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Wang Y, Yang Z, Jia B, Chen L, Yan C, Peng F, Mu T, Xue Z. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Construction of Silk Nanofibrils/Boron Nitride Nanosheets Membranes with Enhanced Heat-Dissipating Efficiency. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403724. [PMID: 39054638 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Natural polymer-derived nanofibrils have gained significant interest in diverse fields. However, production of bio-nanofibrils with the hierarchical structures such as fibrillar structures and crystalline features remains a great challenge. Herein, an all-natural strategy for simple, green, and scalable top-down exfoliation silk nanofibrils (SNFs) in novel renewable deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed by amino acids and D-sorbitol is innovatively developed. The DES-exfoliated SNFs with a controllable fibrillar structures and intact crystalline features, novelty preserving the hierarchical structure of natural silk fibers. Owing to the amphiphilic nature, the DES-exfoliated SNFs show excellent capacity of assisting the exfoliation of several 2D-layered materials, i.e., h-BN, MoS2, and WS2. More importantly, the SNFs-assisted dispersion of BNNSs with a concentration of 59.3% can be employed to construct SNFs/BNNSs nanocomposite membranes with excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 416.7 MPa, tensile modulus of 3.86 GPa and toughness of 1295.4 KJ·m-3) and thermal conductivity (in-plane thermal conductivity coefficient of 3.84 W·m-1·K-1), enabling it to possess superior cooling efficiency compared with the commercial silicone pad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhaohui Yang
- School of Chemistry and Life Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Bingzheng Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chuanyu Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Feng Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tiancheng Mu
- School of Chemistry and Life Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Zhimin Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
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2
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Nawaz T, Gu L, Gibbons J, Hu Z, Zhou R. Bridging Nature and Engineering: Protein-Derived Materials for Bio-Inspired Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:373. [PMID: 38921253 PMCID: PMC11201842 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9060373] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The sophisticated, elegant protein-polymers designed by nature can serve as inspiration to redesign and biomanufacture protein-based materials using synthetic biology. Historically, petro-based polymeric materials have dominated industrial activities, consequently transforming our way of living. While this benefits humans, the fabrication and disposal of these materials causes environmental sustainability challenges. Fortunately, protein-based biopolymers can compete with and potentially surpass the performance of petro-based polymers because they can be biologically produced and degraded in an environmentally friendly fashion. This paper reviews four groups of protein-based polymers, including fibrous proteins (collagen, silk fibroin, fibrillin, and keratin), elastomeric proteins (elastin, resilin, and wheat glutenin), adhesive/matrix proteins (spongin and conchiolin), and cyanophycin. We discuss the connection between protein sequence, structure, function, and biomimetic applications. Protein engineering techniques, such as directed evolution and rational design, can be used to improve the functionality of natural protein-based materials. For example, the inclusion of specific protein domains, particularly those observed in structural proteins, such as silk and collagen, enables the creation of novel biomimetic materials with exceptional mechanical properties and adaptability. This review also discusses recent advancements in the production and application of new protein-based materials through the approach of synthetic biology combined biomimetics, providing insight for future research and development of cutting-edge bio-inspired products. Protein-based polymers that utilize nature's designs as a base, then modified by advancements at the intersection of biology and engineering, may provide mankind with more sustainable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taufiq Nawaz
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Liping Gu
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | | | - Zhong Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Ruanbao Zhou
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
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Wang J, Liu H, Shi X, Qin S, Liu J, Lv Q, Liu J, Li Q, Wang Z, Wang L. Development and Application of an Advanced Biomedical Material-Silk Sericin. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311593. [PMID: 38386199 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311593] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Sericin, a protein derived from silkworm cocoons, is considered a waste product derived from the silk industry for thousands of years due to a lack of understanding of its properties. However, in recent decades, a range of exciting properties of sericin are studied and uncovered, including cytocompatibility, low-immunogenicity, photo-luminescence, antioxidant properties, as well as cell-function regulating activities. These properties make sericin-based biomaterials promising candidates for biomedical applications. This review summarizes the properties and bioactivities of silk sericin and highlights the latest developments in sericin in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, the extended application of sericin in developing flexible electronic devices and 3D bioprinting is also discussed. It is believed that sericin-based biomaterials have great potential of being developed into novel tissue engineering products and smart implantable devices for various medical applications toward improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Sumei Qin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingwei Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qiying Lv
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qilin's Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
