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Nikoloudaki O, Aheto F, Di Cagno R, Gobbetti M. Synthetic microbial communities: A gateway to understanding resistance, resilience, and functionality in spontaneously fermented food microbiomes. Food Res Int 2024; 192:114780. [PMID: 39147468 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114780] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate traits of microbial communities encountered in spontaneously fermented foods (SFF), contributing to resistance, resilience, and functionality drivers. Traits of SFF microbiomes comprise of fluctuations in community composition, genetic stability, and condition-specific phenotypes. Synthetic microbial communities (SMCs) serve as a portal for mechanistic insights and strategic re-programming of microbial communities. Current literature underscores the pivotal role of microbiomes in SFF in shaping quality attributes and preserving the cultural heritage of their origin. In contrast to starter driven fermentations that tend to be more controlled but lacking the capacity to maintain or reproduce the complex flavors and intricacies found in SFF. SMCs, therefore, become indispensable tools, providing a nuanced understanding and control over fermented food microbiomes. They empower the prediction and engineering of microbial interactions and metabolic pathways with the aim of optimizing outcomes in food processing. Summarizing the current application of SMCs in fermented foods, there is still space for improvement. Challenges in achieving stability and reproducibility in SMCs are identified, stemming from non-standardized approaches. The future direction should involve embracing standardized protocols, advanced monitoring tools, and synthetic biology applications. A holistic, multi-disciplinary approach is paramount to unleashing the full potential of SMCs and fostering sustainable and innovative applications in fermented food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Nikoloudaki
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Francis Aheto
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Cagno
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbetti
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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2
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Pathom-Aree W, Sattayawat P, Inwongwan S, Cheirsilp B, Liewtrakula N, Maneechote W, Rangseekaew P, Ahmad F, Mehmood MA, Gao F, Srinuanpan S. Microalgae growth-promoting bacteria for cultivation strategies: Recent updates and progress. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127813. [PMID: 38917638 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127813] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB), both actinobacteria and non-actinobacteria, have received considerable attention recently because of their potential to develop microalgae-bacteria co-culture strategies for improved efficiency and sustainability of the water-energy-environment nexus. Owing to their diverse metabolic pathways and ability to adapt to diverse conditions, microalgal-MGPB co-cultures could be promising biological systems under uncertain environmental and nutrient conditions. This review proposes the recent updates and progress on MGPB for microalgae cultivation through co-culture strategies. Firstly, potential MGPB strains for microalgae cultivation are introduced. Following, microalgal-MGPB interaction mechanisms and applications of their co-cultures for biomass production and wastewater treatment are reviewed. Moreover, state-of-the-art studies on synthetic biology and metabolic network analysis, along with the challenges and prospects of opting these approaches for microalgal-MGPB co-cultures are presented. It is anticipated that these strategies may significantly improve the sustainability of microalgal-MGPB co-cultures for wastewater treatment, biomass valorization, and bioproducts synthesis in a circular bioeconomy paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasu Pathom-Aree
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pachara Sattayawat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Sahutchai Inwongwan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Benjamas Cheirsilp
- Program of Biotechnology, Center of Excellence in Innovative Biotechnology for Sustainable Utilization of Bioresources, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Naruepon Liewtrakula
- Program of Biotechnology, Center of Excellence in Innovative Biotechnology for Sustainable Utilization of Bioresources, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Wageeporn Maneechote
- Program of Biotechnology, Center of Excellence in Innovative Biotechnology for Sustainable Utilization of Bioresources, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pharada Rangseekaew
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Fiaz Ahmad
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience & Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Muhammad Aamer Mehmood
- Bioenergy Research Center, Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Fengzheng Gao
- Sustainable Food Processing Laboratory, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach 8603, Switzerland
| | - Sirasit Srinuanpan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Biorefinery and Bioprocess Engineering Research Cluster, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Kundu P, Beura S, Mondal S, Das AK, Ghosh A. Machine learning for the advancement of genome-scale metabolic modeling. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 74:108400. [PMID: 38944218 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108400] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Constraint-based modeling (CBM) has evolved as the core systems biology tool to map the interrelations between genotype, phenotype, and external environment. The recent advancement of high-throughput experimental approaches and multi-omics strategies has generated a plethora of new and precise information from wide-ranging biological domains. On the other hand, the continuously growing field of machine learning (ML) and its specialized branch of deep learning (DL) provide essential computational architectures for decoding complex and heterogeneous biological data. In recent years, both multi-omics and ML have assisted in the escalation of CBM. Condition-specific omics data, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, helped contextualize the model prediction while analyzing a particular phenotypic signature. At the same time, the advanced ML tools have eased the model reconstruction and analysis to increase the accuracy and prediction power. However, the development of these multi-disciplinary methodological frameworks mainly occurs independently, which limits the concatenation of biological knowledge from different domains. Hence, we have reviewed the potential of integrating multi-disciplinary tools and strategies from various fields, such as synthetic biology, CBM, omics, and ML, to explore the biochemical phenomenon beyond the conventional biological dogma. How the integrative knowledge of these intersected domains has improved bioengineering and biomedical applications has also been highlighted. We categorically explained the conventional genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) reconstruction tools and their improvement strategies through ML paradigms. Further, the crucial role of ML and DL in omics data restructuring for GEM development has also been briefly discussed. Finally, the case-study-based assessment of the state-of-the-art method for improving biomedical and metabolic engineering strategies has been elaborated. Therefore, this review demonstrates how integrating experimental and in silico strategies can help map the ever-expanding knowledge of biological systems driven by condition-specific cellular information. This multiview approach will elevate the application of ML-based CBM in the biomedical and bioengineering fields for the betterment of society and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Kundu
- School School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Satyajit Beura
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Suman Mondal
- P.K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Amit Ghosh
- School School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; P.K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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da Silva VG, Smith NW, Mullaney JA, Wall C, Roy NC, McNabb WC. Food-breastmilk combinations alter the colonic microbiome of weaning infants: an in silico study. mSystems 2024:e0057724. [PMID: 39191378 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00577-24] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of solid foods to infants, also known as weaning, is a critical point for the development of the complex microbial community inhabiting the human colon, impacting host physiology in infancy and later in life. This research investigated in silico the impact of food-breastmilk combinations on growth and metabolite production by colonic microbes of New Zealand weaning infants using the metagenome-scale metabolic model named Microbial Community. Eighty-nine foods were individually combined with breastmilk, and the 12 combinations with the strongest influence on the microbial production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) were identified. Fiber-rich and polyphenol-rich foods, like pumpkin and blackcurrant, resulted in the greatest increase in predicted fluxes of total SCFAs and individual fluxes of propionate and acetate when combined, respectively, with breastmilk. Identified foods were further combined with other foods and breastmilk, resulting in 66 multiple food-breastmilk combinations. These combinations altered in silico the impact of individual foods on the microbial production of SCFAs and BCFAs, suggesting that the interaction between the dietary compounds composing a meal is the key factor influencing colonic microbes. Blackcurrant combined with other foods and breastmilk promoted the greatest increase in the production of acetate and total SCFAs, while pork combined with other foods and breastmilk decreased the production of total BCFAs.IMPORTANCELittle is known about the influence of complementary foods on the colonic microbiome of weaning infants. Traditional in vitro and in vivo microbiome methods are limited by their resource-consuming concerns. Modeling approaches represent a promising complementary tool to provide insights into the behavior of microbial communities. This study evaluated how foods combined with other foods and human milk affect the production of short-chain fatty acids and branched-chain fatty acids by colonic microbes of weaning infants using a rapid and inexpensive in silico approach. Foods and food combinations identified here are candidates for future experimental investigations, helping to fill a crucial knowledge gap in infant nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor G da Silva
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nick W Smith
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jane A Mullaney
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- AgResearch, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Clare Wall
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicole C Roy
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Warren C McNabb
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
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Xu S, Xu T, Yang Y, Chen X. Learning metabolic dynamics from irregular observations by Bidirectional Time-Series State Transfer Network. mSystems 2024; 9:e0069724. [PMID: 39057922 PMCID: PMC11334518 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00697-24] [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: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Modeling microbial metabolic dynamics is important for the rational optimization of both biosynthetic systems and industrial processes to facilitate green and efficient biomanufacturing. Classical approaches utilize explicit equation systems to represent metabolic networks, enabling the quantification of pathway fluxes to identify metabolic bottlenecks. However, these white-box models, despite their diverse applications, have limitations in simulating metabolic dynamics and are intrinsically inaccurate for industrial strains that lack information on network structures and kinetic parameters. On the other hand, black-box models do not rely on prior mechanistic knowledge of strains but are built upon observed time-series trajectories of biosynthetic systems in action. In practice, these observations are typically irregular, with discontinuously observed time points across multiple independent batches, each time point potentially containing missing measurements. Learning from such irregular data remains challenging for existing approaches. To address this issue, we present the Bidirectional Time-Series State Transfer Network (BTSTN) for modeling metabolic dynamics directly from irregular observations. Using evaluation data sets derived from both ideal dynamic systems and a real-world fermentation process, we demonstrate that BTSTN accurately reconstructs dynamic behaviors and predicts future trajectories. This approach exhibits enhanced robustness against missing measurements and noise, as compared to the state-of-the-art methods.IMPORTANCEIndustrial biosynthetic systems often involve strains with unclear genetic backgrounds, posing challenges in modeling their distinct metabolic dynamics. In such scenarios, white-box models, which commonly rely on inferred networks, are thereby of limited applicability and accuracy. In contrast, black-box models, such as statistical models and neural networks, are directly fitted or learned from observed time-series trajectories of biosynthetic systems in action. These methods typically assume regular observations without missing time points or measurements. If the observations are irregular, a pre-processing step becomes necessary to obtain a fully filled data set for subsequent model training, which, at the same time, inevitably introduces errors into the resulting models. BTSTN is a novel approach that natively learns from irregular observations. This distinctive feature makes it a unique addition to the current arsenal of technologies modeling metabolic dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering, Hangzhou, China
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Hirose Y, Zielinski DC, Poudel S, Rychel K, Baker JL, Toya Y, Yamaguchi M, Heinken A, Thiele I, Kawabata S, Palsson BO, Nizet V. A genome-scale metabolic model of a globally disseminated hyperinvasive M1 strain of Streptococcus pyogenes. mSystems 2024:e0073624. [PMID: 39158303 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00736-24] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for a range of diseases in humans contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Among more than 200 serotypes of S. pyogenes, serotype M1 strains hold the greatest clinical relevance due to their high prevalence in severe human infections. To enhance our understanding of pathogenesis and discovery of potential therapeutic approaches, we have developed the first genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) for a serotype M1 S. pyogenes strain, which we name iYH543. The curation of iYH543 involved cross-referencing a draft GEM of S. pyogenes serotype M1 from the AGORA2 database with gene essentiality and autotrophy data obtained from transposon mutagenesis-based and growth screens. We achieved a 92.6% (503/543 genes) accuracy in predicting gene essentiality and a 95% (19/20 amino acids) accuracy in predicting amino acid auxotrophy. Additionally, Biolog Phenotype microarrays were employed to examine the growth phenotypes of S. pyogenes, which further contributed to the refinement of iYH543. Notably, iYH543 demonstrated 88% accuracy (168/190 carbon sources) in predicting growth on various sole carbon sources. Discrepancies observed between iYH543 and the actual behavior of living S. pyogenes highlighted areas of uncertainty in the current understanding of S. pyogenes metabolism. iYH543 offers novel insights and hypotheses that can guide future research efforts and ultimately inform novel therapeutic strategies.IMPORTANCEGenome-scale models (GEMs) play a crucial role in investigating bacterial metabolism, predicting the effects of inhibiting specific metabolic genes and pathways, and aiding in the identification of potential drug targets. Here, we have developed the first GEM for the S. pyogenes highly virulent serotype, M1, which we name iYH543. The iYH543 achieved high accuracy in predicting gene essentiality. We also show that the knowledge obtained by substituting actual measurement values for iYH543 helps us gain insights that connect metabolism and virulence. iYH543 will serve as a useful tool for rational drug design targeting S. pyogenes metabolism and computational screening to investigate the interplay between inhibiting virulence factor synthesis and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Hirose
- Department of Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Daniel C Zielinski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Saugat Poudel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kevin Rychel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jonathon L Baker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
- Genomic Medicine Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation & Biosciences, OHSU School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Toya
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaya Yamaguchi
- Department of Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Bioinformatics Research Unit, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Bioinformatics Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Almut Heinken
- School of Medicine, National University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Inserm UMRS 1256 NGERE, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Ines Thiele
- School of Medicine, National University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Division of Microbiology, National University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Shigetada Kawabata
- Department of Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Bernhard O Palsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
- Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Zaunseder E, Mütze U, Okun JG, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Heuveline V, Thiele I. Personalized metabolic whole-body models for newborns and infants predict growth and biomarkers of inherited metabolic diseases. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1882-1897.e7. [PMID: 38834070 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Comprehensive whole-body models (WBMs) accounting for organ-specific dynamics have been developed to simulate adult metabolism, but such models do not exist for infants. Here, we present a resource of 360 organ-resolved, sex-specific models of newborn and infant metabolism (infant-WBMs) spanning the first 180 days of life. These infant-WBMs were parameterized to represent the distinct metabolic characteristics of newborns and infants, including nutrition, energy requirements, and thermoregulation. We demonstrate that the predicted infant growth was consistent with the recommendation by the World Health Organization. We assessed the infant-WBMs' reliability and capabilities for personalization by simulating 10,000 newborns based on their blood metabolome and birth weight. Furthermore, the infant-WBMs accurately predicted changes in known biomarkers over time and metabolic responses to treatment strategies for inherited metabolic diseases. The infant-WBM resource holds promise for personalized medicine, as the infant-WBMs could be a first step to digital metabolic twins for newborn and infant metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Zaunseder
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Mütze
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen G Okun
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vincent Heuveline
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ines Thiele
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Discipline of Microbiology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Digital Metabolic Twin Centre, University of Galway, Ireland; Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland.
