1
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Luo G, Huang Z, Zhu Y, Chen J, Hou X, Ni D, Xu W, Zhang W, Rao Y, Mu W. Crystal structure and structure-guided tunnel engineering in a bacterial β-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135374. [PMID: 39265897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135374] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), a representative oligosaccharide found in human milk, has been previously examined for its beneficial traits. However, the LNnT titer is limited by the efficient glycosyltransferase pathway, particularly with respect to the catalysis of rate-limiting steps. As data on the crystal structure of the key enzyme required for synthesizing LNnT are lacking, the synthesis of LNnT remains an uncertainty. Here, for the first time we report the three-dimensional structure of a bacterial β-1,4-galactosyltransferase, Aaβ4GalT, and analyze the critical role played by residues in its catalytic efficacy. Guided by structural insights, we engineered this enzyme to enhance its catalytic efficiency using structure-guided tunnel engineering. The mutant enzyme L5 (K155M/H156D/F157W/K185M/Q216V) so produced, showed a 50-fold enhancement in catalytic activity. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the mechanism underlying the improvement in activity was of the swing door type. The closed conformation formed by dense hydrophobic packing with Q216V-K155M widened and permitted substrate entry. Our results show that altering the tunnel conformation helped appropriately accommodate the substrate for catalysis and provide a structural basis for the modification of other glycosyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhaolin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xiaodong Hou
- Institute of Germplasm Resources and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Dawei Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yijian Rao
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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2
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Bannister KR, Prather KLJ. α-Substituted 3-hydroxy acid production from glucose in Escherichia coli. Metab Eng 2024; 86:124-134. [PMID: 39313110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are renewably-derived, microbial polyesters composed of hydroxy acids (HAs). Demand for sustainable plastics alternatives, combined with the unfavorable thermal properties exhibited by some PHAs, motivates the discovery of novel PHA-based materials. Incorporation of α-substituted HAs yields thermostable PHAs; however, the reverse β-oxidation (rBOX) pathway, the canonical pathway for HA production, is unable to produce these monomers because it utilizes thiolases with narrow substrate specificity. Here, we present a thiolase-independent pathway to two α-substituted HAs, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid (3HIB) and 3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyric acid (3H2MB). This pathway involves the conversion of glucose to various branched acyl-CoAs and ultimately to 3HIB or 3H2MB. As proof of concept, we engineered Escherichia coli for the specific production of 3HIB and 3H2MB from glucose at titers as high as 66 ± 5 mg/L and 290 ± 40 mg/L, respectively. Optimizing this pathway for 3H2MB production via a novel byproduct recycle increased titer by 60%. This work illustrates the utility of novel pathway design HA production leading to PHAs with industrially relevant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- K'yal R Bannister
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kristala L J Prather
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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3
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Hilvert D. Spiers Memorial Lecture: Engineering biocatalysts. Faraday Discuss 2024; 252:9-28. [PMID: 39046423 PMCID: PMC11389855 DOI: 10.1039/d4fd00139g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes are being engineered to catalyze chemical reactions for many practical applications in chemistry and biotechnology. The approaches used are surveyed in this short review, emphasizing methods for accessing reactivities not expressed by native protein scaffolds. The successful generation of completely de novo enzymes that rival the rates and selectivities of their natural counterparts highlights the potential role that designer enzymes may play in the coming years in research, industry, and medicine. Some challenges that need to be addressed to realize this ambitious dream are considered together with possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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4
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Dowaidar M. Synthetic biology of metabolic cycles for Enhanced CO 2 capture and Sequestration. Bioorg Chem 2024; 153:107774. [PMID: 39260160 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107774] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
In most organisms, the tri-carboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) is an essential metabolic system that is involved in both energy generation and carbon metabolism. Its uni-directionality, however, restricts its use in synthetic biology and carbon fixation. Here, it is describing the use of the modified TCA cycle, called the Tri-carboxylic acid Hooked to Ethylene by Enzyme Reactions and Amino acid Synthesis, the reductive tricarboxylic acid branch/4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA/ethylmalonyl-CoA/acetyl-CoA (THETA) cycle, in Escherichia coli for the purposes of carbon fixation and amino acid synthesis. Three modules make up the THETA cycle: (1) pyruvate to succinate transformation, (2) succinate to crotonyl-CoA change, and (3) crotonyl-CoA to acetyl-CoA and pyruvate change. It is presenting each module's viability in vivo and showing how it integrates into the E. coli metabolic network to support growth on minimal medium without the need for outside supplementation. Enzyme optimization, route redesign, and heterologous expression were used to get over metabolic roadblocks and produce functional modules. Furthermore, the THETA cycle may be improved by including components of the Carbon-Efficient Tri-Carboxylic Acid Cycle (CETCH cycle) to improve carbon fixation. THETA cycle's promise as a platform for applications in synthetic biology and carbon fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Dowaidar
- Bioengineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Biosystems and Machines Research Center, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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5
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Nieto-Domínguez M, Sako A, Enemark-Rasmussen K, Gotfredsen CH, Rago D, Nikel PI. Enzymatic synthesis of mono- and trifluorinated alanine enantiomers expands the scope of fluorine biocatalysis. Commun Chem 2024; 7:104. [PMID: 38724655 PMCID: PMC11082193 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluorinated amino acids serve as an entry point for establishing new-to-Nature chemistries in biological systems, and novel methods are needed for the selective synthesis of these building blocks. In this study, we focused on the enzymatic synthesis of fluorinated alanine enantiomers to expand fluorine biocatalysis. The alanine dehydrogenase from Vibrio proteolyticus and the diaminopimelate dehydrogenase from Symbiobacterium thermophilum were selected for in vitro production of (R)-3-fluoroalanine and (S)-3-fluoroalanine, respectively, using 3-fluoropyruvate as the substrate. Additionally, we discovered that an alanine racemase from Streptomyces lavendulae, originally selected for setting an alternative enzymatic cascade leading to the production of these non-canonical amino acids, had an unprecedented catalytic efficiency in β-elimination of fluorine from the monosubstituted fluoroalanine. The in vitro enzymatic cascade based on the dehydrogenases of V. proteolyticus and S. thermophilum included a cofactor recycling system, whereby a formate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas sp. 101 (either native or engineered) coupled formate oxidation to NAD(P)H formation. Under these conditions, the reaction yields for (R)-3-fluoroalanine and (S)-3-fluoroalanine reached >85% on the fluorinated substrate and proceeded with complete enantiomeric excess. The selected dehydrogenases also catalyzed the conversion of trifluoropyruvate into trifluorinated alanine as a first-case example of fluorine biocatalysis with amino acids carrying a trifluoromethyl group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nieto-Domínguez
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Aboubakar Sako
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | - Daniela Rago
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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6
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Joshi J, Hanson AD. A pilot oral history of plant synthetic biology. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:36-47. [PMID: 38163646 PMCID: PMC11060686 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The whole field of synthetic biology (SynBio) is only about 20 years old, and plant SynBio is younger still. Nevertheless, within that short time, SynBio in general has drawn more scientific, philosophical, government, and private-sector interest than anything in biology since the recombinant DNA revolution. Plant SynBio, in particular, is now drawing more and more interest in relation to plants' potential to help solve planetary problems such as carbon capture and storage and replacing fossil fuels and feedstocks. As plant SynBio is so young and so fast-developing, we felt it was too soon to try to analyze its history. Instead, we set out to capture the essence of plant SynBio's origins and early development through interviews with 8 of the field's founders, representing 5 countries and 3 continents. We then distilled these founders' personal recollections and reflections into this review, centering the narrative on timelines for pivotal events, articles, funding programs, and quoting from interviews. We have archived the interview recordings and documented timeline entries. This work provides a resource for future historical scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Joshi
- Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Andrew D Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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7
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Orsi E, Schada von Borzyskowski L, Noack S, Nikel PI, Lindner SN. Automated in vivo enzyme engineering accelerates biocatalyst optimization. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3447. [PMID: 38658554 PMCID: PMC11043082 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Achieving cost-competitive bio-based processes requires development of stable and selective biocatalysts. Their realization through in vitro enzyme characterization and engineering is mostly low throughput and labor-intensive. Therefore, strategies for increasing throughput while diminishing manual labor are gaining momentum, such as in vivo screening and evolution campaigns. Computational tools like machine learning further support enzyme engineering efforts by widening the explorable design space. Here, we propose an integrated solution to enzyme engineering challenges whereby ML-guided, automated workflows (including library generation, implementation of hypermutation systems, adapted laboratory evolution, and in vivo growth-coupled selection) could be realized to accelerate pipelines towards superior biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Stephan Noack
