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Rodríguez-Robles E, Müller D, Künzl T, Nemat SJ, Edelmann MP, Srivastava P, Louis D, Groaz E, Tiefenbacher K, Roberts TM, Herdewijn P, Marlière P, Panke S. Rational design of a bacterial import system for new-to-nature molecules. Metab Eng 2024:S1096-7176(24)00071-5. [PMID: 38802041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Integration of novel compounds into biological processes holds significant potential for modifying or expanding existing cellular functions. However, the cellular uptake of these compounds is often hindered by selectively permeable membranes. We present a novel bacterial transport system that has been rationally designed to address this challenge. Our approach utilizes a highly promiscuous sulfonate membrane transporter, which allows the passage of cargo molecules attached as amides to a sulfobutanoate transport vector molecule into the cytoplasm of the cell. These cargoes can then be unloaded from the sulfobutanoyl amides using an engineered variant of the enzyme γ-glutamyl transferase, which hydrolyzes the amide bond and releases the cargo molecule within the cell. Here, we provide evidence for the broad substrate specificity of both components of the system by evaluating a panel of structurally diverse sulfobutanoyl amides. Furthermore, we successfully implement the synthetic uptake system in vivo and showcase its functionality by importing an impermeant non-canonical amino acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Rodríguez-Robles
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Müller
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tilmann Künzl
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Suren J Nemat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Peter Edelmann
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Puneet Srivastava
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Tania Michelle Roberts
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Sven Panke
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.
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2
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Li Y, Mao K, Zang Y, Lu G, Qiu Q, Ouyang K, Zhao X, Song X, Xu L, Liang H, Qu M. Revealing the developmental characterization of rumen microbiome and its host in newly received cattle during receiving period contributes to formulating precise nutritional strategies. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:238. [PMID: 37924150 PMCID: PMC10623857 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimizing mortality losses due to multiple stress and obtaining maximum performance are the production goals for newly received cattle. In recent years, vaccination and metaphylaxis treatment significantly decreased the mortality rate of newly received cattle, while the growth block induced by treatment is still obvious. Assessment of blood metabolites and behavior monitoring offer potential for early identification of morbid animals. Moreover, the ruminal microorganisms' homeostasis is a guarantee of beef steers' growth and health. The most critical period for newly received cattle is the first-month post-transport. Therefore, analyzing rumen metagenomics, rumen metabolomics, host metabolomics, and their interaction during receiving period (1 day before transport and at days 1/4, 16, and 30 after transport) is key to revealing the mechanism of growth retardation, and then to formulating management and nutritional practices for newly received cattle. RESULTS The levels of serum hormones (COR and ACTH), and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) were highest at day 16, and lowest at day 30 after arrival. Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity (SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC) was significantly decreased at day 16 and increased at day 30 after arrival. Metagenomics analysis revealed that rumen microbes, bacteria, archaea, and eukaryota had different trends among the four different time points. At day 16 post-transport, cattle had a higher abundance of ruminal bacteria and archaea than those before transport, but the eukaryote abundance was highest at day 30 post-transport. Before transport, most bacteria were mainly involved in polysaccharides digestion. At day 4 post-transport, the most significantly enriched KEGG pathways were nucleotide metabolism (pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism). At day 16 post-transport, the energy metabolism (glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism) and ruminal contents of MCP and VFAs were significantly increased, but at the same time, energy loss induced by methane yields (Methanobrevibacter) together with pathogenic bacteria (Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula) were also significantly increased. At this time, the most upregulated ruminal L-ornithine produces more catabolite polyamines, which cause oxidative stress to rumen microbes and their host; the most downregulated ruminal 2',3'-cAMP provided favorable growth conditions for pathogenic bacteria, and the downregulated ruminal vitamin B6 metabolism and serum PC/LysoPC disrupt immune function and inflammation reaction. At day 30 post-transport, the ruminal L-ornithine and its catabolites (mainly spermidine and 1,3-propanediamine) were decreased, and the serum PC/LysoPC and 2',3'-cNMPs pools were increased. This is also consistent with the changes in redox, inflammation, and immune status of the host. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new ideas for regulating the health and performance of newly received cattle during the receiving period. The key point is to manage the newly received cattle about day 16 post-transport, specifically to inhibit the production of methane and polyamines, and the reproduction of harmful bacteria in the rumen, therefore improving the immunity and performance of newly received cattle. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiao Li
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Kang Mao
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yitian Zang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Guwei Lu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kehui Ouyang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xianghui Zhao
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Song
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lanjiao Xu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huan Liang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingren Qu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition/Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
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3
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Rudolph A, Nyerges A, Chiappino-Pepe A, Landon M, Baas-Thomas M, Church G. Strategies to identify and edit improvements in synthetic genome segments episomally. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10094-10106. [PMID: 37615546 PMCID: PMC10570025 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome engineering projects often utilize bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to carry multi-kilobase DNA segments at low copy number. However, all stages of whole-genome engineering have the potential to impose mutations on the synthetic genome that can reduce or eliminate the fitness of the final strain. Here, we describe improvements to a multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE) protocol to improve recombineering frequency and multiplexability. This protocol was applied to recoding an Escherichia coli strain to replace seven codons with synonymous alternatives genome wide. Ten 44 402-47 179 bp de novo synthesized DNA segments contained in a BAC from the recoded strain were unable to complement deletion of the corresponding 33-61 wild-type genes using a single antibiotic resistance marker. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify 1-7 non-recoding mutations in essential genes per segment, and MAGE in turn proved a useful strategy to repair these mutations on the recoded segment contained in the BAC when both the recoded and wild-type copies of the mutated genes had to exist by necessity during the repair process. Finally, two web-based tools were used to predict the impact of a subset of non-recoding missense mutations on strain fitness using protein structure and function calls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rudolph
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Akos Nyerges
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anush Chiappino-Pepe
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthieu Landon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - George Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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4
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Blanchard A, Abramov M, Hassan C, Marlière P, Herdewijn P, Pezo V. A microbiological system for screening the interference of XNA monomers with DNA and RNA metabolism. RSC Adv 2023; 13:29862-29865. [PMID: 37842681 PMCID: PMC10568403 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06172h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We explored the toxicity and mutagenicity of a wide range of xenobiotic nucleoside triphosphates to an Escherichia coli strain equipped with a nucleoside triphosphate transporter. This bacterial test provides a tool to evaluate and guide the synthesis of nucleotides for applications such as the propagation of non-natural genetic information or the selection of potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Blanchard
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux 91057 Evry France
| | - Mikhail Abramov
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute Herestraat 49, KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Camille Hassan
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux 91057 Evry France
| | - Philippe Marlière
- Theraxen SA 296 route de Longwy L-1940 Luxembourg
- TESSSI 81 Rue Réaumur Paris 75002 France
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute Herestraat 49, KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Valérie Pezo
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux 91057 Evry France
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5
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Pallan PS, Lybrand TP, Rozners E, Abramov M, Schepers G, Eremeeva E, Herdewijn P, Egli M. Conformational Morphing by a DNA Analogue Featuring 7-Deazapurines and 5-Halogenpyrimidines and the Origins of Adenine-Tract Geometry. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2854-2867. [PMID: 37694722 PMCID: PMC11062489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Several efforts are currently directed at the creation and cellular implementation of alternative genetic systems composed of pairing components that are orthogonal to the natural dA/dT and dG/dC base pairs. In an alternative approach, Watson-Crick-type pairing is conserved, but one or all of the four letters of the A, C, G, and T alphabet are substituted by modified components. Thus, all four nucleobases were altered to create halogenated deazanucleic acid (DZA): dA was replaced by 7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine (dzA), dG by 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine (dzG), dC by 5-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine (FdC), and dT by 5-chloro-2'-deoxyuridine (CldU). This base-pairing system was previously shown to retain function in Escherichia coli. Here, we analyze the stability, hydration, structure, and dynamics of a DZA Dickerson-Drew Dodecamer (DDD) of sequence 5'-FdC-dzG-FdC-dzG-dzA-dzA-CldU-CldU-FdC-dzG-FdC-dzG-3'. Contrary to similar stabilities of DDD and DZA-DDD, osmotic stressing revealed a dramatic loss of hydration for the DZA-DDD relative to that for the DDD. The parent DDD 5'-d(CGCGAATTCGCG)-3' features an A-tract, a run of adenosines uninterrupted by a TpA step, and exhibits a hallmark narrow minor groove. Crystal structures─in the presence of RNase H─and MD simulations show increased conformational plasticity ("morphing") of DZA-DDD relative to that of the DDD. The narrow dzA-tract minor groove in one structure widens to resemble that in canonical B-DNA in a second structure. These changes reflect an indirect consequence of altered DZA major groove electrostatics (less negatively polarized compared to that in DNA) and hydration (reduced compared to that in DNA). Therefore, chemical modifications outside the minor groove that lead to collapse of major groove electrostatics and hydration can modulate A-tract geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep S Pallan