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Sampara P, Lawson CE, Scarborough MJ, Ziels RM. Advancing environmental biotechnology with microbial community modeling rooted in functional 'omics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 88:103165. [PMID: 39033648 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Emerging biotechnologies that solve pressing environmental and climate emergencies will require harnessing the vast functional diversity of the underlying microbiomes driving such engineered processes. Modeling is a critical aspect of process engineering that informs system design as well as aids diagnostic optimization of performance. 'Conventional' bioprocess models assume homogenous biomass within functional guilds and thus fail to predict emergent properties of diverse microbial physiologies, such as product specificity and community interactions. Yet, recent advances in functional 'omics-based approaches can provide a 'lens' through which we can probe and measure in situ ecophysiologies of environmental microbiomes. Here, we overview microbial community modeling approaches that incorporate functional 'omics data, which we posit can advance our ability to design and control new environmental biotechnologies going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Sampara
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher E Lawson
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew J Scarborough
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Ryan M Ziels
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Beura S, Kundu P, Das AK, Ghosh A. Genome-scale community modelling elucidates the metabolic interaction in Indian type-2 diabetic gut microbiota. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17259. [PMID: 39060274 PMCID: PMC11282233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63718-0] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a rapidly growing multifactorial metabolic disorder that induces the onset of various diseases in the human body. The compositional and metabolic shift of the gut microbiota is a crucial factor behind T2D. Hence, gaining insight into the metabolic profile of the gut microbiota is essential for revealing their role in regulating the metabolism of T2D patients. Here, we have focused on the genome-scale community metabolic model reconstruction of crucial T2D-associated gut microbes. The model-based analysis of biochemical flux in T2D and healthy gut conditions showed distinct biochemical signatures and diverse metabolic interactions in the microbial community. The metabolic interactions encompass cross-feeding of short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins among individual microbes within the community. In T2D conditions, a reduction in the metabolic flux of acetate, butyrate, vitamin B5, and bicarbonate was observed in the microbial community model, which can impact carbohydrate metabolism. The decline in butyrate levels is correlated with both insulin resistance and diminished glucose metabolism in T2D patients. Compared to the healthy gut, an overall reduction in glucose consumption and SCFA production flux was estimated in the T2D gut environment. Moreover, the decreased consumption profiles of branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) in the T2D gut microbiota can be a distinct biomarker for T2D. Hence, the flux-level analysis of the microbial community model can provide insights into the metabolic reprogramming in diabetic gut microbiomes, which may be helpful in personalized therapeutics and diet design against T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyajit Beura
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Pritam Kundu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Amit Ghosh
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
- P.K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
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Ardalani O, Phaneuf PV, Mohite OS, Nielsen LK, Palsson BO. Pangenome reconstruction of Lactobacillaceae metabolism predicts species-specific metabolic traits. mSystems 2024; 9:e0015624. [PMID: 38920366 PMCID: PMC11265412 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00156-24] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Strains across the Lactobacillaceae family form the basis for a trillion-dollar industry. Our understanding of the genomic basis for their key traits is fragmented, however, including the metabolism that is foundational to their industrial uses. Pangenome analysis of publicly available Lactobacillaceae genomes allowed us to generate genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions for 26 species of industrial importance. Their manual curation led to more than 75,000 gene-protein-reaction associations that were deployed to generate 2,446 genome-scale metabolic models. Cross-referencing genomes and known metabolic traits allowed for manual metabolic network curation and validation of the metabolic models. As a result, we provide the first pangenomic basis for metabolism in the Lactobacillaceae family and a collection of predictive computational metabolic models that enable a variety of practical uses.IMPORTANCELactobacillaceae, a bacterial family foundational to a trillion-dollar industry, is increasingly relevant to biosustainability initiatives. Our study, leveraging approximately 2,400 genome sequences, provides a pangenomic analysis of Lactobacillaceae metabolism, creating over 2,400 curated and validated genome-scale models (GEMs). These GEMs successfully predict (i) unique, species-specific metabolic reactions; (ii) niche-enriched reactions that increase organism fitness; (iii) essential media components, offering insights into the global amino acid essentiality of Lactobacillaceae; and (iv) fermentation capabilities across the family, shedding light on the metabolic basis of Lactobacillaceae-based commercial products. This quantitative understanding of Lactobacillaceae metabolic properties and their genomic basis will have profound implications for the food industry and biosustainability, offering new insights and tools for strain selection and manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Ardalani
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - P. V. Phaneuf
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - O. S. Mohite
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - L. K. Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - B. O. Palsson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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11
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Maurizio M, Masid M, Woods K, Caldelari R, Doench JG, Naguleswaran A, Joly D, González-Fernández M, Zemp J, Borteele M, Hatzimanikatis V, Heussler V, Rottenberg S, Olias P. Host cell CRISPR genomics and modelling reveal shared metabolic vulnerabilities in the intracellular development of Plasmodium falciparum and related hemoparasites. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6145. [PMID: 39034325 PMCID: PMC11271486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50405-x] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases, particularly malaria (caused by Plasmodium falciparum) and theileriosis (caused by Theileria spp.), profoundly impact global health and the socioeconomic well-being of lower-income countries. Despite recent advances, identifying host metabolic proteins essential for these auxotrophic pathogens remains challenging. Here, we generate a novel metabolic model of human hepatocytes infected with P. falciparum and integrate it with a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen targeting Theileria-infected cells to pinpoint shared vulnerabilities. We identify key host metabolic enzymes critical for the intracellular survival of both of these lethal hemoparasites. Remarkably, among the metabolic proteins identified by our synergistic approach, we find that host purine and heme biosynthetic enzymes are essential for the intracellular survival of P. falciparum and Theileria, while other host enzymes are only essential under certain metabolic conditions, highlighting P. falciparum's adaptability and ability to scavenge nutrients selectively. Unexpectedly, host porphyrins emerge as being essential for both parasites. The shared vulnerabilities open new avenues for developing more effective therapies against these debilitating diseases, with the potential for broader applicability in combating apicomplexan infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Maurizio
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Masid
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Teaching Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Computational Systems Biotechnology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kerry Woods
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Caldelari
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - John G Doench
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Denis Joly
- Laboratory of Computational Systems Biotechnology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Jonas Zemp
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Borteele
- Laboratory of Computational Systems Biotechnology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vassily Hatzimanikatis
- Laboratory of Computational Systems Biotechnology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Volker Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Rottenberg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Philipp Olias
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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12
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Kumar M, Tibocha-Bonilla JD, Füssy Z, Lieng C, Schwenck SM, Levesque AV, Al-Bassam MM, Passi A, Neal M, Zuniga C, Kaiyom F, Espinoza JL, Lim H, Polson SW, Allen LZ, Zengler K. Mixotrophic growth of a ubiquitous marine diatom. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado2623. [PMID: 39018398 PMCID: PMC466952 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado2623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Diatoms are major players in the global carbon cycle, and their metabolism is affected by ocean conditions. Understanding the impact of changing inorganic nutrients in the oceans on diatoms is crucial, given the changes in global carbon dioxide levels. Here, we present a genome-scale metabolic model (iMK1961) for Cylindrotheca closterium, an in silico resource to understand uncharacterized metabolic functions in this ubiquitous diatom. iMK1961 represents the largest diatom metabolic model to date, comprising 1961 open reading frames and 6718 reactions. With iMK1961, we identified the metabolic response signature to cope with drastic changes in growth conditions. Comparing model predictions with Tara Oceans transcriptomics data unraveled C. closterium's metabolism in situ. Unexpectedly, the diatom only grows photoautotrophically in 21% of the sunlit ocean samples, while the majority of the samples indicate a mixotrophic (71%) or, in some cases, even a heterotrophic (8%) lifestyle in the light. Our findings highlight C. closterium's metabolic flexibility and its potential role in global carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Juan D. Tibocha-Bonilla
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zoltán Füssy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Chloe Lieng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sarah M. Schwenck
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alice V. Levesque
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mahmoud M. Al-Bassam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anurag Passi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maxwell Neal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cristal Zuniga
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Farrah Kaiyom
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Josh L. Espinoza
- Department of Microbial and Environmental Genomics, J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hyungyu Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shawn W. Polson
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Delaware, 18 Amstel Ave., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Lisa Zeigler Allen
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Microbial and Environmental Genomics, J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Karsten Zengler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Program in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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13
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Hu Y, Ruan Y, Zhao XL, Jiang F, Liu D, Zhu Q, Zhang QY, Yang QY. PCMD: A multilevel comparison database of intra- and cross-species metabolic profiling in 530 plant species. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024:101038. [PMID: 38993115 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Comparative metabolomics plays a crucial role in investigating gene function, exploring metabolite evolution, and accelerating crop genetic improvement. However, a systematic platform for intra- and cross-species comparison of metabolites is currently lacking. Here, we report the Plant Comparative Metabolome Database (PCMD; http://yanglab.hzau.edu.cn/PCMD), a multilevel comparison database based on predicted metabolic profiles of 530 plant species. The PCMD serves as a platform for comparing metabolite characteristics at various levels, including species, metabolites, pathways, and biological taxonomy. The database also provides a number of user-friendly online tools, such as species comparison, metabolite enrichment, and ID conversion, enabling users to perform comparisons and enrichment analyses of metabolites across different species. In addition, the PCMD establishes a unified system based on existing metabolite-related databases by standardizing metabolite numbering. The PCMD is the most species-rich comparative plant metabolomics database currently available, and a case study demonstrates its ability to provide new insights into plant metabolic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yao Ruan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xin-Le Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dongxu Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qing-Ye Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Qing-Yong Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics and Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Yazhouwan National Laboratory, Sanya 572024, China.
