Submitted by VANESSA SANTOS MOURA null (vanessa_smoura@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-29T04:50:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Vanessa_Santos_Moura.pdf: 2606729 bytes, checksum: 3c16d37b47ce11933b2d1f88e4aa9b1f (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-08-29T18:18:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 moura_vs_me_jabo.pdf: 2606729 bytes, checksum: 3c16d37b47ce11933b2d1f88e4aa9b1f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-29T18:18:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 moura_vs_me_jabo.pdf: 2606729 bytes, checksum: 3c16d37b47ce11933b2d1f88e4aa9b1f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-31 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O bolor verde e a podridão azeda destacam-se entre as doenças de pós-colheita em frutos cítricos, causados por Penicillium digitatum e Geotrichum citri-aurantii, diminuindo a qualidade e a quantidade dos frutos e, consequentemente, resultando em significativas perdas econômicas. Uma alternativa para controle destes fungos é através da toxinas killer produzidas por algumas espécies de levedura, capazes de matar fungos filamentosos. Saccharomyces cerevisiae produz toxinas killer proteicas que são letais para células sensíveis de levedura. Estas toxinas foram agrupadas em quatro tipos, K1, K2, K28 e Klus, codificado por elementos extra cromossomais associados a partículas virais na forma de dsRNA. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar a toxina killer de S. cerevisiae ACB-K1 e testar sua atividade antagônica em patógenos pós-colheita de citros. O isolado ACB-K1 apresentou atividade killer, sobre levedura sensível (S. cerevisae NCYC 1006) além do fitopatógeno P. digitatum, não apresentando porém inibição contra o patógeno G. citri-aurantii. A toxina apresentou máxima atividade em pH 4,1 a 22 °C, tanto para a levedura sensível quanto para o fitopatógeno P. digitatum. A toxina apresentou estabilidade em diferentes pH de 4,1 a 6,0, após a incubação de 24h a 22 °C sobre o fungo. O isolado ACB-K1 apresentou dsRNA, sendo detectadas duas formas (LA e M-dsRNA), sugerindo que a base genética para a produção da toxina é extra cromossomal, dado confirmado pela cura do fenótipo killer a 40 °C. As frações obtidas por cromatografia de exclusão molecular em gel de Sephadex G75 demonstraram características de biocontrole contra o fitopatógeno P. digitatum. / Green mold and sour rot are among post-harvest diseases in citrus fruits, caused by Penicillium digitatum and Geotrichum citri-aurantii, reducing a quality and quantity of fruits and, consequently, resulting in significant economic losses. An alternative for the control of fungi is using killer toxins produced by some species of yeasts, capable of killing filamentous fungi. Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces protein killer toxins that are lethal to yeast sensitive cells. These toxins were grouped into four types, K1, K2, K28 and Klus, encoded by extrachromosomal elements associated with viral particles in the form of dsRNA. This work aims to characterize a killer toxin of S. cerevisiae ACB-K1 and to test its antagonistic activity in post-harvest citrus pathogens. The isolate ACB-K1 showed activity killer on sensitive yeast (S. cerevisae NCYC 1006) besides the phytopathogenic P. digitatum, but did not present inhibition against the pathogen G. citri-aurantii. The killer toxin showed maximum activity at pH 4.1 at 22 ° C for both a sensitive yeast and the phytopathogenic P. digitatum. The toxin presented stability at pH range from 4.1 to 6.0, after a 24h incubation at 22 ° C on the fungus. The ACB-K1 isolate showed dsRNA and two forms were detected (LA and M-dsRNA), suggesting that a genetic basis for a toxin production is extrachromosomal, confirmed by curing the killer phenotype at 40 ° C. The fractions obtained by exclusion chromatography Sephadex G75 gel, demonstrated biocontrol characteristics against the phytopathogen P. digitatum.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:00:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 3314099 bytes, checksum: 6718a7629561d518b36935f1ca31ec59 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-10-31 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The fungi have become, over the last two decades, a major cause of illness in humans. Fungi of the genus Penicillium can be found in various substrates and affect immunocompromised people, hospitalized patients, many animals and plants, as well as compromise the quality of air indoors. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the resulting framework of resistance of microorganisms to conventional antimicrobial therapy has been stimulating researchers to seek alternative sources of these compounds, among them products derived by medicinal plants. Tendency to get phytochemicals from extracts, fractions, fixed or essential oils obtained from plant species is currently observed. In this context, the present study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of seven phytochemicals: carvacrol, citral, geraniol, linalool, pcymene, terpinolene and thymol, against twelve strains of Penicillium. Firstly, screening was carried out to find the phytochemical with the best activity by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by the broth microdilution technique. Following, the tests were proceeded with thymol, which were: determination of Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), effect of the phytochemical on mycelial growth kinetics, interference of thymol on germination of conidia and evaluation of the influence of thymol on the fungal morphology. To this end, we selected two strains, one that was more resistant and another with a more sensitive profile. The value of thymol MIC50 and MIC90 was 128μg/ml, while the CFM value ranged from 128μg/ml to 1024μg/ml. It was observed total radial mycelial growth inhibition at the three thymol concentrations used (128μg/ml, 256μg/ml and 512μg/ml) over 14 days of exposure. In the study of the interference of thymol on the conidia germination was observed inhibitory effect. At the concentration of 512μg/mL was found greater than 80% inhibition, at 256 μg/mL inhibition was higher than 75%, while in 128μg/mL inhibition was higher than 60%, all this for both strains tested, revealing concentration-dependent inhibitory effect. In the presence of thymol, morphological changes were observed in mycelial structure, such as decrease in the amount of conidia, reduction in the formation of reproductive structures with the appearance of rudimentary reproductive structures, besides the abnormal development of hyphae. Given the above, it is concluded that thymol has antifungal activity against strains of Penicillium and therefore represents a new possibility in the arsenal of products for the treatment of infections caused by this fungus. / Os fungos tornaram-se, ao longo das últimas duas décadas, uma das principais causas de doença em humanos. Fungos do gênero Penicillium podem ser encontrados nos mais variados substratos e afetam indivíduos imunocomprometidos, pacientes hospitalizados, animais e plantas diversas, além de comprometerem a qualidade do ar de ambientes internos. O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos e o decorrente quadro de resistência dos microrganismos à terapêutica antimicrobiana convencional vem impulsionando os pesquisadores a buscarem fontes alternativas desses fármacos, dentre elas, produtos de plantas medicinais. Observa-se, atualmente, uma tendência à obtenção de fitoconstituintes a partir de extratos, frações, óleos fixos ou essenciais, obtidos de espécies vegetais. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo avaliou a atividade antifúngica in vitro de sete fitoconstituintes: carvacrol, citral, geraniol, linalol, pcimeno, terpinoleno e timol, sobre doze cepas de Penicillium. Primeiramente, realizou-se uma triagem para encontrar o fitoconstituinte com melhor atividade, através da determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), pela técnica de microdiluição. A seguir, prosseguiram-se os testes com o timol, quais foram: determinação da Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM), efeito do fitoconstituinte sobre a cinética de crescimento micelial do fungo, interferência do timol sobre a germinação dos conídios e avaliação da influência do timol sobre a micromorfologia fúngica. Para tanto, foram selecionadas duas cepas, uma que se mostrou mais resistente e outra com perfil mais sensível. O valor da CIM50 do timol, bem como da CIM90, foi 128μg/ml, já o valor da CFM variou de 128μg/ml a 1024μg/ml. Observou-se total inibição do crescimento micelial radial, nas três concentrações de timol utilizadas (128μg/ml, 256μg/ml e 512μg/ml), ao longo de 14 dias de exposição. No estudo da interferência do timol sobre a germinação dos conídios, observou-se efeito inibitório. Na concentração de 512μg/mL foi encontrada uma inibição superior a 80%, em 256 μg/mL a inibição foi superior a 75%, enquanto que em 128μg/mL a inibição foi superior a 60%, para as duas cepas testadas, revelando um efeito inibitório dependente da concentração. Na presença do timol, foram observadas alterações morfológicas na estrutura micelial, tais como diminuição do número de conídios, redução da formação de estruturas de reprodução com surgimento de estruturas reprodutivas rudimentares, além de desenvolvimento anormal das hifas. Diante do exposto, conclui-se que o timol apresenta atividade antifúngica contra cepas de Penicillium e, conseqüentemente, representa uma nova possibilidade no arsenal de produtos para o tratamento de infecções por este fungo.

