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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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Hernández-Urcera J, Romero A, Cruz P, Vasconcelos V, Figueras A, Novoa B, Rodríguez F. Screening of Microalgae for Bioactivity with Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Assays. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:255. [PMID: 38666867 PMCID: PMC11048355 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Marine microalgae are a rich reservoir of natural compounds, including bioactives. Nonetheless, these organisms remain fairly unexplored despite their potential biotechnological applications. Culture collections with diverse taxonomic groups and lifestyles are a good source to unlock this potential and discover new molecules for multiple applications such as the treatment of human pathologies or the production of aquaculture species. In the present work extracts from thirty-three strains (including twenty dinoflagellates, four diatoms and nine strains from seven other algal classes), cultivated under identical conditions, were examined for their antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Among these, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities were detected in a few strains while the antibacterial tests showed positive results in most assays. In turn, most trials did not show any anti-cancer activity. Significant differences were observed between species within the same class, in particular dinoflagellates, which were better represented in this study. These preliminary findings pave the way for an in-depth characterization of the extracts with highest signals in each test, the identification of the compounds responsible for the biological activities found and a further screening of the CCVIEO culture collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Hernández-Urcera
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), 36390 Vigo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM, CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (A.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM, CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (A.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Pedro Cruz
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (P.C.); (V.V.)
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (P.C.); (V.V.)
- Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Antonio Figueras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM, CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (A.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Beatriz Novoa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM, CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (A.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Francisco Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM, CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (A.R.); (A.F.)
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3
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Montuori E, Martinez KA, De Luca D, Ianora A, Lauritano C. Transcriptome Sequencing of the Diatom Asterionellopsis thurstonii and In Silico Identification of Enzymes Potentially Involved in the Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020126. [PMID: 36827167 PMCID: PMC9959416 DOI: 10.3390/md21020126] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae produce a plethora of primary and secondary metabolites with possible applications in several market sectors, including cosmetics, human nutrition, aquaculture, biodiesel production and treatment/prevention of human diseases. Diatoms, in particular, are the most diversified microalgal group, many species of which are known to have anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Compounds responsible for these activities are often still unknown. The aim of this study was to de novo sequence the full transcriptome of two strains of the diatom Asterionellopsis thurstonii, sampled from two different locations and cultured in both control and phosphate starvation conditions. We used an RNA-sequencing approach to in silico identify transcripts potentially involved in the synthesis/degradation of compounds with anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties. We identified transcript coding for L-asparaginase I, polyketide cyclase/dehydrase, bifunctional polyketide phosphatase/kinase, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (fragment), inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase INPP5B/F, catechol O-Methyltransferase, digalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase (DGD1), 1,2-diacylglycerol-3-beta-galactosyltransferase and glycerolphosphodiester phosphodiesterase. Differential expression analysis also allowed to identify in which culturing condition these enzymes are more expressed. Overall, these data give new insights on the annotation of diatom genes, enzymatic pathways involved in the generation of bioactive molecules and possible exploitation of Asterionellopsis thurstonii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Montuori
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Kevin A. Martinez
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Foria 223, 80139 Naples, Italy
| | - Adrianna Ianora
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: author:
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De Novo Transcriptome of the Flagellate Isochrysis galbana Identifies Genes Involved in the Metabolism of Antiproliferative Metabolites. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050771. [PMID: 35625500 PMCID: PMC9138222 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Haptophytes are important primary producers in the oceans, and among the phylum Haptophyta, the flagellate Isochrysis galbana has been found to be rich in high-value compounds, such as lipids, carotenoids and highly branched polysaccharides. In the present work, I. galbana was cultured and collected at both stationary and exponential growth phases. A transcriptomic approach was used to analyze the possible activation of metabolic pathways responsible for bioactive compound synthesis at the gene level. Differential expression analysis of samples collected at the exponential versus stationary growth phase allowed the identification of genes involved in the glycerophospholipid metabolic process, the sterol biosynthetic process, ADP-ribose diphosphatase activity and others. I. galbana raw extracts and fractions were tested on specific human cancer cells for possible antiproliferative activity. The most active fractions, without affecting normal cells, were fractions enriched in nucleosides (fraction B) and triglycerides (fraction E) for algae collected in the exponential growth phase and fraction E for stationary phase samples. Overall, transcriptomic and bioactivity data confirmed the activation of metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds giving new insights on possible Isochrysis applications in the anticancer sector.