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14
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Fresnais L, Perin O, Riu A, Grall R, Ott A, Fromenty B, Gallardo JC, Stingl M, Frainay C, Jourdan F, Poupin N. A strategy to detect metabolic changes induced by exposure to chemicals from large sets of condition-specific metabolic models computed with enumeration techniques. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:234. [PMID: 38992584 PMCID: PMC11238488 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05845-z] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing abundance of in vitro omics data, coupled with the necessity to reduce animal testing in the safety assessment of chemical compounds and even eliminate it in the evaluation of cosmetics, highlights the need for adequate computational methodologies. Data from omics technologies allow the exploration of a wide range of biological processes, therefore providing a better understanding of mechanisms of action (MoA) related to chemical exposure in biological systems. However, the analysis of these large datasets remains difficult due to the complexity of modulations spanning multiple biological processes. RESULTS To address this, we propose a strategy to reduce information overload by computing, based on transcriptomics data, a comprehensive metabolic sub-network reflecting the metabolic impact of a chemical. The proposed strategy integrates transcriptomic data to a genome scale metabolic network through enumeration of condition-specific metabolic models hence translating transcriptomics data into reaction activity probabilities. Based on these results, a graph algorithm is applied to retrieve user readable sub-networks reflecting the possible metabolic MoA (mMoA) of chemicals. This strategy has been implemented as a three-step workflow. The first step consists in building cell condition-specific models reflecting the metabolic impact of each exposure condition while taking into account the diversity of possible optimal solutions with a partial enumeration algorithm. In a second step, we address the challenge of analyzing thousands of enumerated condition-specific networks by computing differentially activated reactions (DARs) between the two sets of enumerated possible condition-specific models. Finally, in the third step, DARs are grouped into clusters of functionally interconnected metabolic reactions, representing possible mMoA, using the distance-based clustering and subnetwork extraction method. The first part of the workflow was exemplified on eight molecules selected for their known human hepatotoxic outcomes associated with specific MoAs well described in the literature and for which we retrieved primary human hepatocytes transcriptomic data in Open TG-GATEs. Then, we further applied this strategy to more precisely model and visualize associated mMoA for two of these eight molecules (amiodarone and valproic acid). The approach proved to go beyond gene-based analysis by identifying mMoA when few genes are significantly differentially expressed (2 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for amiodarone), bringing additional information from the network topology, or when very large number of genes were differentially expressed (5709 DEGs for valproic acid). In both cases, the results of our strategy well fitted evidence from the literature regarding known MoA. Beyond these confirmations, the workflow highlighted potential other unexplored mMoA. CONCLUSION The proposed strategy allows toxicology experts to decipher which part of cellular metabolism is expected to be affected by the exposition to a given chemical. The approach originality resides in the combination of different metabolic modelling approaches (constraint based and graph modelling). The application to two model molecules shows the strong potential of the approach for interpretation and visual mining of complex omics in vitro data. The presented strategy is freely available as a python module ( https://pypi.org/project/manamodeller/ ) and jupyter notebooks ( https://github.com/LouisonF/MANA ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Louison Fresnais
- UMR1331 Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France.
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France.
| | - Olivier Perin
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Anne Riu
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Romain Grall
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Alban Ott
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Bernard Fromenty
- Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1317, UMR_S 1241, INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Clément Gallardo
- UMR1331 Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Maximilian Stingl
- UMR1331 Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Clément Frainay
- UMR1331 Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabien Jourdan
- UMR1331 Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
- MetaboHUB-MetaToul, National Infrastructure of Metabolomics and Fluxomics, Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Poupin
- UMR1331 Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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15
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Schroeder WL, Suthers PF, Willis TC, Mooney EJ, Maranas CD. Current State, Challenges, and Opportunities in Genome-Scale Resource Allocation Models: A Mathematical Perspective. Metabolites 2024; 14:365. [PMID: 39057688 PMCID: PMC11278519 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14070365] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stoichiometric genome-scale metabolic models (generally abbreviated GSM, GSMM, or GEM) have had many applications in exploring phenotypes and guiding metabolic engineering interventions. Nevertheless, these models and predictions thereof can become limited as they do not directly account for protein cost, enzyme kinetics, and cell surface or volume proteome limitations. Lack of such mechanistic detail could lead to overly optimistic predictions and engineered strains. Initial efforts to correct these deficiencies were by the application of precursor tools for GSMs, such as flux balance analysis with molecular crowding. In the past decade, several frameworks have been introduced to incorporate proteome-related limitations using a genome-scale stoichiometric model as the reconstruction basis, which herein are called resource allocation models (RAMs). This review provides a broad overview of representative or commonly used existing RAM frameworks. This review discusses increasingly complex models, beginning with stoichiometric models to precursor to RAM frameworks to existing RAM frameworks. RAM frameworks are broadly divided into two categories: coarse-grained and fine-grained, with different strengths and challenges. Discussion includes pinpointing their utility, data needs, highlighting framework strengths and limitations, and appropriateness to various research endeavors, largely through contrasting their mathematical frameworks. Finally, promising future applications of RAMs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wheaton L. Schroeder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Patrick F. Suthers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Thomas C. Willis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Eric J. Mooney
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Costas D. Maranas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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16
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Lange E, Kranert L, Krüger J, Benndorf D, Heyer R. Microbiome modeling: a beginner's guide. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1368377. [PMID: 38962127 PMCID: PMC11220171 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1368377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes, comprised of diverse microbial species and viruses, play pivotal roles in human health, environmental processes, and biotechnological applications and interact with each other, their environment, and hosts via ecological interactions. Our understanding of microbiomes is still limited and hampered by their complexity. A concept improving this understanding is systems biology, which focuses on the holistic description of biological systems utilizing experimental and computational methods. An important set of such experimental methods are metaomics methods which analyze microbiomes and output lists of molecular features. These lists of data are integrated, interpreted, and compiled into computational microbiome models, to predict, optimize, and control microbiome behavior. There exists a gap in understanding between microbiologists and modelers/bioinformaticians, stemming from a lack of interdisciplinary knowledge. This knowledge gap hinders the establishment of computational models in microbiome analysis. This review aims to bridge this gap and is tailored for microbiologists, researchers new to microbiome modeling, and bioinformaticians. To achieve this goal, it provides an interdisciplinary overview of microbiome modeling, starting with fundamental knowledge of microbiomes, metaomics methods, common modeling formalisms, and how models facilitate microbiome control. It concludes with guidelines and repositories for modeling. Each section provides entry-level information, example applications, and important references, serving as a valuable resource for comprehending and navigating the complex landscape of microbiome research and modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Lange
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis, Department for Bioanalytics, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
- Graduate School Digital Infrastructure for the Life Sciences, Bielefeld Institute for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (BIBI), Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lena Kranert
- Institute for Automation Engineering, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jacob Krüger
- Engineering of Software-Intensive Systems, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Benndorf
- Applied Biosciences and Bioprocess Engineering, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Köthen, Germany
| | - Robert Heyer
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis, Department for Bioanalytics, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
- Graduate School Digital Infrastructure for the Life Sciences, Bielefeld Institute for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (BIBI), Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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17
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Tarzi C, Zampieri G, Sullivan N, Angione C. Emerging methods for genome-scale metabolic modeling of microbial communities. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:533-548. [PMID: 38575441 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are consolidating as platforms for studying mixed microbial populations, by combining biological data and knowledge with mathematical rigor. However, deploying these models to answer research questions can be challenging due to the increasing number of available computational tools, the lack of universal standards, and their inherent limitations. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of foundational concepts for building and evaluating genome-scale models of microbial communities. We then compare tools in terms of requirements, capabilities, and applications. Next, we highlight the current pitfalls and open challenges to consider when adopting existing tools and developing new ones. Our compendium can be relevant for the expanding community of modelers, both at the entry and experienced levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaimaa Tarzi
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Southfield Rd, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Guido Zampieri
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35122, Veneto, Italy
| | - Neil Sullivan
- Complement Genomics Ltd, Station Rd, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0EX, County Durham, UK
| | - Claudio Angione
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Southfield Rd, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, North Yorkshire, UK; Centre for Digital Innovation, Teesside University, Southfield Rd, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, North Yorkshire, UK; National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, 38 John Dixon Ln, Darlington, DL1 1HG, North Yorkshire, UK.