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Erb TJ. Photosynthesis 2.0: Realizing New-to-Nature CO 2-Fixation to Overcome the Limits of Natural Metabolism. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041669. [PMID: 37848245 PMCID: PMC10835606 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041669] [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: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology provides opportunities to realize new-to-nature CO2-fixation metabolisms to overcome the limitations of natural photosynthesis. Two different strategies are currently being pursued: One is to realize engineered plants that feature carbon-neutral or carbon-negative (i.e., CO2-fixing) photorespiration metabolism, such as the tatronyl-CoA (TaCo) pathway, to boost CO2-uptake rates of photosynthesis between 20% and 60%. Another (arguably more radical) is to create engineered plants in which natural photosynthesis is fully replaced by an alternative CO2-fixation metabolism, such as the CETCH cycle, which carries the potential to improve CO2 uptake rates between 20% and 200%. These efforts could revolutionize plant engineering by expanding the capabilities of plant metabolism beyond the constraints of natural evolution to create highly improved crops addressing the challenges of climate change in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias J Erb
- Max Planck Society, Germany, Department for Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO) & Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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9
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Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhao G. Artificial carbon assimilation: From unnatural reactions and pathways to synthetic autotrophic systems. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 70:108294. [PMID: 38013126 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108294] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is being increasingly used to establish novel carbon assimilation pathways and artificial autotrophic strains that can be used in low-carbon biomanufacturing. Currently, artificial pathway design has made significant progress from advocacy to practice within a relatively short span of just over ten years. However, there is still huge scope for exploration of pathway diversity, operational efficiency, and host suitability. The accelerated research process will bring greater opportunities and challenges. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary and interpretation of representative one-carbon assimilation pathway designs and artificial autotrophic strain construction work. In addition, we propose some feasible design solutions based on existing research results and patterns to promote the development and application of artificial autotrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China; Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yanfei Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.
| | - Guoping Zhao
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China; CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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10
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Wu T, Gómez-Coronado PA, Kubis A, Lindner SN, Marlière P, Erb TJ, Bar-Even A, He H. Engineering a synthetic energy-efficient formaldehyde assimilation cycle in Escherichia coli. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8490. [PMID: 38123535 PMCID: PMC10733421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44247-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
One-carbon (C1) substrates, such as methanol or formate, are attractive feedstocks for circular bioeconomy. These substrates are typically converted into formaldehyde, serving as the entry point into metabolism. Here, we design an erythrulose monophosphate (EuMP) cycle for formaldehyde assimilation, leveraging a promiscuous dihydroxyacetone phosphate dependent aldolase as key enzyme. In silico modeling reveals that the cycle is highly energy-efficient, holding the potential for high bioproduct yields. Dissecting the EuMP into four modules, we use a stepwise strategy to demonstrate in vivo feasibility of the modules in E. coli sensor strains with sarcosine as formaldehyde source. From adaptive laboratory evolution for module integration, we identify key mutations enabling the accommodation of the EuMP reactions with endogenous metabolism. Overall, our study demonstrates the proof-of-concept for a highly efficient, new-to-nature formaldehyde assimilation pathway, opening a way for the development of a methylotrophic platform for a C1-fueled bioeconomy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Biochemistry, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul A Gómez-Coronado
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Armin Kubis
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Biochemistry, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philippe Marlière
- TESSSI, The European Syndicate of Synthetic Scientists and Industrialists, 81 rue Réaumur, 75002, Paris, France
| | - Tobias J Erb
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Hai He
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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11
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Wang S, Jiang W, Jin X, Qi Q, Liang Q. Genetically encoded ATP and NAD(P)H biosensors: potential tools in metabolic engineering. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:1211-1225. [PMID: 36130803 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2103394] [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: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
To date, many metabolic engineering tools and strategies have been developed, including tools for cofactor engineering, which is a common strategy for bioproduct synthesis. Cofactor engineering is used for the regulation of pyridine nucleotides, including NADH/NAD+ and NADPH/NADP+, and adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP), which is crucial for maintaining redox and energy balance. However, the intracellular levels of NADH/NAD+, NADPH/NADP+, and ATP/ADP cannot be monitored in real time using traditional methods. Recently, many biosensors for detecting, monitoring, and regulating the intracellular levels of NADH/NAD+, NADPH/NADP+, and ATP/ADP have been developed. Although cofactor biosensors have been mainly developed for use in mammalian cells, the potential application of cofactor biosensors in metabolic engineering in bacterial and yeast cells has received recent attention. Coupling cofactor biosensors with genetic circuits is a promising strategy in metabolic engineering for optimizing the production of biochemicals. In this review, we focus on the development of biosensors for NADH/NAD+, NADPH/NADP+, and ATP/ADP and the potential application of these biosensors in metabolic engineering. We also provide critical perspectives, identify current research challenges, and provide guidance for future research in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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12
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Hwang HG, Ye DY, Jung GY. Biosensor-guided discovery and engineering of metabolic enzymes. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108251. [PMID: 37690614 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108251] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
A variety of chemicals have been produced through metabolic engineering approaches, and enhancing biosynthesis performance can be achieved by using enzymes with high catalytic efficiency. Accordingly, a number of efforts have been made to discover enzymes in nature for various applications. In addition, enzyme engineering approaches have been attempted to suit specific industrial purposes. However, a significant challenge in enzyme discovery and engineering is the efficient screening of enzymes with the desired phenotype from extensive enzyme libraries. To overcome this bottleneck, genetically encoded biosensors have been developed to specifically detect target molecules produced by enzyme activity at the intracellular level. Especially, the biosensors facilitate high-throughput screening (HTS) of targeted enzymes, expanding enzyme discovery and engineering strategies with advances in systems and synthetic biology. This review examines biosensor-guided HTS systems and highlights studies that have utilized these tools to discover enzymes in diverse areas and engineer enzymes to enhance their properties, such as catalytic efficiency, specificity, and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gyu Hwang
- Institute of Environmental and Energy Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Yeol Ye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyoo Yeol Jung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Oliveira-Filho ER, Voiniciuc C, Hanson AD. Adapting enzymes to improve their functionality in plants: why and how. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1957-1966. [PMID: 37787016 PMCID: PMC10657173 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230532] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology creates new metabolic processes and improves existing ones using engineered or natural enzymes. These enzymes are often sourced from cells that differ from those in the target plant organ with respect to, e.g. redox potential, effector levels, or proteostasis machinery. Non-native enzymes may thus need to be adapted to work well in their new plant context ('plantized') even if their specificity and kinetics in vitro are adequate. Hence there are two distinct ways in which an enzyme destined for use in plants can require improvement: In catalytic properties such as substrate and product specificity, kcat, and KM; and in general compatibility with the milieu of cells that express the enzyme. Continuous directed evolution systems can deliver both types of improvement and are so far the most broadly effective way to deliver the second type. Accordingly, in this review we provide a short account of continuous evolution methods, emphasizing the yeast OrthoRep system because of its suitability for plant applications. We then cover the down-to-earth and increasingly urgent issues of which enzymes and enzyme properties can - or cannot - be improved in theory, and which in practice are the best to target for crop improvement, i.e. those that are realistically improvable and important enough to warrant deploying continuous directed evolution. We take horticultural crops as examples because of the opportunities they present and to sharpen the focus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cătălin Voiniciuc
