UV radiation triggers mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside biosynthesis in Naganishia friedmannii FBU002, a non-pathogenic yeast.

Summary

A Naganishia friedmannii isolate from a high-UV environment synthesizes mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside (MGG) under PAR-UVR, supported by chromatographic/spectroscopic identification. A UV-inducible biosynthetic gene cluster was identified by RT-PCR, and the yeast is non-pathogenic and UVC-tolerant, positioning it as a sustainable source of natural UV filters.

Key Findings

• Naganishia friedmannii produces mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside (MGG) and a likely diastereoisomer upon PAR-UVR exposure.
• A UV-inducible biosynthetic gene cluster for MGG was identified via genome analysis and RT-PCR.
• The yeast is non-pathogenic and tolerates UVC and other stresses, supporting biotechnological applications in sunscreens.

Clinical Implications

Natural mycosporines could reduce reliance on petrochemical UV filters implicated in environmental harm and potential toxicity; formulation, safety, and efficacy testing on human skin remain necessary.

Limitations

• Productivity/yield and downstream extraction/formulation were not quantified
• Diastereomer assignment is tentative; no safety or efficacy testing in skin models

Future Directions

Elucidate full biosynthetic pathway, optimize yields via metabolic engineering, and evaluate safety/photostability and SPF/UVA-PF performance in topical formulations.