# NMR Analysis and Assignment of a Biosynthesis Gene Cluster for Trichokonins VI and VIII, Antiplasmodial Large Peptaibols Produced by a Trichoderma sp. Fungus

## TL;DR

This paper fully characterizes two large peptaibols, trichokonins VI and VIII, using NMR and other methods, and identifies their biosynthesis gene cluster in a Trichoderma fungus.

## Contribution

The first full NMR-based characterization of trichokonins VI and VIII and the identification of their biosynthesis gene cluster.

## Key findings

- Trichokonins VI and VIII were fully characterized using NMR, ECD, and HRMS/MS data.
- A peptaibol biosynthesis gene cluster was identified in the Trichoderma sp. L2-2 genome.
- Trichokonins VI and VIII showed antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum at submicromolar concentrations.

## Abstract

Peptaibols are modified linear peptides that typically
include
an acyl fragment connected at the N-terminal moiety,
a reduced acid extremity and α-aminoisobutyric acid residues
as common features, as well as other structural modifications. Peptaibols
very often display potent biological activity, in particular, antimicrobial
activity. Trichokonins VI (1) and VIII (2) are large peptaibols composed of 20 amino acids, which were previously
only characterized by analysis of MS/MS data. We herein report the
first full characterization of trichokonins VI (1) and
VIII (2) by analysis of NMR data, along with an analysis
by electronic circular dichroism and HRMS/MS data. Also, full genome
sequencing and analysis of Trichoderma sp. L2-2 allowed
us to identify a peptaibol biosynthesis gene cluster and the proposal
for a biosynthetic assembly of trichokonins VI and VIII. Trichokonins
VI and VIII also demonstrated antiplasmodial activity at the submicromolar
range against Plasmodium falciparum.