Publications, Presentations, Other Contributions

Summary: 138 total publications, book chapters, lectures and posters

Publications = 65

  • International peer-reviewed articles = 53
  • Book chapters (invited) = 11
  • General scientific articles = 1

As first author = 32

As corresponding author = 29


Other scientific contributions = 73

  • Invited and plenary talks = 18
  • Oral presentations = 9
  • Contributed talks = 20
  • Poster presentations = 26

Citation metrics:

  • Citations = over 2300
  • h-index = 24
  • i-10 index = 37

International peer-reviewed articles:

(53) Eckelmann, D.; Spiteller, M.; Kusari, S.* (2018). Spatial-temporal profiling of prodiginines and serratamolides produced by endophytic Serratia marcescens harbored in Maytenus serrata. Scientific Reports, 8, 5283. [*Corresponding author] [Nature]


(52) Kamtcha, D. W.; Tene, M.; Bedane, K. B.; Knauer, L.; Strohmann, C.; Tane, P.; Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2018). Cardenolides from the stem bark of Salacia staudtiana. Fitoterapia, 127, 402-409. [*Corresponding authors] [Elsevier]


(51) Gurmessa, G. T.; Kusari, S.; Laatsch, H.; Bojase, G.; Tatolo, G.; Masesane, I. B.; Spiteller, M.; Majinda, R. R. T. (2018). Chemical constituents of root and stem bark of Erythrina brucei. Phytochemistry Letters, 25, 37-42. [Elsevier]


(50) Nigutová, K.#,*; Kusari, S.#,*; Sezgin, S.; Petijová, L.; Henzelyová, J.; Bálintová, M.; Spiteller, M.; Čellárová, E. (2017). Chemometric evaluation of hypericin and related phytochemicals in 17 in vitro cultured Hypericum species, hairy root cultures and hairy root-derived transgenic plants. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, in press, doi 10.1111/jphp.12782. [#Joint first authors; *Corresponding authors] [Wiley]


(49) Li, G.; Kusari, S.*; Golz, C.; Laatsch, H.; Strohmann, C.; Spiteller, M.* (2017). Epigenetic modulation of endophytic Eupenicillium sp. LG41 by a histone deacetylase inhibitor for production of decalin-containing compounds. Journal of Natural Products, 80, 983-988. [*Corresponding authors] [ACS Publications]


(48) Eckelmann, D.; Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2017). Spatial profiling of maytansine during the germination process of Maytenus senegalensis seeds. Fitoterapia, 119, 51-56. [*Corresponding authors] [Elsevier]


(47) Kyekyeku, J. O.; Kusari, S.*; Adosraku, R. K.; Bullach, A.; Golz, C.; Strohmann, C.; Spiteller, M.* (2017). Antibacterial secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus, Fusarium solani JK10. Fitoterapia, 119, 108-114. [*Corresponding authors] [Elsevier]


(46) Bedane, K. G.; Kusari, S.; Bullach, A.; Masesane, I. B.; Mihigo, S. O.; Spiteller, M.; Majinda, R. R. T. (2017). Chemical constituents of the root bark of Erythrina droogmansiana. Phytochemistry Letters, 20, 84-88. [Elsevier]


(45) Kucharíková, A.#; Kusari, S.#,*; Sezgin, S.; Spiteller, M.; Cellarova, E.* (2016). Occurrence and distribution of phytochemicals in the leaves of 17 in vitro cultured Hypericum spp. adapted to outdoor conditions. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 1616. [#Joint first authors; *Corresponding authors] [Frontiers]


(44) Li, G.; Kusari, S.*; Golz, C.; Strohmann, C.; Spiteller, M.* (2016). Three cyclic pentapeptides and a cyclic lipopeptide produced by endophytic Fusarium decemcellulare LG53. RSC Advances, 6, 54092-54098. [*Corresponding authors] [RSC Publishing]


(43) Wang, W.-X.; Kusari, S.*; Laatsch, H.; Golz, C.; Kusari, P.; Strohmann, C.; Kayser, O.; Spiteller, M.* (2016). Antibacterial azaphilones from an endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. BS4. Journal of Natural Products, 79, 704-710. [*Corresponding authors] [ACS Publications]


(42) Eckelmann, D.; Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2016). Occurrence and spatial distribution of maytansinoids in Putterlickia pyracantha, an unexplored resource of anticancer compounds. Fitoterapia, 113, 175-181. [*Corresponding authors] [Elsevier]


