The whole genome and transcriptome of the ascomycete Anthostoma avocetta (Pezizomycotina, Sordariomycetes) were generated within the framework of the 1000 Fungal Genomes community sequencing project to represent a member of the family Diatrypaceae (Order Xylariales, http://www.mycobank.org). Anthostoma avocetta is best known for production of the bicyclic sesquiterpene antibiotic heptelidic acid, which is also known as koningic acid and avocettin (Cordell 1976). Avocettin is also produced by several other ascomycetes, including Trichoderma virens, T. viride and Chaetomium globosum. This 15-carbon terpenoid possesses diverse pharmacologic activity. It is a potent inhibitor of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, mammalian DNA polymerases and apoptosis. In addition, it is an antimalarial, and it selectively kills cancer cells that possess high glycolytic activity. Anthostoma species reproduce sexually by producing clusters of perithecia that are immersed in a black stroma typically on bark of various trees (Fig. A). Cylindrical asci that are produced in perithecia contain a single row of eight brown ascospores (Fig. B). Some species such as Anthostoma decipiens, the etiologic agent of Carpinus betulus (European or common hornbeam) decline in northern Italy, are important tree pathogens (Rocchi et al., 2010). The availability of the whole genome of Anthostoma avocetta will greatly facilitate cataloguing the full metabolic potential of this fungus.
References
Cordell, G.A., 1976. Biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes. Chem. Rev. 76, 425-460.
Rocchi, F., et al., 2010. Studies on Anthostoma decipiens involved in Carpinus betulus decline. J. Plant Pathol. 92, 637-644.