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Terry P Lybrand
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Mikhail Abramov
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Guy Schepers
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Elena Eremeeva
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Martin Egli
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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6
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Gerecht K, Freund N, Liu W, Liu Y, Fürst MJLJ, Holliger P. The Expanded Central Dogma: Genome Resynthesis, Orthogonal Biosystems, Synthetic Genetics. Annu Rev Biophys 2023; 52:413-432. [PMID: 37159296 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-111622-091203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology seeks to probe fundamental aspects of biological form and function by construction [i.e., (re)synthesis] rather than deconstruction (analysis). In this sense, biological sciences now follow the lead given by the chemical sciences. Synthesis can complement analytic studies but also allows novel approaches to answering fundamental biological questions and opens up vast opportunities for the exploitation of biological processes to provide solutions for global problems. In this review, we explore aspects of this synthesis paradigm as applied to the chemistry and function of nucleic acids in biological systems and beyond, specifically, in genome resynthesis, synthetic genetics (i.e., the expansion of the genetic alphabet, of the genetic code, and of the chemical make-up of genetic systems), and the elaboration of orthogonal biosystems and components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karola Gerecht
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Niklas Freund
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Wei Liu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Yang Liu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Maximilian J L J Fürst
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
- Current address: Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Philipp Holliger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
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7
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Danchin A, Huang JD. SynBio 2.0, a new era for synthetic life: Neglected essential functions for resilience. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:64-78. [PMID: 36045561 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Danchin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li KaShing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jian Dong Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li KaShing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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8
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Hedin KA, Kruse V, Vazquez-Uribe R, Sommer MOA. Biocontainment strategies for in vivo applications of Saccharomyces boulardii. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1136095. [PMID: 36890914 PMCID: PMC9986445 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1136095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract is a complex and dynamic environment, playing a crucial role in human health. Microorganisms engineered to express a therapeutic activity have emerged as a novel modality to manage numerous diseases. Such advanced microbiome therapeutics (AMTs) must be contained within the treated individual. Hence safe and robust biocontainment strategies are required to prevent the proliferation of microbes outside the treated individual. Here we present the first biocontainment strategy for a probiotic yeast, demonstrating a multi-layered strategy combining an auxotrophic and environmental-sensitive strategy. We knocked out the genes THI6 and BTS1, causing thiamine auxotrophy and increased sensitivity to cold, respectively. The biocontained Saccharomyces boulardii showed restricted growth in the absence of thiamine above 1 ng/ml and exhibited a severe growth defect at temperatures below 20°C. The biocontained strain was well tolerated and viable in mice and demonstrated equal efficiency in peptide production as the ancestral non-biocontained strain. In combination, the data support that thi6∆ and bts1∆ enable biocontainment of S. boulardii, which could be a relevant chassis for future yeast-based AMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Alex Hedin
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Kruse
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ruben Vazquez-Uribe
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
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9
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Nowak-Król A, Dydio P. The 55 th Bürgenstock Conference under the Banner of Sustainability. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202214722. [PMID: 36477955 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Nowak-Król
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paweł Dydio
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
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10
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Nowak‐Król A, Dydio P. The 55
th
Bürgenstock Conference under the Banner of Sustainability**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202214722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Nowak‐Król
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Paweł Dydio
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS UMR 7006 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
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11
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Zürcher JF, Robertson WE, Kappes T, Petris G, Elliott TS, Salmond GPC, Chin JW. Refactored genetic codes enable bidirectional genetic isolation. Science 2022; 378:516-523. [PMID: 36264827 PMCID: PMC7614150 DOI: 10.1126/science.add8943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The near-universal genetic code defines the correspondence between codons in genes and amino acids in proteins. We refactored the structure of the genetic code in Escherichia coli and created orthogonal genetic codes that restrict the escape of synthetic genetic information into natural life. We developed orthogonal and mutually orthogonal horizontal gene transfer systems, which permit the transfer of genetic information between organisms that use the same genetic code but restrict the transfer of genetic information between organisms that use different genetic codes. Moreover, we showed that locking refactored codes into synthetic organisms completely blocks invasion by mobile genetic elements, including viruses, which carry their own translation factors and successfully invade organisms with canonical and compressed genetic codes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme F. Zürcher
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tomás Kappes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gianluca Petris
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas S. Elliott
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jason W. Chin
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK,Correspondence to:
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12
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Sun L, Ma X, Zhang B, Qin Y, Ma J, Du Y, Chen T. From polymerase engineering to semi-synthetic life: artificial expansion of the central dogma. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1173-1197. [PMID: 36320892 PMCID: PMC9533422 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00116k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids have been extensively modified in different moieties to expand the scope of genetic materials in the past few decades. While the development of unnatural base pairs (UBPs) has expanded the genetic information capacity of nucleic acids, the production of synthetic alternatives of DNA and RNA has increased the types of genetic information carriers and introduced novel properties and functionalities into nucleic acids. Moreover, the efforts of tailoring DNA polymerases (DNAPs) and RNA polymerases (RNAPs) to be efficient unnatural nucleic acid polymerases have enabled broad application of these unnatural nucleic acids, ranging from production of stable aptamers to evolution of novel catalysts. The introduction of unnatural nucleic acids into living organisms has also started expanding the central dogma in vivo. In this article, we first summarize the development of unnatural nucleic acids with modifications or alterations in different moieties. The strategies for engineering DNAPs and RNAPs are then extensively reviewed, followed by summarization of predominant polymerase mutants with good activities for synthesizing, reverse transcribing, or even amplifying unnatural nucleic acids. Some recent application examples of unnatural nucleic acids with their polymerases are then introduced. At the end, the approaches of introducing UBPs and synthetic genetic polymers into living organisms for the creation of semi-synthetic organisms are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Sun
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Xingyun Ma
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Binliang Zhang
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Yanjia Qin
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Jiezhao Ma
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Yuhui Du
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Tingjian Chen
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
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13
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Robinson CM, Short NE, Riglar DT. Achieving spatially precise diagnosis and therapy in the mammalian gut using synthetic microbial gene circuits. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:959441. [PMID: 36118573 PMCID: PMC9478464 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.959441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian gut and its microbiome form a temporally dynamic and spatially heterogeneous environment. The inaccessibility of the gut and the spatially restricted nature of many gut diseases translate into difficulties in diagnosis and therapy for which novel tools are needed. Engineered bacterial whole-cell biosensors and therapeutics have shown early promise at addressing these challenges. Natural and engineered sensing systems can be repurposed in synthetic genetic circuits to detect spatially specific biomarkers during health and disease. Heat, light, and magnetic signals can also activate gene circuit function with externally directed spatial precision. The resulting engineered bacteria can report on conditions in situ within the complex gut environment or produce biotherapeutics that specifically target host or microbiome activity. Here, we review the current approaches to engineering spatial precision for in vivo bacterial diagnostics and therapeutics using synthetic circuits, and the challenges and opportunities this technology presents.