(41) Teponno, R. B.#; Kusari, S.#; Spiteller, M. (2016). Recent advances in research on lignans and neolignans. Natural Product Reports, 33, 1044-1092. [#Joint first authors] [RSC Publishing]


(40) Kusari, P.; Kusari, S.*; Eckelmann, D.; Zühlke, S.; Kayser, O.; Spiteller, M.* (2016). Cross-species biosynthesis of maytansine in Maytenus serrata. RSC Advances, 6, 10011-10016. [*Corresponding authors] [RSC Publishing]


(39) Bedane, K. G.; Kusari, S.; Masesane, I. B.; Spiteller, M.; Majinda, R. R. T. (2016). Flavanones of Erythrina livingstoniana with antioxidant properties. Fitoterapia, 108, 48-54. [Elsevier]


(38) Kyekyeku, J. O.; Kusari, S.; Adosraku, R. K.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2016). Prenylated 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives with potent antioxidant properties from Chlorophora regia (Moraceae). Fitoterapia, 108, 41-47. [Elsevier]


(37) Kusari, S.; Tatsimo, S. J. N.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2016). Synthetic origin of tramadol in the environment. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 55, 240-243 [Angewandte Chemie, 128, 248-251]. [Wiley]

  • Selected as a Hot Paper
  • Featured on the Back Cover
  • Covered by Angewandte Chemie Official Press Release


(36) Li, G.; Kusari, S.*; Lamshöft, M.; Schüffler, A.; Laatsch, H.; Spiteller, M.* (2015). Endophytic Diaporthe sp. LG23 produces a potent antibacterial tetracyclic triterpenoid. Journal of Natural Products, 78, 2128-2132. [*Corresponding authors] [ACS Publications]


(35) Kusari, P.; Kusari, S.; Spiteller, M.; Kayser, O. (2015). Implications of endophyte-plant crosstalk in light of quorum responses for plant biotechnology. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 99, 5383-5390. [Springer]


(34) Kusari, S.*; Sezgin, S.; Nigutova, K.; Cellarova, E.; Spiteller, M.* (2015). Spatial chemo-profiling of hypericin and related phytochemicals in Hypericum species using MALDI-HRMS imaging. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 407, 4779-4791 [Topical Collection: Mass Spectrometry Imaging]. [*Corresponding authors] [Springer]


(33) Bedane, K. G.; Kusari, S.; Eckelmann, D.; Masesane, I. B.; Spiteller, M.; Majinda, R. R. T. (2015). Erylivingstone A-C with antioxidant and antibacterial activities from Erythrina livingstoniana. Fitoterapia, 105, 113-118. [Elsevier]


(32) Mireku, E. A.; Kusari, S.; Eckelmann, D.; Mensah, A. Y.; Talontsi, F. M.; Spiteller, M. (2015). Anti-inflammatory tirucallane triterpenoids from Anopyxis klaineana Pierre (Engl.), (Rhizophoraceae). Fitoterapia, 106, 84-91. [Elsevier]


(31) Wang, W.-X.; Kusari, S.*; Sezgin, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Kusari, P.; Kayser, O.; Spiteller, M.* (2015). Hexacyclopeptides secreted by an endophytic fungus Fusarium solani N06 act as crosstalk molecules in Narcissus tazetta. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 99, 7651-7662. [*Corresponding authors] [Springer]


(30) Li, G.; Kusari, S.*; Lamshöft, M.; Schüffler, A.; Laatsch, H.; Spiteller, M.* (2014). Antibacterial secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus, Eupenicillium sp. LG41. Journal of Natural Products, 77, 2335-2341. [*Corresponding authors] [ACS Publications]


(29) Kusari, S.*; Lamshöft, M.; Kusari, P.; Gottfried, S.; Zühlke, S.; Louven, K.; Hentschel, U.; Kayser, O.; Spiteller, M.* (2014). Endophytes are hidden producers of maytansine in Putterlickia roots. Journal of Natural Products, 77, 2577-2584. [*Corresponding authors] [ACS Publications]

  • This article has been selected as a ‘ACS Editors Choice article’
  • Covered by C&EN magazine, ACS - Dec 2014 issue
  • Received 2014 Arthur E. Schwarting Award (American Society of Pharmacognosy and Journal of Natural Products)


(28) Kusari, S.; Tatsimo, S. J. N.; Zühlke, S.; Talontsi, F. M.; Kouam, S. F.; Spiteller, M. (2014). Tramadol – a true natural product? Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 53, 12073-12076. [Angewandte Chemie 126, 12269-12272]. [Wiley]

