A novel cyanobacterial nostocyclopeptide is a potent antitoxin against microcystins

Proline Analogues

Within the canonical repertoire of the amino acid involved in protein biogenesis, proline plays a unique role as an amino acid presenting a modified backbone rather than a side-chain. Chemical structures that mimic proline but introduce changes into its specific molecular features are defined as proline analogues. This review article summarizes the existing chemical, physicochemical, and biochemical knowledge about this peculiar family of structures. We group proline analogues from the following compounds: substituted prolines, unsaturated and fused structures, ring size homologues, heterocyclic, e.g., pseudoproline, and bridged proline-resembling structures. We overview (1) the occurrence of proline analogues in nature and their chemical synthesis, (2) physicochemical properties including ring conformation and cis/trans amide isomerization, (3) use in commercial drugs such as nirmatrelvir recently approved against COVID-19, (4) peptide and protein synthesis involving proline analogues, (5) specific opportunities created in peptide engineering, and (6) cases of protein engineering with the analogues. The review aims to provide a summary to anyone interested in using proline analogues in systems ranging from specific biochemical setups to complex biological systems.

Alleviation of microcystin-leucine arginine -induced hepatotoxicity: An updated overview

OBJECTIVES

Contamination of surface waters is a major health threat for all living creatures. Some types of blue-green algae that naturally occur in fresh water, are able to produce various toxins, like Microcystins (MCs). Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) produced by Microcystis aeruginosa is the most toxic and abundant isoforms of MCs, and it causes hepatotoxicity. The present article reviews preclinical experiments examined different treatments, including herbal derivatives, dietary supplements and drugs against MC-LR hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

We searched scientific databases Web of Science, Embase, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords to find suitable studies until November 2023.

RESULTS

MC-LR through Organic anion transporting polypeptide superfamily transporters (OATPs) penetrates and accumulates in hepatocytes, and it inhibits protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A). Consequently, MC-LR disturbs many signaling pathways and induces oxidative stress thus damages cellular macromolecules. Some protective agents, especially plants rich in flavonoids, and natural supplements, as well as chemoprotectants were shown to diminish MC-LR hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The reviewed agents through blocking the OATP transporters (nontoxic nostocyclopeptide-M1, captopril, and naringin), then inhibition of MC-LR uptake (naringin, rifampin, cyclosporin-A, silymarin and captopril), and finally at restoration of PPAse activity (silybin, quercetin, morin, naringin, rifampin, captopril, azo dyes) exert hepatoprotective effect against MC-LR.

Dynamic Control of Cyclic Peptide Assembly to Form Higher-Order Assemblies

Chirality correction, asymmetry, ring-chain tautomerism and hierarchical assemblies are fundamental phenomena in nature. They are geometrically related and may impact the biological roles of a protein or other supermolecules. It is challenging to study those behaviors within an artificial system due to the complexity of displaying these features. Herein, we design an alternating D,L peptide to recreate and validate the naturally occurring chirality inversion prior to cyclization in water. The resulting asymmetrical cyclic peptide containing a 4-imidazolidinone ring provides an excellent platform to study the ring-chain tautomerism, thermostability and dynamic assembly of the nanostructures. Different from traditional cyclic D,L peptides, the formation of 4-imidazolidinone promotes the formation of intertwined nanostructures. Analysis of the nanostructures confirmed the left-handedness, representing chirality induced self-assembly. This proves that a rationally designed peptide can mimic multiple natural phenomena and could promote the development of functional biomaterials, catalysts, antibiotics, and supermolecules.

Selection of Anabaena sp. PCC 7938 as a Cyanobacterium Model for Biological ISRU on Mars

