Biosurfactants of MEL-A increase gene transfection mediated by cationic liposomes

Detection and diversity of the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) gene cluster and lipase A and B genes of Moesziomyces antarcticus isolated from terrestrial sites chronically contaminated with crude oil in Trinidad

BACKGROUND

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) belong to the class of glycolipid biosurfactants and are produced by members of the Ustilago and Moesziomyces genera. Production of MELs is regulated by a biosynthetic gene cluster (MEL BGC). Extracellular lipase activity is also associated with MEL production. Most microbial glycolipid-producers are isolated from oil-contaminated environments. MEL-producing yeast that are capable of metabolizing crude oil are understudied, and there is very limited data on indigenous strains from tropical climates. Analysis of the MEL BGC and lipase genes in Trinidad M. antarcticus strains, using a gene-targeted approach, revealed a correlation between their intrinsic capability to degrade crude oil and their adaptation to survive in a chronically polluted terrestrial environment.

RESULTS

M. antarcticus was isolated from naturally-occurring crude oil seeps and an asphaltic mud volcano in Trinidad; these are habitats that have not been previously reported for this species. Genus identification was confirmed by the large-subunit (LSU) and the small-subunit (SSU) sequence comparisons and species identification was confirmed by ITS sequence comparisons and phylogenetic inference. The essential genes (Emt1, Mac1, Mac2, Mmf1) of the MEL BGC were detected with gene-specific primers. Emt1p, Mac1p and Mmf1p sequence analyses confirmed that the Trinidad strains harboured novel synonymous amino acid (aa) substitutions and structural comparisons revealed different regions of disorder, specifically for the Emt1p sequence. Functionality of each protein sequence was confirmed through motif mining and mutation prediction. Phylogenetic relatedness was inferred for Emt1p, Mac1p and Mmf1p sequences. The Trinidad strains clustered with other M. antarcticus sequences, however, the representative Trinidad M. antarcticus sequences consistently formed a separate, highly supported branch for each protein. Similar phylogenetic placement was indicated for LipA and LipB nucleotide and protein sequences. The Trinidad strains also demonstrated lipolytic activity in culture, with an ability to utilize different carbon sources. Comparative evolution of MEL BGC and LipA gene suggested early and late duplication events, depending on the gene, followed by a number of speciation events within Ustilaginaceae. M. antarcticus and M. aphidis were separated from all other members of Ustilaginaceae and two gene homologues were detected, one for each species.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequence analyses was based on a novel gene-targeted approach to analyze the essential genes of the MEL BGC and LipA and LipB genes of M. antarcticus strains from Trinidad. The findings indicated that these strains accumulated nucleotide mutations to a threshold level that did not affect the function of specific proteins encoded by the MEL BGC and LipA and LipB genes. The biosurfactant and lipase enzymes secreted by these Trinidad M. antarcticus strains facilitated their survival in oil-contaminated terrestrial environments. These findings suggest that the Trinidad strains should be explored as promising candidates for the commercial production of MEL biosurfactants and lipase enzymes.

Mannosylerythritol lipids: antimicrobial and biomedical properties

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) have attracted particular interest of medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields, due to their specific characteristics, including non-toxicity, easy biodegradability, and environmental compatibility. Therefore, this review aims to highlight recent findings on MEL biological properties, focusing on issues related to therapeutic applications. Among the main findings is that MELs can play a fundamental role due to their antimicrobial properties against several nosocomial pathogen microorganisms. Other remarkable biological properties of MELs are related to skincare, as antiaging (active agent), and in particular on recover of skin cells that were damaged by UV radiation. MEL is also related to the increased efficiency of DNA transfection in liposome systems. Regarding the health field, these glycolipids seem to be associated with disturbance in the membrane composition of cancerous cells, increasing expression of genes responsible for cytoplasmic stress and apoptosis. Moreover, MELs can be associated with nanoparticles, as a capping agent, also acting to increase the solubility and cytotoxicity of them. Furthermore, the differences in the chemical structure of MEL could improve and expand their biochemical diversity and applications. Such modifications could change their interfacial properties and, thus, reduce the surface tension value, enhance the solubility, lower critical micelle concentrations, and form unique self-assembly structures. The latest is closely related to molecular recognition and protein stabilization properties of MEL, that is, essential parameters for their effective cosmetical and pharmaceutical effects. Thus, this current research indicates the huge potential of MEL for use in biomedical formulations, either alone or in combination with other molecules.

