TDO utilizes b-type heme as a cofactor to activate dioxygen and insert two oxygen atoms into free L-tryptophan. We revealed two unidentified enzymatic activities of ferric TDO from Ralstonia metallidurans, which are peroxide driven oxygenation and catalase-like activity. The stoichiometric titration suggests that two moles of H2O2 were required for the production of one mole of N-formylkynurenine. We have also observed monooxygenated-L-tryptophan. Three enzyme-based intermediates were sequentially detected in the peroxide oxidation of ferric TDO in the absence of L-Trp including compound I-type and compound ES-type Fe-oxo species. The Fe(IV) intermediates had an unusually large quadrupole splitting parameter of 1.76(2) mm/s at pH 7.4. Density functional theory calculations suggest that it results from the hydrogen bonding to the oxo group. We have also demonstrated that the oxidized TDO was activated via a homolytic cleavage of the O-O bond of ferric hydroperoxide intermediate via a substrate dependent process to generate a ferrous TDO. We proposed a peroxide activation mechanism of the oxidized TDO. The TDO has a relatively high redox potential, the protonated state of the proximal histidine upon substrate binding as well as a common feature of the formation of ferric hydroxide species upon substrate or substrate analogues binding. Putting these together, we have proposed a substrate-based activation mechanism of the oxidized TDO. Our work also probed the role of histidine 72 as an acid-base catalyst in the active site. In H72S and H72N mutants, one water molecule plays a similar role as that of His72 in wild type TDO. MauG is a c-type di-heme enzyme which catalyze the biosynthesis of the protein-derived cofactor tryptophan tryptophylquinone. Its natural substrate is a monohydroxylated tryptophan residue present in a 119-kDa precursor protein of methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH). We have trapped a novel bis-Fe(IV) intermediate from MauG, which is remarkably stable. A tryptophanyl radical intermediate of MADH has been trapped after the reaction of the substrate with the bis-Fe(IV) intermediate. Analysis by high-resolution size-exclusion chromatography shows that MauG can tightly bind to the biosynthetic precursor and form a stable complex, but the mature protein substrate does not.

The dioxygenase-cytochrome P450 fusion proteins (DOX-CYP) comprise a heme-containing enzyme family that shares structural and catalytic properties with mammalian prostaglandin H (PGH) synthases. 7,8-Linoleate diol synthase (7,8-LDS) of Gaeumannomyces graminis was first characterized, and DOX-CYP enzymes are of mechanistic and biological interest. The growing number of fungal genome sequences has revealed DOX-CYP homologues in medically and economically important species. The aim of this thesis was to identify novel members of the DOX-CYP fusion protein family. The devastating rice pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae contains two DOX-CYP genes. The fungus synthesizes 7S,8S-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (7,8-DiHODE) by dioxygenation of linoleic acid to 8R-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (8R-HPODE), and subsequent isomerisation to the diol. 7,8-LDS of M. oryzae was identified by gene deletion, but the infection and reproduction processes of the Δ7,8-LDS strain were not altered. A mutant with constitutive protein kinase A activity profoundly changed the oxygenation profile, possibly due to post-translational modification. The human pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and A. clavatus contain three DOX-CYP, designated psi producing oxygenase A (ppoA), ppoB, and ppoC, and form three oxylipins: 5S,8R-DiHODE, 8R,11S-DiHODE, and 10R-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid.  PpoA was identified as 5,8-LDS, and ppoC as 10R-DOX. The 8,11-linoleate hydroperoxide isomerase activity was reduced by two imidazole-containing P450 inhibitors, miconazole and 1-benzylimidazole. PpoB could not be linked to the biosynthesis of 8,11-DiHODE for the following reasons: First, the 8,11-hydroperoxide isomerase activity was retained in A. fumigatus ΔppoB strains. Second, the P450 domain of the deduced ppoB of A. clavatus lacks a heme-thiolate cysteine ligand, presumably essential for hydroperoxide isomerase activity. Linoleate 9R-DOX activities of Aspergillus terreus and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were discovered. 9R-HPODE was further converted into unstable allene oxides, as judged by the accumulation of their hydrolysis products, α- and γ-ketols. These allene oxide synthase activities were specific for 9R-hydroperoxides. The 9R-DOX and AOS were found to have unique characteristics. In conclusion, novel DOX-CYP enzymes were identified in human and plant pathogenic fungi. These enzymes might be involved in biological processes, and show interesting catalytic similarities to human PGH synthase and thromboxane synthase (CYP5A).