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Yu S, Zheng H, Ye X, Dai X, Wang X, Zhao S, Dai X, Zhong B. TALEN-mediated homologous-recombination-based fibroin light chain in-fusion expression system in Bombyx mori. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1399629. [PMID: 38832132 PMCID: PMC11144906 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1399629] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Silkworm was the first domesticated insect and has important economic value. It has also become an ideal model organism with applications in genetic and expression studies. In recent years, the use of transgenic strategies has made the silkworm silk gland an attractive bioreactor for the production of recombinant proteins, in particular, piggyBac-mediated transgenes. However, owing to differences in regulatory elements such as promoters, the expression levels of exogenous proteins have not reached expectations. Here, we used targeted gene editing to achieve site-specific integration of exogenous genes on genomic DNA and established the fibroin light chain (FibL) in-fusion expression system by TALEN-mediated homology-directed recombination. First, the histidine-rich cuticular protein (CP) was successfully site-directed inserted into the native FibL, and the FibL-CP fusion gene was correctly transcribed and expressed in the posterior silk gland under the control of the endogenous FibL promoter, with a protein expression level comparable with that of the native FibL protein. Moreover, we showed based on molecular docking that the fusion of FibL with cuticular protein may have a negative effect on disulfide bond formation between the C-terminal domain of fibroin heavy chain (FibH) and FibL-CP, resulting in abnormal spinning and cocoon in homozygotes, indicating a significant role of FibL in silk protein formation and secretion. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using the FibL fusion system to express exogenous proteins in silkworm. We expect that this bioreactor system will be used to produce more proteins of interest, expanding the application value of the silk gland bioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaogang Ye
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangping Dai
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinqiu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dai
- Suposik Bioscience Technologies Ltd., Jiaxing, China
| | - Boxiong Zhong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Peng Z, Hu W, Yang X, Liu Q, Shi X, Tang X, Zhao P, Xia Q. Overexpression of bond-forming active protein for efficient production of silk with structural changes and properties enhanced in silkworm. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:129780. [PMID: 38290638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Silkworm silk exhibits excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and has potential applications in the biomedical sector. This study focused on enhancing the mechanical properties of Bombyx mori silk by overexpressing three bond-forming active proteins (BFAPs): AFP, HSP, and CRP in the silk glands of silkworms. Rheological tests confirmed increased viscoelasticity in the liquid fibroin stock solution of transgenic silkworms, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) indicated that all three BFAPs participated in the interactions between fibroin molecular networks in transgenic silk. The mechanical property assay indicated that all three BFAPs improved the mechanical characteristics of transgenic silk, with AFP and HSP having the most significant effects. A synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assay showed that all three BFAPs increased the β-sheet content of transgenic silk. Synchrotron radiation wide-angle X-ray diffraction assay showed that all three BFAPs changed the crystallinity, crystal size, and orientation factor of the silk. AFP and HSP significantly improved the mechanical attributes of transgenic silk through increased crystallinity, refined crystal size, and a slight decrease in orientation. This study opens new possibilities for modifying silk and other fiber materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangchuan Peng
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Institute of Advanced Pathology, Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Wenbo Hu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing 404000, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - XiaoTing Shi
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine & Health Science, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China.
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6
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Hu X, Li N, Guo S, Zhu M, Zhang X, Wang C, Gong C. Rapid production of chimeric silkworm/spider silk with improved mechanical properties by infection of nonpermissive Bombyx mori with recombinant AcMNPV harboring native-size of spidroin genes. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128466. [PMID: 38035957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128466] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Spider silks with excellent mechanical properties attract more attention from scientists worldwide, and the dragline silk that serves as the framework of the spider's web is considered one of the strongest fibers. However, it is unfeasible for large-scale production of spider silk due to its highly territorial, cannibalistic, predatory, and solitary behavior. Herein, to alleviate some of these problems and explore aneasy way to produce spider fibers, we constructed recombinant baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) simultaneously expressing Trichonephila clavipes native ampullate spidroin 2 (MaSp-G) and spidroin 1 (MaSp-C) driven by the promoters of silkworm fibroin genes, to infect the nonpermissive Bombyx mori larvae at the fifth instar. MaSp-G and MaSp-C were co-expressed in the posterior silk glands (PSGs) of infected silkworms and successfully secreted into the lumen of the silk gland for fibroin globule assembly. The integration of MaSp-G and MaSp-C into silkworm silk fibers significantly improved the mechanical properties of these chimeric silk fibers, especially the strength and extensibility, which may be caused by the increment of β-sheet in the chimeric silkworm/spider silk fiber. These results demonstrated that silkworms could be developed as the nonpermissive heterologous host for the mass production of chimeric silkworm/spider silk fibers via the recombinant baculovirus AcMNPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sicheng Guo
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Chonglong Wang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Chen YZ, Rong WT, Qin YC, Lu LY, Liu J, Li MJ, Xin L, Li XD, Guan DL. Integrative analysis of microbiota and metabolomics in chromium-exposed silkworm ( Bombyx mori) midguts based on 16S rDNA sequencing and LC/MS metabolomics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1278271. [PMID: 37954243 PMCID: PMC10635416 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1278271] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem integral to host wellbeing, is modulated by environmental triggers, including exposure to heavy metals such as chromium. This study aims to comprehensively explore chromium-induced gut microbiota and metabolomic shifts in the quintessential lepidopteran model organism, the silkworm (Bombyx mori). The research deployed 16S rDNA sequence analysis and LC/MS metabolomics in its experimental design, encompassing a control group alongside low (12 g/kg) and high (24 g/kg) feeding chromium dosing regimens. Considerable heterogeneity in microbial diversity resulted between groups. Weissella emerged as potentially resilient to chromium stress, while elevated Propionibacterium was noted in the high chromium treatment group. Differential analysis tools LEfSe and random forest estimation