Involvement of intracellular caveolin-1 distribution in the suppression of antigen-induced mast cell activation by cationic liposomes

Cationic liposomes are commonly used as vectors to effectively introduce foreign genes into target cells. In another function, we recently showed that cationic liposomes bound to the mast cell surface suppress the degranulation induced by the cross-linking of high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This suppression is mediated by the impairment of the sustained level of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ) via the inhibition of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Further, we revealed that the mechanism underlying an impaired [Ca²⁺ ]_i increase is the inhibition of the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway. Yet, how cationic liposomes inhibit the PI3K-Akt pathway is still unclear. Here, we focused on caveolin-1, a major component of caveolae, which is reported to be involved in the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway in various cell lines. In this study, we showed that caveolin-1 translocated from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane after the activation of mast cells and colocalized with the p85 subunit of PI3K, which seemed to be essential for PI3K activity. Meanwhile, cationic liposomes suppressed the translocation of caveolin-1 to the plasma membrane and the colocalization of caveolin-1 with PI3K p85 also at the plasma membrane. This finding provides new information for the development of therapies using cationic liposomes against allergies.

Sublingual administration of liposomes enclosing alpha-galactosylceramide as an effective adjuvant of allergen immunotherapy in a murine model of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an established efficacious approach for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, SLIT requires a long administration period to establish stable and adequate responses. This study investigated the efficacy of the sublingual administration of an allergen with liposomes enclosing α-GalCer (α-GC-liposome) as a potential adjuvant in mice with AR.

METHODS

Mice with AR induced by OVA received the sublingual administration of OVA, α-GC-liposomes, or OVA plus α-GC-liposomes for 7 days. After nasal re-challenge with OVA, nasal symptoms were evaluated. The serum levels of OVA-specific Ig, the cytokine production of CD4⁺ T cells in the cultures of cervical lymph node (CLN) cells, and the gene expression of CLNs were analyzed.

RESULTS

Although IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 production from CD4⁺ T cells in CLN cells was significantly inhibited by the sublingual administration of OVA alone in mice with AR induced by OVA, their nasal symptoms were not significantly diminished. However, the combined sublingual administration of α-GC-liposomes and OVA completely suppressed nasal symptoms, downregulated Th2 and Th17 type cytokine production in CD4⁺ T cells as well as Th2 and Th17 gene expressions, and upregulated Th1 type cytokine production as well as Th1 gene expressions in CLN cells. Additionally, the serum levels of specific IgG2a were promoted, and specific IgE and IgG1 were inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the sublingual administration of an allergen with α-GC-liposomes as an adjuvant might increase the therapeutic efficacy and effectiveness of this treatment method.

Microbial biosurfactants: current trends and applications in agricultural and biomedical industries

Synthetic surfactants are becoming increasingly unpopular in many applications due to previously disregarded effects on biological systems and this has led to a new focus on replacing such products with biosurfactants that are biodegradable and produced from renewal resources. Microbially derived biosurfactants have been investigated in numerous studies in areas including: increasing feed digestibility in an agricultural context, improving seed protection and fertility, plant pathogen control, antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm activity, wound healing and dermatological care, improved oral cavity care, drug delivery systems and anticancer treatments. The development of the potential of biosurfactants has been hindered somewhat by the myriad of approaches taken in their investigations, the focus on pathogens as source species and the costs associated with large-scale production. Here, we focus on various microbial sources of biosurfactants and the current trends in terms of agricultural and biomedical applications.

Cationic liposomes suppress intracellular calcium ion concentration increase via inhibition of PI3 kinase pathway in mast cells

Cationic liposomes are commonly used as vectors to effectively introduce foreign genes (antisense DNA, plasmid DNA, siRNA, etc.) into target cells. Cationic liposomes are also known to affect cellular immunocompetences such as the mast cell function in allergic reactions. In particular, we previously showed that the cationic liposomes bound to the mast cell surface suppress the degranulation induced by cross-linking of high affinity IgE receptors in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This suppression is mediated by impairment of the sustained level of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) via inhibition of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Here we study the mechanism underlying an impaired [Ca²⁺]_i increase by cationic liposomes in mast cells. We show that cationic liposomes inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt and PI3 kinases but not Syk and LAT. As a consequence, SOCE is suppressed but Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not. Cationic liposomes inhibit the formation of STIM1 puncta, which is essential to SOCE by interacting with Orai1 following the Ca²⁺ concentration decrease in the ER. These data suggest that cationic liposomes suppress SOCE by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3 and Akt kinases in mast cells.

