05 Fungal Chemical Decryption

The chemical ability of fungi is at the heart of its evolutionary success.Unlike plants, fungi cannot escape threats or seek resources by moving, so they have developed complex chemical defense and communication systems.

Primary metabolism is the basic process of maintaining fungal life, including the production of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.These compounds are directly involved in cell structure construction and energy metabolism.And what really makes fungi so chemically interesting are their secondary metabolites—compounds that are not directly involved in growth and development, but are crucial in ecological interactions.

I have observed this phenomenon many times in my field studies: the same fungal species produces completely different secondary metabolites under different environmental conditions.For example, mushrooms grown in competitive environments tend to produce more antibacterial compounds, a chemical arms race they engage in to survive.

Terpenoids are polymerized from isoprene units and are one of the most common secondary metabolites in fungi.Their chemical structural diversity is amazing, from simple monoterpenes to complex polycyclic triterpenes.

Ganoderma lucidum, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, is mostly of medicinal value from triterpenes.When I was isolated in the lab, I found that they had significant anti-inflammatory properties.What is even more fascinating is that the triterpene spectrum of different Ganoderma lucidum strains can vary greatly, which explains why Ganoderma lucidum from some sources is more effective than others.

Fungal polysaccharides, especially beta-glucan, are one of the most studied fungal compounds.These macromolecules not only form the structural basis of the fungal cell wall, but also have significant biological activity.

In my study, I found that the β-glucan structure of Ganoderma lucidum and shiitake mushrooms is slightly different, which explains the differences in their immune regulation effects.Ganoderma lucidum has a higher branching structure and may interact with immune cells more effectively.

Nitrogen-containing alkaloids are one of the most pharmacologically active compounds in fungi.From deadly toxic fenpine to therapeutic potential psilocybin, these compounds work by interacting with the animal nervous system.

These compounds are fungi's antioxidant defense systems that protect them from oxidative stress and environmental stress.

As one of the most toxic mushroom toxins in the world, Amanitotoxin represents the ultimate in fungi chemical defense.

Amanitin works by inhibiting RNA polymerase II, a key enzyme in cellular gene expression.Without new mRNA synthesis, cells cannot produce the essential protein, resulting in cell death.The liver and kidneys, as the main detoxification organs, have become the main targets, which explains why poisoned people suffer from liver and kidney failure.

In the case of Amanita poisoning that I was involved in, an experienced fungus collector mistakenly took the deadly Amanita edible straw mushroom.The estimated dose he consumed was about 10 mg—enough to kill two adults.Despite seeking medical treatment quickly, he still needed a liver transplant to survive.This case emphasizes the importance of absolutely certain identification.

Contrary to common perceptions, phallus toxins are not actually absorbed by the intestines and are therefore very low oral toxicity.This misunderstanding has led to many over-panic reactions to Amanita poisoning.

The heptapeptide ring structure of phallus toxin makes it difficult to pass through the intestinal barrier.However, when injected, it becomes extremely toxic by inhibiting actin polymerization, which destroys the cytoskeleton and cell division.

Psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin are partial agonists of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor.These compounds are re-inviting the scientific community to the therapeutic potential of psychoactive substances.

In a controlled clinical setting, psilocybin showed significant effects on the treatment of resistant depression, anxiety and PTSD.The mechanism of action involves promoting neuroplasticity and “resetting” the default mode network—the brain network associated with self-referential thinking and mental wandering.

Despite therapeutic potential, psilocybin is still a controlled substance in most jurisdictions.Holding or using without permission may result in serious legal consequences.

Mushrooms are natural umami enhancers, thanks mainly to their free amino acid and nucleotide content.

As the main source of umami, glutamate occurs naturally in mushrooms.Glutamate can be utilized by destroying the cell wall and concentrating the contents.

This nucleotide itself has an umami flavor, but has a strong synergistic effect with glutamate.When both are present, umami perception can be enhanced by up to eight times.

The unique aroma of mushrooms comes from complex mixtures of volatile compounds.

1-octene-3-ol, commonly known as "mushroom alcohol", is the main contributor to the characteristic aroma of most mushrooms.Interestingly, this same compound is also a component of insect pheromones, which may explain why some insects are attracted to mushrooms.

The unique aroma of truffles comes mainly from sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfide and androstanol (a compound similar to porcine sex pheromone).This explains why sows are so efficient in searching for truffles.

While mushrooms do not produce penicillin (this is from the fungi of Penicillium), they produce a variety of other antimicrobial compounds.

Such antibiotics isolated from the Pleurotus species have been developed for use in veterinary and human medicine, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.

As the antibiotic resistance crisis intensifies, fungi represent a valuable source of new antibacterial compounds.My work in the lab involves screening hundreds of mushroom extracts against drug-resistant bacteria, and the results are encouraging – many species produce antibacterial substances that we have not identified yet.

Fungal beta-glucan works by regulating rather than stimulating the immune system, unlike many synthetic immune enhancers.

These polysaccharides interact with specific receptors on macrophages and other immune cells, such as dectin-1, fine-tuning their response rather than simply "enhancing" immunity.

Modern analytical chemistry allows us to identify and characterize individual compounds in fungi, even at extremely low concentrations.

HPLC is the main technology in my lab for isolating nonvolatile compounds such as polysaccharides and peptide toxins.

GC-MS is indispensable for the analysis of volatile aroma compounds.Through this technique, we are able to identify the unique aroma characteristics of certain rare mushrooms.

Together, these techniques provide a complete chemical image of the compound—mass spectrometry tells us about molecular weight and fragmentation patterns, while NMR reveals the precise arrangement of atoms in the molecule.

One of the most exciting moments in my career was the use of these techniques to identify an antimicrobial compound that was previously unknown.After six months of intensive work, we finally unravel its complex structure—a new terpene with a unique glycosylation pattern.

By sequencing the fungal genome, we can now predict the compounds they may produce, even if these compounds are not expressed under laboratory conditions.This approach has led to the discovery of many "recessive" gene clusters that may encode valuable new compounds.

Fungal enzymes are revolutionizing the industrial process and providing more environmentally friendly alternatives.For example, fungal ligninase is being used to develop more efficient biofuel production methods, while fungal cellulase is changing the textile and paper industry.

Mycelial materials—the network of mushroom roots essentially—are being developed as biodegradable alternatives to packaging, construction and even clothing.These materials are not only sustainable, but also have unique properties such as natural flame retardancy and excellent insulation.

Understanding fungal chemistry can save your life.Here are some key points:

1. Start safety exploration: Participate in a local mushroom identification workshop, a good outdoor guide

2. Build a basic toolkit:

3. System Learning Method:

4. Experimental kitchen tips:

5. Participate in Citizen Science:

Fungal chemistry students are actively reminding us that even the smallest organisms possess amazing chemical complexity.By understanding these micro-interactions, we can not only interact with these fascinating creatures more safely, but also appreciate their profound importance in ecosystems and human culture.Every entry into the forest is an opportunity to enter this hidden chemical world—a world full of discovery, wonder and practical applications.

Whether you are an experienced fungic collector or a curious newbie, fungal chemistry knowledge will enrich your interactions with these extraordinary creatures.Explore safely, stay curious, and let the miracles of the molecular world enhance your appreciation of the natural world.