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Taxol from Pestalotiopsis microspora, an endophytic fungus of Taxus wallachiana

Microbiology · 1996 · Vol. 142(2) · pp. 435–440

Gary A. Strobel✉(Montana State University)Xianshu Yang(Montana State University)Joe Sears(Montana State University)Robert KrämerRajinder S. SidhuW. M. Hess(Brigham Young University)

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Abstract

Pestalotiopsis microspora was isolated from the inner bark of a small limb of Himalayan yew, Taxus wallachiana, and was shown to produce taxol in mycelial culture. Taxol was identified by spectroscopic and chromatographic comparisons with authentic taxol. Optimal taxol production occurred after 2-3 weeks in still culture at 23 degrees C. [14C]Acetate and [14C]phenylalanine served as precursors for fungal [14C]taxol. These observations on P. microspora are discussed in relation to the biological importance of taxol production by fungi in general.

Cancer Treatment and Pharmacology Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis Plant Pathogens and Fungal DiseasesMicrosporaTaxusPestalotiopsisFungusMyceliumBotanyBiologyPlant use of endophytic fungi in defenseBark (sound)Basidiomycota

MeSH terms

Antineoplastic Agents, PhytogenicBiotechnologyMitosporic FungiDrug Screening Assays, AntitumorFermentationHumansMicroscopy, Electron, ScanningMagnetic Resonance SpectroscopyPhenylalanineMass SpectrometrySpores, FungalTreesTumor Cells, CulturedPaclitaxelEcosystem