  • This article has been selected as a ‘Very Important Paper’ (VIP)


(27) Kusari, P.; Kusari, S.; Spiteller, M.; Kayser, O. (2014). Biocontrol potential of endophytes harbored in Radula marginata (liverwort) from the New Zealand ecosystem. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Journal of Microbiology, 106, 771-788. [Springer]


(26) Jouda, J.-B.; Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Talontsi, F. M.; Meli, C. D.; Wandji, J.; Spiteller, M. (2014). Penialidins A-C with strong antibacterial activities from Penicillium sp., an endophytic fungus harboring leaves of Garcinia nobilis. Fitoterapia, 98, 209-214. [Elsevier]


(25) Kusari, P.; Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Sezgin, S.; Spiteller, M.; Kayser, O. (2014). Quorum quenching is an antivirulence strategy employed by endophytic bacteria. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 98, 7173-7183. [Springer]

  • This article is featured on the esteemed Global Medical Discovery (Canada) website as a ‘key scientific article of special importance’ to the drug development sector.


(24) Li, G.#; Kusari, S.#,*; Spiteller, M.* (2014). Natural products containing ‘decalin’ motif in microorganisms. Natural Product Reports, 31, 1175-1201. [#Joint first authors; *Corresponding authors] [RSC Publishing]


(23) Laurice Bracine, C.; Kouam, S. F.; Lamshöft, M.; Kusari, S.; Talontsi, M. F.; Ngadjui, B. T.; Spiteller, M. (2014). Isolation and characterization of six new labdane diterpenes and one new pregnane steroid of Turraeanthus africanus. Phytochemistry, 103, 137-144. [Elsevier]


(22) Kusari, S.*; Singh, S.; Jayabaskaran, C.* (2014). Biotechnological potential of plant-associated endophytic fungi: hope versus hype. Trends in Biotechnology, 32, 297-303. [*Corresponding authors] [Cell Press]

  • This article has been featured on the cover page of June 2014 issue of Trends in Biotechnology.


(21) Kusari, S.*; Singh, S.; Jayabaskaran, C.* (2014). Rethinking production of Taxol® (paclitaxel) using endophyte biotechnology. Trends in Biotechnology, 32, 304-311. [*Corresponding authors] [Cell Press]

  • This article has been selected as a ‘companion article’ to the above article (Trends in Biotechnology, 32, 297-303) in the June 2014 issue of the journal.


(20) Sulimma, L.; Bullach, A.; Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2013). Enantioselective degradation of the chiral fungicides Metalaxyl and Furalaxyl by Brevibacillus brevis. Chirality, 25, 336-340. [Wiley]


(19) Kusari, P.; Kusari, S.; Spiteller, M.; Kayser, O. (2013). Endophytic fungi harbored in Cannabis sativa L.: diversity and potential as biocontrol agents against host plant-specific phytopathogens. Fungal Diversity, 60, 137-151. [Springer]


(18) Kusari, S.; Pandey S. P.; Spiteller, M. (2013). Untapped mutualistic paradigms linking host plant and endophytic fungal production of similar bioactive secondary metabolites. Phytochemistry, 91, 81-87. [Elsevier]

  • This article is dedicated to memoriam of late Prof. Dr. Meinhart H. Zenk (this manuscript has been selected for ‘Meinhart H. Zenk Special Memorial Issue’ of Phytochemistry).


(17) Kouam, S. F.; Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Tatuedom, O. K.; Spiteller, M. (2012). Sapelenins G-J, acyclic triterpenoids with strong anti-inflammatory activities from the bark of the Cameroonian medicinal plant Entandrophragma cylindricum. Phytochemistry, 83, 79-86. [Elsevier]


(16) Kusari, S.; Hertweck, C.; Spiteller, M. (2012). Chemical ecology of endophytic fungi: origins of secondary metabolites. Chemistry & Biology, 19, 792-798. [Cell Press]

  • This article has been selected by Chemistry & Biology editorial board (Cell Press) as a ‘featured article’, demonstrating its significance, timeliness and importance to the scientific community.


(15) Kusari, S.; Verma, V. C.; Lamshöft, M.; Spiteller, M. (2012). An endophytic fungus from Azadirachta indica A. Juss. that produces azadirachtin. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 28, 1287-1294. [Springer]


(14) Kusari, S.; Spiteller, M. (2011). Are we ready for industrial production of bioactive plant secondary metabolites utilizing endophytes? Natural Product Reports, 28, 1203-1207. [RSC Publishing]


(13) Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2011). Effect of artificial reconstitution of the interaction between the plant Camptotheca acuminata and the fungal endophyte Fusarium solani on camptothecin biosynthesis. Journal of Natural Products, 74, 764-775. [ACS Publications]

  • This article is featured on the esteemed Global Medical Discovery (Canada) website as a ‘key scientific article of especial importance’ to the drug development sector.


