Untargeted GC-MS metabolic profiling of Eurotium chevalieri AUMC 16390 (PX498623) reveals a putative steroidal metabolite with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential

O M O El-Maghraby; Kaoud Salama; M S Youssef; M Marwa Abdel-Kareem; A Randa Fathy

doi:10.1186/s12896-026-01104-6

Untargeted GC-MS metabolic profiling of Eurotium chevalieri AUMC 16390 (PX498623) reveals a putative steroidal metabolite with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential

BMC Biotechnol. 2026 Feb 21;26(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12896-026-01104-6.

Authors

O M O El-Maghraby¹, Kaoud Salama^{2

3}, M S Youssef¹, M Marwa Abdel-Kareem¹, A Randa Fathy⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Sohag, Sohag, Egypt.
² Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) & Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sohag, Sohag, Egypt.
⁴ Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Sohag, Sohag, Egypt. randaadel@science.sohag.edu.eg.

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the exometabolome bioactive metabolites produced by Eurotium chevalieri AUMC 16,390 (accession number PX498623), a strain identified through ITS rDNA sequencing with 100% identity. The aim was to characterize its chemical profile and evaluate the biological activities of its major constituents.

Materials and methods: Metabolites present in the crude extract were analyzed using GC–MS, and ten major compounds were detected, spanning esters, diketones, terpenoids, and halogenated hydrocarbons. A predominant putative steroid-like metabolite, tentatively identified as 12-hydroxy-(5α,12β)-androstane-3,17-dione, accounted for 35.79% of the extract. Antibacterial activity of the crude extract was assessed against multiple bacterial strains. To elucidate potential mechanisms, molecular docking studies were conducted targeting enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI). Additionally, the anti-inflammatory potential of the major steroidal compound was examined via predicted interactions with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated using SwissADME.

Results: The crude extract demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Docking analysis revealed favorable binding affinities of the major steroid-like metabolite toward FabI, supporting its potential antibacterial mechanism. The compound also showed high predicted affinity for the GR, suggesting possible anti-inflammatory activity. SwissADME results indicated acceptable drug-likeness features and favorable oral bioavailability parameters.

Conclusion: Eurotium chevalieri AUMC 16,390 represents a promising source of bioactive fungal metabolites. The major putative steroidal component exhibits strong potential as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, providing a foundation for future experimental validation and development.

Graphical Abstract:

Keywords: Eurotium chevalieri; Antimicrobial activity; FabI inhibitors; GC–MS; Putative natural steroid.