Short Lecture Novel neuroprotective metabolites produced via biotransformation of cyclocephagenol by Alternaria eureka 1E1BL1

Abstract

Neurodegeneration refers to the loss of structure/function of neurons leading to neurological diseases including Alzheimerʼs and Parkinsonʼs. The discovery of novel therapeutics against neurodegenerative diseases has been an area of intense research as neurodegenerative diseases are a huge burden on society and the economy [1]. Numerous studies reported that natural products have the potential to prevent and treat neurodegeneration. Among these studies, the neuroprotective activities of cycloartane-type saponins are noteworthy [2], [3]. In our preliminary studies, the neuroprotective activity of cyclocephagenol, an aglycone of cyclocephaloside I from Astragalus microcephalus [4], was screened for H2O2-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Based on the promising bioactivity of cyclocephagenol, the aims of this study were: i) to perform microbial transformation studies on cyclocephagenol using Alternaria eureka followed by isolation and structural characterization of the metabolites; ii) to investigate neuroprotective activities of the metabolites; iii) to understand structure-activity relationships towards neuroprotection.