(12) Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2011). Correlations between camptothecin and related metabolites in Camptotheca acuminata reveal similar biosynthetic principles and in planta synergistic effects. Fitoterapia, 82, 497-507. [Elsevier]


(11) Awouafack, M.; Spiteller, P.; Lamshöft, M.; Kusari, S.; Ivanova, B.; Tane, P.; Spiteller, M. (2011). Antimicrobial isopropenyl-dihydrofuranoisoflavones from Crotalaria lachnophora. Journal of Natural Products, 74, 272-278. [ACS Publications]


(10) Kusari, S.; Kosuth, J.; Cellarova, E.; Spiteller, M. (2011). Survival-strategies of endophytic Fusarium solani against indigenous camptothecin biosynthesis. Fungal Ecology, 4, 219-223. [Elsevier]


(9) Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2011). Chemometric evaluation of the anti-cancer pro-drug podophyllotoxin and potential therapeutic analogues in Juniperus and Podophyllum species. Phytochemical Analysis, 22, 128-143. [Wiley]


(8) Awouafack, M.; Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Ngamga, D.; Tane, P.; Spiteller, M. (2010). Semi-synthesis of dihydrochalcone derivatives and their in vitro antimicrobial activities. Planta Medica, 76, 640-643. [Thieme]


(7) Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Kosuth, J.; Cellarova, E.; Spiteller, M. (2009). Light-independent metabolomics of endophytic Thielavia subthermophila provides insight into microbial hypericin biosynthesis. Journal of Natural Products, 72, 1825-1835. [ACS Publications]


(6) Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Borsch, T.; Spiteller, M. (2009). Positive correlations between hypericin and putative precursors detected in the quantitative secondary metabolite spectrum of Hypericum. Phytochemistry, 70, 1222-1232. [Elsevier]


(5) Kusari, S.; Deivasigamani, P.; Lamshöft, M.; Spiteller, M. (2009). In vitro residual anti-bacterial activity of difloxacin, sarafloxacin and their photoproducts after photolysis in water. Environmental Pollution, 157, 2722-2730. [Elsevier]


(4) Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Spiteller, M. (2009). Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius, an endophytic fungus from Juniperus communis L. Horstmann as a novel source of the anticancer pro-drug deoxypodophyllotoxin. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 107, 1019-1030. [Wiley]


(3) Sukul, P.; Lamshöft, M.; Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2009). Metabolism and excretion kinetics of 14C-labeled and non-labeled difloxacin in pigs after oral administration, and antimicrobial activity of manure containing difloxacin and its metabolites. Environmental Research, 109, 225-231. [Elsevier]


(2) Kusari, S.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2009). An endophytic fungus from Camptotheca acuminata that produces camptothecin and analogues. Journal of Natural Products, 72, 2-7. [ACS Publications]


(1) Kusari, S.; Lamshöft, M.; Zühlke, S.; Spiteller, M. (2008). An endophytic fungus from Hypericum perforatum that produces hypericin. Journal of Natural Products, 71, 159-162. [ACS Publications]

Book Chapters (invited):

(11) Kusari, S.*; Kusari, P.; Spiteller, M.* (2017). Novel insights in plant-endophyte interactions. In Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Newman, D. J.; Cragg, G. M.; Grothaus, P. G. (eds.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, USA, pp. 205-231. [*Corresponding authors]


(10) Kusari, P.; Kusari, S.; Spiteller, M.; Kayser O. (2017). Cannabis endophytes and their application in breeding and physiological fitness. In Cannabis sativa L.: Botany and Biotechnology, Chandra, S.; Lata, H.; ElSohly, M. A. (eds.), Springer International Publishing AG, pp. 419-437.