A ausência de tratamento eficaz contra a doença de Chagas e Leishmaniose justifica a pesquisa de novas substâncias efetivas no controle destas doenças. As enzimas GAPDH de T. cruzi e a APRT de L. tarentolae são fundamentais para o ciclo de vida dos parasitas, representando alvos terapêuticos específicos que permitem a busca racional de agentes antiparasitários. As fontes naturais produzem grande diversidade estrutural em substâncias químicas com amplo potencial biológico. Espécies de Penicillium são conhecidas por produzir diversas classes de metabólitos secundários bioativos, incluindo atividade antiparasitária. A triagem com os 115 extratos brutos obtidos das culturas de P. verrucosum, indicou os extratos MeOH da massa micelial e AcOEt do fluido da cultura como os mais ativos no ensaio sobre T. cruzi. Estes extratos são oriundos do meio pré-fermentativo 24 horas e meio fermentativo Takeuchi 72 horas. Nos ensaios enzimáticos nenhum extrato apresentou inibição acima de 35%. As diferentes atividades biológicas e análises dos perfis químicos de extratos, via CLAE, demonstraram que a produção de metabólitos secundários varia em função das condições de cultivo do fungo. Dos extratos selecionados foram isolados ácidos graxos, triglicerídeos, manitol, a,a-trealose, glicerilfosfocolina e um alcalóide dicetopiperazínico, que até o momento parece não ter sido isolado de Penicillium ou outra fonte natural. / The absence of an effective treatment for Chagas’ disease and Leishmaniasis stimulates the search for new active compounds. The enzymes GAPDH from T. cruzi and APRT from L. tarentolae are attractive targets for rational search of antiprotozoal agents, taking part in essential pathways of the pathogens. Natural products are rich in structural diversity and biological activities. Penicillium is known to produce different groups of bioactive secondary metabolites, including antiprotozoal activity. In the trypanocidal screening of the 115 crude extracts from different cultures of P. verrucosum, the MeOH extracts from the mycelium and EtOAc extratcs from the culture broth were the most activity. These extracts were obtained from 24h in a preculture and for an additional 72h in Takeuchi medium. In the enzymatic assays, the highest inhibitory activity was 35%. Besides the differences observed in the biological activities, the extracts showed different chemical profiles in HPLC analysis. So, the production of secondary metabolites by P. verrucosum is dependent on the culture conditions. The chemical study of the selected extracts led to the isolation of fatty acids, triacylglycerols, mannitol, a,a-threalose, glycerylphosphocholine and one diketopyperazine alkaloid. This alkaloid has not previously been reported from Penicillium or other natural source.

A linhagem S1M29 de Penicillium echinulatum é um fungo filamentoso cujo sistema celulolítico tem potencial para aplicação em processos de degradação de materiais lignocelulósicos visando a obtenção de produtos com interesse biotecnológico, como o etanol de segunda geração. A abundância de biomassas lignocelulósicas associada à busca por alternativas aos combustíveis fósseis faz aumentar o interesse em estudos que envolvam a elucidação dos mecanismos de secreção de enzimas lignocelulolíticas. Neste estudo, o P. echinulatum S1M29 foi crescido em condições de indução para a produção de endoglicanases, celobiohidrolases, β-glicosidases, xilanases e swoleninas. Foram avaliados os perfis enzimáticos em géis de poliacrilamida e o padrão de expressão gênica para estas proteínas. Observou-se que a produção enzimática foi favorecida pela presença de celulose Celufloc E® e bagaço de cana-de-açúcar (BCA) no meio de cultivo em comparação à glicose, sendo que o uso de resíduo de biomassa proporcionou a obtenção dos melhores rendimentos. Resultado semelhante foi atingido na análise dos perfis de secreção enzimática em gel de poliacrilamida, sugerindo ainda, a presença de uma endoglicanase constitutiva de aproximadamente 80 kDa. O estudo de qRT-PCR revelou a presença de quatro genes para endoglicanases com padrão de expressão distintos, destacando-se um acúmulo de transcritos 9779,19 vezes superior à amostra calibradora do gene egl1 em 24 h de cultivo no meio formulado com celulose Celufloc E®. Este mesmo gene gerou 1257,58 vezes mais transcritos acumulados que a amostra calibradora em meio suplementado com BCA. Na avaliação da expressão relativa do gene para celobiohidrolase obteve-se expressão superior no meio formulado com BCA em 48 h em relação ao meio com celulose Celufloc E® em 24 h, correspondendo, respectivamente, a 6464,49 e 3093,26 vezes mais transcritos acumulados que a amostra calibradora. O gene para β-glicosidase expressou-se em meio formulado com BCA no início do cultivo, embora a atividade desta enzima tenha ocorrido ao final do cultivo. A expressão de xilanases foi mais significativa com o uso de celulose Celufloc E® no meio de cultivo. Já o gene para swolenina apresenta um perfil de expressão com valores semelhantes em comparação ao uso de celulose Celufloc E® e BCA no meio de cultivo, apesar da presença de BCA ter proporcionado uma expressão mais tardia. Para todos os genes avaliados foram verificados valores muito reduzidos de expressão quando a glicose foi utilizada como fonte de carbono para o P. echinulatum. Observou-se ainda uma expressão coordenada de genes codificadores de endoglicanases, celobiohidrolase, β-glicosidase e swolenina. / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, CNPq. / The strain S1M29 of Penicillium echinulatum is a filamentous fungus that presents a cellulolytic system with potential for application in the degradation process of lignocellulosic materials to obtain products of biotechnological interest, such as second-generation ethanol. The availability of lignocellulosic biomass associated with the search for alternatives to fossil fuels increases the interest in studies that involve understanding the secretion mechanisms of lignocellulolytic enzymes. In this study, P. echinulatum S1M29 was grown under inducing conditions for the production of endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, β-glucosidases, xylanases and swollenins. The enzyme secretion profiles were evaluated in polyacrylamide gels and the pattern of gene expression for these proteins was also assessed. It was observed that enzyme production was enhanced in the presence of cellulose Celufloc E® and sugar cane bagasse (SCB) in the culture medium compared to glucose, with the use of biomass residue providing the best yields. A similar result was obtained analyzing enzyme secretion profiles in polyacrylamide