The Magnetic Receptor of Monascus ruber M7: Gene Clone and Its Heterologous Expression in Escherichia coli

Abstract

Overview

The study delves into the ability of organisms to perceive magnetic fields (MF), specifically geomagnetic fields, which remains largely enigmatic despite recent discoveries.

Findings

This research investigated Monascus spp., particularly Monascus ruber M7. These are edible filamentous fungi known for producing beneficial secondary metabolites over the course of 2000 years, particularly in East Asian cultures.

• Exposure to blue light (BL) and magnetic fields (MF) was conducted, with conditions set at BL (500 lux, 465-467 nm) and MF (5, 10, 30 mT).
• M7 was also exposed to a combination of MF and BL (MF-BL).
• The results showed that while MF alone did not affect M7’s growth or morphology, BL exposure reduced colonial diameters to 66.7% of the control (CK) and inhibited cleistothecia formation.
• The combination of MF and BL rendered results similar to BL alone, but colonial growth and cleistothecia production previously inhibited by BL were partially restored.

Conclusion

The discovery of the magR gene in M7's genome, referred to as mr-magR, marks the first report of such in filamentous fungi based on literature. The successfully cloned full-length cDNA of mr-magR was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the Mr-MagR protein was purified and identified by Western blot. These findings potentially open new pathways for understanding the interactive mechanisms of biomagnetism and cellular response in fungi.