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Andrew D. Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
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14
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Orsi E, Nikel PI, Nielsen LK, Donati S. Synergistic investigation of natural and synthetic C1-trophic microorganisms to foster a circular carbon economy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6673. [PMID: 37865689 PMCID: PMC10590403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A true circular carbon economy must upgrade waste greenhouse gases. C1-based biomanufacturing is an attractive solution, in which one carbon (C1) molecules (e.g. CO2, formate, methanol, etc.) are converted by microbial cell factories into value-added goods (i.e. food, feed, and chemicals). To render C1-based biomanufacturing cost-competitive, we must adapt microbial metabolism to perform chemical conversions at high rates and yields. To this end, the biotechnology community has undertaken two (seemingly opposing) paths: optimizing natural C1-trophic microorganisms versus engineering synthetic C1-assimilation de novo in model microorganisms. Here, we pose how these approaches can instead create synergies for strengthening the competitiveness of C1-based biomanufacturing as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo Ivan Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Keld Nielsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, 4072, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stefano Donati
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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15
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Wohlgemuth R. Synthesis of Metabolites and Metabolite-like Compounds Using Biocatalytic Systems. Metabolites 2023; 13:1097. [PMID: 37887422 PMCID: PMC10608848 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101097] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Methodologies for the synthesis and purification of metabolites, which have been developed following their discovery, analysis, and structural identification, have been involved in numerous life science milestones. The renewed focus on the small molecule domain of biological cells has also created an increasing awareness of the rising gap between the metabolites identified and the metabolites which have been prepared as pure compounds. The design and engineering of resource-efficient and straightforward synthetic methodologies for the production of the diverse and numerous metabolites and metabolite-like compounds have attracted much interest. The variety of metabolic pathways in biological cells provides a wonderful blueprint for designing simplified and resource-efficient synthetic routes to desired metabolites. Therefore, biocatalytic systems have become key enabling tools for the synthesis of an increasing number of metabolites, which can then be utilized as standards, enzyme substrates, inhibitors, or other products, or for the discovery of novel biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Wohlgemuth
- MITR, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
- Swiss Coordination Committee Biotechnology (SKB), 8021 Zurich, Switzerland
- European Society of Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Smith EN, van Aalst M, Tosens T, Niinemets Ü, Stich B, Morosinotto T, Alboresi A, Erb TJ, Gómez-Coronado PA, Tolleter D, Finazzi G, Curien G, Heinemann M, Ebenhöh O, Hibberd JM, Schlüter U, Sun T, Weber APM. Improving photosynthetic efficiency toward food security: Strategies, advances, and perspectives. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:1547-1563. [PMID: 37660255 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis in crops and natural vegetation allows light energy to be converted into chemical energy and thus forms the foundation for almost all terrestrial trophic networks on Earth. The efficiency of photosynthetic energy conversion plays a crucial role in determining the portion of incident solar radiation that can be used to generate plant biomass throughout a growth season. Consequently, alongside the factors such as resource availability, crop management, crop selection, maintenance costs, and intrinsic yield potential, photosynthetic energy use efficiency significantly influences crop yield. Photosynthetic efficiency is relevant to sustainability and food security because it affects water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency, and land use efficiency. This review focuses specifically on the potential for improvements in photosynthetic efficiency to drive a sustainable increase in crop yields. We discuss bypassing photorespiration, enhancing light use efficiency, harnessing natural variation in photosynthetic parameters for breeding purposes, and adopting new-to-nature approaches that show promise for achieving unprecedented gains in photosynthetic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward N Smith
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Molecular Systems Biology - Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marvin van Aalst
- Institute of Quantitative and Theoretical Biology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tiina Tosens
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Niinemets
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Benjamin Stich
- Institute of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics of Plants, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Tobias J Erb
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul A Gómez-Coronado
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Dimitri Tolleter
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, IRIG-LPCV, Grenoble Alpes University, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Giovanni Finazzi
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, IRIG-LPCV, Grenoble Alpes University, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Gilles Curien
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, IRIG-LPCV, Grenoble Alpes University, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Matthias Heinemann
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Molecular Systems Biology - Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Ebenhöh
- Institute of Quantitative and Theoretical Biology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julian M Hibberd
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Urte Schlüter
- Institute for Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tianshu Sun
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Andreas P M Weber
- Institute for Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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17
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Rojas BE, Iglesias AA. Integrating multiple regulations on enzyme activity: the case of phospho enolpyruvate carboxykinases. AOB PLANTS 2023; 15:plad053. [PMID: 37608926 PMCID: PMC10441589 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Data on protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) increased exponentially in the last years due to the refinement of mass spectrometry techniques and the development of databases to store and share datasets. Nevertheless, these data per se do not create comprehensive biochemical knowledge. Complementary studies on protein biochemistry are necessary to fully understand the function of these PTMs at the molecular level and beyond, for example, designing rational metabolic engineering strategies to improve crops. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCKs) are critical enzymes for plant metabolism with diverse roles in plant development and growth. Multiple lines of evidence showed the complex regulation of PEPCKs, including PTMs. Herein, we present PEPCKs as an example of the integration of combined mechanisms modulating enzyme activity and metabolic pathways. PEPCK studies strongly advanced after the production of the recombinant enzyme and the establishment of standardized biochemical assays. Finally, we discuss emerging open questions for future research and the challenges in integrating all available data into functional biochemical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno E Rojas
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, UNL, CONICET, FBCB, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alberto A Iglesias
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, UNL, CONICET, FBCB, Santa Fe, Argentina
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18
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Bierbaumer S, Nattermann M, Schulz L, Zschoche R, Erb TJ, Winkler CK, Tinzl M, Glueck SM. Enzymatic Conversion of CO 2: From Natural to Artificial Utilization. Chem Rev 2023; 123:5702-5754. [PMID: 36692850 PMCID: PMC10176493 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatic carbon dioxide fixation is one of the most important metabolic reactions as it allows the capture of inorganic carbon from the atmosphere and its conversion into organic biomass. However, due to the often unfavorable thermodynamics and the difficulties associated with the utilization of CO2, a gaseous substrate that is found in comparatively low concentrations in the atmosphere, such reactions remain challenging for biotechnological applications. Nature has tackled these problems by evolution of dedicated CO2-fixing enzymes, i.e., carboxylases, and embedding them in complex metabolic pathways. Biotechnology employs such carboxylating and decarboxylating enzymes for the carboxylation of aromatic and aliphatic substrates either by embedding them into more complex reaction cascades or by shifting the reaction equilibrium via reaction engineering. This review aims to provide an overview of natural CO2-fixing enzymes and their mechanistic similarities. We also discuss biocatalytic applications of carboxylases and decarboxylases for the synthesis of valuable products and provide a separate summary of strategies to improve the efficiency of such processes. We briefly summarize natural CO2 fixation pathways, provide a roadmap for the design and implementation of artificial carbon fixation pathways, and highlight examples of biocatalytic cascades involving carboxylases. Additionally, we suggest that biochemical utilization of reduced CO2 derivates, such as formate or methanol, represents a suitable alternative to direct use of CO2 and provide several examples. Our discussion closes with a techno-economic perspective on enzymatic CO2 fixation and its potential to reduce CO2 emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bierbaumer
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstraße 28, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Maren Nattermann
- Department
of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch Straße 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Luca Schulz
- Department
of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch Straße 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Tobias J. Erb
- Department
of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch Straße 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph K. Winkler
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstraße 28, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Tinzl
- Department
of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch Straße 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia M. Glueck
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstraße 28, 8010 Graz, Austria
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19
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Tan Z, Li J, Hou J, Gonzalez R. Designing artificial pathways for improving chemical production. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 64:108119. [PMID: 36764336 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering exploits manipulation of catalytic and regulatory elements to improve a specific function of the host cell, often the synthesis of interesting chemicals. Although naturally occurring pathways are significant resources for metabolic engineering, these pathways are frequently inefficient and suffer from a series of inherent drawbacks. Designing artificial pathways in a rational manner provides a promising alternative for chemicals production. However, the entry barrier of designing artificial pathway is relatively high, which requires researchers a comprehensive and deep understanding of physical, chemical and biological principles. On the other hand, the designed artificial pathways frequently suffer from low efficiencies, which impair their further applications in host cells. Here, we illustrate the concept and basic workflow of retrobiosynthesis in designing artificial pathways, as well as the most currently used methods including the knowledge- and computer-based approaches. Then, we discuss how to obtain desired enzymes for novel biochemistries, and how to trim the initially designed artificial pathways for further improving their functionalities. Finally, we summarize the current applications of artificial pathways from feedstocks utilization to various products synthesis, as well as our future perspectives on designing artificial pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigao Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Department of Bioengineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Department of Bioengineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ramon Gonzalez
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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20
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Bathe U, Leong BJ, Van Gelder K, Barbier GG, Henry CS, Amthor JS, Hanson AD. Respiratory energy demands and scope for demand expansion and destruction. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 191:2093-2103. [PMID: 36271857 PMCID: PMC10069906 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nonphotosynthetic plant metabolic processes are powered by respiratory energy, a limited resource that metabolic engineers—like plants themselves—must manage prudently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christopher S Henry
- Mathematics and Computer Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Amthor
- Northern Arizona University Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
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21
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Zhou Y, Mirts EN, Yook S, Waugh M, Martini R, Jin Y, Lu Y. Reshaping the 2-Pyrone Synthase Active Site for Chemoselective Biosynthesis of Polyketides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202212440. [PMID: 36398563 PMCID: PMC10107152 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Engineering enzymes with novel reactivity and applying them in metabolic pathways to produce valuable products are quite challenging due to the intrinsic complexity of metabolic networks and the need for high in vivo catalytic efficiency. Triacetic acid lactone (TAL), naturally generated by 2-pyrone synthase (2PS), is a platform molecule that can be produced via microbial fermentation and further converted into value-added products. However, these conversions require extra synthetic steps under harsh conditions. We herein report a biocatalytic system for direct generation of TAL derivatives under mild conditions with controlled chemoselectivity by rationally engineering the 2PS active site and then rewiring the biocatalytic pathway in the metabolic network of E. coli to produce high-value products, such as kavalactone precursors, with yields up to 17 mg/L culture. Computer modeling indicates sterics and hydrogen-bond interactions play key roles in tuning the selectivity, efficiency and yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of ChemistryThe University of Texas at Austin105 E 24th StAustinTX 78712USA
| | - Evan N. Mirts
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Sangdo Yook
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of Food Science and Human NutritionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign905 S. Goodwin AvenueUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Matthew Waugh
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Rachel Martini
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign600 South Mathews AvenueUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Yong‐Su Jin
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of Food Science and Human NutritionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign905 S. Goodwin AvenueUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Yi Lu
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of ChemistryThe University of Texas at Austin105 E 24th StAustinTX 78712USA
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22
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Eckardt NA, Ainsworth EA, Bahuguna RN, Broadley MR, Busch W, Carpita NC, Castrillo G, Chory J, DeHaan LR, Duarte CM, Henry A, Jagadish SVK, Langdale JA, Leakey ADB, Liao JC, Lu KJ, McCann MC, McKay JK, Odeny DA, Jorge de Oliveira E, Platten JD, Rabbi I, Rim EY, Ronald PC, Salt DE, Shigenaga AM, Wang E, Wolfe M, Zhang X. Climate change challenges, plant science solutions. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:24-66. [PMID: 36222573 PMCID: PMC9806663 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is a defining challenge of the 21st century, and this decade is a critical time for action to mitigate the worst effects on human populations and ecosystems. Plant science can play an important role in developing crops with enhanced resilience to harsh conditions (e.g. heat, drought, salt stress, flooding, disease outbreaks) and engineering efficient carbon-capturing and carbon-sequestering plants. Here, we present examples of research being conducted in these areas and discuss challenges and open questions as a call to action for the plant science community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Eckardt
- Senior Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Ainsworth
- USDA ARS Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Rajeev N Bahuguna
- Centre for Advanced Studies on Climate Change, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur 848125, Bihar, India
| | - Martin R Broadley
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Wolfgang Busch
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Nicholas C Carpita
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA
| | - Gabriel Castrillo
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Joanne Chory
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | | | - Carlos M Duarte
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amelia Henry
- International Rice Research Institute, Rice Breeding Innovations Platform, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - S V Krishna Jagadish
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79410, USA
| | - Jane A Langdale
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Andrew D B Leakey
- Department of Plant Biology, Department of Crop Sciences, and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - James C Liao
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11528, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Lu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11528, Taiwan
| | - Maureen C McCann
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA
| | - John K McKay
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | - Damaris A Odeny
- The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics–Eastern and Southern Africa, Gigiri 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - J Damien Platten
- International Rice Research Institute, Rice Breeding Innovations Platform, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Ismail Rabbi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320 Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Ellen Youngsoo Rim
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Pamela C Ronald
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, California 94704, USA
| | - David E Salt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Alexandra M Shigenaga
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Ertao Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Marnin Wolfe
- Auburn University, Dept. of Crop Soil and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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23
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Helmy M, Selvarajoo K. Application of GeneCloudOmics: Transcriptomic Data Analytics for Synthetic Biology. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2553:221-263. [PMID: 36227547 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2617-7_12] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering require a deep understanding on the function and regulation of complex pathway genes. This can be achieved through gene expression profiling which quantifies the transcriptome-wide expression under any condition, such as a cell development stage, mutant, disease, or treatment with a drug. The expression profiling is usually done using high-throughput techniques such as RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) or microarray. Although both methods are based on different technical approaches, they provide quantitative measures of the expression levels of thousands of genes. The expression levels of the genes are compared under different conditions to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the genes with different expression levels under different conditions. DEGs, usually involving thousands in number, are then investigated using bioinformatics and data analytic tools to infer and compare their functional roles between conditions. Dealing with such large datasets, therefore, requires intensive data processing and analyses to ensure its quality and produce results that are statistically sound. Thus, there is a need for deep statistical and bioinformatics knowledge to deal with high-throughput gene expression data. This represents a barrier for wet biologists with limited computational, programming, and data analytic skills that prevent them from getting the full potential of the data. In this chapter, we present a step-by-step protocol to perform transcriptome analysis using GeneCloudOmics, a cloud-based web server that provides an end-to-end platform for high-throughput gene expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Helmy
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Computer Science, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada.