(9) Wang, W.-X.; Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2016). Unraveling the chemical interactions of fungal endophytes for exploitation as microbial factories. In Fungal Applications in Sustainable Environmental Biotechnology (Fungal Biology), Purchase, D. (ed.), Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, pp. 353-370. [*Corresponding authors]


(8) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2016). The promise of endophytic fungi as sustainable resource of biologically relevant pro-drugs: A focus on Cameroon. In Fungi: Applications and Management Strategies, Deshmukh, S. (ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, USA, pp. 1-13. [*Corresponding authors]


(7) Kusari, P.; Spiteller, M.; Kayser, O.; Kusari, S.* (2014). Recent advances in research on Cannabis sativa L. endophytes and their prospect for the pharmaceutical industry. In Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology in Food Security, Kharwar, R. N. et al. (eds.), Springer India, pp. 3-15. [*Corresponding author]


(6) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M. (2012). Endophytic fungi, ignored treasures in traditional medicine. In: Traditional medicine and globalization - the future of ancient systems of medicine, Mukherjee, P. K. (ed.), Maven Publishers, Kolkata, India, pp. 200-214. [*Corresponding author]


(5) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2012). Metabolomics of endophytic fungi producing associated plant secondary metabolites: progress, challenges and opportunities. In: Metabolomics, Roessner, U. (ed.), InTech, Rijeka, Croatia, ISBN 978-953-51-0046-1, pp. 241-266, doi: 10.5772/31596. [*Corresponding authors]


(4) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M. (2012). Camptothecin: recent advances in plant-endophyte research. In: Natural Resources Conservation and Management, Patro, L. R. (ed.), Manglam Publications, New Delhi, India, pp. 1-32. [*Corresponding author]


(3) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M. (2011). Review of the present status and future promise of hypericin, a photodynamic antidepressant. In: Bioresources Conservation and Management, Patro, L. R. (ed.), Sonali Publications, New Delhi, India, pp. 1-22. [*Corresponding author]


(2) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M. (2010). Lessons from endophytes: Peering under the skin of plants. In: Biotechnology – Its Growing Dimensions, Patro, L. R. (ed.), Sonali Publications, New Delhi, India, pp. 1-27. [*Corresponding author]


(1) Kusari, S.*; Spiteller, M.* (2010). Do endophyte metabolomics reflect the phytochemical diversity of the host plant? A test of the hypothesis with Hypericum species. In: Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Patro, L. R. (ed.), Discovery Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India, pp. 1-28. [*Corresponding authors]

General scientific articles:

(1) Lamshöft, M.; Zühlke, S.; Sukul, P.; Kusari, S.; Spiteller, M. (2010). Antibiotikarückstände in Gülle und Böden. Mitt Umweltchemie und Ökotoxikologie, 2, 41-44.

Invited and plenary talks:

(18) Chemical ecology of plant-associated endophytic microorganisms. At the Colloquium of the Institute of General Botany and Plant Physiology, Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC), Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany (31 Jan 2017).


(17) Hiding in plain sight: Plant-associated endophytic microorganisms and their incredible biosynthetic feats. At the Department of Microbe-Plant Interactions, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany (27 Jan 2017).


(16) Hiding in plain sight: Endophytes and their incredible biosynthetic feats. At the Department of Engineering Sciences, Oxford University Begbroke Science Park, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (29 Jan 2016).


(15) Hiding in plain sight: Endophytes and their incredible biosynthetic feats. At the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (26 Jan 2016).


(14) Endophytes: mysterious organisms under the skin of plants. At the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker E.V. (GDCh) Kolloquium, Ortsverband Dortmund [German Chemical Society Colloquium], TU Dortmund, Germany (20 Apr 2015).


(13) Hiding in plain sight, endophytic microorganisms exhibit incredible biosynthetic feats. At the Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia (27 Nov 2014).


(12) Biotechnological potential of plant-associated endophytic fungi: hope versus hype. At the International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (ICABB 2013) and X Convention of Biotech Research Society of India, Pune, India (25-27 Nov 2013).


(11) Crosstalk between endophytic microorganisms and their hosts producing bioactive natural products. At the Chemical Biology Science Meeting, Chemistry Research Laboratory (CRL), Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (15 May 2013).


(10) Endophytic fungal treasure troves: marvels under the skin of plants. At the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (7 May 2013).


(9) Endophytic fungal treasure troves: marvels under the skin of plants. At the James Hutton Institute (JHI), Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom (30 Apr 2013).


(8) Endophytic fungi, microbial factories of pharmaceutically relevant pro-drugs: An Indian perspective of a global challenge. At the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India (21 Jan 2013).


(7) Interspecies and multispecies crosstalk: Harnessing the biotechnological potential of plant-associated endophytic fungal treasure troves. At the Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-Kgp), Kharagpur, India (18 Jan 2013).


(6) Endophyte biotechnology: harnessing the pharmaceutical potential of plant-associated fungal treasure troves. At the School of Natural Product Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India (17 Jan 2013).


