The narcotic mushrooms have evolved twice, and the scientists are puzzled

Massran, one molecule

The study, which was conducted in a group of distinction, shows the “microorganism balance”, for the first time that the fungi have developed the ability to produce silosipine at least twice independently of each other. while Psilocybe Types use a well -known enzyme tool for this purpose, as the Cap Cap mushrooms use a completely different vital chemical arsenal – however it reaches the same molecule. This conclusion is an example of a close development: the various species independently developed a similar feature, but the “magic mushroom” has gone to do so.

Searching for evidence in fungal genomics

“It was like looking at two different workshops, but both of them save the same product in the end,” explains Tim Shafv, author of the study leadership and doctoral researchers on the Hofyster team. Psilocybe Mushroom. However, they stimulate all the steps needed to form a cellosepine. “

The researchers analyzed enzymes in the laboratory. The protein models created by the Innsbruck Bernhard RUPP chemist have confirmed that the sequence of reactions is greatly different from that known in Psilocybe. “Here, the nature was invented by the same active compound,” says Chevler.

However, why two different groups of fungi remain the same active compound. “The real answer is: we do not know,” Hofimster asserts. “Nature does nothing without reason. So there should be an advantage for both the fiber fiber fungus in the forest and Psilocybe The types on compost or cleaning the wood that produce this molecule – we do not know what it is yet. “

“One of the possible causes can be that Psilocybin aims to deter predators. Even the smallest injuries cause Psilocybe Mushrooms to convert blue through the reaction of a chemical chain, and reveal the collapse products from cellosibin. “The molecule may be a type of chemical defense mechanism,” says Hofimster.

More tools for biotechnology

Although it is still unclear why the various fungi ultimately produce the same molecule, this discovery has practical effects: “Now that we have learned about additional enzymes, we have more tools in our tools box for the vital production of the technology of the Snoliperpine.”

Chevir also looks forward: “We hope our results will contribute to the future production of Psilocybin for pharmaceutical preparations in vital reactions without the need for complex chemical combinations.” At Leibniz-HKI in Jena, Hofmeister is closely working with the biological experimental factory, which develops operations to produce natural products such as Psilocybin on an industry-like scale.

At the same time, the study provides exciting visions of the diversity of chemical strategies that fungi uses and their interactions with their environment. Consequently, it addresses the central questions of the Chembiosys Research Center and the “Microer Filling Balance” at Friedrich Schiller Gina University, through which the work was implemented and funded by the German Research Corporation (DFG), among other things. While Crc Chemiosys are looking at how natural compounds form biological societies, the group of excellence focuses on the complex dynamics of microorganisms and their environment.