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Fan C, Basharat Z, Mah K, Wei CR. Computational approach for drug discovery against Gardnerella vaginalis in quest for safer and effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17437. [PMID: 39075099 PMCID: PMC11286753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), primarily attributed to Gardnerella vaginalis, poses significant challenges due to antibiotic resistance and suboptimal treatment outcomes. This study presents an integrated approach to identify potential drug targets and screen compounds against this bacterium by leveraging a computational methodology. Subtractive proteomics of the reference strain ASM286196v1/UMB0386 (assembly accession: GCA_002861965.1) facilitated the prioritization of proteins with essential bacterial functions and pathways as potential drug targets. We selected 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase (aroG gene product; also known as DAHP synthase) for downstream analysis. Molecular docking was employed in PyRx (AutoDock Vina) to predict binding affinities between aroG inhibitors from the ZINC database and 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase. Molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns, using GROMACS, validated the stability of drug-target interactions. Additionally, ADMET profiling aided in the selection of compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and safety profile for human hosts. PBPK profiling showed that ZINC98088375 had the highest bioavailability and efficient systemic circulation. Conversely, ZINC5113880 demonstrated the lowest absorption rate (39.661%). Moreover, cirrhosis, steatosis, and renal impairment appeared to influence blood concentration of the drug, impacting bioavailability. The integrative -omics approach utilized in this study underscores the potential of computer-aided drug design and offers a rational strategy for targeted inhibitor discovery against G. vaginalis. The strategy is an attempt to address the limitations of current BV treatments, including antibiotic resistance, and pave way for the development of safer and more effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Fan
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, 85721, USA
| | | | - Karmen Mah
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Calvin R Wei
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
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Jiang Y, Yang J, Xia L, Wei T, Cui X, Wang D, Jin Z, Lin X, Li F, Yang K, Lang S, Liu Y, Hang J, Zhang Z, Hong T, Wei R. Gut Microbiota-Tryptophan Metabolism-GLP-1 Axis Participates in β-Cell Regeneration Induced by Dapagliflozin. Diabetes 2024; 73:926-940. [PMID: 38471012 PMCID: PMC11109800 DOI: 10.2337/db23-0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, efficacious antidiabetic agents that have cardiovascular and renal benefits, can promote pancreatic β-cell regeneration in type 2 diabetic mice. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to use multiomics to identify the mediators involved in β-cell regeneration induced by dapagliflozin. We showed that dapagliflozin lowered blood glucose level, upregulated plasma insulin level, and increased islet area in db/db mice. Dapagliflozin reshaped gut microbiota and modulated microbiotic and plasmatic metabolites related to tryptophan metabolism, especially l-tryptophan, in the diabetic mice. Notably, l-tryptophan upregulated the mRNA level of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) production-related gene (Gcg and Pcsk1) expression and promoted GLP-1 secretion in cultured mouse intestinal L cells, and it increased the supernatant insulin level in primary human islets, which was eliminated by GPR142 antagonist. Transplant of fecal microbiota from dapagliflozin-treated mice, supplementation of l-tryptophan, or treatment with dapagliflozin upregulated l-tryptophan, GLP-1, and insulin or C-peptide levels and promoted β-cell regeneration in db/db mice. Addition of exendin 9-39, a GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) antagonist, or pancreatic Glp1r knockout diminished these beneficial effects. In summary, treatment with dapagliflozin in type 2 diabetic mice promotes β-cell regeneration by upregulating GLP-1 production, which is mediated via gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zirun Jin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiafang Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Hang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Zhu Z, Chen R, Zhang L. Simple phenylpropanoids: recent advances in biological activities, biosynthetic pathways, and microbial production. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:6-24. [PMID: 37807808 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00012e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2000 to 2023Simple phenylpropanoids are a large group of natural products with primary C6-C3 skeletons. They are not only important biomolecules for plant growth but also crucial chemicals for high-value industries, including fragrances, nutraceuticals, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals. However, with the growing global demand for simple phenylpropanoids, direct plant extraction or chemical synthesis often struggles to meet current needs in terms of yield, titre, cost, and environmental impact. Benefiting from the rapid development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, microbial production of natural products from inexpensive and renewable sources provides a feasible solution for sustainable supply. This review outlines the biological activities of simple phenylpropanoids, compares their biosynthetic pathways in different species (plants, bacteria, and fungi), and summarises key research on the microbial production of simple phenylpropanoids over the last decade, with a focus on engineering strategies that seem to hold most potential for further development. Moreover, constructive solutions to the current challenges and future perspectives for industrial production of phenylpropanoids are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanpin Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Ruibing Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Innovative Drug R&D Centre, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