(5) Chemical basis of cost-benefit reciprocity of fungal endophytes leading to biologically relevant natural products. At the Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER-K), West Bengal, India (16 Jan 2013).


(4) Endophyte research Quo Vadis? At the International Conference on Mycology and Plant Pathology. “Biotechnological Approaches” (ICMPB 2012), Varanasi, India (27-29 Feb 2012). [Additionally, Co-chair of a session, and Judge of two poster presentation sessions]


(3) Endophytic fungi, ignored treasures in traditional medicine. At the 12th International Congress of Ethnopharmacology. “Traditional Medicines and Globalization-The Future of Ancient Systems of Medicine” (ISE 2012), Kolkata, India (17-19 Feb 2012). [Plenary Lecture]


(2) An endophytic Fusarium solani as a novel source of antineoplastic camptothecin and its 9-methoxy and 10-hydroxy derivatives. At the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, India. Within the scope of Indo-German (DBT-BMBF/DLR) collaboration (7-15 Nov 2008).


(1) Lessons from endophytes: Peering under the skin of plants. At the International Scientific Colloquium (ISC) and Alumni Meeting for International Summer Schools, Center of Applied Spectroscopy, Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, R. Serbia. Funded by DAAD, Germany (2-4 Oct 2008).

Oral presentations:

(9) Fungal and bacterial endophytes harbored in apple: diversity, species richness and potential as biocontrol agents against replant disease-causing pathogens. At the BONARES Conference 2018 - Soil as a Sustainable Resource, Berlin, Germany (26-28 Feb 2018).


(8) Ecological role of maytansine is revealed by in situ MALDI-HRMS-imaging of Maytenus senegalensis during the germination process. At the International Symposium “Microbe-assisted crop production – opportunities, challenges & needs” (MICROPE), Vienna, Austria (4-7 Dec 2017).


(7) In situ MALDI-HRMS-imaging of Maytenus senegalensis during the germination process reveals the ecological role of the important anticancer compound maytansine. At the 65th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), Basel, Switzerland (3-7 Sept 2017).

Planta Medica (2017), 4, S1-S202, doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1608245 [Thieme]


(6) Novel insights into plant-endophyte communication: maytansine as an example. At the 9th Joint Natural Products Conference 2016 (ASP, GA, PSE, AFERP, JSP and SIF), Copenhagen, Denmark (24-27 July 2016).

Planta Medica (2016), 81, SL16, doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1596123 [Thieme]


(5) Plant-endophyte communication for biosynthesis of bioactive natural products: maytansine as an example. At the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Conference – “Bioactive Natural Products: translating promise into practice”, St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom (11-13 July 2016).


(4) Hiding in plain sight, root endophytic community is the ‘true’ producer of maytansine in Putterlickia plants. At the Annual Conference of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology [Jahrestagung der Vereinigung für Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie (VAAM)], Marburg, Germany (1–4 Mar 2015).


(3) Endophytes as hidden treasures within the botanical richness of nature: Camptotheca acuminata as an example. At the ESF-COST High-Level Research Conference-Natural Products Chemistry, Biology and Medicine II, Acquafredda di Maratea, Italy (29 Aug–3 Sept 2009).


(2) Prospecting for novel bioactive molecules from endophytic fungi isolated from Camptotheca acuminata. At Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Germany (18 Nov 2008).


(1) An endophytic fungus as a novel source of antineoplastic camptothecin and its methoxy and hydroxy analogues. At the International Conference on “Emerging Trends in Biological Sciences”, KIIT University, Orissa, India (24–25 Oct 2008).

Contributed talks:

(20) Endophytic microorganisms: mysterious organisms under the skin of plants. At the Chair of Plant Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Germany (13 Jun 2018).


(19) Endophytic microorganisms: mysterious organisms under the skin of plants. At the Chemical Institute of Natural Products (ICSN), Gif sur Yvette, France (17 May 2018).


(18) Potential of imaging mass spectrometry in chemical biology. At the University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (22 Mar 2018).


(17) Potential of imaging mass spectrometry in chemical biology. At the University of Egerton, Nakuru, Egerton, Kenya (21 Mar 2018).


(16) Potential of imaging mass spectrometry in chemical biology. At the International Chemical Congress: Chemistry for Sustainable Development, Souraha, Chitwan, Nepal (8-10 Mar 2018).


(15) Potential of imaging mass spectrometry in chemical biology. At the 3rd International Conference on Frontiers of Mass Spectrometry (ICMS2017), Kerala, India (11-14 Dec 2017).


