Researchers report that Aspergillus terreus MAK153, isolated from soil, significantly suppresses the growth of Fusarium oxysporum AUMC3191, a pathogenic isolate, while simultaneously blocking the production of zearalenone, a mycotoxin that contaminates crops and threatens livestock and human health. The findings, published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, combine classical biocontrol assays with chemical profiling and computational modelling to paint a detailed picture of how this fungal antagonist operates.
The study’s central demonstration came from a dual culture assay, in which the two fungi were grown together under controlled laboratory conditions. A. terreus Thom, the soil isolate, effectively hindered F. oxysporum growth and impressively blocked zearalenone synthesis.
Scanning electron microscopy provided visual confirmation of the antagonistic effects at the cellular level. Images revealed significant damage to F. oxysporum hyphae, including abnormalities, shrinkage, bending, and deformity.
To establish the identity of the antagonist beyond morphological observation, the researchers turned to molecular identification through rDNA ITS sequence analysis. This confirmed the isolate as Aspergillus terreus, and the sequence was registered in GeneBank under Accession No. OR480103.
Chemical investigation of A. terreus MAK153 followed. GC/MS profiling identified several bioactive secondary metabolites produced by the fungus, notably estragole, caryophyllene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 1-docosene, 1-docosanol, olean-12-ene-3,28-diol, and simvastatin. Statistical analysis of the chromatographic data revealed a very strong positive correlation, with r = 0.99, between chromatographic peak area% and peak area values, indicating high internal consistency in the analytical measurements.
Because simvastatin stood out among the detected metabolites, the team evaluated how nutrient sources influence its production using four different culture media. FTIR and HPLC analyses confirmed simvastatin biosynthesis, while HPLC revealed significant medium-dependent variation in yield, with p < 0.001. Camellia sinensis Tea broth, abbreviated CTB, elicited the highest yield, dominating extracellular filtrate accumulation at 145.93 ± 1.13 mg/mL.
The computational portion of the study examined how simvastatin might interact with two fungal enzymes. Molecular docking simulations assessed simvastatin’s binding affinity to HMG-CoA reductase and 3-ketosteroid reductase, yielding binding energies of −8.0 and −7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The interactions involved multiple hydrophobic bonds and hydrogen bonds, suggesting that simvastatin functions as a multi-target inhibitor capable of disrupting ergosterol biosynthesis at two distinct sites.
Notably, the authors state that this study represents the first computational exploration of simvastatin’s interaction with 3-ketosteroid reductase. They report that this interaction carries implications for estrogen signalling modulation and potential therapeutic applications.
As with any study combining in vitro assays and computational predictions, the findings are strongest where direct measurement supports them. The dual culture results, electron microscopy observations, chromatographic profiling, and HPLC quantification are experimental data. The docking energies, while informative, represent simulated binding predictions that would require biochemical confirmation through enzyme assays and further biological testing.
Subject of Research: Biocontrol activity of Aspergillus terreus MAK153 against Fusarium oxysporum, its secondary metabolites, and simvastatin docking to fungal steroid enzymes
Article Title: Aspergillus terreus MAK153 against Fusarium oxysporum: biocontrol, metabolites, and simvastatin docking
Article References: Obiedallah, M., Yasien, A. A., & Abdel-Kareem, M. M. (2026). Aspergillus terreus MAK153 against Fusarium oxysporum: biocontrol, metabolites, and simvastatin docking. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 110(1), Article 328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-026-14052-0
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-026-14052-0
Keywords: Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium oxysporum, biocontrol, zearalenone, simvastatin, molecular docking, ergosterol biosynthesis, HMG-CoA reductase, 3-ketosteroid reductase, GC/MS profiling, secondary metabolites, mycotoxin
News Source: Roger Howard. (October 30, 2026). Soil Fungus Aspergillus terreus MAK153 Blocks Fusarium Growth and Zearalenone, Yields Simvastatin. Scienmag.