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14
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Iacometti C, Marx K, Hönick M, Biletskaia V, Schulz-Mirbach H, Dronsella B, Satanowski A, Delmas VA, Berger A, Dubois I, Bouzon M, Döring V, Noor E, Bar-Even A, Lindner SN. Activating Silent Glycolysis Bypasses in Escherichia coli. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9859643. [PMID: 37850128 PMCID: PMC10521649 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9859643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
All living organisms share similar reactions within their central metabolism to provide precursors for all essential building blocks and reducing power. To identify whether alternative metabolic routes of glycolysis can operate in E. coli, we complementarily employed in silico design, rational engineering, and adaptive laboratory evolution. First, we used a genome-scale model and identified two potential pathways within the metabolic network of this organism replacing canonical Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) glycolysis to convert phosphosugars into organic acids. One of these glycolytic routes proceeds via methylglyoxal and the other via serine biosynthesis and degradation. Then, we implemented both pathways in E. coli strains harboring defective EMP glycolysis. Surprisingly, the pathway via methylglyoxal seemed to immediately operate in a triosephosphate isomerase deletion strain cultivated on glycerol. By contrast, in a phosphoglycerate kinase deletion strain, the overexpression of methylglyoxal synthase was necessary to restore growth of the strain. Furthermore, we engineered the "serine shunt" which converts 3-phosphoglycerate via serine biosynthesis and degradation to pyruvate, bypassing an enolase deletion. Finally, to explore which of these alternatives would emerge by natural selection, we performed an adaptive laboratory evolution study using an enolase deletion strain. Our experiments suggest that the evolved mutants use the serine shunt. Our study reveals the flexible repurposing of metabolic pathways to create new metabolite links and rewire central metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Iacometti
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Katharina Marx
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Maria Hönick
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Viktoria Biletskaia
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Helena Schulz-Mirbach
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Beau Dronsella
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ari Satanowski
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Valérie A. Delmas
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Anne Berger
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Ivan Dubois
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Madeleine Bouzon
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Volker Döring
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Elad Noor
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Steffen N. Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Virchowweg 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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15
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Saito-Tarashima N, Murai A, Minakawa N. Rewriting the Central Dogma with Synthetic Genetic Polymers. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2022; 70:310-315. [DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c21-00960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Akiho Murai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University
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16
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Delmas VA, Perchat N, Monet O, Fouré M, Darii E, Roche D, Dubois I, Pateau E, Perret A, Döring V, Bouzon M. Genetic and biocatalytic basis of formate dependent growth of Escherichia coli strains evolved in continuous culture. Metab Eng 2022; 72:200-214. [PMID: 35341982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The reductive glycine pathway was described as the most energetically favorable synthetic route of aerobic formate assimilation. Here we report the successful implementation of formatotrophy in Escherichia coli by means of a stepwise adaptive evolution strategy. Medium swap and turbidostat regimes of continuous culture were applied to force the channeling of carbon flux through the synthetic pathway to pyruvate establishing growth on formate and CO2 as sole carbon sources. Labeling with 13C-formate proved the assimilation of the C1 substrate via the pathway metabolites. Genetic analysis of intermediate isolates revealed a mutational path followed throughout the adaptation process. Mutations were detected affecting the copy number (gene ftfL) or the coding sequence (genes folD and lpd) of genes which specify enzymes implicated in the three steps forming glycine from formate and CO2, the central metabolite of the synthetic pathway. The mutation R196S present in methylene-tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase (FolD) abolishes the inhibition of cyclohydrolase activity by the substrate formyl-tetrahydrofolate. The mutation R273H in lipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd) alters substrate affinities as well as kinetics at physiological substrate concentrations likely favoring a reactional shift towards lipoamide reduction. In addition, genetic reconstructions proved the necessity of all three mutations for formate assimilation by the adapted cells. The largely unpredictable nature of these changes demonstrates the usefulness of the evolutionary approach enabling the selection of adaptive mutations crucial for pathway engineering of biotechnological model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie A Delmas
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Nadia Perchat
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Oriane Monet
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Marion Fouré
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Ekatarina Darii
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - David Roche
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Ivan Dubois
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Emilie Pateau
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Alain Perret
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Volker Döring
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Madeleine Bouzon
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry-Courcouronnes, France.
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17
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Brennan AM. Development of Synthetic Biotics as Treatments for Human Diseases. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2022; 7:ysac001. [PMID: 35350191 PMCID: PMC8944296 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in synthetic biology have allowed the generation of strains of bacteria that are genetically altered to have specific therapeutic benefits. These synthetic biotics, also widely referred to as engineered living therapeutics, have tremendous potential as a new therapeutic modality, and several have advanced into the clinic and human testing. This review outlines some of the unique attributes of synthetic biotics as well as some of the challenges in their development as prescription products. Regulatory considerations are discussed, and a case study of a program that has advanced into Phase 2 testing is provided: SYNB1618 for the treatment of PKU.