| | - Kumar Selvarajoo
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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24
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Choi YN, Cho N, Lee K, Gwon DA, Lee JW, Lee J. Programmable Synthesis of Biobased Materials Using Cell-Free Systems. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2203433. [PMID: 36108274 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Motivated by the intricate mechanisms underlying biomolecule syntheses in cells that chemistry is currently unable to mimic, researchers have harnessed biological systems for manufacturing novel materials. Cell-free systems (CFSs) utilizing the bioactivity of transcriptional and translational machineries in vitro are excellent tools that allow supplementation of exogenous materials for production of innovative materials beyond the capability of natural biological systems. Herein, recent studies that have advanced the ability to expand the scope of biobased materials using CFS are summarized and approaches enabling the production of high-value materials, prototyping of genetic parts and modules, and biofunctionalization are discussed. By extending the reach of chemical and enzymatic reactions complementary to cellular materials, CFSs provide new opportunities at the interface of materials science and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Nam Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjin Cho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kanghun Lee
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Ae Gwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Wook Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Joongoo Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
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25
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Diehl C, Gerlinger PD, Paczia N, Erb TJ. Synthetic anaplerotic modules for the direct synthesis of complex molecules from CO 2. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:168-175. [PMID: 36470994 PMCID: PMC9889269 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01179-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anaplerosis is an essential feature of metabolism that allows the continuous operation of natural metabolic networks, such as the citric acid cycle, by constantly replenishing drained intermediates. However, this concept has not been applied to synthetic in vitro metabolic networks, thus far. Here we used anaplerotic strategies to directly access the core sequence of the CETCH cycle, a new-to-nature in vitro CO2-fixation pathway that features several C3-C5 biosynthetic precursors. We drafted four different anaplerotic modules that use CO2 to replenish the CETCH cycle's intermediates and validated our designs by producing 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6-DEB), the C21-macrolide backbone of erythromycin. Our best design allowed the carbon-positive synthesis of 6-DEB via 54 enzymatic reactions in vitro at yields comparable to those with isolated 6-DEB polyketide synthase (DEBS). Our work showcases how new-to-nature anaplerotic modules can be designed and tailored to enhance and expand the synthetic capabilities of complex catalytic in vitro reaction networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Diehl
- grid.419554.80000 0004 0491 8361Department of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick D. Gerlinger
- grid.419554.80000 0004 0491 8361Department of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Paczia
- grid.419554.80000 0004 0491 8361Core Facility for Metabolomics and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tobias J. Erb
- grid.419554.80000 0004 0491 8361Department of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany ,grid.452532.7SYNMIKRO Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
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26
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Barker RD, Yu Y, De Maria L, Johannissen LO, Scrutton NS. Mechanism of Action of Flavin-Dependent Halogenases. ACS Catal 2022; 12:15352-15360. [PMID: 36570077 PMCID: PMC9764358 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c05231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
To rationally engineer the substrate scope and selectivity of flavin-dependent halogenases (FDHs), it is essential to first understand the reaction mechanism and substrate interactions in the active site. FDHs have long been known to achieve regioselectivity through an electrophilic aromatic substitution at C7 of the natural substrate Trp, but the precise role of a key active-site Lys residue remains ambiguous. Formation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) at the cofactor-binding site is achieved by the direct reaction of molecular oxygen and a single chloride ion with reduced FAD and flavin hydroxide, respectively. HOCl is then guided 10 Å into the halogenation active site. Lys79, located in this site, has been proposed to direct HOCl toward Trp C7 through hydrogen bonding or a direct reaction with HOCl to form an -NH2Cl+ intermediate. Here, we present the most likely mechanism for halogenation based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and active-site density functional theory "cluster" models of FDH PrnA in complex with its native substrate l-tryptophan, hypochlorous acid, and the FAD cofactor. MD simulations with different protonation states for key active-site residues suggest that Lys79 directs HOCl through hydrogen bonding, which is confirmed by calculations of the reaction profiles for both proposed mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys D. Barker
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, The University
of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Yuqi Yu
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, The University
of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Leonardo De Maria
- Research
and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43283, Sweden
| | - Linus O. Johannissen
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, The University
of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.,
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, The University
of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.,
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27
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Orsi E, Claassens NJ, Nikel PI, Lindner SN. Optimizing microbial networks through metabolic bypasses. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108035. [PMID: 36096403 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Metabolism has long been considered as a relatively stiff set of biochemical reactions. This somewhat outdated and dogmatic view has been challenged over the last years, as multiple studies exposed unprecedented plasticity of metabolism by exploring rational and evolutionary modifications within the metabolic network of cell factories. Of particular importance is the emergence of metabolic bypasses, which consist of enzymatic reaction(s) that support unnatural connections between metabolic nodes. Such novel topologies can be generated through the introduction of heterologous enzymes or by upregulating native enzymes (sometimes relying on promiscuous activities thereof). Altogether, the adoption of bypasses resulted in an expansion in the capacity of the host's metabolic network, which can be harnessed for bioproduction. In this review, we discuss modifications to the canonical architecture of central carbon metabolism derived from such bypasses towards six optimization purposes: stoichiometric gain, overcoming kinetic limitations, solving thermodynamic barriers, circumventing toxic intermediates, uncoupling product synthesis from biomass formation, and altering redox cofactor specificity. The metabolic costs associated with bypass-implementation are likewise discussed, including tailoring their design towards improving bioproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Nico J Claassens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Virchowweg 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen N Lindner
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Ralser
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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29
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Hirschi S, Ward TR, Meier WP, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Synthetic Biology: Bottom-Up Assembly of Molecular Systems. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16294-16328. [PMID: 36179355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of biological and chemical components opens exciting opportunities to engineer artificial vesicular systems for applications with previously unmet requirements. The modular combination of scaffolds and functional building blocks enables the engineering of complex systems with biomimetic or new-to-nature functionalities. Inspired by the compartmentalized organization of cells and organelles, lipid or polymer vesicles are widely used as model membrane systems to investigate the translocation of solutes and the transduction of signals by membrane proteins. The bottom-up assembly and functionalization of such artificial compartments enables full control over their composition and can thus provide specifically optimized environments for synthetic biological processes. This review aims to inspire future endeavors by providing a diverse toolbox of molecular modules, engineering methodologies, and different approaches to assemble artificial vesicular systems. Important technical and practical aspects are addressed and selected applications are presented, highlighting particular achievements and limitations of the bottom-up approach. Complementing the cutting-edge technological achievements, fundamental aspects are also discussed to cater to the inherently diverse background of the target audience, which results from the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology. The engineering of proteins as functional modules and the use of lipids and block copolymers as scaffold modules for the assembly of functionalized vesicular systems are explored in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the controlled assembly of these components into increasingly complex vesicular systems. Finally, all descriptions are presented in the greater context of engineering valuable synthetic biological systems for applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, bioremediation, or targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Kourist R, Kamerlin SCL. A Structural View into the Complexity of Carbon Dioxide Fixation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1040-1042. [PMID: 36032761 PMCID: PMC9413436 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kourist
- Institute of Molecular
Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAW1 Graz, BioTechMed, Petersgasse
14, 8010 Graz, Austria
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31
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Pandi A, Diehl C, Yazdizadeh Kharrazi A, Scholz SA, Bobkova E, Faure L, Nattermann M, Adam D, Chapin N, Foroughijabbari Y, Moritz C, Paczia N, Cortina NS, Faulon JL, Erb TJ. A versatile active learning workflow for optimization of genetic and metabolic networks. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3876. [PMID: 35790733 PMCID: PMC9256728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimization of biological networks is often limited by wet lab labor and cost, and the lack of convenient computational tools. Here, we describe METIS, a versatile active machine learning workflow with a simple online interface for the data-driven optimization of biological targets with minimal experiments. We demonstrate our workflow for various applications, including cell-free transcription and translation, genetic circuits, and a 27-variable synthetic CO2-fixation cycle (CETCH cycle), improving these systems between one and two orders of magnitude. For the CETCH cycle, we explore 1025 conditions with only 1,000 experiments to yield the most efficient CO2-fixation cascade described to date. Beyond optimization, our workflow also quantifies the relative importance of individual factors to the performance of a system identifying unknown interactions and bottlenecks. Overall, our workflow opens the way for convenient optimization and prototyping of genetic and metabolic networks with customizable adjustments according to user experience, experimental setup, and laboratory facilities. Optimization of biological networks is often limited by wet lab labor and cost, and the lack of convenient computational tools. Here, aimed at democratization and standardization, the authors describe METIS, a modular and versatile active machine learning workflow with a simple online interface for the optimization of biological target functions with minimal experimental datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Pandi