gels, suggesting the presence of constitutive endoglucanases of approximately 80 kDa. Studies with qRT-PCR revealed the presence of four genes encoding endoglucanases with distinct expression patterns, standing out an accumulation of transcripts from egl1 gene 9779.19 times higher than the calibrator sample in 24 h of growth in medium formulated with cellulose Celufloc E®. The same gene generated 1257.58 more accumulated transcripts than the reference sample in medium supplemented with SCB. Evaluation of gene expression for cellobiohydrolase yielded higher expression levels in the medium formulated with SCB in 48 h, in comparison to the medium containing cellulose Celufloc E® in 24 h, corresponding, respectively, to 6464.49 and 3093.26 more accumulated transcripts than the reference sample. The β-glucosidase gene was expressed in medium formulated with SCB at the beginning of growth, as opposed to that seen for activity of this enzyme, which occurred at the end of cultivation. The xylanase expression was more significant with the use of cellulose Celufloc E® in the culture medium. On the other hand, the gene for swollenin presents an expression profile with similar values compared to using cellulose Celufloc E® and SCB in the culture medium, although the presence of SCB has provided a later expression. Very low values of gene expression have been found for all genes evaluated when glucose was used as carbon source for P. echinulatum. A coordinated expression of endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase and swollenin was was also verified.

Orientador: Glaucia Maria Pastore / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-12T17:24:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_JunioCota_M.pdf: 1041148 bytes, checksum: 4cc2da3de714f40ac19aea72962747ef (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Abstract: Impulsionados pela grande demanda por alimentos ¿saudáveis¿ e de calorias controladas, têm surgido desde os anos 80 um grande número de adoçantes alternativos e, entre eles, diversos oligossacarídeos. Entre os oligossacarídeos mais estudados estão os frutooligossacarídeos (FOS), que se tornaram mais importantes por suas propriedades funcionais que pelo seu poder adoçante. Os FOS podem ser produzidos por meio da reação de transfrutosilação catalisada pela enzima frutosiltransferase (FTase), onde uma molécula de sacarose é hidrolisada e o radical frutosil é transferido para outra sacarose. Diversos microrganismos possuem o gene que codifica para a FTase, e sua aplicação industrial já está bem estabelecida, contudo, o Brasil detém apenas uma pequena fração do total de patentes desses processos tecnológicos. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo selecionar novas linhagens microbianas produtoras de frutosiltransferase que sejam eficientes e competitivas com as já descritas na literatura. Para isso, novas linhagens de microrganismos foram isoladas do Baru, um fruto do cerrado. Inicialmente 54 linhagens foram avaliadas quanto à atividade de transfrutosilação, sendo identificadas 13 como potenciais produtoras de FTase. Cada uma das 13 linhagens foi testada com relação à síntese de FOS em diferentes tempos de reação (6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 h), tendo sido utilizadas preparações enzimáticas parcialmente purificadas. A FTase de Penicillium sp. apresentou o maior rendimento da reação de síntese de FOS (50%), sendo as condições de reação 500g.L-1 de sacarose, 20% de enzima (v/v), agitação de 100 rpm, temperatura de 50°C e tempo de reação de 48 horas, em tampão acetato 50 mM (pH 4,5). Baseando-se no rendimento da reação de síntese de FOS, essa linhagem de Penicillium sp. foi selecionada para realização de estudos dos parâmetros cinéticos e termodinâmicos da FTase. Foi utilizada a metodologia de superfície de resposta para avaliar as condições ótimas de atividade enzimática, sendo estas: pH de 4,8 a 5,2, 54 a 57°C e sacarose (410 a 520 g.L-1). Os parâmetros termodinâmicos tempo de meia vida (t1/2), constante de desnaturação (kd) e valor de redução decimal (D) foram determinados para cada uma das quatro temperaturas estudadas (45, 50, 55 e 60°C). A energia de ativação da desnaturação (Ead) e o valor z também foram calculados para a FTase. A enzima estudada apresentou inibição pelo substrato quando a concentração de sacarose foi superior a 400 g/L. Os parâmetros cinéticos vmax, km e ki foram estimados pelos métodos de linearização de Lineweaver-Burk e Eadie-Hofsteen e pelo modelo de clássico de inibição combinado com o modelo de Hill utilizando o software Statistica® 8.0. A análise das constantes sugere que há um fenômeno de inibição que afeta a enzima e não foi possível a identificação de quais componentes do sistema reacional causam a inibição enzimática, utilizando apenas o modelo clássico de inibição, sendo necessários estudos futuros para desenvolver o modelo cinético adequado para a FTase. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a FTase de Penicillium sp. tem potencial para ser aplicada em processos industriais para produção de FOS / Abstract: Nowadays, there is a high demand on health and low caloric food. Since the years of 1980 a big number of sweteners have appeared to replace sucrose. The fructooligosacchrides (FOS) are considered the most important sweeteners among them due their properties to promoting health by increasing of the amount of beneficial bacteria in human gut. They can be produced by simple transfructosilation reaction catalysed by fructosyltransferase (FTase), wherein one molecule of sucrose is hydrolyzed and the fructosyl radical is bonded to another sucrose. Some microorganisms have the gene encoding FTase and its industrial applications are well known. However, Brazil has a small share of patents registered around the world in these technological process. In this work, we aimed to find potential microorganisms strains that produce both FTase and FOS. New strains were isolated from Baru fruits of Brazilian Cerrado biome. Initially 54 isolated strains were screened for transfructosilating activity. As result it was found 13 strains which were able to produce FTase. Enzimatc extracts partially purified from each of 13 strains were evaluated in the ability to produce FOS in several reaction times (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h). The reaction conditions were 500 g.L-1 sucrose, 20% (v/v) enzime:solution, 100 rpm, 50°C and 48 h reaction time in acetate buffer 50 mM (pH 4,5). The Penicillium sp. FTase showed the highest yield of FOS synthesis. Hence this strain was selected to study the FTase kinetical and thermodynamical properties. The