An update on chemistry and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from the marine algal-derived endophytic fungi

Marine algal-derived endophytic fungi (MAEF) have proven to be unabated sources of novel secondary metabolites with remarkable scaffold diversity, structural complexity, and significant bioactivity. The growing trend in the discovery of new secondary metabolites from MAEF has continued increasing over the last few years. Our previous review summarized a total of 182 secondary metabolites isolated from MAEF covering from 2002 to mid-2015. To update the latest studies of intriguing secondary metabolites of MAEF, this present review covered 196 newly-discovered metabolites of MAEF from the beginning of 2016 to the end of 2021, which were categorized into terpenes and steroids (including bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes, cyclonerane-type sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, meroterpenoids, and steroids), nitrogenated compounds (including diketopiperazines, peptides, and other N-containing compounds), polyketides (including azaphilones, tetramic acid derivatives, chromenes, and chromone derivatives), phenolic compounds, and carboxylic acids derivatives based on their putative biogenetic origins. Crucial insights into their chemical diversity and biological activities are provided herein.

Automated summary

Marine algal-derived endophytic fungi (MAEF) are important sources of novel secondary metabolites with remarkable scaffold diversity, structural complexity, and significant bioactivity. The discovery of new secondary metabolites from MAEF has been increasing over the last few years. This review updates the latest studies on 196 newly-discovered metabolites of MAEF from 2016 to 2021, providing insights into their chemical diversity and biological activities.