Characteristics of mannosylerythritol lipids and their environmental potential

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are promising biosurfactants containing two glycosyl derivatives and various fatty acids, which are mainly secreted by Pseudozyma as well as Ustilago. In this review, the latest research is demonstrated on production conditions, structural diversity, self-assembling properties and versatile biochemical functions of MELs. The genetic study and synthetic pathways, which mainly influence the type and yield of MELs production. Due to the excellent surface activity, biocompatibility and restorative function, MELs can be used in enviornmental industry, which has not been widely noted. In this paper, the current status of research on enviornmental potential of MELs has been discussed including petroleum degradation, bioconversion of chemical wastes and enhanced bioremediation of amphiphilic wastes.

Inhibitory effects of a cationic liposome on allergic reaction mediated by mast cell activation

Several studies have shown that cationic liposomes exert immunomodulatory effects with low immunogenicity and toxicity, and offer advantages such as easy preparation and targeting. Cationic liposomes not only transport DNA to immune cells but also enhance the function of antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. Here, we investigated the effect of a particular cationic liposome on mast cell function during allergic reaction. We found that the cationic liposomes bound to the mast cell surface suppressed degranulation induced by cross-linking of high affinity immunoglobulin E receptors in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The suppression of degranulation was mediated by impairment of the sustained level of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) derived from the inhibition of store-operated Ca(2+) entry. The decrease in sustained elevation of [Ca(2+)]i led to the suppression of phosphorylation of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor proteins such as SNAP-23, syntaxin-4, which are necessary for membrane fusion between secretory granules and the plasma membrane during degranulation. Furthermore, the cationic liposomes suppressed vascular permeability elevation induced by mast cell activation in mice. These results showed that cationic liposomes possess the novel property of inhibiting mast cell activation, suggesting the possibility of developing cationic liposomes as anti-allergic effectors.

A biosurfactant-sophorolipid acts in synergy with antibiotics to enhance their efficiency

Sophorolipids (SLs), biosurfactants with antimicrobial properties, have been tried to address the problem of antibiotic resistance. The synergistic action of SL and antibiotics was checked using standard microdilution and spread plate methods. With Staphylococcus aureus, SL-tetracycline combination achieved total inhibition before 4 h of exposure while tetracycline alone couldnot achieve total inhibition till the end of 6 h. The inhibition caused by exposure of bacterium to SL-tetracycline mixture was ~25% more as compared to SL alone. In spite of known robustness of gram-negative bacteria, SL-cefaclor mixture proved to be efficient against Escherichia coli which showed ~48% more inhibition within 2 h of exposure as compared to cefaclor alone. Scanning electron microscopy of the cells treated with mixture revealed bacterial cell membrane damage and pore formation. Moreover, SLs being a type of asymmetric bola, they are expected to form self-assemblies with unique functionality. This led to the speculation that SLs being amphiphilic in nature can span through the structurally alike cell membrane and facilitate the entry of drug molecules.

New Transfection Agents Based on Liposomes Containing Biosurfactant MEL-A

Nano vectors are useful tools to deliver foreign DNAs, oligonucleotides, and small interfering double-stranded RNAs (siRNAs) into mammalian cells with gene transfection and gene regulation. In such experiments we have found the liposomes with a biosurfacant mannosylerythriol lipid (MEL-A) are useful because of their high transfer efficiency, and their unique mechanism to transfer genes to target cells with the lowest toxicity. In the present review we will describe our current work, which may contribute to the great advance of gene transfer to target cells and gene regulations. For more than two decades, the liposome technologies have changed dramatically and various methods have been proposed in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, and so on. In addition, they were towards to pharmaceutics and clinical applications. The liposome technologies were expected to use gene therapy, however, they have not reached a requested goal as of yet. In the present paper we would like to present an approach using a biosurfactant, MEL-A, which is a surface-active compound produced by microorganisms growing on water-insoluble substrates and increases efficiency in gene transfection. The present work shows new transfection agents based on liposomes containing biosurfactant MEL-A.

Production of mannosylerythritol lipids and their application in cosmetics

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are glycolipid biosurfactants abundantly produced by different basidiomycetous yeasts such as Pseudozyma, and show not only excellent interfacial properties but also versatile biochemical actions. These features of MELs make their application in new technology areas possible. Recently, the structural and functional variety of MELs was considerably expanded by advanced microbial screening methods. Different types of MELs bearing different hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts have been reported. The genes responsible for MEL biosynthesis were identified, and their genetic study is now in progress, aiming to control the chemical structure. The excellent properties leading to practical cosmetic ingredients, i.e., moisturization of dry skin, repair of damaged hair, activation of fibroblast and papilla cells and antioxidant and protective effects in skin cells, have been demonstrated on the yeast glycolipid biosurfactants. In this review, the current status of research and development on MELs, particularly the commercial application in cosmetics, is described.

