Biologically active secondary metabolites and biotechnological applications of species of the family Chaetomiaceae (Sordariales): an updated review from 2016 to 2021

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that have the ability to synthesize an enormous number of metabolites with a vast diversity of chemical structures and bioactivities. Chaetomiaceae species are a wealthy source of enzymes with diverse biotechnological and industrial applications such as PMO (polysaccharide monooxygenase), L-methioninase, β-1,3-glucanase, laccase, dextranase, lipolytic, pectinolytic, amylolytic, chitinolytic, and proteolytic enzymes. Different classes of secondary metabolites have been reported from this family are derived from various biosynthetic pathways such as alkaloids, polyketides, peptides, terpenes, and polyketide-amino acid hybrid secondary metabolites. These metabolites have attracted research interest due to their fascinating structural frameworks and bioactivities. Therefore, these compounds can be taken into account as candidates for the development of effective and novel lead compounds for medicine, as well as for plant protection. The current review represents the relevant information for Chaetomiaceae species, in particular, its new and first reported secondary metabolites and their pharmacological activities, as well as the biotechnological applications published from 2016 until the beginning of 2021.