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18
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Turanli B, Gulfidan G, Aydogan OO, Kula C, Selvaraj G, Arga KY. Genome-scale metabolic models in translational medicine: the current status and potential of machine learning in improving the effectiveness of the models. Mol Omics 2024; 20:234-247. [PMID: 38444371 DOI: 10.1039/d3mo00152k] [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: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) has emerged as one of the leading modeling approaches for systems-level metabolic studies and has been widely explored for a broad range of organisms and applications. Owing to the development of genome sequencing technologies and available biochemical data, it is possible to reconstruct GEMs for model and non-model microorganisms as well as for multicellular organisms such as humans and animal models. GEMs will evolve in parallel with the availability of biological data, new mathematical modeling techniques and the development of automated GEM reconstruction tools. The use of high-quality, context-specific GEMs, a subset of the original GEM in which inactive reactions are removed while maintaining metabolic functions in the extracted model, for model organisms along with machine learning (ML) techniques could increase their applications and effectiveness in translational research in the near future. Here, we briefly review the current state of GEMs, discuss the potential contributions of ML approaches for more efficient and frequent application of these models in translational research, and explore the extension of GEMs to integrative cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beste Turanli
- Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gizem Gulfidan
- Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ozge Onluturk Aydogan
- Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ceyda Kula
- Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gurudeeban Selvaraj
- Concordia University, Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Quebec, Canada
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Department of Biomaterials, Bioinformatics Unit, Chennai, India
| | - Kazim Yalcin Arga
- Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Istanbul, Turkey
- Marmara University, Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Istanbul, Turkey
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19
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Raghu AK, Palanikumar I, Raman K. Designing function-specific minimal microbiomes from large microbial communities. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:46. [PMID: 38702322 PMCID: PMC11068740 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00373-1] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms exist in large communities of diverse species, exhibiting various functionalities. The mammalian gut microbiome, for instance, has the functionality of digesting dietary fibre and producing different short-chain fatty acids. Not all microbes present in a community contribute to a given functionality; it is possible to find a minimal microbiome, which is a subset of the large microbiome, that is capable of performing the functionality while maintaining other community properties such as growth rate and metabolite production. Such a minimal microbiome will also contain keystone species for SCFA production in that community. In this work, we present a systematic constraint-based approach to identify a minimal microbiome from a large community for a user-proposed function. We employ a top-down approach with sequential deletion followed by solving a mixed-integer linear programming problem with the objective of minimising the L1-norm of the membership vector. Notably, we consider quantitative measures of community growth rate and metabolite production rates. We demonstrate the utility of our algorithm by identifying the minimal microbiomes corresponding to three model communities of the gut, and discuss their validity based on the presence of the keystone species in the community. Our approach is generic, flexible and finds application in studying a variety of microbial communities. The algorithm is available from https://github.com/RamanLab/minMicrobiome .
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy K Raghu
- Centre for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Indumathi Palanikumar
- Centre for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India
| | - Karthik Raman
- Centre for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India.
- Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India.
- Department of Data Science and AI, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India.
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20
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Silva-Andrade C, Rodriguez-Fernández M, Garrido D, Martin AJM. Using metabolic networks to predict cross-feeding and competition interactions between microorganisms. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0228723. [PMID: 38506512 PMCID: PMC11064492 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02287-23] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interactions between microorganisms and their impact on bacterial behavior at the community level is a key research topic in microbiology. Different methods, relying on experimental or mathematical approaches based on the diverse properties of bacteria, are currently employed to study these interactions. Recently, the use of metabolic networks to understand the interactions between bacterial pairs has increased, highlighting the relevance of this approach in characterizing bacteria. In this study, we leverage the representation of bacteria through their metabolic networks to build a predictive model aimed at reducing the number of experimental assays required for designing bacterial consortia with specific behaviors. Our novel method for predicting cross-feeding or competition interactions between pairs of microorganisms utilizes metabolic network features. Machine learning classifiers are employed to determine the type of interaction from automatically reconstructed metabolic networks. Several algorithms were assessed and selected based on comprehensive testing and careful separation of manually compiled data sets obtained from literature sources. We used different classification algorithms, including K Nearest Neighbors, XGBoost, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest, tested different parameter values, and implemented several data curation approaches to reduce the biological bias associated with our data set, ultimately achieving an accuracy of over 0.9. Our method holds substantial potential to advance the understanding of community behavior and contribute to the development of more effective approaches for consortia design.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding bacterial interactions at the community level is critical for microbiology, and leveraging metabolic networks presents an efficient and effective approach. The introduction of this novel method for predicting interactions through machine learning classifiers has the potential to advance the field by reducing the number of experimental assays required and contributing to the development of more effective bacterial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Silva-Andrade
- Programa de Doctorado en Genómica Integrativa, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio de Redes Biológicas, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Rodriguez-Fernández
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Garrido
- Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alberto J. M. Martin
- Laboratorio de Redes Biológicas, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Ingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
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21
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Goelzer A, Rajjou L, Chardon F, Loudet O, Fromion V. Resource allocation modeling for autonomous prediction of plant cell phenotypes. Metab Eng 2024; 83:86-101. [PMID: 38561149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.03.009] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Predicting the plant cell response in complex environmental conditions is a challenge in plant biology. Here we developed a resource allocation model of cellular and molecular scale for the leaf photosynthetic cell of Arabidopsis thaliana, based on the Resource Balance Analysis (RBA) constraint-based modeling framework. The RBA model contains the metabolic network and the major macromolecular processes involved in the plant cell growth and survival and localized in cellular compartments. We simulated the model for varying environmental conditions of temperature, irradiance, partial pressure of CO2 and O2, and compared RBA predictions to known resource distributions and quantitative phenotypic traits such as the relative growth rate, the C:N ratio, and finally to the empirical characteristics of CO2 fixation given by the well-established Farquhar model. In comparison to other standard constraint-based modeling methods like Flux Balance Analysis, the RBA model makes accurate quantitative predictions without the need for empirical constraints. Altogether, we show that RBA significantly improves the autonomous prediction of plant cell phenotypes in complex environmental conditions, and provides mechanistic links between the genotype and the phenotype of the plant cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Goelzer
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MaIAGE, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Loïc Rajjou
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Fabien Chardon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Olivier Loudet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Vincent Fromion
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MaIAGE, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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22
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Deantas-Jahn C, Mendoza SN, Licona-Cassani C, Orellana C, Saa PA. Metabolic modeling of Halomonas campaniensis improves polyhydroxybutyrate production under nitrogen limitation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:310. [PMID: 38662130 PMCID: PMC11045607 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13111-8] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an environmentally friendly alternative for conventional fossil fuel-based plastics that is produced by various microorganisms. Large-scale PHB production is challenging due to the comparatively higher biomanufacturing costs. A PHB overproducer is the haloalkaliphilic bacterium Halomonas campaniensis, which has low nutritional requirements and can grow in cultures with high salt concentrations, rendering it resistant to contamination. Despite its virtues, the metabolic capabilities of H. campaniensis as well as the limitations hindering higher PHB production remain poorly studied. To address this limitation, we present HaloGEM, the first high-quality genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction, which encompasses 888 genes, 1528 reactions (1257 gene-associated), and 1274 metabolites. HaloGEM not only displays excellent agreement with previous growth data and experiments from this study, but it also revealed nitrogen as a limiting nutrient when growing aerobically under high salt concentrations using glucose as carbon source. Among different nitrogen source mixtures for optimal growth, HaloGEM predicted glutamate and arginine as a promising mixture producing increases of 54.2% and 153.4% in the biomass yield and PHB titer, respectively. Furthermore, the model was used to predict genetic interventions for increasing PHB yield, which were consistent with the rationale of previously reported strategies. Overall, the presented reconstruction advances our understanding of the metabolic capabilities of H. campaniensis for rationally engineering this next-generation industrial biotechnology platform. KEY POINTS: A comprehensive genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of H. campaniensis was developed. Experiments and simulations predict N limitation in minimal media under aerobiosis. In silico media design increased experimental biomass yield and PHB titer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Deantas-Jahn
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián N Mendoza
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Systems Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cuauhtemoc Licona-Cassani
- Núcleo de Innovación de Sistemas Biológicos (NISB), FEMSA Biotechnology Center, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Camila Orellana
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro A Saa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Instituto de Ingeniería Matemática y Computacional, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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23
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Jiang F, Ruan Y, Chen XH, Yu HL, Cheng T, Duan XY, Liu YG, Zhang HY, Zhang QY. Metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms database (MPMdb) and its seed metabolite applications. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0234223. [PMID: 38391229 PMCID: PMC10986615 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02342-23] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Seed metabolites are the combination of essential compounds required by an organism across various potential environmental conditions. The seed metabolites screening framework based on the network topology approach can capture important biological information of species. This study aims to identify comprehensively the relationship between seed metabolites and pathogenic bacteria. A large-scale data set was compiled, describing the seed metabolite sets and metabolite sets of 124,192 pathogenic strains from 34 genera, by constructing genome-scale metabolic models. The enrichment analysis method was used to screen the specific seed metabolites of each species/genus of pathogenic bacteria. The metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms database (MPMdb) (http://qyzhanglab.hzau.edu.cn/MPMdb/) was established for browsing, searching, predicting, or downloading metabolites and seed metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the MPMdb, taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses of pathogenic bacteria were performed according to the function of seed metabolites and metabolites. The results showed that the seed metabolites could be used as a feature for microorganism chemotaxonomy, and they could mirror the phylogeny of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, our screened specific seed metabolites of pathogenic bacteria can be used not only for further tapping the nutritional resources and identifying auxotrophies of pathogenic bacteria but also for designing targeted bactericidal compounds by combining with existing antimicrobial agents.IMPORTANCEMetabolites serve as key communication links between pathogenic microorganisms and hosts, with seed metabolites being crucial for microbial growth, reproduction, external communication, and host infection. However, the large-scale screening of metabolites and the identification of seed metabolites have always been the main technical bottleneck due to the low throughput and costly analysis. Genome-scale metabolic models have become a recognized research paradigm to investigate the metabolic characteristics of species. The developed metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms database in this study is committed to systematically predicting and identifying the metabolites and seed metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms, which could provide a powerful resource platform for pathogenic bacteria research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Ruan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hai-Long Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin-Ya Duan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Guang Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Yu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing-Ye Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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24
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Nasershariat M, Pishvaie MR, Boozarjomehry RB, Waldherr S. A dynamic model of growth phase of bio-conversion of methane to polyhydroxybutyrate using dynamic flux balance analysis. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2024; 47:463-474. [PMID: 38492006 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-024-02966-w] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Biological conversion of waste methane to biodegradable plastics is a way of reducing their production cost. This study addresses the computational modeling of the growth phase reactor of the process of polyhydroxybutyrate production. The model was used for investigating the effect of gas recycling and inlet gas retention time on the reactor performance. The model was run by the use of a genome-scale metabolic network of Methylocystis hirsuta in a dynamic flux balance analysis framework. The reactor has been modeled for two separate feeding scenarios: a pure methane feed and a biogas feed. The mass transfer coefficient parameter was predicted as a function of superficial gas velocities by the regression of data from published experiments. The results show an increase of removal efficiency by 38% and biomass concentration by 2.8 g/L with the increase of gas recycle ratio from 0 to 30 at the empty bed residence time of 60 min .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Nasershariat
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Pishvaie
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Steffen Waldherr
