Inhibition of solubilized chitin synthase by chlorinated aromatic compounds isolated from mushroom cultures.

Abstract

3, 5-Dichloro-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, a novel natural metabolite, was isolated from submerged cultures of a Stropharia species due to its inhibitory activity towards chitin synthase. In the same screening, drosophilin A and other chlorinated aromatic compounds were detected. Comparison of the activity of the natural metabolites with that of synthetic analogues showed the necessity of the chlorine substituents for the enzyme inhibition. Hexachlorophene strongly inhibited solubilized chitin synthase with an apparent Ki of 8.5μM. The inhibition could be reversed by the addition of lecithin.