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Ren X, Wei Y, Zhao H, Shao J, Zeng F, Wang Z, Li L. A comprehensive review and comparison of L-tryptophan biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1261832. [PMID: 38116200 PMCID: PMC10729320 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1261832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
L-tryptophan and its derivatives are widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and feed industries. Microbial fermentation is the most commonly used method to produce L-tryptophan, which calls for an effective cell factory. The mechanism of L-tryptophan biosynthesis in Escherichia coli, the widely used producer of L-tryptophan, is well understood. Saccharomyces cerevisiae also plays a significant role in the industrial production of biochemicals. Because of its robustness and safety, S. cerevisiae is favored for producing pharmaceuticals and food-grade biochemicals. However, the biosynthesis of L-tryptophan in S. cerevisiae has been rarely summarized. The synthetic pathways and engineering strategies of L-tryptophan in E. coli and S. cerevisiae have been reviewed and compared in this review. Furthermore, the information presented in this review pertains to the existing understanding of how L-tryptophan affects S. cerevisiae's stress fitness, which could aid in developing a novel plan to produce more resilient industrial yeast and E. coli cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Ren
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
| | - Yue Wei
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
| | - Honglu Zhao
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Shao
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
| | - Fanli Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Baoding, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Baoding, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
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Zhang W, Zhao G, Li X, Han M, Zhang S, Deng H, Yang K. Dietary supplementation with tryptophan increases the plasma concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, and melatonin in Yili mares. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2023; 64. [DOI: doi.org/10.1071/an23113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Context Tryptophan (Trp) is the precursor of melatonin (MT) and the latter plays vital physiological roles in mares. Aims The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary Trp supplementation on the plasma Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), and melatonin (MT) concentrations in female Yili horses. Methods Twenty Yili mares aged 2 years with mean bodyweight (BW) of 263.5 ± 14.77 kg and of similar stature were selected and randomly allocated to the control (CON; basal diet), basal diet plus Trp at 20 mg/kg BW (TRP1), basal diet plus Trp at 40 mg/kg BW (TRP2), or basal diet plus Trp at 60 mg/kg BW (TRP3) group. Key results The plasma total Trp, Kyn, and MT concentrations in all Trp groups steadily increased, reached their peak values, and gradually decreased after Trp supplementation between 0 h and 12 h. However, the plasma 5-HT concentration displayed the opposite trend. Peak plasma total Trp and 5-HT concentrations were attained between 1 h and 3 h, while those of KYN and MT appeared between 4 h and 6 h after Trp supplementation. The plasma total Trp and Kyn concentrations were significantly higher in TRP2 and TRP3 than in CON between 1 h and 12 h (P < 0.05) after Trp supplementation. The plasma 5-HT concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in TRP1 than in CON at 3 h, 4 h, 6 h, 9 h, and 12 h after Trp supplementation. The plasma MT concentrations in TRP1 and TRP2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in CON at 3 h, 4 h, and 12 h, and at 0 h, 1 h, and 12 h after Trp supplementation (P < 0.05). Conclusions Dietary Trp supplementation can increase the plasma total Trp, Kyn, and MT concentrations in Yili mares and the optimal Trp dosage was 20 mg/kg BW. Implication The addition of Trp to a basal diet or feed may increase the plasma total Trp, Kyn, and MT concentrations in female horses.
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Li S. Modulation of immunity by tryptophan microbial metabolites. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1209613. [PMID: 37521424 PMCID: PMC10382180 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1209613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid that can be metabolized via endogenous and exogenous pathways, including the Kynurenine Pathway, the 5-Hydroxyindole Pathway (also the Serotonin pathway), and the Microbial pathway. Of these, the Microbial Trp metabolic pathways in the gut have recently been extensively studied for their production of bioactive molecules. The gut microbiota plays an important role in host metabolism and immunity, and microbial Trp metabolites can influence the development and progression of various diseases, including inflammatory, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, and cancer, by mediating the body's immunity. This review briefly outlines the crosstalk between gut microorganisms and Trp metabolism in the body, starting from the three metabolic pathways of Trp. The mechanisms by which microbial Trp metabolites act on organism immunity are summarized, and the potential implications for disease prevention and treatment are highlighted.