best conditions found using the Response Surface Methodology were: pH 4.8 to 5.2; 54 to 57°C and 410 to 520 g.L-1 sucrose. The thermodynamic parameters half-life (t1/2), denaturation constant (kd) and the decimal reduction time (D) were calculated to each of the four tested temperatures (45, 50, 55 e 60°C). The activation energy of denaturation (Ead) and the z-value were also calculated. This enzyme showed inhibition by substrate when the sucrose concentration was above 400 g.L-1. The kinetical parameters vmax, km e ki were estimated by Lineweaver-Burk e Eadie-Hofsteen linearization methods. In addition, these constants were also estimated by classic model of inhibition combined with the Hill model using the StatisticaTM 8.0 software. The data analisys indicated an enzimatic inhibition fenomena. However, it was not possible to identify which agents triggered the enzimatic inhibition using only the classic model. It is necessary more future studies to elucidate the appropriated model to FTase. These results sugest that the FTase from Penicillium sp. has a great potential to be applied in further FOS industrial processes / Mestrado / Mestre em Ciência de Alimentos

Submitted by Edineia Teixeira (edineia.teixeira@unioeste.br) on 2018-10-19T17:25:58Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Juliana_Pagnonceli_2018.pdf: 1171494 bytes, checksum: 7cdad7d4daba3285af407e74a949221c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-19T17:25:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Juliana_Pagnonceli_2018.pdf: 1171494 bytes, checksum: 7cdad7d4daba3285af407e74a949221c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-28 / Pectinases are enzymes in increasing use in the industrial sector as in the juice, wine, food, paper and fabric industries. They can be produced by a variety of microorganisms, but the fungi have greater advantages because they adapt to the great variety of substrates, they have a fast growth and they present wide prevalence in the environment. Pectinases act on pectin, which is one of the major components of the cell wall of plants and is rich in galacturonic acid (GalA). Among pectinases, polygalacturonase (PG) degrades the pectin molecule by acting internally and randomly in the chain, releasing oligosaccharides (endo-PG), or by attacking the non-reducing end of the chain, releasing monosaccharides (exo-PG). In view of the above, the objective of this work was to investigate the production of a polygalacturonase from the fungus Penicillium janthinellum VI2R3M, which was isolated from the Atlantic Forest of the West of Paraná, and afterwards, to purify, characterize and test a possible applicability. The enzyme was produced by culturing in Khanna medium, then purified through chromatographic columns and its purity and molecular weight confirmed by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE). Subsequently, the enzyme was biochemically characterized in terms of pH, temperature, influence of metal ions, substrate specificity, hydrolysis products, molecular weight, kinetic parameters (Km, Vmáx, Kcat) and application of juice clarification. A PG was purified after two chromatographic steps involving ion exchange columns (DEAE-Sephadex) and molecular filtration (Sephadex G100). The purity and molecular mass (102.0 kDa) of the enzyme were determined by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 5.0 and temperature at 50 °C, remaining 100% stable at 50 °C for 30 minutes and 80% at pH 3.0 to 5.0 for 24 hours. The Mg2+ metal ion increased enzyme activity significantly. Kinetic parameters, that is, Km, Vmax e Kcat for pectin hydrolysis were 2.56 mg/mL, 163.1 U/mg and 277s-¹, respectively. PG is highly specific for the polygalacturonic acid substrate and generated mono-galacturonic acid, products characteristic of exo-PG action. The clarified juices of orange, apple and mango presented an increase in transmittance at 35, 45, 49%, respectively, with reduction of color in 22, 51, 55%, respectively. In this way, the exo-PG of P. janthinellum VI2R3M has interesting biochemical characteristics for application in juice industries. / Pectinases são enzimas em crescente uso no setor industrial como na indústria de sucos, vinhos, alimentos, papel e tecidos. Podem ser produzidas por uma variedade de microrganismos, mas os fungos apresentam maiores vantagens pois se adaptam a grande variedade de substratos, possuem um rápido crescimento e apresentam ampla prevalência no meio ambiente. As pectinases atuam sobre a pectina, que é um dos principais componentes da parede celular de plantas e é rica em ácido galacturônico (GalA). Entre as pectinases, a poligalacturonase (PG) degrada a molécula de pectina atuando internamente e ao acaso na cadeia, liberando oligossacarídeos (endo-PG), ou por ataque da extremidade não redutora da cadeia, liberando monossacarídeos (exo-PG). Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a produção de uma poligalacturonase a partir do fungo Penicillium janthinellum VI2R3M, que foi isolado da Mata Atlântica do Oeste do Paraná, e após, purificar, caracterizar e testar uma possível aplicabilidade. A enzima foi produzida através de cultivo em meio Khanna, em seguida foi purificada através de colunas cromatográficas e sua pureza e massa molecular confirmada por eletroforese em condições desnaturantes (SDS-PAGE). Posteriormente, a enzima foi caracterizada bioquimicamente quanto ao pH, temperatura, influência dos íons metálicos, especificidade ao substrato, produtos de hidrólise, peso molecular, parâmetros cinéticos (Km, Vmáx, Kcat) e verificada a aplicação na clarificação de sucos. Uma PG foi purificada após duas etapas cromatográficas envolvendo colunas de troca iônica (DEAE-Sephadex) e filtração molecular (Sephadex G100). A pureza e massa molecular (102,0 kDa) da enzima foram determinadas por SDS-PAGE. A enzima apresentou atividade máxima em pH 5,0 e na tempertatura de 50 °C, mantendo-se 100% estável a 50 °C por 30 minutos e 80% em pH 3,0 a 5,0 por 24 horas. O íon metálico Mg2+ aumentou a atividade da enzima significativamente. Parâmetros cinéticos, ou seja, o Km, Vmax e Kcat para hidrólise da pectina foram de 2,56 mg/mL, 163,1 U/mg e 277s-1 respectivamente. A PG é altamente específica para o substrato ácido poligalacturônico e gerou ácido mono-galacturônico, produtos característicos da ação de exo-PG. Os sucos clarificados de laranja, maçã e manga apresentaram aumento da transmitância em 35, 45, 49%, respectivamente, com redução da cor em 22, 51, 55%, respectivamente. Dessa forma, a exo-PG de P. janthinellum VI2R3M possui características bioquímicas interessantes para aplicação em indústrias de sucos.

