Meroterpenoids produced by fungi: Occurrence, structural diversity, biological activities, and their molecular targets

Meroterpenoids are partially derived from the terpenoids, distributing widely in the plants, animals and fungi. The complex structures and diverse bioactivities of meroterpenoids have attracted more attention for chemists and pharmacologists. Since the first review summarized by Geris in 2009, there are absent of systematic reviews reported about meroterpenoids from the higher and lower fungi up to now. In the past decades, myriads of meroterpenoids were discovered, and it is necessary to summarize these meroterpenoids about their unique structures and promising bioactivities. In this review, we use a new classification method based on the non-terpene precursors, and also highlight the structural features, bioactivity of natural meroterpenoids from the higher and lower fungi covering the period of September 2008 to February 2020. A total of 709 compounds were discussed and cited the 182 references. Meanwhile, we also primarily summarize their occurrence, structural diversity, biological activities, and molecular targets. (c) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Meroterpenoids, derived from terpenoids, are widely distributed in plants, animals, and fungi, with complex structures and diverse bioactivities. A systematic review on meroterpenoids from higher and lower fungi has been lacking since the first summary in 2009. This review classifies and summarizes the natural meroterpenoids from fungi, highlighting their unique structures and promising bioactivities.