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18
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Danchin A. In vivo, in vitro and in silico: an open space for the development of microbe-based applications of synthetic biology. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:42-64. [PMID: 34570957 PMCID: PMC8719824 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Living systems are studied using three complementary approaches: living cells, cell-free systems and computer-mediated modelling. Progresses in understanding, allowing researchers to create novel chassis and industrial processes rest on a cycle that combines in vivo, in vitro and in silico studies. This design-build-test-learn iteration loop cycle between experiments and analyses combines together physiology, genetics, biochemistry and bioinformatics in a way that keeps going forward. Because computer-aided approaches are not directly constrained by the material nature of the entities of interest, we illustrate here how this virtuous cycle allows researchers to explore chemistry which is foreign to that present in extant life, from whole chassis to novel metabolic cycles. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Danchin
- Kodikos LabsInstitut Cochin24 rue du Faubourg Saint‐JacquesParis75014France
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19
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Archambeau A, Delbianco M. Highlights from the 55th Bürgenstock Conference on Stereochemistry 2022. Chem Sci 2022; 13:9806-9810. [PMID: 36128242 PMCID: PMC9430484 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc90155b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In May 2022, the 55th Bürgenstock Conference on Stereochemistry happened in person once again. This summary provides insight into the scientific themes discussed during the most recent meeting of this historic and multi-disciplinary conference.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Archambeau
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, UMR 7652, Ecole Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, CNRS, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - Martina Delbianco
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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20
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Abstract
The maturation of chemical synthesis during the 20th century has elevated the discipline from a largely empirical into a rational science. This ability to purposefully craft matter at the molecular level has put chemists in a privileged position to contribute to progress in neighboring natural sciences. Recently, we have witnessed another major advance in the field in which chemists use chemical and biological "synthetic" methods together to alter the structures and properties of biological macromolecules in ways heretofore unimagined. This interdisciplinary approach to synthesis has even allowed us to expand upon the defining characteristics of living organisms at the molecular level. In this perspective, we present a case study for the successful addition of new chemistries to the fundamental processes of the central dogma of molecular biology, exemplified by the expansion of the genetic code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian S. Diercks
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - David A. Dik
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Peter G. Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Lead contact
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21
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Espeso DR, Dvořák P, Aparicio T, de Lorenzo V. An automated DIY framework for experimental evolution of Pseudomonas putida. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2679-2685. [PMID: 33047876 PMCID: PMC8601172 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a general and effective strategy for optimizing the design of engineered genetic circuits and upgrading metabolic phenotypes. However, the specific characteristics of each microorganism typically ask for exclusive conditions that need to be adjusted to the biological chassis at stake. In this work, we have adopted a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to implement a flexible and automated framework for performing ALE experiments with the environmental bacterium and metabolic engineering platform Pseudomonas putida. The setup includes a dual-chamber semi-continuous log-phase bioreactor design combined with an anti-biofilm layout to manage specific traits of this bacterium in long-term cultivation experiments. As a way of validation, the prototype was instrumental for selecting fast-growing variants of a P. putida strain engineered to metabolize D-xylose as sole carbon and energy source after running an automated 42 days protocol of iterative regrowth. Several genomic changes were identified in the evolved population that pinpointed the role of RNA polymerase in controlling overall physiological conditions during metabolism of the new carbon source.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Espeso
- Systems Biology ProgramCentro Nacional de Biotecnología‐CSICCampus de CantoblancoMadrid28049Spain
| | - Pavel Dvořák
- Department of Experimental BiologyFaculty of ScienceMasaryk UniversityBrno62500Czech Republic
| | - Tomás Aparicio
- Systems Biology ProgramCentro Nacional de Biotecnología‐CSICCampus de CantoblancoMadrid28049Spain
| | - Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology ProgramCentro Nacional de Biotecnología‐CSICCampus de CantoblancoMadrid28049Spain
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22
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Change in Cofactor Specificity of Oxidoreductases by Adaptive Evolution of an Escherichia coli NADPH-Auxotrophic Strain. mBio 2021; 12:e0032921. [PMID: 34399608 PMCID: PMC8406311 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00329-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The nicotinamide cofactor specificity of enzymes plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes and attaining cellular homeostasis. Multiple studies have used enzyme engineering tools or a directed evolution approach to switch the cofactor preference of specific oxidoreductases. However, whole-cell adaptation toward the emergence of novel cofactor regeneration routes has not been previously explored. To address this challenge, we used an Escherichia coli NADPH-auxotrophic strain. We continuously cultivated this strain under selective conditions. After 500 to 1,100 generations of adaptive evolution using different carbon sources, we isolated several strains capable of growing without an external NADPH source. Most isolated strains were found to harbor a mutated NAD+-dependent malic enzyme (MaeA). A single mutation in MaeA was found to switch cofactor specificity while lowering enzyme activity. Most mutated MaeA variants also harbored a second mutation that restored the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Remarkably, the best MaeA variants identified this way displayed overall superior kinetics relative to the wild-type variant with NAD+. In other evolved strains, the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd) was mutated to accept NADP+, thus enabling the pyruvate dehydrogenase and 2-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes to regenerate NADPH. Interestingly, no other central metabolism oxidoreductase seems to evolve toward reducing NADP+, which we attribute to several biochemical constraints, including unfavorable thermodynamics. This study demonstrates the potential and biochemical limits of evolving oxidoreductases within the cellular context toward changing cofactor specificity, further showing that long-term adaptive evolution can optimize enzyme activity beyond what is achievable via rational design or directed evolution using small libraries.
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23
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Arnolds KL, Dahlin LR, Ding L, Wu C, Yu J, Xiong W, Zuniga C, Suzuki Y, Zengler K, Linger JG, Guarnieri MT. Biotechnology for secure biocontainment designs in an emerging bioeconomy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 71:25-31. [PMID: 34091124 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have emerged as an integral component of a sustainable bioeconomy, with an array of applications in agriculture, bioenergy, and biomedicine. However, the rapid development of GMOs and associated synthetic biology approaches raises a number of biosecurity concerns related to environmental escape of GMOs, detection thereof, and impact upon native ecosystems. A myriad of genetic safeguards have been deployed in diverse microbial hosts, ranging from classical auxotrophies to global genome recoding. However, to realize the full potential of microbes as biocatalytic platforms in the bioeconomy, a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles governing microbial responsiveness to biocontainment constraints, and interactivity of GMOs with the environment, is required. Herein, we review recent analytical biotechnological advances and strategies to assess biocontainment and microbial bioproductivity, as well as opportunities for predictive systems biodesigns towards securing a viable bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas R Dahlin
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Lin Ding
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Chao Wu
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Jianping Yu
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Wei Xiong
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Cristal Zuniga
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yo Suzuki
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Karsten Zengler
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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24
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Pezo V, Jaziri F, Bourguignon PY, Louis D, Jacobs-Sera D, Rozenski J, Pochet S, Herdewijn P, Hatfull GF, Kaminski PA, Marliere P. Noncanonical DNA polymerization by aminoadenine-based siphoviruses. Science 2021; 372:520-524. [PMID: 33926956 DOI: 10.1126/science.abe6542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophage genomes harbor the broadest chemical diversity of nucleobases across all life forms. Certain DNA viruses that infect hosts as diverse as cyanobacteria, proteobacteria, and actinobacteria exhibit wholesale substitution of aminoadenine for adenine, thereby forming three hydrogen bonds with thymine and violating Watson-Crick pairing rules. Aminoadenine-encoded DNA polymerases, homologous to the Klenow fragment of bacterial DNA polymerase I that includes 3'-exonuclease but lacks 5'-exonuclease, were found to preferentially select for aminoadenine instead of adenine in deoxynucleoside triphosphate incorporation templated by thymine. Polymerase genes occur in synteny with genes for a biosynthesis enzyme that produces aminoadenine deoxynucleotides in a wide array of Siphoviridae bacteriophages. Congruent phylogenetic clustering of the polymerases and biosynthesis enzymes suggests that aminoadenine has propagated in DNA alongside adenine since archaic stages of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Pezo
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Faten Jaziri
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Bourguignon
- Werkstatt fuer Potenzielle Genetik, Naunynstrasse 30, 10997 Berlin, Germany.,TESSSI, 81 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France
| | | | - Deborah Jacobs-Sera
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
| | - Jef Rozenski
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Biomedical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Pochet
- Organic Chemistry, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Biomedical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graham F Hatfull
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
| | - Pierre-Alexandre Kaminski
- Biology of Gram-Positive Pathogens, CNRS URL3526, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Marliere
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057 Evry, France. .,TESSSI, 81 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France
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25
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Schmidt M, Kubyshkin V. How To Quantify a Genetic Firewall? A Polarity-Based Metric for Genetic Code Engineering. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1268-1284. [PMID: 33231343 PMCID: PMC8049029 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic code engineering aims to produce organisms that translate genetic information in a different way from that prescribed by the standard genetic code. This endeavor could eventually lead to genetic isolation, where an organism that operates under a different genetic code will not be able to transfer functional genes with other living species, thereby standing behind a genetic firewall. It is not clear however, how distinct the code should be, or how to measure the distance. We have developed a metric (Δcode ) where we assigned polarity indices (clog D7 ) to amino acids to calculate the distances between pairs of genetic codes. We then calculated the distance between a set of 204 genetic codes, including the 24 known distinct natural codes, 11 extreme-distance codes created computationally, nine theoretical special purpose codes from literature and 160 codes in which canonical amino acids were replaced by noncanonical chemical analogues. The metric can be used for building strategies towards creating semantically alienated organisms, and testing the strength of genetic firewalls. This metric provides the basis for a map of the genetic codes that could guide future efforts towards novel biochemical worlds, biosafety and deep barcoding applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir Kubyshkin
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ManitobaDysart Road 144WinnipegR3T 2N2Canada
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26
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Classification of the Biogenicity of Complex Organic Mixtures for the Detection of Extraterrestrial Life. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030234. [PMID: 33809046 PMCID: PMC8001260 DOI: 10.3390/life11030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Searching for life in the Universe depends on unambiguously distinguishing biological features from background signals, which could take the form of chemical, morphological, or spectral signatures. The discovery and direct measurement of organic compounds unambiguously indicative of extraterrestrial (ET) life is a major goal of Solar System exploration. Biology processes matter and energy differently from abiological systems, and materials produced by biological systems may become enriched in planetary environments where biology is operative. However, ET biology might be composed of different components than terrestrial life. As ET sample return is difficult, in situ methods for identifying biology will be useful. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a potentially versatile life detection technique, which will be used to analyze numerous Solar System environments in the near future. We show here that simple algorithmic analysis of MS data from abiotic synthesis (natural and synthetic), microbial cells, and thermally processed biological materials (lab-grown organisms and petroleum) easily identifies relational organic compound distributions that distinguish pristine and aged biological and abiological materials, which likely can be attributed to the types of compounds these processes produce, as well as how they are formed and decompose. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive demonstration of the utility of this analytical technique for the detection of biology. This method is independent of the detection of particular masses or molecular species samples may contain. This suggests a general method to agnostically detect evidence of biology using MS given a sufficiently strong signal in which the majority of the material in a sample has either a biological or abiological origin. Such metrics are also likely to be useful for studies of possible emergent living phenomena, and paleobiological samples.