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Papadopoulou EA, Angelis A, Skaltsounis AL, Aliferis KA. GC/EI/MS and 1H NMR Metabolomics Reveal the Effect of an Olive Tree Endophytic Bacillus sp. Lipopeptide Extract on the Metabolism of Colletotrichum acutatum. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040462. [PMID: 37110121 PMCID: PMC10142168 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040462] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition to the Green Deal era requires the discovery of alternative sources of bioactivity and an in-depth understanding of their toxicity to target and non-target organisms. Endophytes have recently emerged as a source of bioactivity of high potential for applications in plant protection, used either per se as biological control agents or their metabolites as bioactive compounds. The olive tree endophytic isolate Bacillus sp. PTA13 produces an array of bioactive lipopeptides (LPs), which additionally exhibit reduced phytotoxicity, features that make them candidates for further research focusing on olive tree plant protection. Here, GC/EI/MS and 1H NMR metabolomics were employed to study the toxicity of a Bacillus sp. PTA13 LP extract on the olive tree pathogen Colletotrichum acutatum, which causes the devastating disease olive anthracnose. The discovery of resistant isolates of the pathogen to the applied fungicides makes the research on the development of improved sources of bioactivity of paramount importance. Analyses revealed that the applied extract affects the metabolism of the fungus by interfering with the biosynthesis of various metabolites and its energy production. LPs had a great impact on the aromatic amino acid metabolism, the energy equilibrium of the fungus and its fatty acid content. Additionally, the applied LPs affected the levels of pathogenesis-related metabolites, a finding that supports their potential for further research as plant protection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia-Anna Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pesticide Science, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, 157 71 Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolis Angelis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, 157 71 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, 157 71 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos A Aliferis
- Laboratory of Pesticide Science, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
- Department of Plant Science, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Schoppel K, Trachtmann N, Korzin EJ, Tzanavari A, Sprenger GA, Weuster-Botz D. Metabolic control analysis enables rational improvement of E. coli L-tryptophan producers but methylglyoxal formation limits glycerol-based production. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:201. [PMID: 36195869 PMCID: PMC9531422 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although efficient l-tryptophan production using engineered Escherichia coli is established from glucose, the use of alternative carbon sources is still very limited. Through the application of glycerol as an alternate, a more sustainable substrate (by-product of biodiesel preparation), the well-studied intracellular glycolytic pathways are rerouted, resulting in the activity of different intracellular control sites and regulations, which are not fully understood in detail. Metabolic analysis was applied to well-known engineered E. coli cells with 10 genetic modifications. Cells were withdrawn from a fed-batch production process with glycerol as a carbon source, followed by metabolic control analysis (MCA). This resulted in the identification of several additional enzymes controlling the carbon flux to l-tryptophan. Results These controlling enzyme activities were addressed stepwise by the targeted overexpression of 4 additional enzymes (trpC, trpB, serB, aroB). Their efficacy regarding l-tryptophan productivity was evaluated under consistent fed-batch cultivation conditions. Although process comparability was impeded by process variances related to a temporal, unpredictable break-off in l-tryptophan production, process improvements of up to 28% with respect to the l-tryptophan produced were observed using the new producer strains. The intracellular effects of these targeted genetic modifications were revealed by metabolic analysis in combination with MCA and expression analysis. Furthermore, it was discovered that the E. coli cells produced the highly toxic metabolite methylglyoxal (MGO) during the fed-batch process. A closer look at the MGO production and detoxification on the metabolome, fluxome, and transcriptome level of the engineered E. coli indicated that the highly toxic metabolite plays a critical role in the production of aromatic amino acids with glycerol as a carbon source. Conclusions A detailed process analysis of a new l-tryptophan producer strain revealed that several of the 4 targeted genetic modifications of the E. colil-tryptophan producer strain proved to be effective, and, for others, new engineering approaches could be derived from the results. As a starting point for further strain and process optimization, the up-regulation of MGO detoxifying enzymes and a lowering of the feeding rate during the last third of the cultivation seems reasonable. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01930-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Schoppel
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Natalia Trachtmann
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Emil J Korzin
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Angelina Tzanavari
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Georg A Sprenger
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dirk Weuster-Botz
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748, Garching, Germany.
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