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Christoph Diehl
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Scott A Scholz
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elizaveta Bobkova
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Léon Faure
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, University of Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Maren Nattermann
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - David Adam
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nils Chapin
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Yeganeh Foroughijabbari
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Charles Moritz
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Paczia
- Core Facility for Metabolomics and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Niña Socorro Cortina
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.,LiVeritas Biosciences, Inc., 432N Canal St.; Ste. 20, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jean-Loup Faulon
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, University of Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Genomique Metabolique, Genoscope, Institut Francois Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, University of Paris-Saclay, Evry, France.,Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, SYNBIOCHEM center, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tobias J Erb
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany. .,SYNMIKRO Center of Synthetic Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
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32
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Peiro C, Vicente CM, Jallet D, Heux S. From a Hetero- to a Methylotrophic Lifestyle: Flash Back on the Engineering Strategies to Create Synthetic Methanol-User Strains. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:907861. [PMID: 35757790 PMCID: PMC9214030 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907861] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineering microorganisms to grow on alternative feedstocks is crucial not just because of the indisputable biotechnological applications but also to deepen our understanding of microbial metabolism. One-carbon (C1) substrate metabolism has been the focus of extensive research for the prominent role of C1 compounds in establishing a circular bioeconomy. Methanol in particular holds great promise as it can be produced directly from greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide using renewable resources. Synthetic methylotrophy, i.e. introducing a non-native methanol utilization pathway into a model host, has therefore been the focus of long-time efforts and is perhaps the pinnacle of metabolic engineering. It entails completely changing a microorganism's lifestyle, from breaking up multi-carbon nutrients for growth to building C-C bonds from a single-carbon molecule to obtain all metabolites necessary to biomass formation as well as energy. The frontiers of synthetic methylotrophy have been pushed further than ever before and in this review, we outline the advances that paved the way for the more recent accomplishments. These include optimizing the host's metabolism, "copy and pasting" naturally existing methylotrophic pathways, "mixing and matching" enzymes to build new pathways, and even creating novel enzymatic functions to obtain strains that are able to grow solely on methanol. Finally, new approaches are contemplated to further advance the field and succeed in obtaining a strain that efficiently grows on methanol and allows C1-based production of added-value compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Peiro
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Denis Jallet
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - Stephanie Heux
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
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33
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Sharwood RE, Quick WP, Sargent D, Estavillo GM, Silva-Perez V, Furbank RT. Mining for allelic gold: finding genetic variation in photosynthetic traits in crops and wild relatives. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:3085-3108. [PMID: 35274686 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Improvement of photosynthetic traits in crops to increase yield potential and crop resilience has recently become a major breeding target. Synthetic biology and genetic technologies offer unparalleled opportunities to create new genetics for photosynthetic traits driven by existing fundamental knowledge. However, large 'gene bank' collections of germplasm comprising historical collections of crop species and their relatives offer a wealth of opportunities to find novel allelic variation in the key steps of photosynthesis, to identify new mechanisms and to accelerate genetic progress in crop breeding programmes. Here we explore the available genetic resources in food and fibre crops, strategies to selectively target allelic variation in genes underpinning key photosynthetic processes, and deployment of this variation via gene editing in modern elite material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Sharwood
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - W Paul Quick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Demi Sargent
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Robert T Furbank
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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34
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Iacometti C, Marx K, Hönick M, Biletskaia V, Schulz-Mirbach H, Dronsella B, Satanowski A, Delmas VA, Berger A, Dubois I, Bouzon M, Döring V, Noor E, Bar-Even A, Lindner SN. Activating Silent Glycolysis Bypasses in Escherichia coli. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9859643. [PMID: 37850128 PMCID: PMC10521649 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9859643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
All living organisms share similar reactions within their central metabolism to provide precursors for all essential building blocks and reducing power. To identify whether alternative metabolic routes of glycolysis can operate in E. coli, we complementarily employed in silico design, rational engineering, and adaptive laboratory evolution. First, we used a genome-scale model and identified two potential pathways within the metabolic network of this organism replacing canonical Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) glycolysis to convert phosphosugars into organic acids. One of these glycolytic routes proceeds via methylglyoxal and the other via serine biosynthesis and degradation. Then, we implemented both pathways in E. coli strains harboring defective EMP glycolysis. Surprisingly, the pathway via methylglyoxal seemed to immediately operate in a triosephosphate isomerase deletion strain cultivated on glycerol. By contrast, in a phosphoglycerate kinase deletion strain, the overexpression of methylglyoxal synthase was necessary to restore growth of the strain. Furthermore, we engineered the "serine shunt" which converts 3-phosphoglycerate via serine biosynthesis and degradation to pyruvate, bypassing an enolase deletion. Finally, to explore which of these alternatives would emerge by natural selection, we performed an adaptive laboratory evolution study using an enolase deletion strain. Our experiments suggest that the evolved mutants use the serine shunt. Our study reveals the flexible repurposing of metabolic pathways to create new metabolite links and rewire central metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Iacometti
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Katharina Marx
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Maria Hönick
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Viktoria Biletskaia
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Helena Schulz-Mirbach
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Beau Dronsella
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ari Satanowski
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Valérie A. Delmas
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Anne Berger
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Ivan Dubois
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Madeleine Bouzon
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Volker Döring
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Evry-Courcouronne, France
| | - Elad Noor
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Steffen N. Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Virchowweg 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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35
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Malle MG, Löffler PMG, Bohr SSR, Sletfjerding MB, Risgaard NA, Jensen SB, Zhang M, Hedegård P, Vogel S, Hatzakis NS. Single-particle combinatorial multiplexed liposome fusion mediated by DNA. Nat Chem 2022; 14:558-565. [PMID: 35379901 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-00912-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Combinatorial high-throughput methodologies are central for both screening and discovery in synthetic biochemistry and biomedical sciences. They are, however, often reliant on large-scale analyses and thus limited by a long running time and excessive materials cost. We here present a single-particle combinatorial multiplexed liposome fusion mediated by DNA for parallelized multistep and non-deterministic fusion of individual subattolitre nanocontainers. We observed directly the efficient (>93%) and leakage free stochastic fusion sequences for arrays of surface-tethered target liposomes with six freely diffusing populations of cargo liposomes, each functionalized with individual lipidated single-stranded DNA and fluorescently barcoded by a distinct ratio of chromophores. The stochastic fusion resulted in a distinct permutation of fusion sequences for each autonomous nanocontainer. Real-time total internal reflection imaging allowed the direct observation of >16,000 fusions and 566 distinct fusion sequences accurately classified using machine learning. The high-density arrays of surface-tethered target nanocontainers (~42,000 containers per mm2) offers entire combinatorial multiplex screens using only picograms of material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Galsgaard Malle
- Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philipp M G Löffler
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren S-R Bohr
- Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Magnus Berg Sletfjerding
- Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Simon Bo Jensen
- Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Hedegård
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Nikos S Hatzakis
- Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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36
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Huang Y, An W, Yang Z, Xie C, Liu S, Zhan T, Pan H, Zheng X. Metabolic stimulation-elicited transcriptional responses and biosynthesis of acylated triterpenoids precursors in the medicinal plant Helicteres angustifolia. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:86. [PMID: 35216551 PMCID: PMC8876399 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03429-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicteres angustifolia has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine. It has multiple pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-tumor effects. Its main active chemicals include betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, helicteric acid, helicterilic acid, and other triterpenoid saponins. It is worth noting that some acylated triterpenoids, such as helicteric acid and helicterilic acid, are characteristic components of Helicteres and are relatively rare among other plants. However, reliance on natural plants as the only sources of these is not enough to meet the market requirement. Therefore, the engineering of its metabolic pathway is of high research value for enhancing the production of secondary metabolites. Unfortunately, there are few studies on the biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoids in H. angustifolia, hindering its further investigation. RESULTS Here, the RNAs of different groups treated by metabolic stimulation were sequenced with an Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform, resulting in 121 gigabases of data. A total of 424,824 unigenes were obtained after the trimming and assembly of the raw data, and 22,430 unigenes were determined to be differentially expressed. In addition, three oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and four Cytochrome P450 (CYP450s) were screened, of which one OSC (HaOSC1) and one CYP450 (HaCYPi3) achieved functional verification, suggesting that they could catalyze the production of lupeol and oleanolic acid, respectively. CONCLUSION In general, the transcriptomic data of H. angustifolia was first reported and analyzed to study functional genes. Three OSCs, four CYP450s and three acyltransferases were screened out as candidate genes to perform further functional verification, which demonstrated that HaOSC1 and HaCYPi3 encode for lupeol synthase and β-amyrin oxidase, which produce corresponding products of lupeol and oleanolic acid, respectively. Their successful identification revealed pivotal steps in the biosynthesis of acylated triterpenoids precursors, which laid a foundation for further study on acylated triterpenoids. Overall, these results shed light on the regulation of acylated triterpenoids biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Huang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Wenli An