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27
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Yang H, Eremeeva E, Abramov M, Herdewijn P. The Network of Replication, Transcription, and Reverse Transcription of a Synthetic Genetic Cassette. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202011887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Medicinal Chemistry Rega Institute for Medical Research KU Leuven Herestraat 49, Box-1041 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Elena Eremeeva
- Medicinal Chemistry Rega Institute for Medical Research KU Leuven Herestraat 49, Box-1041 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Mikhail Abramov
- Medicinal Chemistry Rega Institute for Medical Research KU Leuven Herestraat 49, Box-1041 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry Rega Institute for Medical Research KU Leuven Herestraat 49, Box-1041 3000 Leuven Belgium
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28
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Yang H, Eremeeva E, Abramov M, Herdewijn P. The Network of Replication, Transcription, and Reverse Transcription of a Synthetic Genetic Cassette. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 60:4175-4182. [PMID: 33142013 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202011887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic nucleic acids, with four non-canonical nucleobases, can function as genetic materials. A comprehensive analysis of PCR amplification, transcription, reverse transcription, and cloning was done to screen for alternative genetic monomers. A small library of six modified nucleobases was selected: the modified 2'-deoxyribonucleoside (dZTPs) and ribonucleoside (rZTPs) triphosphates of 7-deaza-adenine, 5-chlorouracil, 7-deaza-guanine or inosine together with 5-fluorocytosine or 5-bromocytosine. The fragments composed of one to four modified nucleotides (denoted as DZA) have been successfully recognized and transcribed to natural or modified RNA (denoted as RZA) by T7 RNA polymerase. The fully modified RZA fragment could be reverse transcribed and then amplified in the presence of various dZTPs. Noticeably, modified fragments could function as genetic templates in vivo by encoding the 678 base pair gene of a fluorescent protein in bacteria. These results demonstrate the existence of a fully simulated genetic circuit that uses synthetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box-1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Eremeeva
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box-1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mikhail Abramov
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box-1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box-1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Abstract
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Biocontainment is an essential feature
when deploying genetically
modified organisms (GMOs) in open system applications, as variants
escaping their intended operating environments could negatively impact
ecosystems and human health. To avoid breaches resulting from metabolic
cross-feeding, horizontal gene transfer, and/or genetic mutations,
synthetic auxotrophs have been engineered to become dependent on exogenously
supplied xenobiotics, such as noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs). The
incorporation of these abiological building blocks into essential
proteins constitutes a first step toward constructing xenobiological
barriers between GMOs and their environments. To transition synthetic
auxotrophs further away from familiar biology, we demonstrate how
bacterial growth can be confined by transition-metal complexes that
catalyze the formation of an essential ncAA through new-to-nature
reactions. Specifically, using a homogeneous ruthenium complex enabled
us to localize bacterial growth on solid media, while heterogeneous
palladium nanoparticles could be recycled and deployed up to five
consecutive times to ensure the survival of synthetic auxotrophs in
liquid cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Rubini
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Mayer
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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30
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Schipp CJ, Ma Y, Al‐Shameri A, D'Alessio F, Neubauer P, Contestabile R, Budisa N, di Salvo ML. An Engineered Escherichia coli Strain with Synthetic Metabolism for in-Cell Production of Translationally Active Methionine Derivatives. Chembiochem 2020; 21:3525-3538. [PMID: 32734669 PMCID: PMC7756864 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, it has become clear that the canonical amino acid repertoire codified by the universal genetic code is not up to the needs of emerging biotechnologies. For this reason, extensive genetic code re-engineering is essential to expand the scope of ribosomal protein translation, leading to reprogrammed microbial cells equipped with an alternative biochemical alphabet to be exploited as potential factories for biotechnological purposes. The prerequisite for this to happen is a continuous intracellular supply of noncanonical amino acids through synthetic metabolism from simple and cheap precursors. We have engineered an Escherichia coli bacterial system that fulfills these requirements through reconfiguration of the methionine biosynthetic pathway and the introduction of an exogenous direct trans-sulfuration pathway. Our metabolic scheme operates in vivo, rescuing intermediates from core cell metabolism and combining them with small bio-orthogonal compounds. Our reprogrammed E. coli strain is capable of the in-cell production of l-azidohomoalanine, which is directly incorporated into proteins in response to methionine codons. We thereby constructed a prototype suitable for economic, versatile, green sustainable chemistry, pushing towards enzyme chemistry and biotechnology-based production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Johannes Schipp
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of BiotechnologyTechnische Universität Berlin ACK 24Ackerstraße 7613355BerlinGermany
| | - Ying Ma
- Paraxel International GmbH, Berlin, Campus DRK Kliniken Berlin Westend Haus 18Spandauer Damm 13014050BerlinGermany
| | - Ammar Al‐Shameri
- Institut für ChemieTechnische Universität BerlinMüller-Breslau-Straße. 1010623BerlinGermany
| | - Federico D'Alessio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”Sapienza Università di RomaPiazzale Aldo Moro, 5 – Edificio CU2000185RomaItaly
| | - Peter Neubauer
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of BiotechnologyTechnische Universität Berlin ACK 24Ackerstraße 7613355BerlinGermany
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”Sapienza Università di RomaPiazzale Aldo Moro, 5 – Edificio CU2000185RomaItaly
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Institut für ChemieTechnische Universität BerlinMüller-Breslau-Straße. 1010623BerlinGermany
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegMB, R3T 2N2Canada
| | - Martino Luigi di Salvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”Sapienza Università di RomaPiazzale Aldo Moro, 5 – Edificio CU2000185RomaItaly
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31
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Kim D, Lee JW. Genetic Biocontainment Systems for the Safe Use of Engineered Microorganisms. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-020-0070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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32
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Špaček J, Fojta M. Electroanalysis of unnatural base pair content in plasmid DNA generated in a semi-synthetic organism. Electrochim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.137298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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33