identified key species like like Cupriavidus and unspecified Myxococcales, offering potential avenues for bioremediation. An examination of gut functionality revealed alterations in the KEGG pathways correlated with biosynthesis and degradation, suggesting an adaptive metabolic response to chromium-mediated stress. Further results indicated consequential fallout in the context of metabolomic alterations. These included an uptick in histidine and dihydropyrimidine levels under moderate-dose exposure and a surge of gentisic acid with high-dose chromium exposure. These are critical players in diverse biological processes ranging from energy metabolism and stress response to immune regulation and antioxidative mechanisms. Correlative analyses between bacterial abundance and metabolites mapped noteworthy relationships between marker bacterial species, such as Weissella and Pelomonas, and specific metabolites, emphasizing their roles in enzyme regulation, synaptic processes, and lipid metabolism. Probiotic bacteria showed robust correlations with metabolites implicated in stress response, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant processes. Our study reaffirms the intricate ties between gut microbiota and metabolite profiles and decodes some systemic adaptations under heavy-metal stress. It provides valuable insights into ecological and toxicological aspects of chromium exposure that can potentially influence silkworm resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Zhen Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Wan-Tao Rong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Ying-Can Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Lin-Yuan Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Ming-Jie Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Lei Xin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
| | - De-Long Guan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi, China
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8
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Jiang GH, Wang G, Luo C, Wang YF, Qiu JF, Peng RJ, Sima YH, Xu SQ. Mechanism of hyperproteinemia-induced damage to female reproduction in a genetic silkworm model. iScience 2023; 26:107860. [PMID: 37752953 PMCID: PMC10518704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperproteinemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally elevated plasma protein concentrations (PPC) in humans and animals. Here, a genetic silkworm model with high PPC was employed to investigate the effect of elevated PPC on female reproduction. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that high PPC induces downregulation of the ovarian development-related genes and disrupts ovarian sugar metabolism. Biochemical and endocrinal analyses revealed that high PPC increases trehalose and glucose levels in hemolymph and glycogen content in the fat body through activation of the gluconeogenic pathway and inhibition of the Insulin/Insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway-the serine/threonine kinase (IIS-AKT) pathway, thus disrupting characteristic metabolic homeostasis of sugar in the ovary. These resulted in ovarian developmental delay as well as reduced number and poor quality of eggs. Insulin supplementation effectively increased egg numbers by lowering blood sugar. These collective results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which high PPC negatively affects female reproduction and support the potential therapeutic effects of insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Hua Jiang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guang Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yong-Feng Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jian-Feng Qiu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ru-Ji Peng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yang-Hu Sima
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shi-Qing Xu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Li Y, Wei Y, Zhang G, Zhang Y. Sericin from Fibroin-Deficient Silkworms Served as a Promising Resource for Biomedicine. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2941. [PMID: 37447586 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sericin, a fascinating natural biomaterial derived from silkworms, has received increasing interest in recent years for its unique bioactivity and high compatibility. Silkworms can be divided into wild-type or silk fibroin-deficient mutants according to whether they synthesize and secrete silk fibroin. Silk fibroin-deficient mutant silkworms and their cocoons are convenient for us to obtain diverse and high-quality sericin, which has been applicated in various fields such as cell culture, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cosmetics. Here, we present an overview of our silkworm varieties resources, especially silk fibroin-deficient mutant silkworms. We optimized various extraction methods of sericin and summarized the characteristics and advantages of sericin. Finally, we developed and discussed a series of sericin-based biomaterials for promising applications for a diverse set of needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Li
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Yongkang Wei
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Guozheng Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Yeshun Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- Zhenjiang Zhongnong Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang 212121, China
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Liu Q, Wang X, Zhou Y, Tan X, Xie X, Li Y, Dong H, Tang Z, Zhao P, Xia Q. Dynamic Changes and Characterization of the Metal Ions in the Silk Glands and Silk Fibers of Silkworm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076556. [PMID: 37047527 PMCID: PMC10094808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal ions are involved in the conformational transition of silk fibroin and influence the structure and mechanical properties of silk fibers. However, the dynamic characteristics of metal ions during the formation of silk fibers remain unclear. In this study, we found that the silk glands of silkworms contain various metal elements, with varying levels of the metal elements in different zones of the glands and higher levels in the anterior silk glands. Additionally, the content of various metallic elements in the silk glands varied greatly before and after spinning, similar to their content in different cocoon layers, thus, indicating that the anterior silk glands maintain a certain metal ion environment for the transport and conformational transformation of the silk proteins. Most of the metallic elements located in fibroin were confirmed using degumming experiments. For the first time, a scanning electron microscope energy spectrometry system was used to characterize the metal elements in the cross-section of silk and cocoons. These findings have deepened our understanding of the relationship between the overall metal ion environment and silk fiber formation and help us further conceptualize the utilization of metal ions as targets to improve the mechanical properties of the silk fibers.
