin A-D, exhibit robust inhibitory activity against nematodes.

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Article Synopsis
  • L-(+)-Muscarine (1)-producing mushrooms are extremely dangerous, as consuming them can lead to serious health issues, including death, yet their metabolic properties remain poorly understood.
  • Research identified 4'-phosphomuscarine (2) as a key natural compound in the mycelium of Clitocybe rivulosa, using advanced techniques to confirm its structure, and it was also found in other mushroom species.
  • Muscaridine (3), another related compound, shows weak activation of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, highlighting the need for better understanding in emergency medicine to gauge the true risks associated with these toxic mushrooms.
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Endosymbioses have profoundly impacted the evolution of life and continue to shape the ecology of a wide range of species. They give rise to new combinations of biochemical capabilities that promote innovation and diversification. Despite the many examples of known endosymbioses across the tree of life, their de novo emergence is rare and challenging to uncover in retrospect.

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More than two million people worldwide are affected by life-threatening, invasive fungal infections annually. Candida species are the most common cause of nosocomial, invasive fungal infections and are associated with mortality rates above 40%. Despite the increasing incidence of drug-resistance, the development of novel antifungal formulations has been limited.

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