(14) Chemical basis of endophytic microbial interactions leading to biosynthesis of bioactive natural products. At Qingdao University, P. R. China (18 May 2017).


(13) Endophytic microorganisms: Mysterious organisms under the skin of plants. At Shandong University, P. R. China (17 May 2017).


(12) I have you under my skin: Plant endophytic interaction and their role in natural product chemistry. At the 9th Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (CMAPSEEC), Plovdiv, Bulgaria (26-29 May 2016).


(11) Stable isotope analysis and 14C-AMS confirming synthetic origin of tramadol in environmental samples. At the International Isotope Society-Central European Division (IIS-CED) Workshop, Bad Soden, Germany (1-2 Oct 2015).


(10) Endophytes harbored in Cannabis sativa L. are experts in antivirulence. At the 8th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (13 Feb 2015).


(9) Biochemical fingerprinting of endophytes harbored in Radula marginata that confer plant fitness benefits. At the 61st International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), Münster, Germany (Sept, 2013).

Planta Medica (2013), 79, SL78, doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1351903 [Thieme]


(8) Profiling of quorum sensing response and biocontrol potential of endophytic bacteria harbored in Cannabis sativa L. At the Annual Conference of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM), Bremen, Germany (10–13 Mar, 2013).


(7) Endophytische Pilze – eine Quelle zur industriellen Produktion von bioaktiven Stoffen?. At Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Biotechnologie, Freiburg, Germany (13 July 2011).


(6) Bioactive compounds from endophytic fungi: Isolation, analysis and possibilities for biotechnological production. GDCh-Colloquium, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany (02 June 2010).


(5) Endophytes as a promising source of bioactive compounds used in traditional medicine: future prospects and challenges. In Cameroon (30 Nov–16 Dec 2009).


(4) Endophytes, a promising source of bioactive compounds used in traditional medicine: future prospects and challenges. At the Alexander Humboldt Foundation International Meet, Beijing, China (24 Sept–2 Oct 2009).


(3) Metabolismus, Verbleib und residuale antibakterielle Aktivität von Difloxacin in Gülle, Boden und Wasser. At Jahrestagung der Fachgruppe Umweltchemie und Ökotoxikologie 2009, Trier, Germany (23–25 Sept 2009).


(2) Formation and structural elucidation of biological active compounds from endophytic fungi. At Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest, Hungary (9 Feb 2009).


(1) Formation and structural elucidation of biological active compounds from endophytic fungi. At Sofia University “St. Kl. Ohridski”, Faculty of Chemistry, Sofia (20 Jan 2009).

Poster presentations:

(26) Ecological role of maytansine is revealed by in situ MALDI-HRMS-imaging of Maytenus senegalensis during the germination process. At the International Symposium “Microbe-assisted crop production – opportunities, challenges & needs” (MICROPE), Vienna, Austria (4-7 Dec 2017).


(25) Ecological role of the important anticancer compound maytansine revealed by MALDI-imaging-HRMS of Maytenus senegalensis during the germination process. At the 8th Jungchemiker Symposium Ruhr, Mülheim a. d. Ruhr, Germany (12 Oct 2017).


(24) In situ MALDI-HRMS-imaging of Maytenus senegalensis during the germination process reveals the ecological role of the important anticancer compound maytansine. At the 65th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), Basel, Switzerland (3-7 September 2017).

Planta Medica (2017), 4, S1-S202, doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1608245 [Thieme]


(23) Spatial chemo-profiling of antineoplastic maytansinoids in Putterlickia pyracantha by MALDI-imaging-HRMS. At the 10th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (24 Feb 2017).


(22) An endophytic fungus Phyllosticta capitalensis harboring uncultivable endosymbiotic bacterium Herbaspirillum sp. produces lactam-fused 4-pyrones. At the 9th Joint Natural Products Conference 2016 (ASP, GA, PSE, AFERP, JSP and SIF), Copenhagen, Denmark (24-27 July 2016).

Planta Medica (2016), 82, P632a, doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1596687 [Thieme]


(21) Decalin-containing polyketides with antibacterial activities from an endophytic fungus, Eupenicillium sp. LG41. At the 9th Joint Natural Products Conference 2016 (ASP, GA, PSE, AFERP, JSP and SIF), Copenhagen, Denmark (24-27 July 2016).

Planta Medica (2016), 82, P632, doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1596686 [Thieme]


(20) New insights in plant-endophyte communication: maytansine as an example. At the Annual Conference of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology 2016 [Jahrestagung der Vereinigung für Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie (VAAM) 2016], Jena, Germany (13-16 Mar 2016).