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Ye A, Shen JN, Li Y, Lian X, Ma BG, Guo FB. Reconstruction of the genome-scale metabolic network model of Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU45436 for free-living and symbiotic states. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1377334. [PMID: 38590605 PMCID: PMC10999553 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1377334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU45436 is an excellent rhizobium that plays an important role in agricultural production. However, there still needs more comprehensive understanding of the metabolic system of S. fredii CCBAU45436, which hinders its application in agriculture. Therefore, based on the first-generation metabolic model iCC541 we developed a new genome-scale metabolic model iAQY970, which contains 970 genes, 1,052 reactions, 942 metabolites and is scored 89% in the MEMOTE test. Cell growth phenotype predicted by iAQY970 is 81.7% consistent with the experimental data. The results of mapping the proteome data under free-living and symbiosis conditions to the model showed that the biomass production rate in the logarithmic phase was faster than that in the stable phase, and the nitrogen fixation efficiency of rhizobia parasitized in cultivated soybean was higher than that in wild-type soybean, which was consistent with the actual situation. In the symbiotic condition, there are 184 genes that would affect growth, of which 94 are essential; In the free-living condition, there are 143 genes that influence growth, of which 78 are essential. Among them, 86 of the 94 essential genes in the symbiotic condition were consistent with the prediction of iCC541, and 44 essential genes were confirmed by literature information; meanwhile, 30 genes were identified by DEG and 33 genes were identified by Geptop. In addition, we extracted four key nitrogen fixation modules from the model and predicted that sulfite reductase (EC 1.8.7.1) and nitrogenase (EC 1.18.6.1) as the target enzymes to enhance nitrogen fixation by MOMA, which provided a potential focus for strain optimization. Through the comprehensive metabolic model, we can better understand the metabolic capabilities of S. fredii CCBAU45436 and make full use of it in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqiang Ye
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Ning Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Lian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin-Guang Ma
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-Biao Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Martinelli F, Heinken A, Henning AK, Ulmer MA, Hensen T, González A, Arnold M, Asthana S, Budde K, Engelman CD, Estaki M, Grabe HJ, Heston MB, Johnson S, Kastenmüller G, Martino C, McDonald D, Rey FE, Kilimann I, Peters O, Wang X, Spruth EJ, Schneider A, Fliessbach K, Wiltfang J, Hansen N, Glanz W, Buerger K, Janowitz D, Laske C, Munk MH, Spottke A, Roy N, Nauck M, Teipel S, Knight R, Kaddurah-Daouk RF, Bendlin BB, Hertel J, Thiele I. Whole-body metabolic modelling reveals microbiome and genomic interactions on reduced urine formate levels in Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6095. [PMID: 38480804 PMCID: PMC10937638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55960-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to understand the potential role of the gut microbiome in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We took a multi-faceted approach to investigate this relationship. Urine metabolomics were examined in individuals with AD and controls, revealing decreased formate and fumarate concentrations in AD. Additionally, we utilised whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data obtained from a separate group of individuals with AD and controls. This information allowed us to create and investigate host-microbiome personalised whole-body metabolic models. Notably, AD individuals displayed diminished formate microbial secretion in these models. Additionally, we identified specific reactions responsible for the production of formate in the host, and interestingly, these reactions were linked to genes that have correlations with AD. This study suggests formate as a possible early AD marker and highlights genetic and microbiome contributions to its production. The reduced formate secretion and its genetic associations point to a complex connection between gut microbiota and AD. This holistic understanding might pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in AD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Martinelli
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- The Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Almut Heinken
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- The Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Inserm UMRS 1256 NGERE, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Ann-Kristin Henning
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Maria A Ulmer
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tim Hensen
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- The Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Antonio González
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Arnold
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sanjay Asthana
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Kathrin Budde
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Corinne D Engelman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mehrbod Estaki
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hans-Jörgen Grabe
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
| | - Margo B Heston
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Sterling Johnson
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Gabi Kastenmüller
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cameron Martino
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Federico E Rey
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ingo Kilimann
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Olive Peters
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eike Jakob Spruth
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Schneider
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Fliessbach
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wenzel Glanz
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Buerger
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Janowitz
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Laske
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Section for Dementia Research, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
- Section for Dementia Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias H Munk
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Section for Dementia Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Spottke
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nina Roy
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan Teipel
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Barbara B Bendlin
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Johannes Hertel
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Ines Thiele
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- The Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- School of Microbiology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland.
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Ferreira MADM, Silveira WBD, Nikoloski Z. Protein constraints in genome-scale metabolic models: Data integration, parameter estimation, and prediction of metabolic phenotypes. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:915-930. [PMID: 38178617 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28650] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Genome-scale metabolic models provide a valuable resource to study metabolism and cell physiology. These models are employed with approaches from the constraint-based modeling framework to predict metabolic and physiological phenotypes. The prediction performance of genome-scale metabolic models can be improved by including protein constraints. The resulting protein-constrained models consider data on turnover numbers (kcat ) and facilitate the integration of protein abundances. In this systematic review, we present and discuss the current state-of-the-art regarding the estimation of kinetic parameters used in protein-constrained models. We also highlight how data-driven and constraint-based approaches can aid the estimation of turnover numbers and their usage in improving predictions of cellular phenotypes. Finally, we identify standing challenges in protein-constrained metabolic models and provide a perspective regarding future approaches to improve the predictive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zoran Nikoloski
- Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
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28
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Mofidifar S, Yadegar A, Karimi-Jafari MH. A reconstructed genome-scale metabolic model of Helicobacter pylori for predicting putative drug targets in clarithromycin and rifampicin resistance conditions. Helicobacter 2024; 29:e13074. [PMID: 38615332 DOI: 10.1111/hel.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori is considered a true human pathogen for which rising drug resistance constitutes a drastic concern globally. The present study aimed to reconstruct a genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) to decipher the metabolic capability of H. pylori strains in response to clarithromycin and rifampicin along with identification of novel drug targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS The iIT341 model of H. pylori was updated based on genome annotation data, and biochemical knowledge from literature and databases. Context-specific models were generated by integrating the transcriptomic data of clarithromycin and rifampicin resistance into the model. Flux balance analysis was employed for identifying essential genes in each strain, which were further prioritized upon being nonhomologs to humans, virulence factor analysis, druggability, and broad-spectrum analysis. Additionally, metabolic differences between sensitive and resistant strains were also investigated based on flux variability analysis and pathway enrichment analysis of transcriptomic data. RESULTS The reconstructed GSMM was named as HpM485 model. Pathway enrichment and flux variability analyses demonstrated reduced activity in the ribosomal pathway in both clarithromycin- and rifampicin-resistant strains. Also, a significant decrease was detected in the activity of metabolic pathways of clarithromycin-resistant strain. Moreover, 23 and 16 essential genes were exclusively detected in clarithromycin- and rifampicin-resistant strains, respectively. Based on prioritization analysis, cyclopropane fatty acid synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate synthase were identified as putative drug targets in clarithromycin- and rifampicin-resistant strains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We present a robust and reliable metabolic model of H. pylori. This model can predict novel drug targets to combat drug resistance and explore the metabolic capability of H. pylori in various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mofidifar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Baghdassarian HM, Lewis NE. Resource allocation in mammalian systems. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 71:108305. [PMID: 38215956 PMCID: PMC11182366 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108305] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cells execute biological functions to support phenotypes such as growth, migration, and secretion. Complementarily, each function of a cell has resource costs that constrain phenotype. Resource allocation by a cell allows it to manage these costs and optimize their phenotypes. In fact, the management of resource constraints (e.g., nutrient availability, bioenergetic capacity, and macromolecular machinery production) shape activity and ultimately impact phenotype. In mammalian systems, quantification of resource allocation provides important insights into higher-order multicellular functions; it shapes intercellular interactions and relays environmental cues for tissues to coordinate individual cells to overcome resource constraints and achieve population-level behavior. Furthermore, these constraints, objectives, and phenotypes are context-dependent, with cells adapting their behavior according to their microenvironment, resulting in distinct steady-states. This review will highlight the biological insights gained from probing resource allocation in mammalian cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hratch M Baghdassarian
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nathan E Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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30
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Chen Y, Gustafsson J, Tafur Rangel A, Anton M, Domenzain I, Kittikunapong C, Li F, Yuan L, Nielsen J, Kerkhoven EJ. Reconstruction, simulation and analysis of enzyme-constrained metabolic models using GECKO Toolbox 3.0. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:629-667. [PMID: 38238583 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00931-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are computational representations that enable mathematical exploration of metabolic behaviors within cellular and environmental constraints. Despite their wide usage in biotechnology, biomedicine and fundamental studies, there are many phenotypes that GEMs are unable to correctly predict. GECKO is a method to improve the predictive power of a GEM by incorporating enzymatic constraints using kinetic and omics data. GECKO has enabled reconstruction of enzyme-constrained metabolic models (ecModels) for diverse organisms, which show better predictive performance than conventional GEMs. In this protocol, we describe how to use the latest version GECKO 3.0; the procedure has five stages: (1) expansion from a starting metabolic model to an ecModel structure, (2) integration of enzyme turnover numbers into the ecModel structure, (3) model tuning, (4) integration of proteomics data into the ecModel and (5) simulation and analysis of ecModels. GECKO 3.0 incorporates deep learning-predicted enzyme kinetics, paving the way for improved metabolic models for virtually any organism and cell line in the absence of experimental data. The time of running the whole protocol is organism dependent, e.g., ~5 h for yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Johan Gustafsson
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Albert Tafur Rangel
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technology University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mihail Anton
- Department of Life Sciences, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Iván Domenzain
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Feiran Li
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Le Yuan
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- BioInnovation Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eduard J Kerkhoven
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technology University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
- SciLifeLab, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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31
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Hari A, Zarrabi A, Lobo D. mergem: merging, comparing, and translating genome-scale metabolic models using universal identifiers. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae010. [PMID: 38312936 PMCID: PMC10836943 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous methods exist to produce and refine genome-scale metabolic models. However, due to the use of incompatible identifier systems for metabolites and reactions, computing and visualizing the metabolic differences and similarities of such models is a current challenge. Furthermore, there is a lack of automated tools that can combine the strengths of multiple reconstruction pipelines into a curated single comprehensive model by merging different drafts, which possibly use incompatible namespaces. Here we present mergem, a novel method to compare, merge, and translate two or more metabolic models. Using a universal metabolic identifier mapping system constructed from multiple metabolic databases, mergem robustly can compare models from different pipelines, merge their common elements, and translate their identifiers to other database systems. mergem is implemented as a command line tool, a Python package, and on the web-application Fluxer, which allows simulating and visually comparing multiple models with different interactive flux graphs. The ability to merge, compare, and translate diverse genome scale metabolic models can facilitate the curation of comprehensive reconstructions and the discovery of unique and common metabolic features among different organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Hari
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Arveen Zarrabi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Daniel Lobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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32
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Cruz F, Capela J, Ferreira EC, Rocha M, Dias O. BioISO: An Objective-Oriented Application for Assisting the Curation of Genome-Scale Metabolic Models. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 21:215-226. [PMID: 38170658 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2023.3339972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
As the reconstruction of Genome-Scale Metabolic Models (GEMs) becomes standard practice in systems biology, the number of organisms having at least one metabolic model is peaking at an unprecedented scale. The automation of laborious tasks, such as gap-finding and gap-filling, allowed the development of GEMs for poorly described organisms. However, the quality of these models can be compromised by the automation of several steps, which may lead to erroneous phenotype simulations. Biological networks constraint-based In Silico Optimisation (BioISO) is a computational tool aimed at accelerating the reconstruction of GEMs. This tool facilitates manual curation steps by reducing the large search spaces often met when debugging in silico biological models. BioISO uses a recursive relation-like algorithm and Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) to evaluate and guide debugging of in silico phenotype simulations. The potential of BioISO to guide the debugging of model reconstructions was showcased and compared with the results of two other state-of-the-art gap-filling tools (Meneco and fastGapFill). In this assessment, BioISO is better suited to reducing the search space for errors and gaps in metabolic networks by identifying smaller ratios of dead-end metabolites. Furthermore, BioISO was used as Meneco's gap-finding algorithm to reduce the number of proposed solutions for filling the gaps.