The genus Senecio (Asteraceae) constitutes a group of cosmopolitan plants formed by more than 2000 species. Although most of these plants are considered to be toxic due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, several of them are used in folk medicine. Their medicinal use can be attributed to other secondary metabolites, amongst them the terpenoids, with known antimicrobial activity. This work describes the isolation and identification of three compounds present in the CH2Cl2 extract of fresh aerial parts of Senecio platensis Arech., a species that showed the presence of peroxides in a phytochemical screening. Additionally, the the antibacterial activity of the isolated secondary metabolites has been evaluated. The aerial parts of Senecio platensis were collected in Capão Novo RS, Brasil and identified by Prof. Dr. Nelson Ivo Matzenbacher. Voucher specimen SMDB 9522 is preserved in the Herbarium of the Departamento de Botânica, UFSM. The fresh aerial parts of S. platensis (350.0 g) were extracted by maceration with CH2Cl2. The CH2Cl2 extract was evaporated to obtain an viscous residue (6.0 g), which approximates a yield of 1.71%. The crude extract was fractionated by flash chromatography over silica gel, using CH2Cl2 and CH2Cl2:EtOH mixtures of increasing polarity to yield 29 fractions. After two cycles of column chromatography (column: silica gel impregnated with AgNO3 (10%), eluents: hexane:acetone (95:5) and hexane:ethyl ether (99:1) 13.3 mg of PP1 were isolated from fraction 1 and later identified as germacrene D. After successive column chromatography over silica gel impregnated with AgNO3 (10%), eluting with hexane:acetone (9:1), hexane:ethyl acetate (95:5) and hexane:acetone (93:7), fraction 5 yielded 17.0 mg of AB1 (dehydrofukinone) and 30.6 mg of AB2 (spathulenol). The compounds were analyzed by GC-EI-MS, 1H and 13C NMR and were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with the literature. The fraction containing germacrene D, which is considered to be a precursor of several other sesquiterpene derivatives, was submitted to photooxidation process using Bengal Rose as sensitizer agent. By this reaction it was possible to confirm the formation of germacrene-D-1-hydroperoxide by its precursor. The antibacterial evaluation of the isolated compounds was accomplished by the broth microdilution method based on M7-A6/CLSI. In relation to Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, dehydrofukinone showed MIC of 256 μg/mL and MBC of 4096 μg/mL. The spathulenol presented MIC and MBC of 64 μg/mL. Against the clinical isolate of B. cereus, dehydrofukinone showed MIC of 256 μg/mL and MBC > 8192 μg/mL while spathulenol showed MIC 32 μg/mL and MBC > 8192 μg/mL. Dehydrofukinone and spathulenol are inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the tested concentrations (until 8192 μg/mL). / O gênero Senecio (Asteraceae) constitui um grupo de plantas cosmopolitas, formado por mais de 2000 espécies. Embora grande número tenha toxicidade reconhecida devido à presença de alcalóides pirrolizidínicos, várias delas são empregadas na medicina popular. Seu uso medicinal pode ser atribuído à presença dos demais metabólitos secundários, entre eles os terpenóides, com atividade antibacteriana reconhecida. Este trabalho descreve o isolamento e a identificação de três constituintes presentes no extrato CH2Cl2 das partes aéreas de Senecio platensis Arech., espécie na qual foi detectada a presença de peróxidos em um screening fitoquímico. Adicionalmente, os metabólitos secundários isolados tiveram sua atividade antimicrobiana avaliada. As partes aéreas de S. platensis foram coletadas em abril de 2004, no município de Capão Novo RS, Brasil. A espécie foi localizada e identificada pelo