Synergistic effect of a biosurfactant and protamine on gene transfection efficiency

Several barriers need to be overcome to ensure successful gene transfection, including passing of the foreign gene through the plasma membrane, escape of this material from lysosomal degradation, and its translocation into the nucleus. We previously showed that the biosurfactant mannosylerythritol lipid-A (MEL-A) enhanced the efficiency of gene transfection mediated by cationic liposomes by facilitating rapid delivery of foreign genes into target cells through membrane fusion between liposomes and the plasma membrane. Moreover, using MEL-A-containing cationic liposomes, the foreign gene was efficiently delivered into the nucleus because it was released directly into the cytosol and thus escaped lysosomal degradation. Here we investigated the effect of pre-condensation of plasmid DNA by a cationic polymer, protamine, on gene transfection. We found that the efficiency of pre-condensed DNA transfection mediated by MEL-A-containing OH liposomes was >10 times higher than that of non-condensed DNA transfection. In contrast, the efficiency of pre-condensed DNA transfection mediated by OH liposomes was only 1.5 times higher than that of non-condensed DNA transfection. MEL-A did not influence plasmid DNA encapsulation by cationic liposomes, but it greatly accelerated the nuclear delivery of pre-condensed plasmid DNA. Our findings indicate that MEL-A and protamine synergistically accelerate the nuclear delivery of foreign gene and consequently promote gene transfection efficiency.

Biosurfactant mannosyl-erythritol lipid inhibits secretion of inflammatory mediators from RBL-2H3 cells

BACKGROUND

Biosurfactant mannosyl-erythritol lipids (MELs) are glycolipids produced by microbes that have various biological activities. It has been reported that MELs exhibit excellent surface-activity and also various bioactivities, such as induction of cell differentiation and apoptosis. However, little is known about their action related to drug discovery or drug seeds.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of MELs on the secretion of inflammatory mediators from mast cells that play a central role in allergic responses. Mast cells secrete three kinds of inflammatory mediators and we quantified these secreted mediators by photometer or ELISA. The action mechanisms of MELs were studied by Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescence dye and Western blotting of phosphorylated proteins.

RESULTS

MELs inhibited exocytotic release by antigen stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that MELs inhibited antigen-induced secretion of leukotriene C(4) and cytokine TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α). The inhibitory action of MELs on mediator secretion was mediated by inhibition of Ca(2+) increase, phosphorylation of MAP kinases and SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) that serve as a molecular machinery for exocytotic membrane fusion.

CONCLUSIONS

MELs have anti-inflammatory action inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

MELs affects two of major intracellular signaling pathways including Ca(2+) increase and MAP kinases. MELs also inhibited the phosphorylation of SNARE proteins that is crucial for not only exocytosis but also intracellular vesicular trafficking.

Biomedical and therapeutic applications of biosurfactants

During the last years, several applications of biosurfactants with medical purposes have been reported. Biosurfactants are considered relevant molecules for applications in combating many diseases and as therapeutic agents due to their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. Furthermore, their role as anti-adhesive agents against several pathogens illustrate their utility as suitable anti-adhesive coating agents for medical insertional materials leading to a reduction of a large number of hospital infections without the use of synthetic drugs and chemicals. Biomedical and therapeutic perspectives of biosurfactants applications are presented and discussed in this chapter.

Synthesis of biosurfactants and their advantages to microorganisms and mankind

Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds synthesized by a wide variety of microorganisms. They are molecules that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains and are capable of lowering the surface tension and the interfacial tension of the growth medium. Biosurfactants possess different chemical structures--lipopeptides, glycolipids, neutral lipids and fatty acids. They are nontoxic biomolecules that are biodegradable. Biosurfactants also exhibit strong emulsification of hydrophobic compounds and form stable emulsions. The low water solubility of these hydrophobic compounds limits their availability to microorganisms, which is a potential problem for bioremediation of contaminated sites. Microbially produced surfactants enhance the bioavailability of these hydrophobic compounds for bioremediation. Therefore, biosurfactant-enhanced solubility of pollutants has potential applications in bioremediation. Not only are the biosurfactants useful in a variety of industrial processes, they are also of vital importance to the microbes in adhesion, emulsification, bioavailability, desorption and defense strategy. These interesting facts are discussed in this chapter.