Os produtos naturais marinhos são apontados com uma das fontes de substâncias bioativas mais importantes para a descoberta de novos fármacos. Neste ambiente, os organismos estão em constante interação ecológica por meio da produção de metabólitos secundários. Fungos endofíticos e cianobactérias representam grupos de micro-organismos que realizam a biossíntese de substâncias com características químicas únicas e atividades biológicas potentes. Entretanto, quando retirados de seu habitat natural, esses seres microbianos geralmente perdem sua capacidade metabólica através de um fenômeno denominado silenciamento gênico, no qual genes biossintéticos deixam de ser transcritos devido a motivos ainda indeterminados. Esse mecanismo genético é intermediado, dentre outros fatores, pelas enzimas DNAmetiltransferase (DNA-MT) e Histona-desacetilase (HDAC). Deste modo, seus inibidores têm sido utilizados com sucesso para promover a eliciação de substâncias que não seriam produzidas em condições laboratoriais. Outra importante abordagem na pesquisa de produtos naturais têm sido a desreplicação baseada na fragmentação (MS/MS) para identificação de substâncias ou análogos. As redes moleculares (molecular networking) constituem uma nova abordagem na qual dados de espectrometria de massas são agrupados de acordo com as semelhanças entre os padrões de fragmentação, formando famílias de moléculas, permitindo a rápida visualização do perfil químico de várias amostras ao mesmo tempo. Deste modo, este trabalho apresenta o isolamento e identificação de metabólitos inéditos a partir de fungos endofíticos e cianobactérias oriundos do ambiente marinho. Para isto, técnicas de eliciação epigenética foram utilizadas em ambos os grupos de organismos, e a desreplicação via redes moleculares foi utilizada em cianobactérias. Fungos endofíticos associados à macroalga vermelha Bostrychia tenella foram alvo de estudos químicos e epigenéticos. As linhagens Xylaria sp. e Nigrospora oryzae foram submetidas ao cultivo em meio sólido arroz, o que resultou no isomento da substância citocalasina D e de um derivado potencialmente inédito da griseofulvina. A linhagem Penicillium decaturense foi cultivada em meio líquido PDB resultando no isolamento da 10,11-deidrocurvularina e possíveis análogos. Experimentos com inibidores epigenéticos (butirato de sódio e procaína) promoveram a modulação do perfil químico desta linhagem, ao estimular a produção de metabólitos não expressos em condições normais de cultivo. Ainda, a linhagem Acremonium sp. produziu várias substâncias quando cultivada em meio de líquido Czapek sob a influência de procaína, sendo uma delas potencialmente inédita e derivada da classe de metabólitos das brevianamidas. Frações orgânicas da cianobactéria Schizothrix sp., coletada no Panamá, foram analisadas em LC-MS/MS e os dados gerados foram utilizados para a criação de redes moleculares. Este estudo resultou na identificação dos metabólitos barbamida, hectoclorina, curacinas A e D, curazole, acetato de malingamida D, dolastatina 10 e carmaficina B. Ainda, análogos das substâncias curazole, dolastatina D e dois análogos inéditos das carmaficinas foram propostos. A cianobactéria Moorea producens JHB, coletada na Jamaica, foi submetida ao cultivo sob influência do ii composto butirato de sódio, e produziu dois metabólitos inéditos, propostos de acordo com os dados de fragmentação, como sendo derivados da jamaicamida e da hectoclorina, num tipo de biossíntese cruzada. Portanto, este trabalho confirma os fungos endofíticos e cianobactérias marinhos como promissores quanto a exploração do metabolismo secundário. / Marine natural products are pointed out as one of the most important sources of bioactive compounds for drug discovery. In this environment, organisms are in constantly interaction ecological through the production of secondary metabolites. Endophytic fungi and cyanobacteria represent groups of microorganisms that perform biosynthesis of substances with unique chemical features and potent biological activities. However, when removed from their natural habitat, these microbial beings generally lose their metabolic capacity through a phenomenon called gene silencing, in which biosynthetic genes are no longer transcribed due to reasons still undetermined. This genetic mechanism is brokered, among other factors, by the enzyme DNA methyltransferase (DNA-MT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). Thus, their inhibitors have been used successfully to promote the elicitation of substances that would not be produced under laboratory conditions. Another important approach in the natural products research field have been dereplication based on the fragmentation (MS/MS) for the identification of substances or analogues. The molecular networking is a new approach in which data from mass spectrometry are grouped according to the similarities between the patterns of fragmentation, forming families of molecules, allowing rapid visualization of the chemical profile of several samples simultaneously. Thus, this work presents the isolation and identification of novel metabolites from endophytic fungi and cyanobacteria originating from the marine environment. For this propose, epigenetic elicitation techniques were used in both groups of organisms and the molecular networks via dereplication was used in cyanobacteria. Endophytic fungi associated with red seaweed Bostrychia tenella were subjected to chemical and epigenetic studies. Xylaria sp. and Nigrospora oryzae strains were cultured in solid medium rice, resulting in isolation of substance of cytochalasin D and a potentially novel derivative of griseofulvin. Penicillium decaturense strain was grown in PDB liquid medium resulting in the isolation of 10,11- deidrocurvularina and possible analogues. Experiments with epigenetic inhibitors (sodium butyrate and procaine) promoted the modulation of the chemical profile of this strain, to stimulate the production of metabolites not expressed under normal culture conditions. Moreover, Acremonium sp. produced various substances when grown in liquid medium under the influence of Czapek procaine, one of novel and potentially derived from the class of metabolites brevianamides. Organic fractions of the cyanobacteria Schizothrix sp., collected in Panama, were analized by LC-MS/MS and the data generated were used to create molecular networks. This study resulted in the identification of metabolites barbamide, hectochlorin, curacins A and D, curazole malyngamide D acetate, dolastatin 10 and carmaphycin B. Also, analogs of curazole, dolastatin 10 and carmaphycins A and B have been proposed. Cyanobacteria Moorea producens JHB, collected in Jamaica, was grown under the influence of sodium butyrate, and produced two new proposed metabolites in accordance with the fragmentation data as being derived from jamaicamide and hectochlorin, in a sort of crossed biosynthesis. Therefore, this work corroborates marine endophytic fungi and cyanobacteria as promising for exploration of secondary metabolism.