(19) Cross-species biosynthesis of maytansine in Maytenus serrata plants. At the 28th Irseer Naturstofftage; venue: Schwäbisches Tagungs- und Bildungszentrum Kloster Irsee, Germany (24-26 Feb 2016).


(18) Investigation of maytansine biosynthesis in Maytenus serrata and identification of precursors by HPLC- HRMSn. At the 9th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (19 Feb 2016).


(17) Paraconic acids and alkylitaconic acids from endophytic Eupenicillicum sp. LG41. At the 6th Junges Chemie Symposium Ruhr (JCS Ruhr), Universität Essen, Germany (17 Sept 2015).


(16) Endophytic Fusarium solani secretes hexacyclopeptides to communicate with an associated endophytic bacterium. At the 6th Junges Chemie Symposium Ruhr (JCS Ruhr), Universität Essen, Germany (17 Sept 2015).


(15) Eupenicillium sp. LG41, an endophytic fungus harbored in the medicinal plant Xanthium sibiricum produces new antimicrobial pro-drugs. At the 7th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (7 Feb 2014).


(14) Chemical basis of cost-benefit tradeoffs between endophytic microorganisms and interacting organisms leading to biosynthesis of bioactive natural products. At the 6th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (1 Feb 2013).


(13) Endophytic diversity of pharmaceutically important Cannabis sativa. At the International Congress on Natural Products Research (ICNPR 2012), the 8th Joint Meeting of AFERP, ASP, GA, PSE and SIF, New York, USA (28 July–1 Aug 2012).

Planta Medica (2012), 78, 1154-1154, doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1320730 [Thieme]


(12) Endophytic fungi, miracles under the skin of plants. At the COST Action workshop ‘Current aspects of European endophyte research’ of the COST Action FA1103: Endophytes in Biotechnology and Agriculture, Reims, France (28-30 Mar 2012).


(11) Phylogenetic study of endophytes harbored in Cannabis sativa. At the COST Action workshop ‘Current aspects of European endophyte research’ of the COST Action FA1103: Endophytes in Biotechnology and Agriculture, Reims, France (28-30 Mar 2012).


(10) Endophytic fungi, the microbial factories of associated plant secondary metabolites: Camptothecin as an example. At the Annual Conference of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology [Jahrestagung der Vereinigung für Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie (VAAM)], Tübingen, Germany (18–21 Mar 2012).


(9) Bioprospecting for new antibacterial and anti-inflammatory lead compounds from endophytic fungi harbored in Cameroonian medicinal plants from the Dja rainforest and Mount Cameroon. At the DAAD kick-off meeting “Welcome to Africa” initiative, Bonn, Germany (12 Mar 2012).


(8) Enantioselective biodegradation of Metalaxyl in soil. At the 5th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (3 Feb 2012).


(7) Plant-specific bioactive secondary metabolites produced by associated endophytic fungi. At the 4th Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Germany (4 Feb 2011).


(6) Endophytes, a promising source of host-specific bioactive compounds: future prospects and challenges. At 2010 International Congress - New Biotrends in Green Chemistry, Harenberg City Center (HCC), Dortmund, Germany (1-2 Dec 2010).


(5) Bioactive metabolites from medicinal plants of Bangladesh and their associated endophytic fungi. At the 3rd EuCheMS Chemistry Congress: Chemistry - the Creative Force, Nürnberg, Germany (29 Aug–2 Sept 2010).


(4) Endophytic Thielavia subthermophila demonstrates light-independent metabolomics in axenic cultures: what can we say about microbial hypericin biosynthesis in planta? At the 3rd Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, and the JCF Dortmund, Germany (5 Feb 2010).


(3) Search for new active metabolites from medicinal plants of Bangladesh and their associated endophytic fungi. At the 3rd Tag der Chemie (Chemistry Day), the Faculty of Chemistry, TU Dortmund, and the JCF Dortmund, Germany (5 Feb 2010).


(2) Thielavia subthermophila, an endophytic fungus from Hypericum perforatum L. as a novel source of hypericin and its probable precursor emodin. At the International Conference on “Emerging Trends in Biological Sciences”, KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India (24–25 Oct 2008).


(1) Attenuation of camptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin production by endophytic Fusarium solani over generations: a possible indication of a split biosynthetic pathway? At the International Conference on “Emerging Trends in Biological Sciences”, KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India (24–25 Oct 2008).