Surface properties of lipoplexes modified with mannosylerythritol lipid-a and tween 80 and their cellular association

The surface properties of cationic liposomes and lipoplexes largely determine the cellular association and gene transfection efficiency. In this study, we measured the surface properties, such as zeta potentials, surface pH and hydration levels of MHAPC- and OH-Chol-lipoplexes and their cellular association, without and with the modification of biosurfactant mannosylerythritol lipid-A (MEL-A) or Tween 80 (MHAPC=N,N-methyl hydroxyethyl aminopropane carbamoyl cholesterol; OH-Chol=cholesteryl-3beta-carboxyamindoethylene-N-hydroxyethylamine). Compared to OH-Chol-lipoplexes, the higher cellular association of MHAPC-lipoplexes correlated with the significantly higher zeta potentials, lower surface pH levels and "drier" surface, as evaluated by the generalized polarization of laurdan. Both MEL-A and Tween 80 modification of MHAPC-lipoplexes did not significantly change zeta potentials and surface pH levels, while MEL-A modification of OH-Chol-lipoplexes seriously decreased them. MEL-A hydrated the liposomal surface of MHAPC-lipoplexes but dehydrated that of OH-Chol-lipoplexes, while Tween 80 hydrated those of MHAPC- and OH-Chol-lipoplexes. In all, cationic liposomes composed of lipids with secondary and tertiary amine exhibited different surface properties and cellular associations of lipoplexes, and modification with surfactants further enlarged their difference. The strong hydration ability of Tween 80 may relate to the low cellular association of lipoplexes, while the dehydration of MEL-A-modified OH-Chol-lipoplexes seemed to compensate the negative zeta potential for the cellular association of lipoplexes.

Liposome Vector Containing Biosurfactant-Complexed DNA as Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Gene Delivery System

For injectable-sized liposome complexed with DNA (lipoplexes) with high transfection efficiency of genes, we initially prepared small-sized liposomes by addition of biosurfactant. For selectivity of gene expression, the thymidine kinase (MK-tk) gene controlled by midkine was used for herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene therapy. Liposomes composed of 3([N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), L-dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), and a biosurfactant, such as beta-sitosterol beta-D-glucoside (Sit-G) for Sit-G-liposomes and mannosylerythrytol lipid A (MEL) for MEL-liposomes, produced about 300-nm-sized lipoplexes. Sit-G- and MEL-liposomes showed higher transfection efficiency of the luciferase marker gene and thymidine kinase activity in the presence of serum in the cells. The treatment with transfection of MK-tk gene by Sit-G-liposome and injection of ganciclovir significantly reduced tumor growth in a solid tumor model, compared with that by Sit-G-liposome alone. This finding suggested that Sit-G-liposome is a potential vector for HSV-tk gene therapy.

Effect of NeuroD2 expression on neuronal differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells

A basic helix-loop-helix transcriptional factor, NeuroD2, plays important roles in neuronal differentiation and survival. We introduced the tetracycline-dependent NeuroD2 expression system to embryonic stem (ES) cells and studied the role of NeuroD2 in the neuronal differentiation. The addition of doxycycline induced the expression of NeuroD2 after 24h and the differentiation to neurons after 3 days in ES cells, which are transfected with vectors composed of reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator with cytomegarovirus promoter and NeuroD2 with tetracycline response element. Treatment with doxycycline for 3 days induced neuronal differentiation, but not within 1 day; furthermore NeuroD2 was detected in the nucleus 3 days after treatment, but also not within 1 day. The results suggest that the expression of NeuroD2 requires an appropriate period of about 3 days to elicit neuronal differentiation in ES cells.

Mannosylerythritol lipids: a review

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are surface active compounds that belong to the glycolipid class of biosurfactants (BSs). MELs are produced by Pseudozyma sp. as a major component while Ustilago sp. produces them as a minor component. Although MELs have been known for over five decades, they recently regained attention due to their environmental compatibility, mild production conditions, structural diversity, self-assembling properties and versatile biochemical functions. In this review, the MEL producing microorganisms, the production conditions, their applications, their diverse structures and self-assembling properties are discussed. The biosynthetic pathways and the regulatory mechanisms involved in the production of MEL are also explained here.