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Zerui Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Chunzhu Xie
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Ting Zhan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Huaigeng Pan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
| | - Xiasheng Zheng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Physiology and Ecology, School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Waihuandong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510405 China
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Kabernick DC, Gostick JT, Ward VCA. Kinetic characterization and modelling of sequentially entrapped enzymes in 3D-printed PMMA microfluidic reactors for the synthesis of amorphadiene via the isopentenol utilization pathway. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1239-1251. [PMID: 35099806 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The development of cascade cell-free systems reduces the requirement for extensive metabolic engineering and optimization to increase in vivo pathway flux. For continuous operation and increased stability, direct enzyme entrapment during reactor fabrication by 3D-printing allows for simple immobilization procedures without enzyme-specific optimization. In this work, the isopentenol utilization pathway (IUP) was selected for the synthesis of amorphadiene, an anti-malaria drug precursor, using a 3D-printed, sequentially immobilized, microfluidic reactor. As an initial proof-of-concept, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was entrapped in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based matrix during stereolithographic 3D-printing and was kinetically characterized. No significant shift of the kinetically modelled substrate binding affinity was observed during immobilization and continuous operation of an entrapped ALP microfluidic reactor displayed high stability. The IUP enzymes retained moderate activity during entrapment (6.6-9.6 %) relative to the free enzyme solutions, however the sequentially immobilized IUP microfluidic reactor was severely limited by low pathway flux due to the use of stereolithographic 3D-printing which significantly diluted enzyme concentrations for printing. Although this study demonstrated the use of additive manufacturing for the synthesis of amorphadiene using a complex five-enzyme cascade microfluidic reactor, stereolithographic enzyme entrapment remains limited in scope and dependent on advancements to additive manufacturing technologies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek C Kabernick
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1
| | - Jeff T Gostick
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1
| | - Valerie C A Ward
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1
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38
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Pavan M, Reinmets K, Garg S, Mueller AP, Marcellin E, Köpke M, Valgepea K. Advances in systems metabolic engineering of autotrophic carbon oxide-fixing biocatalysts towards a circular economy. Metab Eng 2022; 71:117-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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39
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Boock JT, Taw M, King BC, Conrado RJ, Gibson DM, DeLisa MP. Two-Tiered Selection and Screening Strategy to Increase Functional Enzyme Production in E. coli. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2406:169-187. [PMID: 35089557 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1859-2_10] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Development of recombinant enzymes as industrial biocatalysts or metabolic pathway elements requires soluble expression of active protein. Here we present a two-step strategy, combining a directed evolution selection with an enzyme activity screen, to increase the soluble production of enzymes in the cytoplasm of E. coli. The directed evolution component relies on the innate quality control of the twin-arginine translocation pathway coupled with antibiotic selection to isolate point mutations that promote intracellular solubility. A secondary screen is applied to ensure the solubility enhancement has not compromised enzyme activity. This strategy has been successfully applied to increase the soluble production of a fungal endocellulase by 30-fold in E. coli without change in enzyme specific activity through two rounds of directed evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Boock
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University (OH), Oxford, OH, USA.
| | - May Taw
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brian C King
- Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Robert J Conrado
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Donna M Gibson
- Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew P DeLisa
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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40
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Jiang X, Zhang W, Fernie AR, Wen W. Combining novel technologies with interdisciplinary basic research to enhance horticultural crops. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 109:35-46. [PMID: 34699639 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Horticultural crops mainly include fruits, vegetables, ornamental trees and flowers, and tea trees (Melaleuca alternifolia). They produce a variety of nutrients for the daily human diet in addition to the nutrition provided by staple crops, and some of them additionally possess ornamental and medicinal features. As such, horticultural crops make unique and important contributions to both food security and a colorful lifestyle. Under the current climate change scenario, the growing population and limited arable land means that agriculture, and especially horticulture, has been facing unprecedented challenges to meet the diverse demands of human daily life. Breeding horticultural crops with high quality and adaptability and establishing an effective system that combines cultivation, post-harvest handling, and sales becomes increasingly imperative for horticultural production. This review discusses characteristic and recent research highlights in horticultural crops, focusing on the breeding of quality traits and the mechanisms that underpin them. It additionally addresses challenges and potential solutions in horticultural production and post-harvest practices. Finally, we provide a prospective as to how emerging technologies can be implemented alongside interdisciplinary basic research to enhance our understanding and exploitation of horticultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510640, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Muehlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany
| | - Weiwei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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41
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Green biomanufacturing promoted by automatic retrobiosynthesis planning and computational enzyme design. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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42
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Cros A, Alfaro-Espinoza G, De Maria A, Wirth NT, Nikel PI. Synthetic metabolism for biohalogenation. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 74:180-193. [PMID: 34954625 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The pressing need for novel bioproduction approaches faces a limitation in the number and type of molecules accessed through synthetic biology. Halogenation is widely used for tuning physicochemical properties of molecules and polymers, but traditional halogenation chemistry often lacks specificity and generates harmful by-products. Here, we pose that deploying synthetic metabolism tailored for biohalogenation represents an unique opportunity towards economically attractive and environmentally friendly organohalide production. On this background, we discuss growth-coupled selection of functional metabolic modules that harness the rich repertoire of biosynthetic and biodegradation capabilities of environmental bacteria for in vivo biohalogenation. By rationally combining these approaches, the chemical landscape of living cells can accommodate bioproduction of added-value organohalides which, as of today, are obtained by traditional chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin Cros
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gabriela Alfaro-Espinoza
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Division Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alberto De Maria
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Nicolas T Wirth
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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43
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Yang X, Liu D, Lu H, Weston DJ, Chen JG, Muchero W, Martin S, Liu Y, Hassan MM, Yuan G, Kalluri UC, Tschaplinski TJ, Mitchell JC, Wullschleger SD, Tuskan GA. Biological Parts for Plant Biodesign to Enhance Land-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2021; 2021:9798714. [PMID: 37849951 PMCID: PMC10521660 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9798714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A grand challenge facing society is climate change caused mainly by rising CO2 concentration in Earth's atmosphere. Terrestrial plants are linchpins in global carbon cycling, with a unique capability of capturing CO2 via photosynthesis and translocating captured carbon to stems, roots, and soils for long-term storage. However, many researchers postulate that existing land plants cannot meet the ambitious requirement for CO2 removal to mitigate climate change in the future due to low photosynthetic efficiency, limited carbon allocation for long-term storage, and low suitability for the bioeconomy. To address these limitations, there is an urgent need for genetic improvement of existing plants or construction of novel plant systems through biosystems design (or biodesign). Here, we summarize validated biological parts (e.g., protein-encoding genes and noncoding RNAs) for biological engineering of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) traits in terrestrial plants to accelerate land-based decarbonization in bioenergy plantations and agricultural settings and promote a vibrant bioeconomy. Specifically, we first summarize the framework of plant-based CDR (e.g., CO2 capture, translocation, storage, and conversion to value-added products). Then, we highlight some representative biological parts, with experimental evidence, in this framework. Finally, we discuss challenges and strategies for the identification and curation of biological parts for CDR engineering in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Yang
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Degao Liu
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Center for Precision Plant Genomics, and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Haiwei Lu
- Department of Academic Education, Central Community College-Hastings, Hastings, NE 68902USA
| | - David J. Weston
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Jin-Gui Chen
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Wellington Muchero