Demand for lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co) is on the rise, due in part to their increased use in rechargeable Li-ion batteries (RLIB). Current recycling processes that utilize chemical leaching efficiently recover in Li and Co from the cathode material in spent batteries; however, these processes are costly and emit hazardous waste into the environment. Therefore, a more sustainable process for recycling Li and Co is needed, and bioleaching may provide a solution. Fungal bioleaching has been shown in previous studies to effectively mobilize metals (Pb, Al, Mn, Cu, and Zn) from mine tailings, electronic scrap, and spent batteries with organic acids. However, little is known regarding fungal tolerance to Li and Co, and if the concentrations of organic acids excreted by fungi can effectively leach Li and Co from the cathode material. In order to address these questions, experiments were first conducted to test the Li and Co leaching efficiency with organic acids at concentrations similar to what has been previously reported in fungal cultures. The remaining experiments were performed with three fungal species: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium simplicissimum. First, fungal biomass production, pH and organic acid excretion were examined when the fungi were grown in Czapek dox broth (CDB) or Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB). Second, fungal biomass production and pH were examined when the fungi were grown in the presence of Li or Co. This determines tolerance of the fungi to the metals, and if fungal processes were inhibited by the metals. Third, bioleaching was performed with cathode material from RLIB in batch cultures to test the ability of organic acids excreted by A. niger to mobilize Li and Co. Three bioleaching strategies, one-step, two-step, and spent-medium leaching techniques were used to mobilize Li and Co from the cathode in RLIB. Low concentrations of organic acids similar to what is excreted by fungi have not been tested to leach Li and Co from the cathode in RLIB. Results from chemical leaching with low concentrations of organic acids in this study indicate that organic acid leaching efficiency can be increased by utilizing higher concentrations (above 50 mM) of citric or oxalic acid to mobilize Li or Co from the cathode in RLIB. Furthermore, 100 mM of citric acid or 100 mM of oxalic acid mobilized more Co or Li than mixtures of organic acids. Notably the addition of hydrogen peroxide to mixed concentrations of organic acids significantly improved mobilization of Li and Co under abiotic conditions. Different growth media may alter biomass production and potentially organic acid excretion by the three fungal species. Analysis of biomass production by A. niger and P. simplicissimum showed that differences in media composition between CDB and SDB did not affect collected biomass for each species. However, CDB cultures with P. chrysogenum had significantly less biomass than SDB cultures after 10 days of growth. Differences in growth by P. chrysogenum between CDB and SDB may be attributed to preferred nutrients and/or low pH present in SDB cultures. Biomass production by the three fungi increased up to day 10 in CDB or SDB. This result indicated that nutrients in CDB or SDB were not limiting toward fungal growth. Cultures with A. niger had the highest concentrations of organic acids (50 mM of oxalic acid), followed by cultures with P. simplicissimum (30 mM oxalic acid), and P. chrysogenum (less than 5 mM oxalic acid). Organic acids excreted by all three fungal species were detected in cultures in CDB, while only A. niger and P. chrysogenum excreted organic acids in SDB cultures. Metals such a Li or Co present in the cathode of RLIB may be toxic to fungal processes when exposed to high metal concentrations. Metal tolerance experiments indicate that biomass production by the three fungi was significantly inhibited by 100 mg/L Co compared to controls, which contained no metal. Li at a concentration of 1000 mg/L inhibited biomass production by A. niger and P. simplicissimum. However, biomass production by P. chrysogenum was not significantly inhibited by 1000 mg/L Li. I found that P. simplicissimum was the most susceptible to toxic effects of Li and Co among the three fungi. In A. niger cultures amended with 100 mg/L Li or Co, pH at day 5 was similar to control cultures of A. niger without metals (pH 3.0 – 3.4), whereas pH was significantly higher in cultures with 1000 mg/L of Li or Co (pH 7.1 – 7.3). Cultures of A. niger were exposed to the cathode material from RLIB to test the leaching efficiency of excreted organic acids after mobilizing Li and Co. In bioleaching experiments with A. niger, organic acids excreted in the presence of cathode material from RLIB were quantified at concentrations under 50 mM. At the end of bioleaching experiments with A. niger, 40 mM tartaric acid was detected and was the highest produced organic acid in bioleaching cultures. However, with conditions set in this study, organic acids excreted by A. niger mobilized only ̴7% of Co and 20% of Li when using spent medium with cathode material from RLIB. According to findings in chemical leaching experiments, concentrations of organic acids higher than 50 mM will be required in fungal cultures to increase mobilization of Li or Co from the cathode material in RLIB. Modifying growth media to include higher concentrations of sucrose will potentially increase organic acid excretion as demonstrated in previous publications. Future studies should focus on how to maximize organic acid excretion by fungi when exposed to metals found in the cathode of RLIB.

Penicillium expansum est un contaminant commun des pomaceae (pommes et poires) causant la pourriture bleue. Ce champignon est le principal responsable de la présence de patuline dans les pommes et ses produits dérivés. Actuellement, la voie de biosynthèse de la patuline n’est que partiellement élucidée et le cluster de gènes correspondant n’est décrit que chez Aspergillus clavatus, champignon tellurique incapable de se développer dans les pommes. La caractérisation moléculaire de la voie de biosynthèse de la patuline est la condition sine qua none à toute étude visant à comprendre la régulation de la biosynthèse de la patuline, mais également à toute action permettant de limiter sa synthèse. C’est pourquoi le premier objectif de cette thèse a été de caractériser le cluster de gènes spécifique de la voie de biosynthèse chez Penicillium expansum. Celui-ci est caractérisé par une taille de 40 kb et contient les 15 mêmes gènes qu’Aspergillus clavatus, les seules différences résidant dans l’organisation et l’orientation des gènes. La caractérisation de la seconde étape de la voie de biosynthèse de la patuline a été ensuite entreprise chez Aspergillus clavatus, organisme modèle. Le gène patG code pour l’acide 6-méthylsalicylique décarboxylase responsable de la conversion de l’acide 6-méthylsalicylique en m-crésol. Pour faire suite au premier objectif, la régulation de la voie de biosynthèse de la patuline a été étudiée. Pour cela, une souche mutante pour le facteur de régulation spécifique à la patuline patL a été généré puis la production de patuline ainsi que l’expression des gènes du cluster analysés. Les résultats de cette étude ont montré que le gène patL joue le rôle d’interrupteur au sein du cluster. L’absence de patL conduit à une extinction totale de l’expression des gènes du cluster et à une abscence de production de patuline par Penicillium expansum. Dans cette même étude, des tests de pathogénicité ont été entrepris sur des pommes de différentes variétés démontrant