# Exploration of inactive metabolic pathways in Antarctic Pseudogymnoascus australis through elicitation: a genomic and metabolomic approach to investigate its biotechnological potential

## TL;DR

This study explores the hidden chemical potential of an Antarctic fungus using genomic and metabolomic methods, revealing new compounds and pathways.

## Contribution

The first annotated genome of Pseudogymnoascus australis and the activation of silent metabolic pathways through elicitation in psychrophilic fungi.

## Key findings

- 44 biosynthetic gene clusters were identified, showing diverse secondary metabolite production potential.
- Elicitation with LPS in YES medium induced the highest metabolic diversity, including cyclodipeptides and betaine lipids.
- The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining genomics and metabolomics to unlock fungal chemical potential.

## Abstract

This study presents the first annotated genome of the Antarctic fungus Pseudogymnoascus
australis UA-032-E, revealing significant biosynthetic potential with 44 predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) identified through antiSMASH analysis. These BGCs include nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), type I polyketide synthases (PKS), and hybrid systems, indicating a diverse capacity for secondary metabolite production. BiG-SCAPE analysis grouped these clusters into 41 gene cluster families, with most being singletons, demonstrating low genetic redundancy and high structural diversity. To activate silent pathways, we employed elicitors (NPS and LPS) across multiple culture media, successfully inducing previously undetected metabolic activity. Using an integrated LC–QTOF–MS/MS approach combined with the GNPS and SIRIUS platforms, a total of 75 features were detected, including cyclodipeptides [cyclo-(Pro-Val), cyclo-(Leu-Leu)], maculosin, and betaine lipids such as DGTS 18:2—compounds linked to stress adaptation and biological activities in the literature. The YES medium supplemented with LPS elicitation yielded the highest metabolic diversity, suggesting this combination effectively stimulates specialized metabolism. Our findings demonstrate the value of combining genomic and metabolomic approaches to unlock the chemical potential of psychrophilic fungi. The genomic resource presented here provides a foundation for future functional studies and targeted bioprospecting of this Antarctic fungus for novel metabolites with potential biotechnological applications.