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Vingiani GM, Leone S, De Luca D, Borra M, Dobson ADW, Ianora A, De Luca P, Lauritano C. First identification and characterization of detoxifying plastic-degrading DBP hydrolases in the marine diatom Cylindrotheca closterium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152535. [PMID: 34942245 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diatoms are photosynthetic organisms with potential biotechnological applications in the bioremediation sector, having shown the capacity to reduce environmental concentrations of different pollutants. The diatom Cylindrotheca closterium is known to degrade di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), one of the most abundant phthalate esters in aquatic environments and a known endocrine-disrupting chemical. In this study, we present for the first time the in silico identification of two putative DBP hydrolases (provisionally called DBPH1 and DBPH2) in the transcriptome of C. closterium. We modeled the structure of both DBPH1-2 and their proposed interactions with the substrate to gain insights into their mechanism of action. Finally, we analyzed the expression levels of the two putative hydrolases upon exposure of C. closterium to different concentrations of DBP (5 and 10 mg/l) for 24 and 48 h. The data showed a DBP concentration-dependent increase in expression levels of both dbph1 and 2 genes, further highlighting their potential involvement in phthalates degradation. This is the first identification of phthalate-degrading enzymes in microalgae, providing new insights into the possible use of diatoms in bioremediation strategies targeting phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Maria Vingiani
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Serena Leone
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Botanic Garden of Naples, Via Foria 223, 80139 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Borra
- Research Infrastructure for Marine Biological Resources Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, CAP80121, NA, Italy
| | - Alan D W Dobson
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, College Road, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Road, T23XE10 Cork, Ireland
| | - Adrianna Ianora
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Luca
- Research Infrastructure for Marine Biological Resources Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, CAP80121, NA, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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Wan Afifudeen CL, Teh KY, Cha TS. Bioprospecting of microalgae metabolites against cytokine storm syndrome during COVID-19. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:1475-1490. [PMID: 34751914 PMCID: PMC8576090 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06903-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In viral respiratory infections, disrupted pathophysiological outcomes have been attributed to hyper-activated and unresolved inflammation responses of the immune system. Integration between available drugs and natural therapeutics have reported benefits in relieving inflammation-related physiological outcomes and microalgae may be a feasible source from which to draw from against future coronavirus-infections. Microalgae represent a large and diverse source of chemically functional compounds such as carotenoids and lipids that possess various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore in this paper, some implicated pathways causing inflammation in viral respiratory infections are discussed and juxtaposed along with available research done on several microalgal metabolites. Additionally, the therapeutic properties of some known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulating compounds sourced from microalgae are reported for added clarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Lah Wan Afifudeen
- Satreps-Cosmos Laboratory, Central Laboratory Complex, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Malaysia
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Malaysia
| | - Kit Yinn Teh
- Satreps-Cosmos Laboratory, Central Laboratory Complex, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Malaysia
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Malaysia
| | - Thye San Cha
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Malaysia
- Satreps-Cosmos Laboratory, Central Laboratory Complex, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Malaysia
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Zhang J, Yang Q, Liu Q, Liu S, Zhu Y, Yao J, Wang H, Guan W. The responses of harmful dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi to simulated ocean acidification at the transcriptional level. HARMFUL ALGAE 2022; 111:102167. [PMID: 35016771 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2021.102167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The HAB-forming, toxic dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi, previously found to benefit from ocean acidification (OA), was cultivated to investigate its transcriptional response to simulated OA for 30 generations. Batch cultures were grown under two CO2 concentrations, 450 (control) and 1100 (simulated OA) μatm, and physiological parameters [growth, pigments, catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity], as well as transcriptomes (obtained via RNA-seq), were compared. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid (Caro) contents, as well as CAT and GR activities, were significantly increased under OA conditions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 2,490 differentially expressed unigenes in response to OA, which comprised 1.54% of all unigenes. A total of 1,121 unigenes were upregulated, and 1,369 unigenes were downregulated in OA compared to control conditions. The downregulated expression of bicarbonate transporter and carbonic anhydrase genes was a landmark of OA acclimation. Key genes involved in energy metabolism, e.g., photosynthesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and nitrogen metabolism, were highly upregulated under OA, contributing to increases in the Chl a (55.05%) and Caro (28.37%). The enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e. CAT, GR) and upregulated genes (i.e. glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, heat shock protein, 20S proteasome, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and apolipoprotein) benefit cells against the potential lower pH stress condition under OA. In addition, the downregulation of four genes associated with motility suggested that the preserved energy could further boost growth. In conclusion, the present study suggests that K. mikimotoi exhibits efficient gene expression regulation for the utilization of energy and resistance to OA-induced stress. Taken together, K. mikimotoi appeared as a tolerant species in response to OA. Thus, more extensive algal blooms that threaten marine organisms are likely in the future. These findings expand current knowledge on the gene expression of HAB-forming species in response to future OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhu Zhang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Qiongying Yang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Qianlou Liu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Shuqi Liu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jiang Yao