Crewed missions to Mars are expected to take place in the coming decades. After short-term stays, a permanent presence will be desirable to enable a wealth of scientific discoveries. This will require providing crews with life-support consumables in amounts that are too large to be imported from Earth. Part of these consumables could be produced on site with bioprocesses, but the feedstock should not have to be imported. A solution under consideration lies in using diazotrophic, rock-weathering cyanobacteria as primary producers: fed with materials naturally available on site, they would provide the nutrients required by other organisms. This concept has recently gained momentum but progress is slowed by a lack of consistency across contributing teams, and notably of a shared model organism. With the hope to address this issue, we present the work performed to select our current model. We started with preselected strains from the Nostocaceae family. After sequencing the genome of Anabaena sp. PCC 7938-the only one not yet available-we compared the strains' genomic data to determine their relatedness and provide insights into their physiology. We then assessed and compared relevant features: chiefly, their abilities to utilize nutrients from Martian regolith, their resistance to perchlorates (toxic compounds present in the regolith), and their suitability as feedstock for secondary producers (here a heterotrophic bacterium and a higher plant). This led to the selection of Anabaena sp. PCC 7938, which we propose as a model cyanobacterium for the development of bioprocesses based on Mars's natural resources. IMPORTANCE The sustainability of crewed missions to Mars could be increased by biotechnologies which are connected to resources available on site via primary producers: diazotrophic, rock-leaching cyanobacteria. Indeed, this could greatly reduce the mass of payloads to be imported from Earth. The concept is gaining momentum but progress is hindered by a lack of consistency across research teams. We consequently describe the selection process that led to the choice of our model strain, demonstrate its relevance to the field, and propose it as a shared model organism. We expect this contribution to support the development of cyanobacterium-based biotechnologies on Mars.

Access to ortho-Hydroxyphenyl Ketimines via Imine Anion-Mediated Smiles Rearrangement

We have achieved a facile access to N-(2-halophenyl)-2-hydroxyphenylimine derivatives via imine anion-mediated Smiles rearrangement. When 2-(2-halophenoxy)benzonitriles were treated with 1.2-1.4 equiv of organolithium reagents, nucleophilic addition to the nitrile group followed by Smiles rearrangement occurred to give various N-(2-halophenyl)-2-hydroxyphenylimine derivatives, which are sometimes difficult to synthesize by the conventional acid-promoted condensation reaction between carbonyl compounds and aniline derivatives, in good to excellent chemical yields (up to 91%).

A new strain of Neowestiellopsis (Hapalosiphonaceae): first observation of toxic soil cyanobacteria from agricultural fields in Iran

Background

In the present research, challenges arose when many reports have been published on the poisoning of humans due to the ingestion of crops of Crataegus plants contaminated with cyanobacterial toxins. The discovery of several poisonings around agricultural zones prompted us to study the toxic compounds in a strain of Neowestiellopsis which is the most abundant in the agricultural zones of Kermanshah province of Iran, using a polyphasic approach. Molecular procedure was followed to study these strains deeply.

Material and methods

To elucidate their systematic position, besides the 16S rRNA gene, the analyses of molecular toxicity markers, namely nos, mcy G, mcy D and internal transcribed spacer (ITS), were also used.

Results

Based on the results, for the first time, we record the presence of a gene cluster coding for the biosynthesis of a bioactive compound (Nostopeptolides) that is very rare in this family and the presence of toxic compounds (microcystin), which might account for the poisoning of humans.

Conclusions

This case is the first observation of a toxic soil strain from the genus Neowestiellopsis from agricultural fields in Iran.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02525-x.

Nostocyclopeptides as New Inhibitors of 20S Proteasome

Nostocyclopeptides (Ncps) are a small class of bioactive nonribosomal peptides produced solely by cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc. In the current work, six Ncps were isolated from Nostoc edaphicum strain CCNP1411. The bioactivity of these compounds was tested in vitro against 20S proteasome, a proteolytic complex that plays an important role in maintaining cellular proteostasis. Dysfunction of the complex leads to many pathological disorders. The assays indicated selective activity of specific Ncp variants. For two linear peptide aldehydes, Ncp-A2-L and Ncp-E2-L, the inhibitory effects on chymotrypsin-like activity were revealed, while the cyclic variant, Ncp-A2, inactivated the trypsin-like site of this enzymatic complex. The aldehyde group was confirmed to be an important element of the chymotrypsin-like activity inhibitors. The nostocyclopeptides, as novel inhibitors of 20S proteasome, increased the number of natural products that can be considered potential regulators of cellular processes.