[Naturally engineered glycolipid biosurfactants leading to distinctive self-assembling properties]

Biosurfactants (BS) are functional amphiphilic compounds produced by a variety of microorganisms. They show unique properties (e.g. mild production conditions, lower toxicity, and environmental compatibility) compared to chemically synthesized counterparts. The numerous advantages of BS have prompted applications not only in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries but in energy and environmental technologies as well. Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are one of the most promising BS known, and are produced at yields of over 100 g/l from vegetable oils by yeast strains belonging to the genus Pseudozyma. MELs exhibit excellent surface-active and self-assembling properties leading to the formation of different lyotropic liquid crystals such as sponge (L(3)), bicontinuous cubic (V(2)) and lamella (L(alpha)) phases. They also show versatile biochemical actions, including antitumor and differentiation-inducing activities against human leukemia cells, rat pheochromocytoma cells and mouse melanoma cells. MELs also display high binding affinity toward different immunoglobulins and lectins, indicating great potentials as new affinity ligands for the glycoproteins. More significantly, the cationic liposomes bearing MELs increase dramatically the efficiency of gene transfection into mammalian cells via membrane fusion processes. The yeast BS should thus be novel nanobiomaterials, and broaden their applications in various advanced technologies.

Characterization of the immature dendritic cells and cytotoxic cells both expanded after activation of invariant NKT cells with alpha-galactosylceramide in vivo

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells can perform multiple functions characteristic of both innate and acquired immunity. Activation of iNKT cells in vivo by repeated alpha-GalCer injections can induce immune tolerance, but the mechanisms responsible for such immunoregulation remain unclear. We prepared alpha-GalCer-liposomes, a single injection of which into mice resulted in the expansion of splenic CD11c(low)CD45RB(high) cells, which consists of two populations, CD180(+) and CD49b(+). Expansion of these cells was not observed in alpha-GalCer-liposome-treated mice deficient in IL-10 or iNKT cells. MHC and co-stimulatory molecules were down-regulated in CD11c(low)CD180(+) cells compared with conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), suggesting that the former possess characteristics of immature DCs. Meanwhile, the CD11c(low)CD49b(+) cells expressed IL-10 and Ctla4, and possessed greater lytic activity than resting NK cells. These observations suggest that both immature DCs (CD11c(low)CD180(+)) and cytotoxic cells (CD11c(low)CD49b(+)) might be expanded by alpha-GalCer-activated iNKT cells and could therefore be involved in immune tolerance.

Microbial conversion of glycerol into glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, by a basidiomycete yeast, Pseudozyma antarctica JCM 10317(T)

Microbial conversion of glycerol into functional bio-based materials was investigated, aiming to facilitate the utilization of waste glycerol. A basidiomycete yeast, Pseudozyma antarctica JCM 10317, efficiently produced mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) as glycolipid biosurfactants from glycerol. The amount of MEL yield reached 16.3 g l(-1) by intermittent feeding of glycerol.

NBD-conjugated biosurfactant (MEL-A) shows a new pathway for transfection

Gene transfection is a fundamental technology for molecular and cell biology, and also clinical gene therapy. A variety of non-viral vectors have been investigated for gene transfection, but their gene delivery had remained an inefficient process. Recently, we found that a biosurfactant, mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL)-A, dramatically increased the efficiency in transfection of plasmid DNA mediated by cationic liposomes. However, its mechanism has not been understood yet. Here we examined the mechanism of the transfection mediated by cationic liposomes with NBD-conjugated MEL-A. We found that MEL-A first gradually distributed on the intracellular membranes through the plasma membranes of target cells, while the cationic liposomes with MEL-A fused to the plasma membranes in 20-35 min. Thereafter, the oligonucleotide released from the vesicles was immediately transferred to the nucleus. The present results showed a new role of non-viral vectors in transfection.

Cloning of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene from Pseudozyma flocculosa and functionality of its promoter in two Pseudozyma species

Pseudozyma flocculosa is a yeast-like epiphyte recently classified as a basidiomycete related to the Ustilaginales. In this study, we report the cloning of its gene coding for a putative glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD). This gene was selected on the premise that its transcripts are abundant during the growth phase of P. flocculosa. The complete sequence of this gene was found to contain two introns in the coding region and one in the 3'-untranslated region. This gene was present in a single copy in the genome of P. flocculosa. By comparing its deduced amino acid sequence with various sequences from basidiomycetous and ascomycetous fungi, we observed a stronger homology with the former group as predicted by the new classification of P. flocculosa. The promoter region lacked a typical TATA or CAAT box but contained a CT-rich region including the transcription start site. Although the GPD promoter showed a stronger affinity within P. flocculosa, it remained active across species as shown by expressing the green fluorescent protein in Pseudozyma antarctica. The cloning of this gene and its promoter brings new and versatile options to the limited genetic tools currently available for the study of the recently defined Pseudozyma genus.