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Kaweesi T, Colvin J, Campbell L, Visendi P, Maslen G, Alicai T, Seal S. In silico prediction of candidate gene targets for the management of African cassava whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci, SSA1-SG1), a key vector of viruses causing cassava brown streak disease. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16949. [PMID: 38410806 PMCID: PMC10896082 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci sensu lato) have a wide host range and are globally important agricultural pests. In Sub-Saharan Africa, they vector viruses that cause two ongoing disease epidemics: cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic virus disease. These two diseases threaten food security for more than 800 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts are ongoing to identify target genes for the development of novel management options against the whitefly populations that vector these devastating viral diseases affecting cassava production in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to identify genes that mediate osmoregulation and symbiosis functions within cassava whitefly gut and bacteriocytes and evaluate their potential as key gene targets for novel whitefly control strategies. The gene expression profiles of dissected guts, bacteriocytes and whole bodies were compared by RNAseq analysis to identify genes with significantly enriched expression in the gut and bacteriocytes. Phylogenetic analyses identified three candidate osmoregulation gene targets: two α-glucosidases, SUC 1 and SUC 2 with predicted function in sugar transformations that reduce osmotic pressure in the gut; and a water-specific aquaporin (AQP1) mediating water cycling from the distal to the proximal end of the gut. Expression of the genes in the gut was enriched 23.67-, 26.54- and 22.30-fold, respectively. Genome-wide metabolic reconstruction coupled with constraint-based modeling revealed four genes (argH, lysA, BCAT & dapB) within the bacteriocytes as potential targets for the management of cassava whiteflies. These genes were selected based on their role and essentiality within the different essential amino acid biosynthesis pathways. A demonstration of candidate osmoregulation and symbiosis gene targets in other species of the Bemisia tabaci species complex that are orthologs of the empirically validated osmoregulation genes highlights the latter as promising gene targets for the control of cassava whitefly pests by in planta RNA interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeo Kaweesi
- Natural Resources Institute, University of greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, United Kingdom
- Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Fort Portal, Kabarole, Uganda
- National Crops Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Colvin
- Natural Resources Institute, University of greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Lahcen Campbell
- Wellcome Genome Campus, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Visendi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gareth Maslen
- Wellcome Genome Campus, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Titus Alicai
- National Crops Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Seal
- Natural Resources Institute, University of greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, United Kingdom
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Forero-Rodríguez J, Zimmermann J, Taubenheim J, Arias-Rodríguez N, Caicedo-Narvaez JD, Best L, Mendieta CV, López-Castiblanco J, Gómez-Muñoz LA, Gonzalez-Santos J, Arboleda H, Fernandez W, Kaleta C, Pinzón A. Changes in Bacterial Gut Composition in Parkinson's Disease and Their Metabolic Contribution to Disease Development: A Gut Community Reconstruction Approach. Microorganisms 2024; 12:325. [PMID: 38399728 PMCID: PMC10893096 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020325] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease with the major symptoms comprising loss of movement coordination (motor dysfunction) and non-motor dysfunction, including gastrointestinal symptoms. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition have been reported in PD patients vs. controls. However, it is still unclear how these compositional changes contribute to disease etiology and progression. Furthermore, most of the available studies have focused on European, Asian, and North American cohorts, but the microbiomes of PD patients in Latin America have not been characterized. To address this problem, we obtained fecal samples from Colombian participants (n = 25 controls, n = 25 PD idiopathic cases) to characterize the taxonomical community changes during disease via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. An analysis of differential composition, diversity, and personalized computational modeling was carried out, given the fecal bacterial composition and diet of each participant. We found three metabolites that differed in dietary habits between PD patients and controls: carbohydrates, trans fatty acids, and potassium. We identified six genera that changed significantly in their relative abundance between PD patients and controls, belonging to the families Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Verrucomicrobioaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Streptococcaceae. Furthermore, personalized metabolic modeling of the gut microbiome revealed changes in the predicted production of seven metabolites (Indole, tryptophan, fructose, phenylacetic acid, myristic acid, 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, and N-Acetylneuraminic acid). These metabolites are associated with the metabolism of aromatic amino acids and their consumption in the diet. Therefore, this research suggests that each individual's diet and intestinal composition could affect host metabolism. Furthermore, these findings open the door to the study of microbiome-host interactions and allow us to contribute to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Forero-Rodríguez
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.F.-R.); (J.D.C.-N.); (J.L.-C.)
- Medical Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Johannes Zimmermann
- Medical Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Jan Taubenheim
- Medical Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Natalia Arias-Rodríguez
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.F.-R.); (J.D.C.-N.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - Juan David Caicedo-Narvaez
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.F.-R.); (J.D.C.-N.); (J.L.-C.)
- Neurosciences Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Lena Best
- Medical Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Cindy V. Mendieta
- PhD Program in Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
- Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Julieth López-Castiblanco
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.F.-R.); (J.D.C.-N.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - Laura Alejandra Gómez-Muñoz
- Neurosciences Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Cell Death Research Group, Medical School and Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Janneth Gonzalez-Santos
- Structural Biochemistry and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Humberto Arboleda
- Cell Death Research Group, Medical School and Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - William Fernandez
- Neurosciences Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Cell Death Research Group, Medical School and Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Christoph Kaleta
- Medical Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany (J.T.)
| | - Andrés Pinzón
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Research Group, Genetic Institute, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.F.-R.); (J.D.C.-N.); (J.L.-C.)
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Cooke J, Delmas M, Wieder C, Rodríguez Mier P, Frainay C, Vinson F, Ebbels T, Poupin N, Jourdan F. Genome scale metabolic network modelling for metabolic profile predictions. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011381. [PMID: 38386685 PMCID: PMC10914266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011381] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic profiling (metabolomics) aims at measuring small molecules (metabolites) in complex samples like blood or urine for human health studies. While biomarker-based assessment often relies on a single molecule, metabolic profiling combines several metabolites to create a more complex and more specific fingerprint of the disease. However, in contrast to genomics, there is no unique metabolomics setup able to measure the entire metabolome. This challenge leads to tedious and resource consuming preliminary studies to be able to design the right metabolomics experiment. In that context, computer assisted metabolic profiling can be of strong added value to design metabolomics studies more quickly and efficiently. We propose a constraint-based modelling approach which predicts in silico profiles of metabolites that are more likely to be differentially abundant under a given metabolic perturbation (e.g. due to a genetic disease), using flux simulation. In genome-scale metabolic networks, the fluxes of exchange reactions, also known as the flow of metabolites through their external transport reactions, can be simulated and compared between control and disease conditions in order to calculate changes in metabolite import and export. These import/export flux differences would be expected to induce changes in circulating biofluid levels of those metabolites, which can then be interpreted as potential biomarkers or metabolites of interest. In this study, we present SAMBA (SAMpling Biomarker Analysis), an approach which simulates fluxes in exchange reactions following a metabolic perturbation using random sampling, compares the simulated flux distributions between the baseline and modulated conditions, and ranks predicted differentially exchanged metabolites as potential biomarkers for the perturbation. We show that there is a good fit between simulated metabolic exchange profiles and experimental differential metabolites detected in plasma, such as patient data from the disease database OMIM, and metabolic trait-SNP associations found in mGWAS studies. These biomarker recommendations can provide insight into the underlying mechanism or metabolic pathway perturbation lying behind observed metabolite differential abundances, and suggest new metabolites as potential avenues for further experimental analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Cooke
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Maxime Delmas
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Idiap Research Institute, Martigny, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Wieder
- Section of Bioinformatics, Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Rodríguez Mier
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clément Frainay
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Vinson
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
- MetaToul-MetaboHUB, National Infrastructure of Metabolomics and Fluxomics, Toulouse, France
| | - Timothy Ebbels
- Section of Bioinformatics, Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie Poupin
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabien Jourdan
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
- MetaToul-MetaboHUB, National Infrastructure of Metabolomics and Fluxomics, Toulouse, France
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Hou C, Song X, Xiong Z, Wang G, Xia Y, Ai L. Genome-scale reconstruction of the metabolic network in Streptococcus thermophilus S-3 and assess urea metabolism. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:1458-1469. [PMID: 37814322 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus thermophilus is an important strain widely used in dairy fermentation, with distinct urea metabolism characteristics compared to other lactic acid bacteria. The conversion of urea by S. thermophilus has been shown to affect the flavor and acidification characteristics of milk. Additionally, urea metabolism has been found to significantly increase the number of cells and reduce cell damage under acidic pH conditions, resulting in higher activity. However, the physiological role of urea metabolism in S. thermophilus has not been fully evaluated. A deep understanding of this metabolic feature is of great significance for its production and application. Genome-scale metabolic network models (GEMs) are effective tools for investigating the metabolic network of organisms using computational biology methods. Constructing an organism-specific GEM can assist us in comprehending its characteristic metabolism at a systemic level. RESULTS In the present study, we reconstructed a high-quality GEM of S. thermophilus S-3 (iCH492), which contains 492 genes, 608 metabolites and 642 reactions. Growth phenotyping experiments were employed to validate the model both qualitatively and quantitatively, yielding satisfactory predictive accuracy (95.83%), sensitivity (93.33%) and specificity (100%). Subsequently, a systematic evaluation of urea metabolism in S. thermophilus was performed using iCH492. The results showed that urea metabolism reduces intracellular hydrogen ions and creates membrane potential by producing and transporting ammonium ions. This activation of glycolytic fluxes and ATP synthase produces more ATP for biomass synthesis. The regulation of fluxes of reactions involving NAD(P)H by urea metabolism improves redox balance. CONCLUSION Model iCH492 represents the most comprehensive knowledge-base of S. thermophilus to date, serving as a potent tool. The evaluation of urea metabolism led to novel insights regarding the role of urease. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Hou
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiong
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangqiang Wang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Xia
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianzhong Ai
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Liang Y, Luo H, Lin Y, Gao F. Recent advances in the characterization of essential genes and development of a database of essential genes. IMETA 2024; 3:e157. [PMID: 38868518 PMCID: PMC10989110 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.157] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant interest in the study of essential genes, which are crucial for the survival of an organism under specific environmental conditions and thus have practical applications in the fields of synthetic biology and medicine. An increasing amount of experimental data on essential genes has been obtained with the continuous development of technological methods. Meanwhile, various computational prediction methods, related databases and web servers have emerged accordingly. To facilitate the study of essential genes, we have established a database of essential genes (DEG), which has become popular with continuous updates to facilitate essential gene feature analysis and prediction, drug and vaccine development, as well as artificial genome design and construction. In this article, we summarized the studies of essential genes, overviewed the relevant databases, and discussed their practical applications. Furthermore, we provided an overview of the main applications of DEG and conducted comprehensive analyses based on its latest version. However, it should be noted that the essential gene is a dynamic concept instead of a binary one, which presents both opportunities and challenges for their future development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of PhysicsTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of PhysicsTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of PhysicsTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education)Tianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- SynBio Research PlatformCollaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)TianjinChina