Algal Toxic Compounds and Their Aeroterrestrial, Airborne and other Extremophilic Producers with Attention to Soil and Plant Contamination: A Review

The review summarizes the available knowledge on toxins and their producers from rather disparate algal assemblages of aeroterrestrial, airborne and other versatile extreme environments (hot springs, deserts, ice, snow, caves, etc.) and on phycotoxins as contaminants of emergent concern in soil and plants. There is a growing body of evidence that algal toxins and their producers occur in all general types of extreme habitats, and cyanobacteria/cyanoprokaryotes dominate in most of them. Altogether, 55 toxigenic algal genera (47 cyanoprokaryotes) were enlisted, and our analysis showed that besides the “standard” toxins, routinely known from different waterbodies (microcystins, nodularins, anatoxins, saxitoxins, cylindrospermopsins, BMAA, etc.), they can produce some specific toxic compounds. Whether the toxic biomolecules are related with the harsh conditions on which algae have to thrive and what is their functional role may be answered by future studies. Therefore, we outline the gaps in knowledge and provide ideas for further research, considering, from one side, the health risk from phycotoxins on the background of the global warming and eutrophication and, from the other side, the current surge of interest which phycotoxins provoke due to their potential as novel compounds in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, bioremediation, agriculture and all aspects of biotechnological implications in human life.

Toxic compounds produced by cyanobacteria belonging to several species of the order Nostocales: A review

Cyanobacteria are well recognised as producers of a wide range of natural compounds that are in turn recognised as toxins that have potential and useful applications in the future as pharmaceutical agents. The order Nostocales, which is largely overlooked in this regard, has become increasingly recognised as a source of toxin producers including Anabaena, Nostoc, Hapalosiphon, Fischerella, Anabaenopsis, Aphanizomenon, Gloeotrichia, Cylindrospermopsis, Scytonema, Raphidiopsis, Cuspidothrix, Nodularia, Stigonema, Calothrix, Cylindrospermum and Desmonostoc species. The toxin compounds (i.e., microcystins, nodularin, anatoxins, ambiguines, fischerindoles and welwitindolinones) and metabolites are about to have a destructive effect on both inland and aquatic environment aspects. The present review gives an overview of the various toxins that are extracted by the order Nostocales. The current research suggests that these compounds that are produced by cyanobacterial species have promising future considerations as potentially harmful algae and as promising leads for drug discovery.

Shared PKS Module in Biosynthesis of Synergistic Laxaphycins

Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of lipopeptides that exhibit potent membrane-disrupting activities. Laxaphycins consist of two families of structurally distinct macrocyclic lipopeptides that act in a synergistic manner to produce antifungal and antiproliferative activities. Laxaphycins are produced by range of cyanobacteria but their biosynthetic origins remain unclear. Here, we identified the biosynthetic pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of the laxaphycins produced by Scytonema hofmannii PCC 7110. We show that these laxaphycins, called scytocyclamides, are produced by this cyanobacterium and are encoded in a single biosynthetic gene cluster with shared polyketide synthase enzymes initiating two distinct non-ribosomal peptide synthetase pathways. The unusual mechanism of shared enzymes synthesizing two distinct types of products may aid future research in identifying and expressing natural product biosynthetic pathways and in expanding the known biosynthetic logic of this important family of natural products.

Nostoc edaphicum CCNP1411 from the Baltic Sea-A New Producer of Nostocyclopeptides

Nostocyclopeptides (Ncps) constitute a small class of nonribosomal peptides, exclusively produced by cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc. The peptides inhibit the organic anion transporters, OATP1B3 and OATP1B1, and prevent the transport of the toxic microcystins and nodularin into hepatocytes. So far, only three structural analogues, Ncp-A1, Ncp-A2 and Ncp-M1, and their linear forms were identified in Nostoc strains as naturally produced cyanometabolites. In the current work, the whole genome sequence of the new Ncps producer, N. edaphicum CCNP1411 from the Baltic Sea, has been determined. The genome consists of the circular chromosome (7,733,505 bps) and five circular plasmids (from 44.5 kb to 264.8 kb). The nostocyclopeptide biosynthetic gene cluster (located between positions 7,609,981-7,643,289 bps of the chromosome) has been identified and characterized in silico. The LC-MS/MS analyzes of N. edaphicum CCNP1411 cell extracts prepared in aqueous methanol revealed several products of the genes. Besides the known peptides, Ncp-A1 and Ncp-A2, six other compounds putatively characterized as new noctocyclopeptide analogues were detected. This includes Ncp-E1 and E2 and their linear forms (Ncp-E1-L and E2-L), a cyclic Ncp-E3 and a linear Ncp-E4-L. Regardless of the extraction conditions, the cell contents of the linear nostocyclopeptides were found to be higher than the cyclic ones, suggesting a slow rate of the macrocyclization process.