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Jia L, Lu W, Hu D, Feng M, Wang A, Wang R, Sun H, Wang P, Xia Q, Ma S. Genetically engineered Blue silkworm capable of synthesizing natural blue pigment. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 235:123863. [PMID: 36870637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123863] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for the production of compounds, particularly used when the production processes involve toxic reagents. In this study, we used the silk gland of silkworm to produce indigoidine, a valuable natural blue pigment that cannot be synthesized naturally in animals. We genetically engineered these silkworms by integrating the indigoidine synthetase (idgS) gene from S. lavendulae and the PPTase (Sfp) gene from B. subtilis into the silkworm genome. In the resulting Blue silkworm, indigoidine was detected at a high level in the posterior silk gland (PSG), spanning all developmental stages from larvae to adults, without affecting silkworm growth or development. This synthesized indigoidine was secreted from the silk gland and subsequently stored in the fat body, with only a small fraction being excreted by the Malpighian tubule. Metabolomic analysis revealed that Blue silkworm efficiently synthesized indigoidine by upregulating l-glutamine, the precursor of indigoidine, and succinate, which is related to energy metabolism in the PSG. This study represents the first synthesis of indigoidine in an animal and therefore opens a new avenue for the biosynthesis of natural blue pigments and other valuable small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Integrative Science Center of Gerplasm Greation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Integrative Science Center of Gerplasm Greation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Min Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Aoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ruolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Integrative Science Center of Gerplasm Greation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Integrative Science Center of Gerplasm Greation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Wang Y, Shi M, Yang J, Ma L, Chen X, Xu M, Peng R, Wang G, Pan Z, Sima Y, Xu S. Sericin Ser3 Ectopic Expressed in Posterior Silk Gland Affects Hemolymph Immune Melanization Response via Reducing Melanin Synthesis in Silkworm. INSECTS 2023; 14:245. [PMID: 36975930 PMCID: PMC10051610 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The transgenesis of silkworms is an important way to innovate genetic resources and silk function. However, the silk-gland (SG) of transgenic silkworms, which is the most concerned target tissue of sericulture, often suffers from low vitality, stunting and other problems, and the reasons are still unknown. This study trans engineered recombinant Ser3, a middle silk gland (MSG) specific expression gene, in the posterior silk gland (PSG) of the silkworm, and studied hemolymph immune melanization response changes in mutant pure line SER (Ser3+/+). The results showed that although the mutant had normal vitality, the melanin content and phenoloxidase (PO) activity in hemolymph related to humoral immunity were significantly reduced, and caused significantly slower blood melanization and weaker sterilization ability. The mechanism investigation showed that the mRNA levels and enzymatic activities of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine decarboxylase (DDC) in the melanin synthesis pathway in mutant hemolymph, as well as the transcription levels of the PPAE, SP21 and serpins genes in the serine protease cascade were significantly affected. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide anion inhibition capacity and catalase (CAT) level related to the redox metabolic capacity of hemolymph were significantly increased, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutathione (GSH), were significantly decreased. In conclusion, the anabolism of melanin in the hemolymph of PSG transgenic silkworm SER was inhibited, while the basic response level of oxidative stress was increased, and the hemolymph immune melanization response was decreased. The results will significantly improve the safe assessment and development of genetically modified organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Meijuan Shi
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiameng Yang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lu Ma
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xuedong Chen
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Meng Xu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ruji Peng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guang Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhonghua Pan
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yanghu Sima
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shiqing Xu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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