Prof. Dr. Nelson Ivo Matzenbacher, do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica da UFRGS. Material testemunha encontra-se depositado no Herbário do Departamento de Biologia da UFSM sob o registro SMDB 9522. As partes aéreas frescas de S. platensis (350,0 g) foram extraídas por maceração em CH2Cl2., seguido de evaporação do solvente, resultando num resíduo pastoso (6,0 g), com rendimento de 1,71%. O extrato bruto foi fracionado por cromatografia em coluna flash sobre gel de sílica, usando CH2Cl2 e misturas de CH2Cl2: EtOH, em gradiente, sendo obtidas 29 frações. A partir da fração 1, após duas cromatografias em coluna com gel de sílica impregnado com AgNO3 (10%), eluídas com hexano:acetona (95:5) e hexano:éter etílico (99:1), foram obtidos 13,3 mg da substância codificada como PP1 e posteriormente identificada como germacreno D. A fração 5 da coluna flash também foi fracionada e, após sucessivas cromatografias em coluna sobre gel de sílica impregnado com AgNO3 (10%), eluídas com hexano:acetona (9:1), hexano:acetato de etila (95:5) e hexano:acetona (93:7), foram isolados 17,0 mg de AB1 (deidrofuquinona) e 30,6 mg de AB2 (espatulenol). Os compostos foram analisados por CG-EM, RMN 1H e RMN 13C e foram identificados pela comparação de seus dados espectroscópicos com os obtidos da literatura. A fração contendo o germacreno D, considerado precursor de vários outros derivados de esqueleto sesquiterpênico, foi submetida a uma reação de foto-oxidação utilizando o corante Rosa de Bengala como agente sensibilizante. Através desta reação foi possível confirmar a formação do germacreno-D-1-hidroperóxido a partir de seu precursor. A avaliação da atividade antibacteriana das substâncias isoladas foi realizada através do método de microdiluição em caldo, baseado nos documentos M7-A6/CLSI, antigo NCCLS. Em relação ao Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, a deidrofuquinona exibiu uma CIM de 256 μg/mL e CBM de 4096 μg/mL, sendo que o espatulenol apresentou CIM e CBM de 64 μg/mL. Frente à cepa hospitalar de B. cereus, a deidrofuquinona exibiu uma CIM de 256 μg/mL e CBM > 8192 μg/mL, enquanto que o espatulenol apresentou uma CIM 32 μg/mL e CBM > 8192 μg/mL. Tanto a deidrofuquinona quanto o espatulenol não apresentaram atividade contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa até a concentração de 8192 μg/mL.

Die Phospholipid-Hydroperoxid Glutathion-Peroxidase (phGPx) ist ein monomeres Selenoprotein, welches innerhalb der Familie der Glutathion-Peroxidasen aufgrund seiner breiten Substratspezifität und der Fähigkeit Proteinthiole zu modifizieren eine Sonderstellung einnimmt. Vom Gen der phGPx werden nach heutigem Kenntnisstand drei verschiedene Protein-Isoformen gebildet. Die mitochondriale Isoform enthält am N-Terminus ein mitochondriales Insertionssignal und wird bevorzugt im Testis exprimiert. Von einem im Leserahmen stromabwärts liegenden Startkodon wird die kürzere, ubiquitär exprimierte zytosolische Isoform synthetisiert. Eine dritte phGPx-Isoform besitzt eine N-terminale nukleäre Lokalisationssequenz (kodiert von einem alternativen Exon 1) und wird vornehmlich in den Kernen post-meiotischer Zellen der Spermatogenese gefunden. Aufgabe dieser Arbeit war es, die molekularen Mechanismen zu untersuchen, die am Zustandekommen des vielfältigen Expressionsmusters der phGPx-Isoformen beteiligt sind. Im ersten Teil der Arbeit wurden transkriptionelle Regulationsmechanismen der phGPx-Expression untersucht. Im proximalen Promotorbereich (-100 bp – +228 bp) des phGPx-Gens wurden unter in vitro (Supershift-Assay) und in vivo (Chromatin-Immunopräzipitation) Bedingungen die Transkriptionsfaktoren Sp1 und NF-Y identifiziert, die an drei GC-reiche Motive beziehungsweise zwei inverse CCAAT-Boxen binden. Darüber hinaus konnten in kompetetiven Gelshift-Assays im proximalen Promotorbereich zwei Bindungssequenzen identifiziert werden, die von Faktoren der Smad-Familie gebunden werden. Funktionelle in vitro Promotorstudien mit mutierten Promotorkonstrukten zeigten, dass die Mutagenesen der Sp1- und NF-Y Bindestellen einen starken Einfluss auf die Reportergenaktivität hatten. Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit wurden durch Untersuchungen von Protein-RNA-Interaktionen post-transkriptionelle Mechanismen der Expressionsregulation studiert. Mit Hilfe des in vivo Ansatzes des Hefe Drei-Hybrid Systems wurde der Guanin-reiche Sequenz bindende Faktor 1 (GRSF1) identifiziert, der in der 5’-untranslatierte Region der mitochondrialen phGPx-mRNA bindet. In RNA Gelshift-Assays wurde die Spezifität dieser Interaktion bestätigt und näher charakterisiert. Schließlich wurden für GRSF1 und die phGPx Expressionsprofile in murinen Gewebe erstellt sowie die zeitabhängige Expression beider Proteine während der Embryogenese verfolgt. Die auffällig ähnlichen Expressionsmuster lassen ähnliche Regulationsmechanismen vermuten. Die in dieser Arbeit identifizierten trans-regulatorischen Proteine Sp1, NF-Y, Smad und GRSF1 sollten an der differentiellen Expression der phGPx-Isoformen beteiligt sein. / The Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase (phGPx) is a monomeric selenoprotein that is unique in the family of Glutathione Peroxidases due to its low substrate specificity and its ability to oxidise protein thiols. Three different isoforms are known to derive from one common gene. The mitochondrial Isoform contains an N-terminal mitochondrial insertion sequence and is preferentially expressed in postpubertal testis. The shorter, ubiquitously expressed, cytosolic isoform is expressed from an in-frame start codon. A third isoform contains an N-terminal nuclear localization signal coded for by an alternative exon 1 and is preferentially expressed in the nuclei of post-meiotic spermatides. The aim of the present study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms leading to the different isoforms and causing their tissue specific expression pattern. In the first part of this work transcriptional regulatory mechanisms will be analysed. Within the proximal promoter region (-100 to +228 bp) of the phGPx gene the transcription factors SP1 and NF-Y were identified to bind to three GC-boxes and two CCAAT-boxes respectively using in vitro methods (Supershift Assays) and in vivo methods (Chromatine immunoprecipitation). Moreover, performing competitive gel shift assays two binding elements for the smad family of transcription factors could be identified. Functional in vitro reporter gene assays provided evidence that the mutagenesis of the binding sequences for NF-Y and Sp1 has a strong impact on promoter activity. In the second part of this work post-transcriptional events in the expression regulation of the phGPx were analysed on the basis of protein/RNA interactions. Applying the in vivo approach of the yeast three hybrid system the Guanin-riche sequence binding factor 1 (GRSF1) could be identified binding to the 5’-untranslated region of the mitochondrial phGPx messenger. RNA mobility shift assays were performed to further characterize the specificity of this protein/RNA interaction. Eventually, the tissue distribution of GRSF1 and phGPx was studied in murine tissues and their expression kinetics were followed during murine embryogenesis. The obvious parallel expression kinetics for mitochondrial phGPx and GRSF1 suggest common regulatory mechanisms for these two genes. All the identified trans-regulatory elements are very likely to be involved in the differential expression regulation of the phGPx isoforms.