Bioactive Peptides Produced by Cyanobacteria of the Genus Nostoc: A Review

Cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc are widespread in all kinds of habitats. They occur in a free-living state or in association with other organisms. Members of this genus belong to prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, some of which have been recognized as potential therapeutic agents. Of these, peptides and peptide-like structures show the most promising properties and are of a particular interest for both research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. Nostoc is a sole source of some lead compounds such as cytotoxic cryptophycins, antiviral cyanovirin-N, or the antitoxic nostocyclopeptides. Nostoc also produces the same bioactive peptides as other cyanobacterial genera, but they frequently have some unique modifications in the structure. This includes hepatotoxic microcystins and potent proteases inhibitors such as cyanopeptolins, anabaenopeptins, and microginins. In this review, we described the most studied peptides produced by Nostoc, focusing especially on the structure, the activity, and a potential application of the compounds.

Recent Advances in Exploration and Biotechnological Production of Bioactive Compounds in Three Cyanobacterial Genera: Nostoc, Lyngbya, and Microcystis

Cyanobacteria, are only Gram-negative bacteria with the capacity of oxygenic photosynthesis, so termed as “Cyanophyta” or “blue-green algae.” Their habitat is ubiquitous, which includes the diverse environments, such as soil, water, rock and other organisms (symbiosis, commensalism, or parasitism, etc.,). They are characterized as prominent producers of numerous types of important compounds with anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Among the various cyanobacterial genera, members belonging to genera Nostoc, Lyngbya, and Microcystis possess greater attention. The major reason for that is the strains belonging to these genera produce the compounds with diverse activities/structures, including compounds in preclinical and/or clinical trials (cryptophycin and curacin), or the compounds retaining unique activities such as protease inhibitor (micropeptins and aeruginosins). Most of these compounds were tested for their efficacy and mechanism of action(MOA) through in vitro and/or in vivo studies. Recently, the advances in culture techniques of these cyanobacteria, and isolation, purification, and chromatographic analysis of their compounds have revealed insurmountable novel bioactive compounds from these cyanobacteria. This review provides comprehensive update on the origin, isolation and purification methods, chemical structures and biological activities of the major compounds from Nostoc, Lyngbya, and Microcystis. In addition, multi-omics approaches and biotechnological production of compounds from selected cyanobacterial genera have been discussed.

A Report on Finding a New Peptide Aldehyde from Cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. Bahar M by LC-MS and Marfey's Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cyanobacteria have a worldwide distribution in the terrestrial habitats, occurring predominantly on the surface of the soils, stones, rocks, and trees, practically in moist, neutral or alkaline aeries. The unique natural and bioactive compounds from cyanobacteria with various biological activities and an extensive range of chemical classes have a significant capability for expansion of the pharmaceuticals and other biomedical purposes.

OBJECTIVES

Regardless of the progresses in our knowledge on cyanobacteria, however, cyanobacteria are still viewed as an unexplored source of potential drugs. In this study presence of bioactive compounds among the cyanobacteria culture collection of Iran, where a wide variety of strains can be found, was investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We explored one Nostoc strain isolated from rice fields in Golestan province of northern Iran for searching for novel products. The chemical construction of the new bioactive compound was clarified by application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) and Marfey's analysis of the degradation products.

RESULTS

We found a novel peptide aldehyde compound from a hydrophilic extract of the Nostoc sp. Bahar_M, which is composed of the three subunits, 2-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butanoic acid (Hhpba), L-Ile, and L-argininal. According to the structural information, we predicted that the novel peptide-aldehyde compound probably to be trypsin inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that terrestrial cyanobacteria are a promissing resource of bioactive natural products.

Redesign and engineering of a dioxygenase targeting biocatalytic synthesis of 5-hydroxyl leucine

The protein engineering and metabolic engineering strategies are performed to solve rate-limiting steps in the biosynthesis of 5-HLeu.

