Discovery of functional compounds from dimorphic edible Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus in host haemolymph

Chinese cordyceps, with a fruiting body of Ophiocordyceps sinensis from insect cadaver, is well-known health food. During formation, O. sinensis experiences a dimorphic transition from blastospores to hyphae in Thitarodes host haemolymoph. In this study, key metabolites and signaling pathways for blastospore or prehypha development in larval haemolymph were identified. Sodium 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanoate (Sodium Danshensu), an important compound not only for stimulating the transition of prehyphae from blastospores, but also for anti-cardiovascular and cerebral diseases, and anti-tumor, was discovered. PMeOH (18:2/18:2), PMeOH (18:2/18:3), PG (18:1/18:2), and Sodium Danshensu were identified as metabolite biomarkers for pre-hyphae development. l -kynurenine, lysoPC (14:1(9Z)), 2-arachidonyl glycerol ether and dl -methionine sulfoxide were favored by blastospores. NAD + and adenosine were regarded as biomarkers for milky fungal cells. 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol may inhibit the blastospore-to-prehypha transition. Biomarkers were quantified by chemical analysis and verified via bioassay. Gene expression related to biomarker synthesis was quantified using qRT-PCR, confirming these compounds' regulatory effect on fungal dimorphic transition. The data provide insight into the metabolic environment for dimorphic transition in O . sinensis and for commercial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps.