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Klepacz-Smolka A, Shah MR, Jiang Y, Zhong Y, Chen P, Pietrzyk D, Szelag R, Ledakowicz S, Daroch M. Microalgae are not an umbrella solution for power industry waste abatement but could play a role in their valorization. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023:1-29. [PMID: 38105487 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2284644] [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: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae have long been regarded as a promising solution for biological carbon abatement from the power industry, offering renewable biomass without competing for land or water resources used for food crops. In this study, we extensively examined the application of photosynthetic microorganisms for closing carbon, nitrogen, and micronutrient loops in the power industry. Subsequently, we explored the bottom-up integration of algal biorefineries into power industry waste streams for increased economic benefits and reduced environmental impacts. Analysis of the available data indicated that microalgae integration with the power industry is primarily performed using flue-gas-assisted cultivation. This approach allows for carbon sequestration typically below one gram per liter per day, too low to significantly impact carbon abatement at achievable scales of microalgae cultivation. Alternative approaches are also being explored. For example, soluble bicarbonate platforms allow for higher biomass productivity and temporary carbon storage. Meanwhile, the use of ashes and waste heat and thermophilic strains can result in lower cultivation costs and better control of cultivation conditions. These approaches offer further incremental improvement to microalgae-based carbon abatement systems in the power industry but are unlikely to be an umbrella solution for carbon reduction. Consequently, in the near term, microalgae-based carbon valorization systems are likely to be limited to niche applications involving the synthesis of high-value products. For microalgae to truly transform carbon abatement processes radical improvements in both biology and engineering approaches are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Klepacz-Smolka
- Faculty of Process Engineering and Environmental Protection, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mahfuzur R Shah
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuqing Zhong
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengyu Chen
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Damian Pietrzyk
- Faculty of Process Engineering and Environmental Protection, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafal Szelag
- Faculty of Process Engineering and Environmental Protection, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Ledakowicz
- Faculty of Process Engineering and Environmental Protection, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maurycy Daroch
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Shlosberg Y, Faynus MA, Huang A, Carlini AS, Clegg DO, Kaner RB. Mammalian Fuel Cells Produce Electric Current. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37450569 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The increasing concern about climate change has led scientists around the world to develop clean energy technologies that may replace the traditional use of fossil fuels. A promising approach is the utilization of unicellular organisms as electron donors in bio-fuel cells. To date, this method has been limited to microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and microalgae. In this work, we show for the first time the concept of using mammalian cell cultures and organoids as electron donors in biofuel cells. We apply cyclic voltammetry to show that upon association of ARPE19 cells with the anode, they release reducing molecules to produce electricity. Furthermore, we apply 2D-fluorescence measurements and show that upon illumination, photosensitive stem cell-derived retinal organoids, which consist of rod photoreceptors and interneurons, secrete NADH and NADPH molecules that can donate electrons at the anode to produce photocurrent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Mohamed A Faynus
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Program for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Ailun Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles 90095, California, United States
| | - Andrea S Carlini
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Program for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Program for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Richard B Kaner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles 90095, California, United States
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Langella E, Di Fiore A, Alterio V, Monti SM, De Simone G, D’Ambrosio K. α-CAs from Photosynthetic Organisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912045. [PMID: 36233343 PMCID: PMC9570166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the reversible carbon dioxide hydration reaction. Among the eight different CA classes existing in nature, the α-class is the largest one being present in animals, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and photosynthetic organisms. Although many studies have been reported on these enzymes, few functional, biochemical, and structural data are currently available on α-CAs isolated from photosynthetic organisms. Here, we give an overview of the most recent literature on the topic. In higher plants, these enzymes are engaged in both supplying CO2 at the Rubisco and determining proton concentration in PSII membranes, while in algae and cyanobacteria they are involved in carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM), photosynthetic reactions and in detecting or signaling changes in the CO2 level in the environment. Crystal structures are only available for three algal α-CAs, thus not allowing to associate specific structural features to cellular localizations or physiological roles. Therefore, further studies on α-CAs from photosynthetic organisms are strongly needed to provide insights into their structure–function relationship.
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4
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Production of photocurrent and hydrogen gas from intact plant leaves. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 215:114558. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bolay P, Schlüter S, Grimm S, Riediger M, Hess WR, Klähn S. The transcriptional regulator RbcR controls ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) genes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:432-445. [PMID: 35377491 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis evolved in cyanobacteria, primary producers of striking ecological importance. Like plants, cyanobacteria use the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle for CO2 fixation, fuelled by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). In a competitive reaction this enzyme also fixes O2 which makes it rather ineffective. To mitigate this problem, cyanobacteria evolved a CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) to pool CO2 in the vicinity of RuBisCO. However, the regulation of these carbon (C) assimilatory systems is understood only partially. Using the model Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 we characterized an essential LysR-type transcriptional regulator encoded by gene sll0998. Transcript profiling of a knockdown mutant revealed diminished expression of several genes involved in C acquisition, including rbcLXS, sbtA and ccmKL encoding RuBisCO and parts of the CCM, respectively. We demonstrate that the Sll0998 protein binds the rbcL promoter and acts as a RuBisCO regulator (RbcR). We propose ATTA(G/A)-N5 -(C/T)TAAT as the binding motif consensus. Our data validate RbcR as a regulator of inorganic C assimilation and define the regulon controlled by it. Biological CO2 fixation can sustain efforts to reduce its atmospheric concentrations and is fundamental for the light-driven production of chemicals directly from CO2 . Information about the involved regulatory and physiological processes is crucial to engineer cyanobacterial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bolay
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susan Schlüter
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Samuel Grimm
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Riediger
- Genetics & Experimental Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R Hess
- Genetics & Experimental Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Klähn
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
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Muth-Pawlak D, Kreula S, Gollan PJ, Huokko T, Allahverdiyeva Y, Aro EM. Patterning of the Autotrophic, Mixotrophic, and Heterotrophic Proteomes of Oxygen-Evolving Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:891895. [PMID: 35694301 PMCID: PMC9175036 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.891895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomes of an oxygenic photosynthetic cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, were analyzed under photoautotrophic (low and high CO2, assigned as ATLC and ATHC), photomixotrophic (MT), and light-activated heterotrophic (LAH) conditions. Allocation of proteome mass fraction to seven sub-proteomes and differential expression of individual proteins were analyzed, paying particular attention to photosynthesis and carbon metabolism–centered sub-proteomes affected by the quality and quantity of the carbon source and light regime upon growth. A distinct common feature of the ATHC, MT, and LAH cultures was low abundance of inducible carbon-concentrating mechanisms and photorespiration-related enzymes, independent of the inorganic or organic carbon source. On the other hand, these cells accumulated a respiratory NAD(P)H dehydrogenase I (NDH-11) complex in the thylakoid membrane (TM). Additionally, in glucose-supplemented cultures, a distinct NDH-2 protein, NdbA, accumulated in the TM, while the plasma membrane-localized NdbC and terminal oxidase decreased in abundance in comparison to both AT conditions. Photosynthetic complexes were uniquely depleted under the LAH condition but accumulated under the ATHC condition. The MT proteome displayed several heterotrophic features typical of the LAH proteome, particularly including the high abundance of ribosome as well as amino acid and protein biosynthesis machinery-related components. It is also noteworthy that the two equally light-exposed ATHC and MT cultures allocated similar mass fractions of the total proteome to the seven distinct sub-proteomes. Unique trophic condition-specific expression patterns were likewise observed among individual proteins, including the accumulation of phosphate transporters and polyphosphate polymers storing energy surplus in highly energetic bonds under the MT condition and accumulation under the LAH condition of an enzyme catalyzing cyanophycin biosynthesis. It is concluded that the rigor of cell growth in the MT condition results, to a great extent, by combining photosynthetic activity with high intracellular inorganic carbon conditions created upon glucose breakdown and release of CO2, besides the direct utilization of glucose-derived carbon skeletons for growth. This combination provides the MT cultures with excellent conditions for growth that often exceeds that of mere ATHC.
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Chen J, Huang Y, Shu Y, Hu X, Wu D, Jiang H, Wang K, Liu W, Fu W. Recent Progress on Systems and Synthetic Biology of Diatoms for Improving Algal Productivity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:908804. [PMID: 35646842 PMCID: PMC9136054 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.908804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae have drawn much attention for their potential applications as a sustainable source for developing bioactive compounds, functional foods, feeds, and biofuels. Diatoms, as one major group of microalgae with high yields and strong adaptability to the environment, have shown advantages in developing photosynthetic cell factories to produce value-added compounds, including heterologous bioactive products. However, the commercialization of diatoms has encountered several obstacles that limit the potential mass production, such as the limitation of algal productivity and low photosynthetic efficiency. In recent years, systems and synthetic biology have dramatically improved the efficiency of diatom cell factories. In this review, we discussed first the genome sequencing and genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) of diatoms. Then, approaches to optimizing photosynthetic efficiency are introduced with a focus on the enhancement of biomass productivity in diatoms. We also reviewed genome engineering technologies, including CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) gene-editing to produce bioactive compounds in diatoms. Finally, we summarized the recent progress on the diatom cell factory for producing heterologous compounds through genome engineering to introduce foreign genes into host diatoms. This review also pinpointed the bottlenecks in algal engineering development and provided critical insights into the future direction of algal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Chen