Natural products from thioester reductase containing biosynthetic pathways

Covering: up to 2018 Thioester reductase domains catalyze two- and four-electron reductions to release natural products following assembly on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and their hybrid biosynthetic complexes. This reductive off-loading of a natural product yields an aldehyde or alcohol, can initiate the formation of a macrocyclic imine, and contributes to important intermediates in a variety of biosyntheses, including those for polyketide alkaloids and pyrrolobenzodiazepines. Compounds that arise from reductase-terminated biosynthetic gene clusters are often reactive and exhibit biological activity. Biomedically important examples include the cancer therapeutic Yondelis (ecteinascidin 743), peptide aldehydes that inspired the first therapeutic proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, and numerous synthetic derivatives and antibody drug conjugates of the pyrrolobenzodiazepines. Recent advances in microbial genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and reactivity-based labeling have facilitated the detection of these compounds for targeted isolation. Herein, we summarize known natural products arising from this important category, highlighting their occurrence in Nature, biosyntheses, biological activities, and the technologies used for their detection and identification. Additionally, we review publicly available genomic data to highlight the remaining potential for novel reductively tailored compounds and drug leads from microorganisms. This thorough retrospective highlights various molecular families with especially privileged bioactivity while illuminating challenges and prospects toward accelerating the discovery of new, high value natural products.

Total Synthesis of Scytonemide A Employing Weinreb AM Solid-Phase Resin

The human 20S proteasome inhibitor scytonemide A (1), a macrocyclic imine originally isolated from the cyanobacterium Scytonema hofmanni, was synthesized via a biomimetic solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) approach employing the Weinreb AM resin. Utilizing this approach, cyclization of the protected heptapeptide via formation of the imine bond occurred spontaneously upon cleavage from the resin in the presence of a reducing agent and subsequent aqueous workup. The final deprotection step necessary to produce the natural product was accomplished under slightly basic conditions, facilitating cleavage of the silyl ether group while leaving the macrocycle intact. Purification of the synthetic scytonemide A was accomplished via normal-phase flash column chromatography, potentially facilitating larger scale preparation of the compound necessary for future mechanistic and SAR studies. The structure of the target compound was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, which also shed light on differences in the spectroscopic data obtained for the synthetic and natural scytonemide A samples for some of the amide and alcohol signals in the 1H NMR spectrum.

Peptide Macrocyclization Inspired by Non-Ribosomal Imine Natural Products

A thermodynamic approach to peptide macrocyclization inspired by the cyclization of non-ribosomal peptide aldehydes is presented. The method provides access to structurally diverse macrocycles by exploiting the reactivity of transient macrocyclic peptide imines toward inter- and intramolecular nucleophiles. Reactions are performed in aqueous media, in the absence of side chain protecting groups, and are tolerant of all proteinogenic functional groups. Macrocyclic products bearing non-native and rigidifying structural motifs, isotopic labels, and a variety of bioorthogonal handles are prepared, along with analogues of four distinct natural products. Structural interrogation of the linear and macrocyclic peptides using variable-temperature NMR and circular dichroism suggests that preorganization of linear substrates is not a prerequisite for macrocyclization.

Cell Death Inducing Microbial Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors--Mechanisms of Action

Okadaic acid (OA) and microcystin (MC) as well as several other microbial toxins like nodularin and calyculinA are known as tumor promoters as well as inducers of apoptotic cell death. Their intracellular targets are the major serine/threonine protein phosphatases. This review summarizes mechanisms believed to be responsible for the death induction and tumor promotion with focus on the interdependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin kinase II (CaM-KII). New data are presented using inhibitors of specific ROS producing enzymes to curb nodularin/MC-induced liver cell (hepatocyte) death. They indicate that enzymes of the arachidonic acid pathway, notably phospholipase A2, 5-lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenases, may be required for nodularin/MC-induced (and presumably OA-induced) cell death, suggesting new ways to overcome at least some aspects of OA and MC toxicity.

Total synthesis of the putative structure of the proposed Banyasin A

The first total synthesis of four possible isomers of a molecule possessing the configuration proposed for Banyasin A is described. The structure synthesized appears to be different from that of the natural product.