Dans cette étude, les fruits du Nephelium Lappaceum L. (ramboutan) ont été récoltés en Mars 2015 à Boko, dans la zone sud de la République du Congo. Plante à graines oléagineuses avec un noyau riche en huile (36 %), particulièrement composée d’acides gras saturés et monoinsaturés à longues chaines : C16:0 4,84 %, C18:0 5,48 %, C18:1 45,62 %, C18:2 2,70 %, C20:0 26,53 %, C20:1 9,27 % et C22:0 2,64 %. L’huile de ramboutan a été hydrolysée par voie enzymatique en présence de lipase Candida rugosa, les acides gras libres sont obtenus avec un ratio acides gras saturés (AGS)/acides gras monoinsaturés (AGI) de 0,67. La disponibilité des acides gras saturés et monoinsaturés des familles en C20 et C22 a stimulé nos investigations vers l’élaboration des shortenings et biotensioactifs à haut point de fusion. Deux stratégies ont été mises en place à partir des concentrats en acides gras libres issus de l’hydrolyse enzymatique de l’huile de ramboutan en présence de lipase de Candida rugosa. La première a consisté à la cristallisation à froid des acides gras saturés par la technologie de gélification/dégélification. On observe à l’issu de ce procédé une séparation physique du mélange d’acides gras en deux fractions. Une étude thermique des fractions solide et fluide a été effectuée et a montré que les AGS (To = 15, 86 °C ; Tf = 18,49 °C) refroidissent plus vite, mais fondent moins vite que les AGI (To = -19, 46 °C, Tf= 3,87 °C). Les teneurs des AGI passent de 55,6 % après hydrolyse à 63,53 % dans la fraction fluide et celles des AGS passent de 39,1 % après hydrolyse à 45,13 %. Les résultats de la SFC indique une teneur en AGS de 25,98 % dans la fraction fluide mais de 38,24 % dans la fraction solide ; Et le rendement massique de la fraction fluide passent de 16% à 55 % et de 84 % à 45 % respectivement de la fraction fluide et la fraction solide. La deuxième stratégie a consisté à réaliser l'insertion allylique de l'oxygène singulet dans les acides gras libres monoinsaturés à longues chaines C18:1 et C20:1. Elle est réalisée dans un milieu émulsionné constitué d'un système multiphase NaOH/H2O2/Na2MoO4. Le produit de réaction, au moyen de la GC, montre la présence des acides gras non conventionnels, deux isomères d’hydroperoxydes d’acides gras respectifs de chaque AGMI (C18:1 et C20:1) de conformation trans. Il en résulte une augmentation de la teneur en acides gras saturés à longues chaines C20: 0 (26,21% à 56,46%) et C22 (2,48 % à 3,77 %). Le produit de cette réaction présente un ratio AGS/ AGT (acides gras totaux): 0,82. La valorisation séquencée des acides gras de l'huile de noyau de ramboutan permet de proposer deux plateformes de biomolécules shortenings à haut point de fusion: Une plateforme de composition bien définie en acides gras saturés C20:0 et C22:0 et une autre constituée par un bulk en acides gras saturés C20:0-C22:0 et acides gras insaturés monohydroxyperoxydés trans. Les investigations sur l'hydroperoxydation des acides gras insaturés ont révélé un intérêt particulier sur l'impact du radical hydroxy peroxyde sur le mouvement de la configuration trans et cis dans ces acides gras modifiés en présence de glycidol en monoesters de glycérol et d'acides gras hydroxy peroxydes insaturés cis. C'est une autre plateforme de synthèse originale de biotensioactifs hydroxy peroxydes insaturés cis nouveaux qu'offre la valorisation séquencée des concentrats d'acides gras insaturés de l'huile de ramboutan. / In this study, the fruits of Nephelium Lappaceum L. (Rambutan) were harvested in Boko, in the southern area of the Republic of Congo. Oilseed plant with an oil-rich core (36 %), particularly composed of long chain fatty acids: C16:0 4.84 %, C18:0 5.48 %, C18:1 45.62 %, C18:2 2.70 %, C20:0 26.53 %, C20:1 9.27 % and C22:0 2.64 %. Rambutan oil was hydrolyzed enzymatically in the presence of lipase Candida rugosa, the free fatty acids are obtained with a ratio of saturated fatty acids (AGS)/monounsaturated (AGI) of 0.67. The availability of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids of the C20 and C22 families stimulated our investigations towards the development of shortenings and biotensioactives with a high melting point. Two strategies have been implemented using free fatty acid concentrates derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of rambutan oil in the presence of Candida rugosa lipase. The first was to achieve the cold crystallization of saturated fatty acids by gelation / defrosting technology. At the end of this process, a physical separation of