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Cooper HB, Vezina B, Hawkey J, Passet V, López-Fernández S, Monk JM, Brisse S, Holt KE, Wyres KL. A validated pangenome-scale metabolic model for the Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001206. [PMID: 38376382 PMCID: PMC10926698 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001206] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) is a major source of nosocomial infections globally with high rates of resistance to antimicrobials. Consequently, there is growing interest in understanding virulence factors and their association with cellular metabolic processes for developing novel anti-KpSC therapeutics. Phenotypic assays have revealed metabolic diversity within the KpSC, but metabolism research has been neglected due to experiments being difficult and cost-intensive. Genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) represent a rapid and scalable in silico approach for exploring metabolic diversity, which compile genomic and biochemical data to reconstruct the metabolic network of an organism. Here we use a diverse collection of 507 KpSC isolates, including representatives of globally distributed clinically relevant lineages, to construct the most comprehensive KpSC pan-metabolic model to date, KpSC pan v2. Candidate metabolic reactions were identified using gene orthology to known metabolic genes, prior to manual curation via extensive literature and database searches. The final model comprised a total of 3550 reactions, 2403 genes and can simulate growth on 360 unique substrates. We used KpSC pan v2 as a reference to derive strain-specific GSMMs for all 507 KpSC isolates, and compared these to GSMMs generated using a prior KpSC pan-reference (KpSC pan v1) and two single-strain references. We show that KpSC pan v2 includes a greater proportion of accessory reactions (8.8 %) than KpSC pan v1 (2.5 %). GSMMs derived from KpSC pan v2 also generate more accurate growth predictions, with high median accuracies of 95.4 % (aerobic, n=37 isolates) and 78.8 % (anaerobic, n=36 isolates) for 124 matched carbon substrates. KpSC pan v2 is freely available at https://github.com/kelwyres/KpSC-pan-metabolic-model, representing a valuable resource for the scientific community, both as a source of curated metabolic information and as a reference to derive accurate strain-specific GSMMs. The latter can be used to investigate the relationship between KpSC metabolism and traits of interest, such as reservoirs, epidemiology, drug resistance or virulence, and ultimately to inform novel KpSC control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena B. Cooper
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ben Vezina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jane Hawkey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Virginie Passet
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sebastián López-Fernández
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jonathan M. Monk
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California 92093, USA
| | - Sylvain Brisse
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Kathryn E. Holt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Kelly L. Wyres
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Noirungsee N, Changkhong S, Phinyo K, Suwannajak C, Tanakul N, Inwongwan S. Genome-scale metabolic modelling of extremophiles and its applications in astrobiological environments. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13231. [PMID: 38192220 PMCID: PMC10866088 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic modelling approaches have become the powerful tools in modern biology. These mathematical models are widely used to predict metabolic phenotypes of the organisms or communities of interest, and to identify metabolic targets in metabolic engineering. Apart from a broad range of industrial applications, the possibility of using metabolic modelling in the contexts of astrobiology are poorly explored. In this mini-review, we consolidated the concepts and related applications of applying metabolic modelling in studying organisms in space-related environments, specifically the extremophilic microbes. We recapitulated the current state of the art in metabolic modelling approaches and their advantages in the astrobiological context. Our review encompassed the applications of metabolic modelling in the theoretical investigation of the origin of life within prebiotic environments, as well as the compilation of existing uses of genome-scale metabolic models of extremophiles. Furthermore, we emphasize the current challenges associated with applying this technique in extreme environments, and conclude this review by discussing the potential implementation of metabolic models to explore theoretically optimal metabolic networks under various space conditions. Through this mini-review, our aim is to highlight the potential of metabolic modelling in advancing the study of astrobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapol Noirungsee
- Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilizations, Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | - Sakunthip Changkhong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Kittiya Phinyo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
- Research group on Earth—Space Ecology (ESE), Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
- Office of Research AdministrationChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | | | - Nahathai Tanakul
- National Astronomical Research Institute of ThailandChiang MaiThailand
| | - Sahutchai Inwongwan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilizations, Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
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40
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Hassani L, Moosavi MR, Setoodeh P, Zare H. FastKnock: an efficient next-generation approach to identify all knockout strategies for strain optimization. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:37. [PMID: 38287320 PMCID: PMC10823710 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02277-x] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Overproduction of desired native or nonnative biochemical(s) in (micro)organisms can be achieved through metabolic engineering. Appropriate rewiring of cell metabolism is performed by making rational changes such as insertion, up-/down-regulation and knockout of genes and consequently metabolic reactions. Finding appropriate targets (including proper sets of reactions to be knocked out) for metabolic engineering to design optimal production strains has been the goal of a number of computational algorithms. We developed FastKnock, an efficient next-generation algorithm for identifying all possible knockout strategies (with a predefined maximum number of reaction deletions) for the growth-coupled overproduction of biochemical(s) of interest. We achieve this by developing a special depth-first traversal algorithm that allows us to prune the search space significantly. This leads to a drastic reduction in execution time. We evaluate the performance of the FastKnock algorithm using various Escherichia coli genome-scale metabolic models in different conditions (minimal and rich mediums) for the overproduction of a number of desired metabolites. FastKnock efficiently prunes the search space to less than 0.2% for quadruple- and 0.02% for quintuple-reaction knockouts. Compared to the classic approaches such as OptKnock and the state-of-the-art techniques such as MCSEnumerator methods, FastKnock found many more beneficial and important practical solutions. The availability of all the solutions provides the opportunity to further characterize, rank and select the most appropriate intervention strategy based on any desired evaluation index. Our implementation of the FastKnock method in Python is publicly available at https://github.com/leilahsn/FastKnock .
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hassani
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering and IT, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad R Moosavi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering and IT, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Payam Setoodeh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Habil Zare
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA.
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41
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Adejor J, Tumukunde E, Li G, Lin H, Xie R, Wang S. Impact of Lysine Succinylation on the Biology of Fungi. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1020-1046. [PMID: 38392183 PMCID: PMC10888112 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020065] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in protein functionality and the control of various cellular processes and secondary metabolites (SMs) in fungi. Lysine succinylation (Ksuc) is an emerging protein PTM characterized by the addition of a succinyl group to a lysine residue, which induces substantial alteration in the chemical and structural properties of the affected protein. This chemical alteration is reversible, dynamic in nature, and evolutionarily conserved. Recent investigations of numerous proteins that undergo significant succinylation have underscored the potential significance of Ksuc in various biological processes, encompassing normal physiological functions and the development of certain pathological processes and metabolites. This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Ksuc and its diverse functions in fungi. Both conventional investigation techniques and predictive tools for identifying Ksuc sites were also considered. A more profound comprehension of Ksuc and its impact on the biology of fungi have the potential to unveil new insights into post-translational modification and may pave the way for innovative approaches that can be applied across various clinical contexts in the management of mycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Adejor
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Elisabeth Tumukunde
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guoqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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42
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Joseph C, Zafeiropoulos H, Bernaerts K, Faust K. Predicting microbial interactions with approaches based on flux balance analysis: an evaluation. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:36. [PMID: 38262921 PMCID: PMC10804772 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05651-7] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given a genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) of a microorganism and criteria for optimization, flux balance analysis (FBA) predicts the optimal growth rate and its corresponding flux distribution for a specific medium. FBA has been extended to microbial consortia and thus can be used to predict interactions by comparing in-silico growth rates for co- and monocultures. Although FBA-based methods for microbial interaction prediction are becoming popular, a systematic evaluation of their accuracy has not yet been performed. RESULTS Here, we evaluate the accuracy of FBA-based predictions of human and mouse gut bacterial interactions using growth data from the literature. For this, we collected 26 GEMs from the semi-curated AGORA database as well as four previously published curated GEMs. We tested the accuracy of three tools (COMETS, Microbiome Modeling Toolbox and MICOM) by comparing growth rates predicted in mono- and co-culture to growth rates extracted from the literature and also investigated the impact of different tool settings and media. We found that except for curated GEMs, predicted growth rates and their ratios (i.e. interaction strengths) do not correlate with growth rates and interaction strengths obtained from in vitro data. CONCLUSIONS Prediction of growth rates with FBA using semi-curated GEMs is currently not sufficiently accurate to predict interaction strengths reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Joseph
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Haris Zafeiropoulos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristel Bernaerts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS), KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karoline Faust
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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43
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Han S, Kim D, Kim Y, Yoon SH. Genome-scale metabolic network model and phenome of solvent-tolerant Pseudomonas putida S12. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:63. [PMID: 38229031 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09940-y] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas putida S12 is a gram-negative bacterium renowned for its high tolerance to organic solvents and metabolic versatility, making it attractive for various applications, including bioremediation and the production of aromatic compounds, bioplastics, biofuels, and value-added compounds. However, a metabolic model of S12 has yet to be developed. RESULTS In this study, we present a comprehensive and highly curated genome-scale metabolic network model of S12 (iSH1474), containing 1,474 genes, 1,436 unique metabolites, and 2,938 metabolic reactions. The model was constructed by leveraging existing metabolic models and conducting comparative analyses of genomes and phenomes. Approximately 2,000 different phenotypes were measured for S12 and its closely related KT2440 strain under various nutritional and environmental conditions. These phenotypic data, combined with the reported experimental data, were used to refine and validate the reconstruction. Model predictions quantitatively agreed well with in vivo flux measurements and the batch cultivation of S12, which demonstrated that iSH1474 accurately represents the metabolic capabilities of S12. Furthermore, the model was simulated to investigate the maximum theoretical metabolic capacity of S12 growing on toxic organic solvents. CONCLUSIONS iSH1474 represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the cellular metabolism of P. putida S12. The combined results of metabolic simulation and comparative genome and phenome analyses identified the genetic and metabolic determinants of the characteristic phenotypes of S12. This study could accelerate the development of this versatile organism as an efficient cell factory for various biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Han
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeon Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngshin Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Yoon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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44