- Department of Marine Science, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Huang
- Department of Marine Science, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuexuan Shu
- Department of Marine Science, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Hu
- Center for Data Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Marine Science, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangjin Jiang
- Center for Data Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Marine Science, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiqi Fu
- Department of Marine Science, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Systems Biology and Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- *Correspondence: Weiqi Fu,
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8
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Muthukrishnan L. Bio‐engineering of microalgae: Challenges and future prospects toward industrial and environmental applications. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:310-329. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmipathy Muthukrishnan
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai Tamil Nadu India
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9
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Pyropia yezoensis genome reveals diverse mechanisms of carbon acquisition in the intertidal environment. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4028. [PMID: 32788591 PMCID: PMC7423979 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration have played a central role in algal and plant adaptation and evolution. The commercially important red algal genus, Pyropia (Bangiales) appears to have responded to inorganic carbon (Ci) availability by evolving alternating heteromorphic generations that occupy distinct habitats. The leafy gametophyte inhabits the intertidal zone that undergoes frequent emersion, whereas the sporophyte conchocelis bores into mollusk shells. Here, we analyze a high-quality genome assembly of Pyropia yezoensis to elucidate the interplay between Ci availability and life cycle evolution. We find horizontal gene transfers from bacteria and expansion of gene families (e.g. carbonic anhydrase, anti-oxidative related genes), many of which show gametophyte-specific expression or significant up-regulation in gametophyte in response to dehydration. In conchocelis, the release of HCO3- from shell promoted by carbonic anhydrase provides a source of Ci. This hypothesis is supported by the incorporation of 13C isotope by conchocelis when co-cultured with 13C-labeled CaCO3. The nori producing seaweed Pyropia yezoensis has heteromorphic generations that occupy distinct habitats. Here, via genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, and 13 C isotope labeling, the authors show the interplay between inorganic carbon availability and life cycle evolution in the intertidal environment.
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Vilar MCP, Molica RJR. Changes in pH and dissolved inorganic carbon in water affect the growth, saxitoxins production and toxicity of the cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii ITEP-A1. HARMFUL ALGAE 2020; 97:101870. [PMID: 32732056 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2020.101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Raphidiopsis raciborskii is a widely distributed, potentially toxic cyanobacterium described as a tropical-subtropical species. However, its occurrence in temperate regions has been expanding. Understanding the environmental factors underlying the expansion and colonization success of Raphidiopsis has been the object of numerous studies. However, less is known regarding its responses to pH and inorganic carbon in water. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of changes in pH and dissolved inorganic carbon on growth and saxitoxins production in the strain R. raciborskii ITEP-A1. We incubated batch cultures with different unbuffered and buffered pH (neutral-acid and alkaline) and inorganic carbon availability (CO2-rich air bubbling and the addition of NaHCO3) to assess the effect of these factors on the growth, toxin production as well as saxitoxins composition of the cyanobacterium. The carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) system of ITEP-A1 was also characterized by an in silico analysis of its previously sequenced genome. The growth and saxitoxins production of R. raciborskii were affected. The addition of sodium bicarbonate and air bubbling enhanced the growth of the cyanobacterium in alkaline pH. In contrast, saxitoxins production and relative toxicity were decreased. Moreover, significant changes in the cellular composition of saxitoxins were strongly related to pH changes. ITEP-A1 potentially expresses the low-flux bicarbonate transporter BicA, an efficient CCM which uptakes most of its carbon from HCO3-. Hence, increasing the diffusion of CO2 in alkaline eutrophic lakes is likely to increase R. raciborskii dominance, but produce less toxic blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cesar Palmeira Vilar
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Biology Department, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Renato José Reis Molica
- Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Bom Pastor Avenue, Garanhuns, PE, 55292-270, Brazil.
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Song H, He M, Wu C, Gu C, Wang C. Global transcriptomic analysis of an Arctic Chlorella-Arc reveals its eurythermal adaptivity mechanisms. ALGAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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12
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Supuran CT. Carbonic Anhydrases and Metabolism. Metabolites 2018; 8:metabo8020025. [PMID: 29561812 PMCID: PMC6027401 DOI: 10.3390/metabo8020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the role of carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) in metabolism is well-established, pharmacological applications of this phenomenon started to be considered only recently. In organisms all over the phylogenetic tree, the seven CA genetic families known to date are involved in biosynthetic processes and pH modulation, which may influence metabolism in multiple ways, with both processes being amenable to pharmacologic intervention. CA inhibitors possess antiobesity action directly by inhibiting lipogenesis, whereas the hypoxic tumor metabolism is highly controlled by the transmembrane isoforms CA IX and XII, which contribute to the acidic extracellular environment of tumors and supply bicarbonate for their high proliferation rates. Many of the articles from this special issue deal with the role of cancer CAs in tumor metabolism and how these phenomena can be used for designing innovative antitumor therapies/imaging agents. The metabolic roles of CAs in bacteria and algae are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Dipartimento Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Laboratorio di Chimica Bioinorganica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Polo Scientifico, Via U. Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy.
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