Characterization of the genusPseudozymaby the formation of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids

Pseudozyma antarctica is one of the best producers of the glycolipid biosurfactants known as mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), which show not only excellent surface-active properties but also versatile biochemical actions. In order to obtain a variety of producers, all the species of the genus were examined for their production of MELs from soybean oil. Pseudozyma fusiformata, P. parantarctica and P. tsukubaensis were newly identified to be MEL producers. Of the strains tested, P. parantarctica gave the best yield of MELs (30 g L(-1)). The obtained yield corresponded to those of P. antarctica, P. aphidis and P. rugulosa, which are known high-level MEL producers. Interestingly, P. parantarctica and P. fusiformata produced mainly 4-O-[(4',6'-di-O-acetyl-2',3'-di-O-alkanoyl)-beta-d-mannopyranosyl]-meso-erythritol (MEL-A), whereas P. tsukubaensis produced mainly 4-O-[(6'-mono-O-acetyl-2',3'-di-O-alkanoyl)-beta-d-mannopyranosyl]-meso-erythritol (MEL-B). Consequently, six of the nine species clearly produced MELs. Based on the MEL production pattern, the nine species seemed to fall into four groups: the first group produces large amounts of MELs; the second produces both MELs and other biosurfactants; the third mainly produces MEL-B; and the fourth is non-MEL-producing. Thus, MEL production may be an important taxonomic index for the Pseudozyma yeasts.

Physiological differences in the formation of the glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, between Pseudozyma antarctica and Pseudozyma aphidis

Vegetable oil is the usual carbon source for the production of biosurfactants (BS), mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL). To simplify the procedures of BS production and recovery, we investigated the extracellular production of MEL from water-soluble carbon sources instead of vegetable oils by using two representative yeast strains. The formation of extracellular MEL from glucose was confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC analysis. On glucose cultivation, pure MEL were easily prepared by only solvent extraction of the culture medium, different from the case of soybean oil cultivation. The fatty acid profile of the major MEL produced from glucose was similar to that produced from soybean oil based on GC-MS analysis. The resting cells of Pseudozyma antarctica T-34 produced MEL by feeding of glucose only and gave a yield of 12 g l(-1). In contrast, Pseudozyma aphidis ATCC 32657 gave no MEL from glucose. Moreover, the extracellular lipase activities were detected at high levels during the cultivation regardless of the carbon sources. These results indicate that all the biosynthesis pathways for MEL in P. antarctica T-34 should constitutively function. In conclusion, P. antarctica T-34 thus has potential for BS production from glucose.

Characterization of Biosurfactant-Containing Liposomes and Their Efficiency for Gene Transfection

Recently we showed significance of biosurfactants in the field of non-viral vectors for gene transfection. There, a biosurfactant, mannosylerythritol lipid A (MEL-A), especially increased the efficiency of gene transfection mediated with cationic liposomes. However, the molecular mechanism has not been well-understood yet. Here, through the examination of the ability of cationic liposomes containing an MEL (MEL-A, MEL-B or MEL-C) for important transfectional processes of the DNA capsulation and the membrane fusion with anionic liposomes, we found that MEL-A-containing liposomes increased both processes, but that MEL-B and MEL-C-containing liposomes just increased either of them. The results indicated that these kinds of the physicochemical properties in MEL-A-containing liposomes are able to increase the efficiency of liposome-mediated gene transfection.

Discovery of Pseudozyma rugulosa NBRC 10877 as a novel producer of the glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, based on rDNA sequence

The search for a novel producer of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) was undertaken based on the analysis of ribosomal DNA sequences on the yeast strains of the genus Pseudozyma. Pseudozyma rugulosa NBRC 10877 was found to produce a large amount of glycolipids from soybean oil. Fluorescence microscopic observation also demonstrated that the strain significantly accumulates polar lipids in the cells. The structure of the glycolipids produced by the strain was analyzed by (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods, and was determined to be the same as MEL produced by Pseudozyma antarctica, a well-known MEL producer. The major fatty acids of the present MEL consisted of C8 and C10 acids. Based on high performance liquid chromatography, the composition of the produced MEL was as follows: MEL-A (68%), MEL-B (12%), and MEL-C (20%). To enhance the production of MEL by the novel strain, factors affecting the production, such as carbon and nitrogen sources, were further examined. Soybean oil and sodium nitrate were the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The supplementation of a MEL precursor, such as erythritol, drastically enhanced the production yield from soybean oil at a rate of 70 to 90%. Under the optimal conditions in a shake culture, a maximum yield, productivity, and yield coefficient (on a weight basis to soybean oil supplied) of 142 g l(-1), 5.0 g l(-1) day(-1), and 0.5 g g(-1) were achieved by intermittent feeding of soybean oil and erythritol using the yeast.