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Espinasse A, Lembke HK, Cao AA, Carlson EE. Modified nucleoside triphosphates in bacterial research for in vitro and live-cell applications. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:333-351. [PMID: 33928252 PMCID: PMC8081287 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00078g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) are invaluable tools to probe bacterial enzymatic mechanisms, develop novel genetic material, and engineer drugs and proteins with new functionalities. Although the impact of nucleobase alterations has predominantly been studied due to their importance for protein recognition, sugar and phosphate modifications have also been investigated. However, NTPs are cell impermeable due to their negatively charged phosphate tail, a major hurdle to achieving live bacterial studies. Herein, we review the recent advances made to investigate and evolve bacteria and their processes with the use of modified NTPs by exploring alterations in one of the three moieties: the nucleobase, the sugar and the phosphate tail. We also present the innovative methods that have been devised to internalize NTPs into bacteria for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Espinasse
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota207 Pleasant Street SEMinneapolisMinnesota 55455USA
| | - Hannah K. Lembke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota207 Pleasant Street SEMinneapolisMinnesota 55455USA
| | - Angela A. Cao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota207 Pleasant Street SEMinneapolisMinnesota 55455USA
| | - Erin E. Carlson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota207 Pleasant Street SEMinneapolisMinnesota 55455USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota208 Harvard Street SEMinneapolisMinnesota 55454USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota321 Church St SEMinneapolisMinnesota 55454USA
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34
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Tarashima NS, Matsuo A, Minakawa N. Gene Expression of 4'-Thioguanine DNA via 4'-Thiocytosine RNA. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:17255-17259. [PMID: 33016701 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c07145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
DNA and RNA nucleotides are ubiquitous molecules that store and transmit genetic information. The emergence of synthetic elements that fulfill the function of DNA and RNA provides an alternative gene expression system. Herein, we demonstrate the gene expression of 4'-thioguanine DNA (dSG DNA) via 4'-thiocytosine RNA (dSC RNA) to give green fluorescent protein (GFPuv) in a single test tube. In replication, transcription, and translation, DNA/RNA polymerases and Escherichia coli (E. coli) ribosome can tolerate the replacement of O4' with S4' in the nucleotide, despite the fact that sulfur has a larger atomic radius than oxygen. Additionally, dSG DNA and dSC RNA acted as alternative genetic polymers to natural DNA and RNA for protein synthesis in artificial cells comprising a reconstituted E. coli gene expression machinery. This work involved simple experiments that are widely used in molecular biology, but which underscore the feasibility of life control by substances other than DNA/RNA nucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko S Tarashima
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Ayako Matsuo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Noriaki Minakawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
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35
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Csibra E, Renders M, Pinheiro VB. Bacterial Cell Display as a Robust and Versatile Platform for Engineering Low-Affinity Ligands and Enzymes. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2844-2853. [PMID: 32413179 PMCID: PMC7586821 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Directed evolution has been remarkably successful at expanding the chemical and functional boundaries of biology. That progress is heavily dependent on the robustness and flexibility of the available selection platforms, given the significant cost to (re)develop a given platform to target a new desired function. Bacterial cell display has a significant track record as a viable strategy for the engineering of mesophilic enzymes, as enzyme activity can be probed directly and free from interference from the cellular milieu, but its adoption has lagged behind other display-based methods. Herein, we report the development of SNAP as a quantitative reporter for bacterial cell display, which enables fast troubleshooting and the systematic development of the display-based selection platform, thus improving its robustness. In addition, we demonstrate that even weak interactions between displayed proteins and nucleic acids can be harnessed for the specific labelling of bacterial cells, allowing functional characterisation of DNA binding proteins and enzymes, thus making it a highly flexible platform for these biochemical functions. Together, this establishes bacterial display as a robust and flexible platform, ideally suited for the systematic engineering of ligands and enzymes needed for XNA molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Csibra
- University College LondonDepartment of Structural and Molecular BiologyGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
- Current address: Imperial College LondonExhibition RoadLondonSW7 2AZUK
| | - Marleen Renders
- Rega Institute for Medical ResearchKU LeuvenHerestraat, 49 box 10413000LeuvenBelgium
- Current address: Touchlight Genetics Ltd. Morelands & Riverdale BuildingsLower Sunbury RoadHamptonTW12 2ERUK
| | - Vitor B. Pinheiro
- University College LondonDepartment of Structural and Molecular BiologyGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
- Rega Institute for Medical ResearchKU LeuvenHerestraat, 49 box 10413000LeuvenBelgium
- Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyBirkbeck CollegeUniversity of LondonMalet StreetLondonWC1E 7HXUK
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36
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Duffy K, Arangundy-Franklin S, Holliger P. Modified nucleic acids: replication, evolution, and next-generation therapeutics. BMC Biol 2020; 18:112. [PMID: 32878624 PMCID: PMC7469316 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleic acids, also called xeno nucleic acids (XNAs), offer a variety of advantages for biotechnological applications and address some of the limitations of first-generation nucleic acid therapeutics. Indeed, several therapeutics based on modified nucleic acids have recently been approved and many more are under clinical evaluation. XNAs can provide increased biostability and furthermore are now increasingly amenable to in vitro evolution, accelerating lead discovery. Here, we review the most recent discoveries in this dynamic field with a focus on progress in the enzymatic replication and functional exploration of XNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Duffy
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - Philipp Holliger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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37
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Algar E, Al‐Ramahi Y, Lorenzo V, Martínez‐García E. Environmental Performance of
Pseudomonas putida
with a Uracylated Genome. Chembiochem 2020; 21:3255-3265. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Algar
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) Campus de Cantoblanco 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Yamal Al‐Ramahi
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) Campus de Cantoblanco 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Víctor Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) Campus de Cantoblanco 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Esteban Martínez‐García
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) Campus de Cantoblanco 28049 Madrid Spain
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38
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Nie P, Bai Y, Mei H. Synthetic Life with Alternative Nucleic Acids as Genetic Materials. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153483. [PMID: 32751873 PMCID: PMC7435384 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA, the fundamental genetic polymer of all living organisms on Earth, can be chemically modified to embrace novel functions that do not exist in nature. The key chemical and structural parameters for genetic information storage, heredity, and evolution have been elucidated, and many xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNAs) with non-canonical structures are developed as alternative genetic materials in vitro. However, it is still particularly challenging to replace DNAs with XNAs in living cells. This review outlines some recent studies in which the storage and propagation of genetic information are achieved in vivo by expanding genetic systems with XNAs.