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Gottel NR, Hill MS, Neal MJ, Allard SM, Zengler K, Gilbert JA. Biocontrol in built environments to reduce pathogen exposure and infection risk. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad024. [PMID: 38365248 PMCID: PMC10848226 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome of the built environment comprises bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and viral communities associated with human-made structures. Even though most of these microbes are benign, antibiotic-resistant pathogens can colonize and emerge indoors, creating infection risk through surface transmission or inhalation. Several studies have catalogued the microbial composition and ecology in different built environment types. These have informed in vitro studies that seek to replicate the physicochemical features that promote pathogenic survival and transmission, ultimately facilitating the development and validation of intervention techniques used to reduce pathogen accumulation. Such interventions include using Bacillus-based cleaning products on surfaces or integrating bacilli into printable materials. Though this work is in its infancy, early research suggests the potential to use microbial biocontrol to reduce hospital- and home-acquired multidrug-resistant infections. Although these techniques hold promise, there is an urgent need to better understand the microbial ecology of built environments and to determine how these biocontrol solutions alter species interactions. This review covers our current understanding of microbial ecology of the built environment and proposes strategies to translate that knowledge into effective biocontrol of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Gottel
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Megan S Hill
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Maxwell J Neal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Sarah M Allard
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Karsten Zengler
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jack A Gilbert
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
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45
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Wutkowska M, Tláskal V, Bordel S, Stein LY, Nweze JA, Daebeler A. Leveraging genome-scale metabolic models to understand aerobic methanotrophs. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae102. [PMID: 38861460 PMCID: PMC11195481 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are valuable tools serving systems biology and metabolic engineering. However, GEMs are still an underestimated tool in informing microbial ecology. Since their first application for aerobic gammaproteobacterial methane oxidizers less than a decade ago, GEMs have substantially increased our understanding of the metabolism of methanotrophs, a microbial guild of high relevance for the natural and biotechnological mitigation of methane efflux to the atmosphere. Particularly, GEMs helped to elucidate critical metabolic and regulatory pathways of several methanotrophic strains, predicted microbial responses to environmental perturbations, and were used to model metabolic interactions in cocultures. Here, we conducted a systematic review of GEMs exploring aerobic methanotrophy, summarizing recent advances, pointing out weaknesses, and drawing out probable future uses of GEMs to improve our understanding of the ecology of methane oxidizers. We also focus on their potential to unravel causes and consequences when studying interactions of methane-oxidizing bacteria with other methanotrophs or members of microbial communities in general. This review aims to bridge the gap between applied sciences and microbial ecology research on methane oxidizers as model organisms and to provide an outlook for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wutkowska
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Tláskal
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sergio Bordel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Lisa Y Stein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Justus Amuche Nweze
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
| | - Anne Daebeler
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Heinken A, El Kouche S, Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Guéant JL. Towards personalized genome-scale modeling of inborn errors of metabolism for systems medicine applications. Metabolism 2024; 150:155738. [PMID: 37981189 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are a group of more than 1000 inherited diseases that are individually rare but have a cumulative global prevalence of 50 per 100,000 births. Recently, it has been recognized that like common diseases, patients with rare diseases can greatly vary in the manifestation and severity of symptoms. Here, we review omics-driven approaches that enable an integrated, holistic view of metabolic phenotypes in IEM patients. We focus on applications of Constraint-based Reconstruction and Analysis (COBRA), a widely used mechanistic systems biology approach, to model the effects of inherited diseases. Moreover, we review evidence that the gut microbiome is also altered in rare diseases. Finally, we outline an approach using personalized metabolic models of IEM patients for the prediction of biomarkers and tailored therapeutic or dietary interventions. Such applications could pave the way towards personalized medicine not just for common, but also for rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Heinken
- Inserm UMRS 1256 NGERE - Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure, University of Lorraine, Nancy F-54000, France.
| | - Sandra El Kouche
- Inserm UMRS 1256 NGERE - Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure, University of Lorraine, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Rosa-Maria Guéant-Rodriguez
- Inserm UMRS 1256 NGERE - Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure, University of Lorraine, Nancy F-54000, France; National Center of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, University Regional Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- Inserm UMRS 1256 NGERE - Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure, University of Lorraine, Nancy F-54000, France; National Center of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, University Regional Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy F-54000, France
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47
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Cerk K, Ugalde‐Salas P, Nedjad CG, Lecomte M, Muller C, Sherman DJ, Hildebrand F, Labarthe S, Frioux C. Community-scale models of microbiomes: Articulating metabolic modelling and metagenome sequencing. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14396. [PMID: 38243750 PMCID: PMC10832553 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14396] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Building models is essential for understanding the functions and dynamics of microbial communities. Metabolic models built on genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENREs) are especially relevant as a means to decipher the complex interactions occurring among species. Model reconstruction increasingly relies on metagenomics, which permits direct characterisation of naturally occurring communities that may contain organisms that cannot be isolated or cultured. In this review, we provide an overview of the field of metabolic modelling and its increasing reliance on and synergy with metagenomics and bioinformatics. We survey the means of assigning functions and reconstructing metabolic networks from (meta-)genomes, and present the variety and mathematical fundamentals of metabolic models that foster the understanding of microbial dynamics. We emphasise the characterisation of interactions and the scaling of model construction to large communities, two important bottlenecks in the applicability of these models. We give an overview of the current state of the art in metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, focusing on the reconstruction of genomes in microbial communities. Metagenomics benefits tremendously from third-generation sequencing, and we discuss the opportunities of long-read sequencing, strain-level characterisation and eukaryotic metagenomics. We aim at providing algorithmic and mathematical support, together with tool and application resources, that permit bridging the gap between metagenomics and metabolic modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Cerk
- Quadram Institute BioscienceNorwichUK
- Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
| | | | - Chabname Ghassemi Nedjad
- Inria, University of Bordeaux, INRAETalenceFrance
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LaBRI, UMR 5800TalenceFrance
| | - Maxime Lecomte
- Inria, University of Bordeaux, INRAETalenceFrance
- INRAE STLO¸University of RennesRennesFrance
| | | | | | - Falk Hildebrand
- Quadram Institute BioscienceNorwichUK
- Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
| | - Simon Labarthe
- Inria, University of Bordeaux, INRAETalenceFrance
- INRAE, University of Bordeaux, BIOGECO, UMR 1202CestasFrance
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48
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Zhu J, Yin J, Chen J, Hu M, Lu W, Wang H, Zhang H, Chen W. Integrative analysis with microbial modelling and machine learning uncovers potential alleviators for ulcerative colitis. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2336877. [PMID: 38563656 PMCID: PMC10989691 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2336877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a challenging form of inflammatory bowel disease, and its etiology is intricately linked to disturbances in the gut microbiome. To identify the potential alleviators of UC, we employed an integrative analysis combining microbial community modeling with advanced machine learning techniques. Using metagenomics data sourced from the Integrated Human Microbiome Project, we constructed individualized microbiome community models for each participant. Our analysis highlighted a significant decline in both α and β-diversity of strain-level microbial populations in UC subjects compared to controls. Distinct differences were also observed in the predicted fecal metabolite profiles and strain-to-metabolite contributions between the two groups. Using tree-based machine learning models, we successfully identified specific microbial strains and their associated metabolites as potential alleviators of UC. Notably, our experimental validation using a dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC mouse model demonstrated that the administration of Parabacteroides merdae ATCC 43,184 and N-acetyl-D-mannosamine provided notable relief from colitis symptoms. In summary, our study underscores the potential of an integrative approach to identify novel therapeutic avenues for UC, paving the way for future targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jialin Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mingyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenwei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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49
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Kaste JA, Shachar-Hill Y. Model validation and selection in metabolic flux analysis and flux balance analysis. Biotechnol Prog 2024; 40:e3413. [PMID: 37997613 PMCID: PMC10922127 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3413] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis (13C-MFA) and Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) are widely used to investigate the operation of biochemical networks in both biological and biotechnological research. Both methods use metabolic reaction network models of metabolism operating at steady state so that reaction rates (fluxes) and the levels of metabolic intermediates are constrained to be invariant. They provide estimated (MFA) or predicted (FBA) values of the fluxes through the network in vivo, which cannot be measured directly. These fluxes can shed light on basic biology and have been successfully used to inform metabolic engineering strategies. Several approaches have been taken to test the reliability of estimates and predictions from constraint-based methods and to compare alternative model architectures. Despite advances in other areas of the statistical evaluation of metabolic models, such as the quantification of flux estimate uncertainty, validation and model selection methods have been underappreciated and underexplored. We review the history and state-of-the-art in constraint-based metabolic model validation and model selection. Applications and limitations of the χ2 -test of goodness-of-fit, the most widely used quantitative validation and selection approach in 13C-MFA, are discussed, and complementary and alternative forms of validation and selection are proposed. A combined model validation and selection framework for 13C-MFA incorporating metabolite pool size information that leverages new developments in the field is presented and advocated for. Finally, we discuss how adopting robust validation and selection procedures can enhance confidence in constraint-based modeling as a whole and ultimately facilitate more widespread use of FBA in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A.M. Kaste
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, 612 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Yair Shachar-Hill
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, 612 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
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50
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Umasekar S, Virivinti N. Advances in modeling techniques for the production and purification of biomolecules: A comprehensive review. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1232:123945. [PMID: 38113723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123945] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In response to the growing demand for therapeutic biomolecules, there is a need for continuous and cost-effective bio-separation techniques to enhance extraction yield and efficiency. Aqueous biphasic extractive fermentation has emerged as an integrated downstream processing technique, offering selective partitioning, high productivity, and preservation of biomolecule integrity. However, the dynamic nature of this technique requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying separation mechanisms. Unfortunately, the analysis of parameters influencing this dynamic behavior can be challenging due to limited resources and time. To address this, mathematical modeling approaches can be employed to minimize the tedious trial-and-error experimentation process. This review article presents mathematical modeling approaches for both upstream and downstream processing techniques, focusing on the production of biomolecules which can be used in pharmaceutical industries in a cost-effective manner. By leveraging mathematical models, researchers can optimize the production and purification processes, leading to improved efficiency and processing cost reduction in biomolecule production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srimathi Umasekar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620015, India
| | - Nagajyothi Virivinti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620015, India.
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