ainsi que la patuline peut être un facteur de virulence facilitant l’infection de certaines variétés de pommes telles que la Golden Delicious ou la Pink Lady. Enfin, l’influence de la lumière a été évaluée en analysant l’impact de différentes longueurs d’ondes sur la croissance et la production de patuline de Penicillium expansum. Que ce soit in-vitro ou in-vivo, la croissance et la production de patuline sont très affectés par les lumières blanche, bleue et rouge. Favoriser le stockage des pommes sous les lumières blanche, bleue ou rouge plutôt qu’à l’obscurité pourrait devenir un moyen de prévention contre la contamination par Penicillium expansum. En conclusion, cette thèse présente un aspect fondamental avec la caractérisation du cluster de gènes chez Penicillium expansum et la caractérisation de la seconde étape de la voie de biosynthèse de la patuline ; mais aussi un aspect appliqué avec l’utilisation des lumières de différentes couleurs comme méthode de prévention contre Penicillium expansum durant le stockage des pommes. / Penicillium expansum is the common contaminant of apples and the causal agent of blue mold rot. This fungus is the main patulin producer in apple based products. Actually, the patulin biosynthesis is partially elucidates and the gene cluster has been elucidated in Aspergillus clavatus, a telluric fungi unable to grow on apples. The molecular characterization of the patulin biosynthetic pathway is the key step for a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to patulin production and will help to define strategies to reduce its presence in apple products. The first objective of this thesis was the characterization of the patulin gene cluster in Penicillium expansum. The latter includes the same 15 genes as in Aspergillus clavatus but in a different order and orientation. Then, the second step of this biosynthetic pathway has been characterized and the patG gene encode for the 6-methylsalicylic decarboxylase involved in the 6- methylsalicylic acid conversion into m-cresol. The second objective consists of the study of the patulin regulation. For that, a patL mutated strain was generated and the patulin production and the patulin gene cluster expression were assessed. The mutation of this gene results in a down-regulation of the rest of the genes in the cluster associated with a lack of patulin production. Pathogenicity tests on apples revealed that patulin could act as a virulence factor in some apple varieties, like Golden Delicious or Pink Lady. In the last part of this thesis, the influence of different wavelength lights on the growth and the patulin production by Penicillium expansum were assessed in vitro and in vivo. In both cases, growth and patulin production were significantly affected under white, blue and red lights. Consequently, the apple storage under these lights could be a good alternative to the storage in the dark. In conclusion, this thesis presents a fundamental aspect that consist in the characterization of the patulin gene cluster in Penicillium expansum and the characterization of the second step of this pathway. An applied aspect is also provided by the use of the different wavelength lights to prevent the Penicillium expansum contamination during apple storage.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Los péptidos antimicrobianos (AMP) son una alternativa prometedora para el desarrollo de nuevos antifúngicos que puedan sustituir a los fungicidas usados en agricultura. Sin embargo, el alto coste de la síntesis química y la dificultad para su producción a gran escala han limitado su aplicación. Las proteínas antifúngicas (AFP) son AMP naturales, pequeñas, catiónicas, secretadas y ricas en cisteína con gran potencial para el control de hongos fitopatógenos. Las AFPs se encuentran en hongos filamentosos, son estables y pueden producirse en grandes cantidades. Sin embargo, el papel biológico en su hongo productor no se conoce en profundidad. En esta tesis, se estudió la diversidad de AFPs en genomas de hongos ascomicetos y se propuso una nueva clasificación en tres clases (A, B y C). Penicillium digitatum es el principal patógeno postcosecha de cítricos y codifica solo una AFP en su genoma de clase B (AfpB), mientras que Penicillium expansum, el principal patógeno postcosecha de manzana, codifica una AFP de cada clase (AfpA, AfpB y AfpC). En este trabajo describimos la producción biotecnológica y la caracterización de estas cuatro AFPs. Se ha caracterizado el papel biológico del gen afpB en P. digitatum mediante estudios de expresión génica y generación de mutantes nulos y de expresión constitutiva. Los resultados indicaron que afpB es prescindible para la biología y el ciclo vital del hongo, aunque la expresión del gen afpB bajo el promotor constitutivo gpdA de Aspergillus nidulans es perjudicial para su crecimiento y virulencia. Sorprendentemente, ni la cepa parental ni las cepas constitutivas produjeron cantidades detectables de AfpB a pesar de la alta expresión del gen codificante. El modelado molecular y el diseño racional permitieron predecir la estructura terciaria de AfpB y diseñar péptidos sintéticos para mapear motivos antifúngicos en su secuencia primaria. Confirmamos que los bucles catiónicos L2 y L3 mostraron actividad antifúngica moderada y que pueden actuar sinergísticamente. Con el objetivo de producir AfpB mediante biotecnología, usamos un casete de expresión de AFPs basado en las regiones promotora y terminadora del gen paf de Penicillium chrysogenum, hongo que produce naturalmente grandes cantidades de su propia proteína PAF. Este casete funcionó en P. digitatum y permitió la producción homóloga de AfpB. Los datos también mostraron que las secuencias del péptido señal (SP) y el pro-péptido de la SP-Pro-AfpB no determinan la producción de proteína. También demostramos la estabilidad térmica y la resistencia a la proteólisis de AfpB, y aportamos datos que sugieren que la estructura terciaria no es necesaria para la actividad antifúngica. Similar a lo descrito en P. digitatum, ninguna de las tres AFPs se detectó en los sobrenadantes de cultivo en medio rico de P. expansum. Sin embargo, AfpA se produjo en grandes cantidades en cultivos de medio mínimo de P. expansum. Para completar el repertorio de AFPs, produjimos las tres AFPs de P. expansum (AfpA, AfpB y AfpC) en P. chrysogenum con el casete paf. Las tres proteínas de P. expansum se produjeron, purificaron y caracterizaron con éxito. Ninguna de las AFPs producidas en este trabajo fue citotóxica frente a eritrocitos de mamíferos. AfpA de P. expansum seguida de AfpB de P. digitatum fueron las AFPs más activas contra hongos filamentosos, incluyendo patógenos de plantas y humanos, productores de micotoxinas y sus propios hongos productores, una característica previamente no descrita en las AFPs. Además, la AfpA de P. expansum y la AfpB de P. digitatum protegieron frente a la infección causada por el hongo Botrytis cinerea en plantas de tomate, y AfpA de P. expansum protegió frente a P. digitatum en frutos de naranja. Estos resultados confirman nuestra hipótesis de que las AFPs son buenas candidatas para el desarrollo de nuevos antifúngicos en protección vegetal y conservación postcosecha, pero ta / [CA] Els pèptids antimicrobians (AMP) són una alternativa prometedora per al desenvolupament de nous antifúngics que puguen substituir als fungicides utilitzats en agricultura. No obstant això, l'alt cost de la síntesi química i la dificultat per a la producció biotecnològica a gran escala han limitat la seua aplicació. Les proteïnes antifúngiques (AFP) són AMPs naturals, xicotetes, catiòniques, secretades i riques en cisteína que oferixen