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39
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Gleizer S, Ben-Nissan R, Bar-On YM, Antonovsky N, Noor E, Zohar Y, Jona G, Krieger E, Shamshoum M, Bar-Even A, Milo R. Conversion of Escherichia coli to Generate All Biomass Carbon from CO 2. Cell 2020; 179:1255-1263.e12. [PMID: 31778652 PMCID: PMC6904909 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The living world is largely divided into autotrophs that convert CO2 into biomass and heterotrophs that consume organic compounds. In spite of widespread interest in renewable energy storage and more sustainable food production, the engineering of industrially relevant heterotrophic model organisms to use CO2 as their sole carbon source has so far remained an outstanding challenge. Here, we report the achievement of this transformation on laboratory timescales. We constructed and evolved Escherichia coli to produce all its biomass carbon from CO2. Reducing power and energy, but not carbon, are supplied via the one-carbon molecule formate, which can be produced electrochemically. Rubisco and phosphoribulokinase were co-expressed with formate dehydrogenase to enable CO2 fixation and reduction via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. Autotrophic growth was achieved following several months of continuous laboratory evolution in a chemostat under intensifying organic carbon limitation and confirmed via isotopic labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shmuel Gleizer
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Roee Ben-Nissan
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yinon M Bar-On
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Niv Antonovsky
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Elad Noor
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yehudit Zohar
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ghil Jona
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Eyal Krieger
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Melina Shamshoum
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ron Milo
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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40
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The developing toolkit of continuous directed evolution. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 16:610-619. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-0532-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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41
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Stirling F, Silver PA. Controlling the Implementation of Transgenic Microbes: Are We Ready for What Synthetic Biology Has to Offer? Mol Cell 2020; 78:614-623. [PMID: 32442504 PMCID: PMC7307494 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has promised and delivered on an impressive array of applications based on genetically modified microorganisms. While novel biotechnology undoubtedly offers benefits, like all new technology, precautions should be considered during implementation to reduce the risk of both known and unknown adverse effects. To achieve containment of transgenic microorganisms, confidence to a near-scientific certainty that they cannot transfer their transgenic genes to other organisms, and that they cannot survive to propagate in unintended environments, is a priority. Here, we present an in-depth summary of biological containment systems for micro-organisms published to date, including the production of a genetic firewall through genome recoding and physical containment of microbes using auxotrophies, regulation of essential genes, and expression of toxic genes. The level of containment required to consider a transgenic organism suitable for deployment is discussed, as well as standards of practice for developing new containment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn Stirling
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Warren Alpert 536, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pamela A Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Warren Alpert 536, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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42
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Nieto-Domínguez M, Nikel PI. Intersecting Xenobiology and Neometabolism To Bring Novel Chemistries to Life. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2551-2571. [PMID: 32274875 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of life relies on a handful of chemical elements (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus) as part of essential building blocks; some other atoms are needed to a lesser extent, but most of the remaining elements are excluded from biology. This circumstance limits the scope of biochemical reactions in extant metabolism - yet it offers a phenomenal playground for synthetic biology. Xenobiology aims to bring novel bricks to life that could be exploited for (xeno)metabolite synthesis. In particular, the assembly of novel pathways engineered to handle nonbiological elements (neometabolism) will broaden chemical space beyond the reach of natural evolution. In this review, xeno-elements that could be blended into nature's biosynthetic portfolio are discussed together with their physicochemical properties and tools and strategies to incorporate them into biochemistry. We argue that current bioproduction methods can be revolutionized by bridging xenobiology and neometabolism for the synthesis of new-to-nature molecules, such as organohalides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nieto-Domínguez
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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43
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Budisa N, Kubyshkin V, Schmidt M. Xenobiology: A Journey towards Parallel Life Forms. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2228-2231. [PMID: 32323410 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Xenobiology is the science of estranged life forms. More specifically, this is an emergent technoscience that combines advances in genetic engineering with the design of biological systems based on unusual biochemistries delivered by chemical compounds of mostly anthropogenic origin. Xenobiology enables us to create and study strange new life forms, "aliens", not in the way science fiction books do it, but in terms of enlightened science, design, and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Dysart Road 144, Winnipeg, R2T 2N2, Canada.,Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Müller-Breslau-Strasse 10, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Vladimir Kubyshkin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Dysart Road 144, Winnipeg, R2T 2N2, Canada
| | - Markus Schmidt
- Biofaction KG, Kundmanngasse 39/12, 1030, Vienna, Austria
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44
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Danchin A. Isobiology: A Variational Principle for Exploring Synthetic Life. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1781-1792. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Danchin
- Stellate TherapeuticsInstitut Cochin 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques 75014 Paris France
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45
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François JM, Lachaux C, Morin N. Synthetic Biology Applied to Carbon Conservative and Carbon Dioxide Recycling Pathways. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 7:446. [PMID: 31998710 PMCID: PMC6966089 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The global warming conjugated with our reliance to petrol derived processes and products have raised strong concern about the future of our planet, asking urgently to find sustainable substitute solutions to decrease this reliance and annihilate this climate change mainly due to excess of CO2 emission. In this regard, the exploitation of microorganisms as microbial cell factories able to convert non-edible but renewable carbon sources into biofuels and commodity chemicals appears as an attractive solution. However, there is still a long way to go to make this solution economically viable and to introduce the use of microorganisms as one of the motor of the forthcoming bio-based economy. In this review, we address a scientific issue that must be challenged in order to improve the value of microbial organisms as cell factories. This issue is related to the capability of microbial systems to optimize carbon conservation during their metabolic processes. This initiative, which can be addressed nowadays using the advances in Synthetic Biology, should lead to an increase in products yield per carbon assimilated which is a key performance indice in biotechnological processes, as well as to indirectly contribute to a reduction of CO2 emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Marie François
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse White Biotechnology Center (TWB), Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
| | - Cléa Lachaux
- Toulouse White Biotechnology Center (TWB), Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
| | - Nicolas Morin
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse White Biotechnology Center (TWB), Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
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46
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Abstract
To increase the scope of natural biosystem, nucleic acids have been intensively modified. One direction includes the development of a synthetic alternative to the native DNA and RNA, denoted Xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNAs) that are able to store and transfer genetic information either by base-modification or backbone-modification. Another line of research aims to develop alternative third base pair additional to natural A:T and G:C. These unnatural base pairs (UBPs) can store increased information content encoded in three base pairs. This review outlines the recent progress made towards XNA and UBP applications as new components of the genomic DNA as well as biostable aptamers. New achievements in the replacement of a bacterial genome by unnatural non-canonical nucleotides are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Eremeeva
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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47
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Cleaves HJ, Butch C, Burger PB, Goodwin J, Meringer M. One Among Millions: The Chemical Space of Nucleic Acid-Like Molecules. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:4266-4277. [PMID: 31498614 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Biology encodes hereditary information in DNA and RNA, which are finely tuned to their biological functions and modes of biological production. The central role of nucleic acids in biological information flow makes them key targets of pharmaceutical research. Indeed, other nucleic acid-like polymers can play similar roles to natural nucleic acids both in vivo and in vitro; yet despite remarkable advances over the last few decades, much remains unknown regarding which structures are compatible with molecular information storage. Chemical space describes the structures and properties of molecules that could exist within a given molecular formula or other classification system. Using structure generation methods, we explore nucleic acid analogues within the formula ranges BC3-7H5-15O2-4 and BC3-6H5-15N1-2O0-4, where B is a recognition element (e.g., a nucleobase). Other restrictions included two obligatory points of attachment for inclusion into a linear polymer and substructures predicting chemical stability. These sets contain 86,007 (CHO) and 75,309 (CHNO) compositionally isomeric structures, representing 706,568 CHO and 454,422 CHNO stereoisomers, that diversely and densely occupy this space. These libraries point toward there being large spaces of unexplored chemistry relevant to pharmacology and biochemistry and efforts to understand the origins of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henderson James Cleaves