Identification of a gene cluster for biosynthesis of mannosylerythritol lipids in the basidiomycetous fungus Ustilago maydis

Many microorganisms produce surface-active substances that enhance the availability of water-insoluble substrates. Although many of these biosurfactants have interesting potential applications, very little is known about their biosynthesis. The basidiomycetous fungus Ustilago maydis secretes large amounts of mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) under conditions of nitrogen starvation. We recently described a putative glycosyltransferase, Emt1, which is essential for MEL biosynthesis and whose expression is strongly induced by nitrogen limitation. We used DNA microarray analysis to identify additional genes involved in MEL biosynthesis. Here we show that emt1 is part of a gene cluster which comprises five open reading frames. Three of the newly identified proteins, Mac1, Mac2, and Mat1, contain short sequence motifs characteristic for acyl- and acetyltransferases. Mutational analysis revealed that Mac1 and Mac2 are essential for MEL production, which suggests that they are involved in the acylation of mannosylerythritol. Deletion of mat1 resulted in the secretion of completely deacetylated MELs, as determined by mass spectrometry. We overexpressed Mat1 in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that this enzyme acts as an acetyl coenzyme A-dependent acetyltransferase. Remarkably, Mat1 displays relaxed regioselectivity and is able to acetylate mannosylerythritol at both the C-4 and C-6 hydroxyl groups. Based on these results, we propose a biosynthesis pathway for the generation of mannosylerythritol lipids in U. maydis.

Analysis of expressed sequence tags from the anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast, Pseudozyma antarctica, which produces glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids

Pseudozyma antarctica T-34 secretes a large amount of biosurfactants (BS), mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL), from different carbon sources such as hydrocarbons and vegetable oils. The detailed biosynthetic pathway of MEL remained unknown due to lack of genetic information on the anamorphic basidiomycetous yeasts, including the genus Pseudozyma. Here, in order to obtain genetic information on P. antarctica T-34, we constructed a cDNA library from yeast cells producing MEL from soybean oil and identified the genes expressed through the creation of an expressed sequence tags (EST) library. We generated 398 ESTs, assembled into 146 contiguous sequences. Based upon a BLAST search similarity cut-off of E<or=10(-5), 21.4% of all contigs were orphan, while 78.6% showed similarity to sequences in the protein database; 60.3% of all contiguous sequences shared significant identities to hypothetical protein of Ustilago maydis, which is a smut fungus and BS producer. Based on the gene expression study using real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, the predicted genes, such as mannosyltranferase and acyltransferase, were demonstrated to be highly involved in MEL biosynthesis in soybean oil-grown cells.

[Functional fluctuation]

The discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA, the elucidation of the genetic code, and the determination of the three-dimensional structure of several proteins are some of the outstanding achievements of biochemistry and life sciences in the latter half of the last century. Proteins play key roles in almost all the biological processes and the biological function of a protein depends on its conformation which is defined as the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms of a molecule. The three-dimensional structure, however, is not rigid but fluctuated. Structural fluctuation plays an important role in bio-macromolecules. How about "functional fluctuation" in biological systems? The present review proposes that functional fluctuation is also very important for understanding the mechanism of supramolecules, biological processes in living cells, and the interaction between biological systems. This new theme is pretty well supported by our recent experiments for neuro-immune crosstalk, gene transfection with cationic liposomes, and cell signaling in embryonic stem cells.

Biosurfactant MEL-A enhances cellular association and gene transfection by cationic liposome

Mannnosylerythritol lipid A (MEL-A), a biosurfactant produced by microorganisms, has many biological activities. To enhance the gene transfection efficiency of a cationic liposome, we prepared a MEL-liposome (MEL-L) composed of 3beta-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and MEL-A, and investigated its transfection efficiency in human cervix carcinoma Hela cells. MEL-L was about 40 nm in size, and the MEL-L/plasmid DNA complex (MEL-lipoplex) remained an injectable size (169 nm). MEL-A induced a significantly higher level of gene expression, compared to commercially available Tfx20 and the liposome without MEL-A (Cont-L). Analysis of flow cytometric profiles clearly indicated that the amount of DNA associated with the cells was rapidly increased and sustained by addition of MEL-A to the liposome. Confocal microscopic observation indicated that the MEL-lipoplex distributed widely in the cytoplasm, and the DNA was detected strongly in the cytoplasm and around the nucleus, compared with Cont-L. These results suggested that MEL-A increased gene expression by enhancing the association of the lipoplexes with the cells in serum. MEL-L might prove a remarkable non-viral vector for gene transfection and gene therapy.