Staprexanthones, Xanthone-Type Stimulators of Pancreatic β-Cell Proliferation from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus

J Nat Prod. 2020 Oct 23;83(10):2996-3003. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00535. Epub 2020 Sep 23.

Abstract

This project was focused on the discovery of novel compounds that promote endogenous β-cell regeneration. Screening of extracts identified the fungus Stachybotrys chartarum as a promising candidate. After fermentation and extraction of S. chartarum, we isolated five new prenylated xanthones, namely, staprexanthones A-E (1-5), with staprexanthone A (1) being the first natural xanthone bearing a rare 4,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane moiety. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 significantly increased β-cell numbers in vivo in a zebrafish model. Further analysis revealed that 2 and 5 promoted β-cell mass expansion by increasing proliferation of existing β-cells though promotion of cell-cycle progression at the G1/S transition. These findings indicate that prenylated xanthones are potential new drug leads for antidiabetes therapy by stimulating β-cell regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Fungi
  • Molecular Structure
  • Prenylation
  • Stachybotrys*
  • Xanthones*

Substances

  • Xanthones
  • xanthone

Supplementary concepts

  • Stachybotrys chartarum