- Earth-Life Science Institute , Tokyo Institute of Technology , 2-12-IE-1 Ookayama , Meguro-ku , Tokyo 152-8551 , Japan.,Institute for Advanced Study , Princeton , New Jersey 08540 , United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute for Science , 1515 Gallatin St. NW , Washington , DC 20011 , United States
| | - Christopher Butch
- Earth-Life Science Institute , Tokyo Institute of Technology , 2-12-IE-1 Ookayama , Meguro-ku , Tokyo 152-8551 , Japan.,Blue Marble Space Institute for Science , 1515 Gallatin St. NW , Washington , DC 20011 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , Emory University , 1515 Dickey Dr. , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Pieter Buys Burger
- Department of Chemistry , Emory University , 1515 Dickey Dr. , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Jay Goodwin
- Department of Chemistry , Emory University , 1515 Dickey Dr. , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Markus Meringer
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Earth Observation Center (EOC) , Münchner Straße 20 , 82234 Oberpfaffenhofen-Wessling , Germany
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48
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Tang Y, Cheng F, Feng Z, Jia G, Li C. Stereostructural Elucidation of Glucose Phosphorylation by Raman Optical Activity. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:7794-7800. [PMID: 31335146 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of glucose is the prime step in sugar metabolism and energy storage. Two key glucose phosphates are involved, that is, glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) and α-glucose 1-phosphate (αG1P). The chiral conformation of glucose, G6P, and αG1P plays an essential role in enzyme-mediated conversions. However, few techniques were able to give a direct view of the conformational changes from glucose to G6P and αG1P. Here, Raman optical activity (ROA) was used to elucidate the stereochemical evolution of glucose upon phosphorylation. ROA was found to be extremely sensitive to different phosphorylation sites. A characteristic ROA marker of (+)980 cm-1, originated from the phosphate group symmetric stretching vibration, is observed for αG1P with phosphorylation at chiral C1, while no corresponding ROA signal for G6P with phosphorylation at achiral C6 is observed. Phosphorylation-induced gauch-gauch (gg)/gauch-trans (gt) rotamer distribution changes can be sensitively probed by the sign of the ROA band around 1460 cm-1. A positive ROA band at 1465 cm-1 of glucose corresponds to a higher gt ratio, while a negative band at 1455 cm-1 of G6P suggests a dominant gg population, and the disappearance of this ROA band for αG1P indicates a nearly balanced gg/gt distribution. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation at C6 and C1 could cause dramatic reduction of the conformational flexibility of the adjacent C4-OH and C2-OH, respectively. These stereochemical changes revealed by ROA spectra offer a structural basis on the understanding of sugar phosphorylation from the perspective of chirality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Zhongshan Road 457 , Dalian 116023 , China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , No. 19A Yuquan Road , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Feng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Zhongshan Road 457 , Dalian 116023 , China
| | - Zhaochi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Zhongshan Road 457 , Dalian 116023 , China
| | - Guoqing Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Zhongshan Road 457 , Dalian 116023 , China
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Zhongshan Road 457 , Dalian 116023 , China
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49
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Luo M, Groaz E, Froeyen M, Pezo V, Jaziri F, Leonczak P, Schepers G, Rozenski J, Marlière P, Herdewijn P. Invading Escherichia coli Genetics with a Xenobiotic Nucleic Acid Carrying an Acyclic Phosphonate Backbone (ZNA). J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:10844-10851. [PMID: 31251601 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b04714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A synthetic orthogonal polymer embracing a chiral acyclic-phosphonate backbone [(S)-ZNA] is presented that uniquely adds to the emerging family of xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNAs). (S)-ZNA consists of reiterating six-atom structural units and can be accessed in few synthetic steps from readily available phophonomethylglycerol nucleoside (PMGN) precursors. Comparative thermal stability experiments conducted on homo- and heteroduplexes made of (S)-ZNA are described that evince its high self-hybridization efficiency in contrast to poor binding of natural complements. Although preliminary and not conclusive, circular dichroism data and dynamic modeling computations provide support to a left-handed geometry of double-stranded (S)-ZNA. Nonetheless, PMGN diphosphate monomers were recognized as substrates by Escherichia coli (E. coli) polymerase I as well as being imported into E. coli cells equipped with an algal nucleotide transporter. A further investigation into the in vivo propagation of (S)-ZNA culminated with the demonstration of the first synthetic nucleic acid with an acyclic backbone that can be transliterated to DNA by the E. coli cellular machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Luo
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Mathy Froeyen
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Valérie Pezo
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob , CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux 91057 Evry , France
| | - Faten Jaziri
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob , CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux 91057 Evry , France
| | - Piotr Leonczak
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Guy Schepers
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Jef Rozenski
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
| | - Philippe Marlière
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob , CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux 91057 Evry , France
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry , KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research , Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven , Belgium
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50
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Belkhelfa S, Roche D, Dubois I, Berger A, Delmas VA, Cattolico L, Perret A, Labadie K, Perdereau AC, Darii E, Pateau E, de Berardinis V, Salanoubat M, Bouzon M, Döring V. Continuous Culture Adaptation of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 and TK 0001 to Very High Methanol Concentrations. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1313. [PMID: 31281294 PMCID: PMC6595629 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bio-economy relies on microbial strains optimized for efficient large scale production of chemicals and fuels from inexpensive and renewable feedstocks under industrial conditions. The reduced one carbon compound methanol, whose production does not involve carbohydrates needed for the feed and food sector, can be used as sole carbon and energy source by methylotrophic bacteria like Methylobacterium extorquens AM1. This strain has already been engineered to produce various commodity and high value chemicals from methanol. The toxic effect of methanol limits its concentration as feedstock to 1% v/v. We obtained M. extorquens chassis strains tolerant to high methanol via adaptive directed evolution using the GM3 technology of automated continuous culture. Turbidostat and conditional medium swap regimes were employed for the parallel evolution of the recently characterized strain TK 0001 and the reference strain AM1 and enabled the isolation of derivatives of both strains capable of stable growth with 10% methanol. The isolates produced more biomass at 1% methanol than the ancestor strains. Genome sequencing identified the gene metY coding for an O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase as common target of mutation. We showed that the wildtype enzyme uses methanol as substrate at elevated concentrations. This side reaction produces methoxine, a toxic homolog of methionine incorporated in polypeptides during translation. All mutated metY alleles isolated from the evolved populations coded for inactive enzymes, designating O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase as a major vector of methanol toxicity. A whole cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes coding for chaperones and proteases were upregulated in the evolved cells as compared with the wildtype, suggesting that the cells had to cope with aberrant proteins formed during the adaptation to increasing methanol exposure. In addition, the expression of ribosomal proteins and enzymes related to energy production from methanol like formate dehydrogenases and ATP synthases was boosted in the evolved cells upon a short-term methanol stress. D-lactate production from methanol by adapted cells overexpressing the native D-lactate dehydrogenase was quantified. A significant higher lactate yield was obtained compared with control cells, indicating an enhanced capacity of the cells resistant to high methanol to assimilate this one carbon feedstock more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Belkhelfa
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - David Roche
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Ivan Dubois
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Anne Berger
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Valérie A Delmas
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Laurence Cattolico
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Alain Perret
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Karine Labadie
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Aude C Perdereau
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Ekaterina Darii
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Emilie Pateau
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Véronique de Berardinis
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Marcel Salanoubat
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Madeleine Bouzon
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Volker Döring
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
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