4-Methylproline guided natural product discovery: co-occurrence of 4-hydroxy- and 4-methylprolines in nostoweipeptins and nostopeptolides

4-methylproline (4-mPro) is a rare nonproteinogenic amino acid produced by cyanobacteria through the action of a zinc-dependent long-chain dehydrogenase and a Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) reductase homologue. Here, we used the presence of 4-mPro biosynthetic genes to discover new bioactive compounds from cyanobacteria. Eight biosynthetic gene clusters containing the 4-mPro biosynthetic genes nosE and nosF were found from publicly available cyanobacteria genomes, showing that 4-mPro is a good marker to discover previously unknown nonribosomal peptides. A combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) methods was used to screen 116 cyanobacteria strains from 8 genera. The 4-mPro biosynthetic genes were detected in 30 of the 116 cyanobacteria strains, 12 which were confirmed to produce 4-mPro by amino acid analysis. Species from the genus Nostoc were responsible for 80% of the positive results. Altogether, 11 new nonribosomal cyclic peptides, nostoweipeptin W1-W7 and nostopeptolide L1-L4, were identified from Nostoc sp. XPORK 5A and Nostoc sp. UK2aImI, respectively, and their chemical structure was elucidated. Interestingly, screening with 4-mPro genes resulted in the detection of peptides that do not contain just one 4-mPro but also 4-hydroxylproline (nostopeptolides) and, in case of nostoweipeptins, two 4-mPros and two 4-hydroxyprolines. Peptides from both groups inhibit microcystin-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes HEK293. The cell experiments indicated that these cyclic peptides inhibit the uptake of microcystin by blocking the organic anion-transporters OATP1B1/B3. This study enriches the drug library of microcystin antitoxin.

Cyanobacteria from terrestrial and marine sources contain apoptogens able to overcome chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia cells

In this study, we investigated forty cyanobacterial isolates from biofilms, gastropods, brackish water and symbiotic lichen habitats. Their aqueous and organic extracts were used to screen for apoptosis-inducing activity against acute myeloid leukemia cells. A total of 28 extracts showed cytotoxicity against rat acute myeloid leukemia (IPC-81) cells. The design of the screen made it possible to eliminate known toxins, such as microcystins and nodularin, or known metabolites with anti-leukemic activity, such as adenosine and its analogs. A cytotoxicity test on human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) fibroblasts indicated that 21 of the 28 extracts containing anti-acute myeloid leukemia (AML) activity showed selectivity in favor of leukemia cells. Extracts L26-O and L30-O were able to partly overcome the chemotherapy resistance induced by the oncogenic protein Bcl-2, whereas extract L1-O overcame protection from the deletion of the tumor suppressor protein p53. In conclusion, cyanobacteria are a prolific resource for anti-leukemia compounds that have potential for pharmaceutical applications. Based on the variety of cellular responses, we also conclude that the different anti-leukemic compounds in the cyanobacterial extracts target different elements of the death machinery of mammalian cells.

Characteristics and biotechnology applications of aliphatic amino acid hydroxylases belonging to the Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily

The asymmetric hydroxylation of inactive carbon atoms is still an important reaction in the industrial synthesis of valuable chiral compounds such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Applications of monooxygenation enzymes, like cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, flavin-containing monooxygenases, and Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (Fe/αKG-DOs), are strongly desired as hydroxylation biocatalysts because they have great advantages in regio- and stereoselectivity of the reactions. Recently, several novel Fe/αKG-DOs have been found to catalyze the asymmetric hydroxylation of aliphatic amino acids. Depending on their amino acid sequences, these Fe/αKG-DOs catalyze different types of regioselective hydroxylations, or C3-, C4-, and C5-hydroxylation. Additionally, most also have stereoselective sulfoxidation activities. Here, we have reviewed the characterization and process development of this novel functioning group of Fe/αKG-DOs.

Novel Aeruginosin-865 from Nostoc sp. as a potent anti-inflammatory agent

Aeruginosin-865 (Aer-865), isolated from terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. Lukešová 30/93, is the first aeruginosin-type peptide containing both a fatty acid and a carbohydrate moiety, and is the first aeruginosin to be found in the genus Nostoc. Mass spectrometry, chemical and spectroscopic analysis as well as one- and two-dimensional NMR and chiral HPLC analysis of Marfey derivatives were applied to determine the peptidic sequence: D-Hpla, D-Leu, 5-OH-Choi, Agma, with hexanoic and mannopyranosyl uronic acid moieties linked to Choi. We used an AlphaLISA assay to measure the levels of proinflammatory mediators IL-8 and ICAM-1 in hTNF-α-stimulated HLMVECs. Aer-865 showed significant reduction of both: with EC50 values of (3.5±1.5) μg mL(-1) ((4.0±1.7) μM) and (50.0±13.4) μg mL(-1) ((57.8±15.5) μM), respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of Aer-865 was directly associated with inhibition of NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. Moreover, Aer-865 did not show any cytotoxic effect.

