An isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, can inhibit fungal alpha amylase: enzyme kinetic and molecular modeling studies.
Aspergillus flavus is a commonly found fungal pathogen, which produces aflatoxins, highly toxic and hepatocarcinogenic natural compounds. Inhibition of fungal alpha amylase activity has been found to limit the ability of the fungus to produce aflatoxins. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid commonly found in many medicinal plants, was identified to inhibit the growth of A. flavus. The amount of berberine required to inhibit the fungal mycelial growth was determined. The compound was also found to inhibit the alpha amylase from the A. flavus. The binding affinity of the compound toward alpha amylase and the enzyme inhibitory activity have been determined by enzyme kinetic studies and Isothermal Titration Calorimetric analysis. Molecular modeling and docking studies were carried out to understand the enzyme-ligand interactions.
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology and Inter University Centre for Biosciences, Kannur University, Thalassery Campus, Palayad P O, Kerala 670661, India.
Ignatius
I
Tintu
Kalarickal V
KV
Dileep
Anu
A
Augustine
Chittalakkottu
C
Sadasivan
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D001599:Berberine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D056004:Molecular Dynamics Simulation; D000516:alpha-Amylases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001599:Berberine; D000516:alpha-Amylases