the fatty acid mixture into two fractions is observed. A thermal study of the solid and fluid fractions was carried out and showed that the AGS (To = 15, 86 °C, Tf = 18.49 °C) cool faster, but melt slower than the AGI (To = -19 46 °C, mp = 3.87 °C). The contents go from 55.6% after hydrolysis to 63.53 % of AGI in the fluid fraction and 39.1 % after hydrolysis to 45.13 % of AGS. The results of the SFC indicate an AGS content of 25.98 % in the fluid fraction but of 38.24 % in the solid fraction ; And the mass yield of 16 % to 55 % and 84 % to 45 % respectively of the fluid fraction (enriched in AGI, in particular in MUFA) and the solid fraction (enriched with AGS). The second strategy was to perform the allyl insertion of singlet oxygen in long-chain monounsaturated free fatty acids C18:1 and C20:1, carried out in an emulsified medium consisting of a multiphase NaOH / H2O2/Na2MoO4 system. The reaction product, using GC, shows the presence of unconventional fatty acids, two isomers of respective fatty acid hydroperoxides of each trans-conforming MUFA (C18:1 and C20:1) and an increase in saturated fatty acids content with long chain C20:0 (26.21 % to 56.46 %) and C22:0 (2.48 % to 3.77 %). The product of this reaction has an AGS/AGT ratio of 0.82. The sequential evaluation of the fatty acids of the Ramboutan core oil makes it possible to propose two platforms of biomolecules shortenings with a high melting point: A platform with a well defined composition of saturated fatty acids C20:0 and C22:0 and another constituted by a bulk of C20:0-C22:0 saturated fatty acids and transmonohydroxyperoxide trans unsaturated fatty acids. Investigations on the hydroperoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids have revealed a particular interest on the impact of hydroxyperoxide radical on the movement of the trans and cis configuration in these fatty acids modified in the presence of glycidol in monoesters of glycerol and hydroxyperoxide fatty acids unsaturated cis. This is another novel synthesis platform of new cis-unsaturated hydroxyperoxyd biotensiatives offered by the sequenced recovery of unsaturated fatty acid concentrates from rambutan oil.

科学研究費補助金 研究種目:基盤研究(A)(2) 課題番号:11306009 研究代表者:大澤 俊彦 研究期間:1999-2000年度

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Genus Senecio (Asteraceae) constitutes a group of cosmopolitan plants formed by more than 2000 species. Although these plants have toxicity recognized due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, several of them are used in folk medicine. Their medicinal use can be attributed to other secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and terpenoids, being that terpenoids are compounds with recognized antimicrobial activity. In this work, the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the CH2Cl2 and EtOH extracts of S. heterotrichius DC., the isolation and characterization of one constituent from CH2Cl2 extract, the reaction of photooxidation of this compound in order to obtain a peroxide as well as the chemical analysis and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from Senecio heterotrichius DC., S. ceratophylloides Griseb., S. oxyphyllus DC. and S. leptolobus DC. were studied. Extracts of the fresh aerial parts of S. heterotrichius were obtained by sequential maceration at room temperature in CH2Cl2 and EtOH, followed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The CH2Cl2 extract was firstly fractioned by CC over silica gel for the isolation of the sesquiterpene germacrene D and then identified by GC-MS, 1H and 13C NMR. This compound, considered a precursor of several other sesquiterpene derivatives, was submitted to photooxidation reaction using Bengal rose as sensitizer agent. The main formed peroxide was isolated from the reactional mixture by CC over silica gel, analyzed by GC-MS,1H and 13C NMR, and identified as being germacrene-D-1-hydroperoxide. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of S. heterotrichius and of germacrene-D-1-hydroperoxide was accomplished through the broth microdilution method based on M27- A2/NCCLS documents for yeasts and M7-A4/NCCLS for aerobic bacteria. The extraction of the essential oils of the flowery aerial parts of Senecio heterotrichius, S. ceratophylloides, S. oxyphyllus and S. leptolobus was accomplished through hydrodestilation. The obtained essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS and their constituents were identified by the comparison of their Kovat s Indexes and their fragmentation patterns with literature data. These oils also had their antimicrobial activity evaluated following the previously mentioned methodology. The CH2Cl2 extract evidenced inhibitory activity against Candida krusei (MIC of 0.25 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 2.5 mg/mL). The EtOH extract was inactive against the tested microorganisms. The germacrene-D-1-hydroperoxide presented inhibitory activity against S. cerevisiae (MIC of 2.5 mg/mL), and inhibited partially the growth of the algae Prototheca zoopfi at 5 and 2.5 mg/mL (inhibition of 80 and 50%, respectively). The essential oils of S. ceratophylloides and S. leptolobus exhibited inhibitory and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC and MBC between 6.6 and 3.3 mg/mL). The oil of S. oxyphyllus just inhibited partially the growth of these microorganisms (MIC 50% = 6.6 and 1.6 mg/mL, respectively). The oil of S. heterotrichius inhibited partially the growth of S. aureus with a MIC 50% = 3.3 mg/mL. These oils are constituted almost exclusively by mono and sesquiterpenoids, being germacrene D one of the main constituents present in all essential oils. / O gênero Senecio (Asteraceae) constitui um grupo de plantas cosmopolitas formado por mais de 2000 espécies. Embora estas tenham toxicidade reconhecida devido à presença de alcalóides pirrolizidínicos, várias delas são empregadas na medicina popular. Seu uso medicinal pode ser atribuído aos demais metabólitos secundários, entre eles flavonóides e terpenóides, sendo estes últimos, compostos com reconhecida atividade antimicrobiana. Neste estudo é relatada a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos CH2Cl2 e EtOH de S. heterotrichius DC., o isolamento e caracterização de um constituinte do extrato CH2Cl2, a reação de fotooxidação deste constituinte obtendo-se um peróxido, bem como a análise química e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de Senecio heterotrichius DC., S. ceratophylloides Griseb., S. oxyphyllus DC. e S. leptolobus DC. Os extratos das partes aéreas frescas de S. heterotrichius foram obtidos por maceração seqüencial à temperatura ambiente em CH2Cl2 e EtOH, seguido de evaporação sob pressão reduzida. O extrato CH2Cl2 foi fracionado por CC sobre gel de sílica até o isolamento do germacreno D, identificado por CG-EM, RMN 13C e 1H. Este composto, considerado um precursor de vários outros derivados de esqueleto sesquiterpênico, foi submetido a uma reação de foto-oxidação utilizando o corante Rosa de Bengala como agente sensibilizante; o principal peróxido formado foi isolado da mistura reacional por CC sobre gel de sílica, analisado por CG-EM, RMN 13C e 1H, e identificado como sendo o germacreno-D-1-hidroperóxido. A avaliação de atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos de S. heterotrichius e do germacreno-D-1-hidroperóxido foi realizada através do método de microdiluição em caldo, baseado nos documentos M27-A2/NCCLS para fungos leveduriformes e M7-A4/NCCLS para bactérias aeróbias. A extração dos óleos essenciais das partes aéreas floridas de Senecio heterotrichius, S. ceratophylloides, S. oxyphyllus e S. leptolobus foi realizada pela técnica de hidrodestilação. Os óleos essenciais obtidos foram analisados por CG-EM e seus constituintes foram identificados através da comparação de seus Índices de Kovat s e dos modelos de fragmentação com dados da literatura. Estes óleos também tiveram sua atividade antimicrobiana avaliada conforme metodologia citada anteriormente. O extrato CH2Cl2 evidenciou atividade inibitória frente Candida krusei (CIM de 0,25 mg/mL) e Staphylococcus aureus (CIM de 2,5 mg/mL). Já o extrato EtOH foi inativo frente os microrganismos testados. O germacreno-D-1-hidroperóxido apresentou atividade inibitória frente S. cerevisiae (CIM de 2,5 mg/mL) e inibiu parcialmente o crescimento da alga Prototheca zoopfi nas concentrações de 5 e 2,5 mg/mL (80 e 50 % de inibição, respectivamente). Os óleos essenciais de S. ceratophylloides e S. leptolobus apresentaram atividade inibitória e bactericida frente Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CIM e CBM entre 6,6 e 3,3 mg/mL); o óleo de S. oxyphyllus apenas inibiu parcialmente o crescimento destes microrganismos (CIM 50% = 6,6 e 1,6 mg/mL, respectivamente); já o óleo de S. heterotrichius inibiu parcialmente o crescimento de S. aureus com uma CIM 50% = 3,3 mg/mL. Estes óleos são constituídos quase que exclusivamente de mono e sesquiterpenóides, sendo o germacreno D um dos constituintes majoritários presentes em todos os óleos essenciais.