Convergent evolution of [D-Leucine(1)] microcystin-LR in taxonomically disparate cyanobacteria

Background

Many important toxins and antibiotics are produced by non-ribosomal biosynthetic pathways. Microcystins are a chemically diverse family of potent peptide toxins and the end-products of a hybrid NRPS and PKS secondary metabolic pathway. They are produced by a variety of cyanobacteria and are responsible for the poisoning of humans as well as the deaths of wild and domestic animals around the world. The chemical diversity of the microcystin family is attributed to a number of genetic events that have resulted in the diversification of the pathway for microcystin assembly.

Results

Here, we show that independent evolutionary events affecting the substrate specificity of the microcystin biosynthetic pathway have resulted in convergence on a rare [D-Leu¹] microcystin-LR chemical variant. We detected this rare microcystin variant from strains of the distantly related genera Microcystis, Nostoc, and Phormidium. Phylogenetic analysis performed using sequences of the catalytic domains within the mcy gene cluster demonstrated a clear recombination pattern in the adenylation domain phylogenetic tree. We found evidence for conversion of the gene encoding the McyA₂ adenylation domain in strains of the genera Nostoc and Phormidium. However, point mutations affecting the substrate-binding sequence motifs of the McyA₂ adenylation domain were associated with the change in substrate specificity in two strains of Microcystis. In addition to the main [D-Leu¹] microcystin-LR variant, these two strains produced a new microcystin that was identified as [Met¹] microcystin-LR.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that both point mutations and gene conversion result in functional mcy gene clusters that produce the same rare [D-Leu¹] variant of microcystin in strains of the genera Microcystis, Nostoc, and Phormidium. Engineering pathways to produce recombinant non-ribosomal peptides could provide new natural products or increase the activity of known compounds. Our results suggest that the replacement of entire adenylation domains could be a more successful strategy to obtain higher specificity in the modification of the non-ribosomal peptides than point mutations.

The lipopeptide toxins anabaenolysin A and B target biological membranes in a cholesterol-dependent manner

The two novel cyanobacterial cyclic lipopeptides, anabaenolysin (Abl) A and B permeabilised mammalian cells, leading to necrotic death. Abl A was a more potent haemolysin than other known biodetergents, including digitonin, and induced discocyte-echinocyte transformation in erythrocytes. The mitochondria of the dead cells appeared intact with regard to both ultrastructure and membrane potential. Also isolated rat liver mitochondria were resistant to Abl, judged by their ultrastructure and lack of cytochrome c release. The sparing of the mitochondria could be related to the low cholesterol content of their outer membrane. In fact, a supplement of cholesterol in liposomes sensitised them to Abl. In contrast, the prokaryote-directed cyclic lipopeptide surfactin lysed preferentially non-cholesterol-containing membranes. In silico comparison of the positions of relevant functional chemical structures revealed that Abl A matched poorly with surfactin in spite of the common cyclic lipopeptide structure. Abl A and the plant-derived glycolipid digitonin had, however, predicted overlaps of functional groups, particularly in the cholesterol-binding tail of digitonin. This may suggest independent evolution of Abl and digitonin to target eukaryotic cholesterol-containing membranes. Sub-lytic concentrations of Abl A or B allowed influx of propidium iodide into cells without interfering with their long-term cell viability. The transient permeability increase allowed the influx of enough of the cyanobacterial cyclic peptide toxin nodularin to induce apoptosis. The anabaenolysins might therefore not only act solely as lysins, but also as cofactors for the internalisation of other toxins. They represent a potent alternative to digitonin to selectively disrupt cholesterol-containing biological membranes.

Anabaenolysins, novel cytolytic lipopeptides from benthic Anabaena cyanobacteria

Two novel cyclic lipopeptides, anabaenolysin A and anabaenolysin B, were isolated from two benthic cyanobacterial strains of the genus Anabaena. This novel class of cyanobacterial lipopeptides has a general structure of a small peptide ring consisting of four amino acids from which two are proteinogenic and two unusual; glycine¹, glycine², 2-(3-amino-5-oxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid³ and a long unsaturated C₁₈ β-amino acid⁴ with a conjugated triene structure. They are distinguished by the presence of a conjugated dienic structure in the C18 β-amino acid present in anabaenolysin A but not in anabaenolysin B. Conjugated triene structure generates a typical UV spectrum for anabaenolysins for easy recognition. Anabaenolysin A constituted up to 400 ppm of the cyanobacterial dry weight. We found evidence of thirteen variants of anabaenolysins in one cyanobacterial strain. This suggests that the anabaenolysins are an important class of secondary metabolites in benthic Anabaena cyanobacteria. Both anabaenolysin A and B had cytolytic activity on a number of mammalian cell lines.