un gran potencial per al control de fongs fitopatogens. Les AFPs estan presents de en fongs filamentosos, són molt estables i poden produir-se en grans quantitats. No obstant això, el paper biològic d'estes AFPs en el seu fong productor encara no està clar. En esta tesi es va estudiar la diversitat d'AFPs en genomes de fongs ascomicets i es va proposar una nova classificació en tres clases (A, B i C). Penicillium digitatum, el principal patogen postcollita de cítrics, codifica només una AFP en el seu genoma de classe B (AfpB). Penicillium expansum, el principal patogen postcollita de poma, codifica una AFP de cada classe (AfpA, AfpB i AfpC). En este treball presentem la producció biotecnològica i la caracterització d'estes quatre AFPs. Hem caracteritzat el paper biològic del gen afpB en P. digitatum mitjançant estudis d'expressió gènica i la generació de mutants nuls i d'expressió constitutiva. Els resultats van indicar que afpB és prescindible per a la biologia i el cicle de vida d'este fong, encara que l'expressió del gen afpB davall el promotor constitutiu gpdA d'Aspergillus nidulans és perjudicial per al seu creixement i virulència sobre fruits cítrics. Sorprenentment, ni el cep parental ni els ceps constitutius van produir quantitats detectables d'AfpB malgrat l'alta expressió del gen afpB. El modelatge molecular i el disseny racional van permetre predir l'estructura terciària d'AfpB i dissenyar pèptids sintètics per a identificar motius antifúngics dins de la seqüència primària. Confirmarem que les estructures catiòniques L2 i L3 mostren activitat antifúngica i que poden actuar de forma sinèrgica. Amb l'objectiu de la producció biotecnològica d'AfpB, utilitzarem un casset d'expressió d'AFPs basat en les regions promotora i terminadora del gen paf de Penicillium chrysogenum, el qual produïx naturalment grans quantitats de la seua pròpia proteïna PAF. Este casset va funcionar en P. digitatum i va permetre la producció homòloga d'AfpB. Les dades també van mostrar que les seqüències del pèptid señal (SP) i el propèptid de la SP-Pro-AfpB no determinaren la producció de proteïna. També demostrarem l'extrema estabilitat tèrmica i la resistència proteolítica d'AfpB, i proporcionem dades que suggerixen que l'estructura terciària no és necessària per a l'activitat antifúngica. Semblant a P. digitatum, cap de les tres AFPs es van detectar en els sobrenadants de medi de cultiu ric de P. expansum. Al contrari, AfpA es va produir en grans quantitats en cultius de P. expansum en medi mínim. Per a completar el repertori d'AFPs, vam produir les tres AFPs de P. expansum (AfpA, AfpB i AfpC) en P. chrysogenum mitjançant l'ús del casset paf. Així, les tres proteïnes de P. expansum es van produir, purificar i caracteritzar amb èxit. Cap de les AFPs produïdes en este treball va ser citotóxica front eritròcits de mamífer. AfpA de P. expansum seguida d'AfpB de P. digitatum van ser les AFPs més actives contra fongs filamentosos, incloent patògens de plantes i humans, productors de micotoxines i els seus propis productors, una característica prèviament no descrita per a les AFPs. A més, AfpA de P. expansum i AfpB de P. digitatum van protegir front la infecció causada pel fong Botrytis cinerea en plantes de tomaca, i l'AfpA de P. expansum va protegir front P. digitatum en fruits de taronja. Estos resultats confirmen la nostra hipòtesi anterior de que les AFPs són bones candidates per al desenvolupament d'antifúngics en protecció / [EN] Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising antifungal alternatives to the fungicides used in agriculture. However, the high cost of chemical synthesis and the difficulties of large-scale production have limited their application. Antifungal proteins (AFPs) are a group of natural, small, cationic, secreted, cysteine-rich AMPs that offer a great potential to develop new biomolecules for the control of phytopathogenic fungi. AFPs are naturally present in filamentous fungi, are very stable, and can be produced in large amounts. However, the biological role of these AFPs in their producer fungus is still unclear. In this thesis, we first studied the diversity of AFPs in ascomycetous genomes and proposed a new classification in three different classes (A, B and C). Penicillium digitatum is the main citrus postharvest pathogen and encodes only one AFP from class B in its genome (AfpB), while Penicillium expansum is the main pome postharvest pathogen and encodes one AFP from each class (AfpA, AfpB and AfpC). In this work, we report the identification, efficient biotechnological production and characterization of these four AFPs. We characterized the biological role of the afpB gene in P. digitatum by the study of its gene expression pattern and the generation of null and constitutive expression mutants. Results indicated that afpB is dispensable for the biology and life cycle of this fungus, although expression of the afpB gene under the constitutive Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter is detrimental to growth and virulence to citrus. Surprisingly, neither the wild type nor the constitutive strains produced detectable amounts of AfpB in spite of the high afpB gene expression. Molecular modeling and rational design allowed us to predict the AfpB tertiary structure and design synthetic peptides to map antifungal motifs within the AfpB primary sequence. We confirmed that the cationic exposed loops L2 and L3 showed moderate antifungal activity and that they can act synergistically. With the objective of the biotechnological production of AfpB, we used an AFP expression cassette based on the promoter and terminator regions of the well-studied paf gene from Penicillium chrysogenum, which naturally produces high amounts of its own protein PAF. This paf cassette worked efficiently in P. digitatum and allowed the homologous production of AfpB. Data also showed that the signal peptide (SP) and pro-peptide sequences of the translated SP-Pro-AfpB do not determine protein production. We also demonstrated the thermal stability and resistance to proteolytic cleavage of the P. digitatum AfpB, and provided data that suggest that tertiary structure is not required for antifungal activity. Similar to P. digitatum, none of the three AFPs were detected in supernatants of cultures of P. expansum in rich medium. By contrast, AfpA was produced with very high yields in P. expansum cultures in minimal medium. To complete the repertoire of AFPs from P. expansum we produced the three AFPs from P. expansum (AfpA, AfpB and AfpC) in P. chrysogenum with the use of the paf cassette. With this combined approach, the three P. expansum proteins were successfully produced, purified and characterized. None of the four AFPs produced in this work were cytotoxic against mammal erythrocytes. The P. expansum AfpA followed by the P. digitatum AfpB were the most active AFPs against filamentous fungi, including plant and human pathogens, mycotoxin-producer fungi, and their own producers, a feature that had not been previously described for AFPs. Moreover, AfpA from P. expansum and AfpB from P. digitatum protected against fungal infection caused by Botrytis cinerea in tomato plants, and additionally the P. expansum AfpA protected against P. digitatum in orange fruits. These results confirm our previous hypothesis that AFPs are good candidates for the development of antifungals in plant protection and postharvest conservation, but also in clinic or food preservation. / Garrigues Cubells, SM. (2018). Producción y utilización Biotecnológica de nuevas proteínas antifúngicas de hongos filamentosos [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/113162 / Compendio