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Stanton Martin
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Md Mahmudul Hassan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Guoliang Yuan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Udaya C. Kalluri
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Timothy J. Tschaplinski
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Julie C. Mitchell
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Stan D. Wullschleger
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Gerald A. Tuskan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
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Samaga YBL, Raghunathan S, Priyakumar UD. SCONES: Self-Consistent Neural Network for Protein Stability Prediction Upon Mutation. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:10657-10671. [PMID: 34546056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c04913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Engineering proteins to have desired properties by mutating amino acids at specific sites is commonplace. Such engineered proteins must be stable to function. Experimental methods used to determine stability at throughputs required to scan the protein sequence space thoroughly are laborious. To this end, many machine learning based methods have been developed to predict thermodynamic stability changes upon mutation. These methods have been evaluated for symmetric consistency by testing with hypothetical reverse mutations. In this work, we propose transitive data augmentation, evaluating transitive consistency with our new Stransitive data set, and a new machine learning based method, the first of its kind, that incorporates both symmetric and transitive properties into the architecture. Our method, called SCONES, is an interpretable neural network that predicts small relative protein stability changes for missense mutations that do not significantly alter the structure. It estimates a residue's contributions toward protein stability (ΔG) in its local structural environment, and the difference between independently predicted contributions of the reference and mutant residues is reported as ΔΔG. We show that this self-consistent machine learning architecture is immune to many common biases in data sets, relies less on data than existing methods, is robust to overfitting, and can explain a substantial portion of the variance in experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashas B L Samaga
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500 032, India
| | - Shampa Raghunathan
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500 032, India
| | - U Deva Priyakumar
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500 032, India
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45
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Burgardt A, Prell C, Wendisch VF. Utilization of a Wheat Sidestream for 5-Aminovalerate Production in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:732271. [PMID: 34660554 PMCID: PMC8511785 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.732271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of plastics from petroleum-based raw materials extensively contributes to global pollution and CO2 emissions. Biotechnological production of functionalized monomers can reduce the environmental impact, in particular when using industrial sidestreams as feedstocks. Corynebacterium glutamicum, which is used in the million-ton-scale amino acid production, has been engineered for sustainable production of polyamide monomers. In this study, wheat sidestream concentrate (WSC) from industrial starch production was utilized for production of l-lysine-derived bifunctional monomers using metabolically engineered C. glutamicum strains. Growth of C. glutamicum on WSC was observed and could be improved by hydrolysis of WSC. By heterologous expression of the genes xylA Xc B Cg (xylA from Xanthomonas campestris) and araBAD Ec from E. coli, xylose, and arabinose in WSC hydrolysate (WSCH), in addition to glucose, could be consumed, and production of l-lysine could be increased. WSCH-based production of cadaverine and 5-aminovalerate (5AVA) was enabled. To this end, the lysine decarboxylase gene ldcC Ec from E. coli was expressed alone or for conversion to 5AVA cascaded either with putrescine transaminase and dehydrogenase genes patDA Ec from E. coli or with putrescine oxidase gene puo Rq from Rhodococcus qingshengii and patD Ec . Deletion of the l-glutamate dehydrogenase-encoding gene gdh reduced formation of l-glutamate as a side product for strains with either of the cascades. Since the former cascade (ldcC Ec -patDA Ec ) yields l-glutamate, 5AVA production is coupled to growth by flux enforcement resulting in the highest 5AVA titer obtained with WSCH-based media.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Volker F. Wendisch
- Genetics of Prokaryotes, Faculty of Biology and CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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46
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Česnik Katulić M, Sudar M, Hernández K, Qi Y, Charnock SJ, Vasić-Rački Đ, Clapés P, Findrik Blažević Z. Cascade Synthesis of l-Homoserine Catalyzed by Lyophilized Whole Cells Containing Transaminase and Aldolase Activities: The Mathematical Modeling Approach. Ind Eng Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c02343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morana Česnik Katulić
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Savska c. 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Sudar
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Savska c. 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Karel Hernández
- Biotransformation and Bioactive Molecules Group, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yuyin Qi
- Prozomix Ltd., West End Industrial Estate, Station Court, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 9HA, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Charnock
- Prozomix Ltd., West End Industrial Estate, Station Court, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 9HA, United Kingdom
| | - Đurdica Vasić-Rački
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Savska c. 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Pere Clapés
- Biotransformation and Bioactive Molecules Group, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zvjezdana Findrik Blažević
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Savska c. 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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47
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Getting the Most Out of Enzyme Cascades: Strategies to Optimize In Vitro Multi-Enzymatic Reactions. Catalysts 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/catal11101183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro enzyme cascades possess great benefits, such as their synthetic capabilities for complex molecules, no need for intermediate isolation, and the shift of unfavorable equilibria towards the products. Their performance, however, can be impaired by, for example, destabilizing or inhibitory interactions between the cascade components or incongruous reaction conditions. The optimization of such systems is therefore often inevitable but not an easy task. Many parameters such as the design of the synthesis route, the choice of enzymes, reaction conditions, or process design can alter the performance of an in vitro enzymatic cascade. Many strategies to tackle this complex task exist, ranging from experimental to in silico approaches and combinations of both. This review collates examples of various optimization strategies and their success. The feasibility of optimization goals, the influence of certain parameters and the usage of algorithm-based optimizations are discussed.
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Cai T, Sun H, Qiao J, Zhu L, Zhang F, Zhang J, Tang Z, Wei X, Yang J, Yuan Q, Wang W, Yang X, Chu H, Wang Q, You C, Ma H, Sun Y, Li Y, Li C, Jiang H, Wang Q, Ma Y. Cell-free chemoenzymatic starch synthesis from carbon dioxide. Science 2021; 373:1523-1527. [PMID: 34554807 DOI: 10.1126/science.abh4049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Cai
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Hongbing Sun
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jing Qiao
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Leilei Zhu
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Zijing Tang
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Xinlei Wei
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jiangang Yang
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Qianqian Yuan
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Wangyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xue Yang
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Huanyu Chu
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Qian Wang
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Chun You
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Hongwu Ma
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yuanxia Sun
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Huifeng Jiang
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Qinhong Wang
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yanhe Ma
- Department of Strategic and Integrative Research, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
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49
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Orsi E, Claassens NJ, Nikel PI, Lindner SN. Growth-coupled selection of synthetic modules to accelerate cell factory development. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5295. [PMID: 34489458 PMCID: PMC8421431 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology has brought about a conceptual shift in our ability to redesign microbial metabolic networks. Combining metabolic pathway-modularization with growth-coupled selection schemes is a powerful tool that enables deep rewiring of the cell factories’ biochemistry for rational bioproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Nico J Claassens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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50
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Löwe H, Kremling A. In-Depth Computational Analysis of Natural and Artificial Carbon Fixation Pathways. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2021; 2021:9898316. [PMID: 37849946 PMCID: PMC10521678 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9898316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the recent years, engineering new-to-nature CO2- and C1-fixing metabolic pathways made a leap forward. New, artificial pathways promise higher yields and activity than natural ones like the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. The question remains how to best predict their in vivo performance and what actually makes one pathway "better" than another. In this context, we explore aerobic carbon fixation pathways by a computational approach and compare them based on their specific activity and yield on methanol, formate, and CO2/H2 considering the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reactions. Besides pathways found in nature or implemented in the laboratory, this included two completely new cycles with favorable features: the reductive citramalyl-CoA cycle and the 2-hydroxyglutarate-reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle. A comprehensive kinetic data set was collected for all enzymes of all pathways, and missing kinetic data were sampled with the Parameter Balancing algorithm. Kinetic and thermodynamic data were fed to the Enzyme Cost Minimization algorithm to check for respective inconsistencies and calculate pathway-specific activities. The specific activities of the reductive glycine pathway, the CETCH cycle, and the new reductive citramalyl-CoA cycle were predicted to match the best natural cycles with superior product-substrate yield. However, the CBB cycle performed better in terms of activity compared to the alternative pathways than previously thought. We make an argument that stoichiometric yield is likely not the most important design criterion of the CBB cycle. Still, alternative carbon fixation pathways were paretooptimal for specific activity and product-substrate yield in simulations with C1 substrates and CO2/H2 and therefore hold great potential for future applications in Industrial Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Löwe
- Systems Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Germany
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