Proteomics-based discovery of koranimine, a cyclic imine natural product

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs) are large enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of medically and ecologically important secondary metabolites. In a previous report, we described a proteomics approach to screen for expressed NRPSs or PKSs from bacteria with or without sequenced genomes. Here we used this proteome mining approach to discover a novel natural product arising from rare adenylation (A) and reductase (Red) domains in its biosynthetic machinery. We also cloned the entire gene cluster and elucidated the biosynthesis of the new compound, which is produced by an unsequenced Bacillus sp. isolated from soil collected in Koran, Louisiana.

Nostocyclopeptide-M1: a potent, nontoxic inhibitor of the hepatocyte drug transporters OATP1B3 and OATP1B1

We have isolated a novel cyanobacterial cyclic peptide (nostocyclopeptide M1; Ncp-M1) that blocks the hepatotoxic action of microcystin (MC) and nodularin (Nod). We show here that Ncp-M1 is nontoxic to primary hepatocytes in long-term culture. Ncp-M1 does not affect any known intracellular targets or pathways involved in MC action, like protein phosphatases, CaM-KII, or ROS-dependent cell death effectors. In support of this conclusion Ncp-M1 had no protective effect when microinjected into cells. Rather, the antitoxin effect was solely due to blocked hepatocyte uptake of MC and Nod. The hepatic uptake of MC and Nod is mainly via the closely related organic anion transporters OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, which also mediate hepatic transport of endogenous metabolites and hormones as well as drugs. OATP1B3 is also expressed in some aggressive cancers, where it confers apoptosis resistance. We show that Ncp-M1 inhibits transport through OATP1B3 and OATP1B1 expressed in HEK293 cells. The Ncp-M1 molecule has several nonproteinogenic amino acids and an imino bond, which hamper its synthesis. Moreover, a cyclic all L-amino acid heptapeptide analogue of Ncp-M1 also inhibits the OATP1B1/1B3 transporters, and with higher OATP1B3 preference than Ncp-M1 itself. The nontoxic Ncp-M1 and its synthetic cyclic peptide analogues thus provide new tools to probe the role of OATB1B1/1B3 mediated drug and metabolite transport in liver and cancer cells. They can also serve as scaffolds to design new, exopeptidase resistant OATP1B3-specific modulators.

The apoptosis-inducing activity towards leukemia and lymphoma cells in a cyanobacterial culture collection is not associated with mouse bioassay toxicity

Cyanobacteria (83 strains and seven natural populations) were screened for content of apoptosis (cell death)-inducing activity towards neoplastic cells of the immune (jurkat acute T-cell lymphoma) and hematopoetic (acute myelogenic leukemia) lineage. Apoptogenic activity was frequent, even in strains cultured for decades, and was unrelated to whether the cyanobacteria had been collected from polar, temperate, or tropic environments. The activity was more abundant in the genera Anabaena and Microcystis compared to Nostoc, Phormidium, Planktothrix, and Pseudanabaena. Whereas the T-cell lymphoma apoptogens were frequent in organic extracts, the cell death-inducing activity towards leukemia cells resided mainly in aqueous extracts. The cyanobacteria were from a culture collection established for public health purposes to detect toxic cyanobacterial blooms, and 54 of them were tested for toxicity by the mouse bioassay. We found no correlation between the apoptogenic activity in the cyanobacterial isolates with their content of microcystin, nor with their ability to elicit a positive standard mouse bioassay. Several strains produced more than one apoptogen, differing in biophysical or biological activity. In fact, two strains contained microcystin in addition to one apoptogen specific for the AML cells, and one apoptogen specific for the T-cell lymphoma. This study shows the potential of cyanobacterial culture collections as libraries for bioactive compounds, since strains kept in cultures for decades produced apoptogens unrelated to the mouse bioassay detectable bloom-associated toxins.