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Xinyang Vocational and Technical College, Xinyang, Henan 464000, China
| | - Wanchun Guan
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
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De Luca D, Lauritano C. Transcriptome Mining to Identify Genes of Interest: From Local Databases to Phylogenetic Inference. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2498:43-51. [PMID: 35727539 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2313-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The advancement in next-generation sequencing technologies and the dropping of sequencing costs have seen an increase in the amount of transcriptome data generated each year. These data are of big potential for identifying genes and molecular pathways of interest across a plethora of organisms. However, navigating these resources requires some bioinformatics and evolutionary skills. Here, we describe a protocol of transcriptome data mining for genes of interest, from the creation of a protein database to the inference of phylogenetic trees, which was used for marine protists, but can be used as general pipeline across different taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Botanic Garden of Naples, Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
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Saide A, Damiano S, Ciarcia R, Lauritano C. Promising Activities of Marine Natural Products against Hematopoietic Malignancies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:645. [PMID: 34198841 PMCID: PMC8228764 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO classification of tumors, more than 150 typologies of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors exist, and most of them remain incurable diseases that require innovative approaches to improve therapeutic outcome and avoid side effects. Marine organisms represent a reservoir of novel bioactive metabolites, but they are still less studied compared to their terrestrial counterparts. This review is focused on marine natural products with anticancer activity against hematological tumors, highlighting recent advances and possible perspectives. Until now, there are five commercially available marine-derived compounds for the treatment of various hematopoietic cancers (e.g., leukemia and lymphoma), two molecules in clinical trials, and series of compounds and/or extracts from marine micro- and macroorganisms which have shown promising properties. In addition, the mechanisms of action of several active compounds and extracts are still unknown and require further study. The continuous upgrading of omics technologies has also allowed identifying enzymes with possible bioactivity (e.g., l-asparaginase is currently used for the treatment of leukemia) or the enzymes involved in the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites which can be the target of heterologous expression and genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Saide
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sara Damiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberto Ciarcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
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Unlocking the Health Potential of Microalgae as Sustainable Sources of Bioactive Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094383. [PMID: 33922258 PMCID: PMC8122763 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are known to produce a plethora of compounds derived from the primary and secondary metabolism. Different studies have shown that these compounds may have allelopathic, antimicrobial, and antipredator activities. In addition, in vitro and in vivo screenings have shown that several compounds have interesting bioactivities (such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial) for the possible prevention and treatment of human pathologies. Additionally, the enzymatic pathways responsible for the synthesis of these compounds, and the targets and mechanisms of their action have also been investigated for a few species. However, further research is necessary for their full exploitation and possible pharmaceutical and other industrial applications. Here, we review the current knowledge on the chemical characteristics, biological activities, mechanism of action, and the enzymes involved in the synthesis of microalgal metabolites with potential benefits for human health.
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Bhattacharjya R, Tiwari A, Marella TK, Bansal H, Srivastava S. New paradigm in diatom omics and genetic manipulation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 325:124708. [PMID: 33487514 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.124708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Diatoms are one of the most heterogeneous eukaryotic plankton known for regulating earth's biogeochemical cycles and maintaining the marine ecosystems ever since the late Eocene epoch. The advent of multidisciplinary omics approach has both epitomized and revolutionized the nature of their chimeric genetic toolkit, ecophysiology, and metabolic adaptability as well as their interaction with other communities. In addition, advanced functional annotation of transcriptomic and proteomic data using cutting edge bioinformatics tools together with high-resolution genome-scale mathematical modeling has effectively proven as the catapult in solving genetic bottlenecks in microbial as well as diatom exploration. In this review, a corroborative summation of the robust work done in manipulating, engineering, and sequencing of the diatom genomes besides underpinning the holistic application of omics in transcription and translation has been discussed in order to shrewd their multifarious novel potential in the field of biotechnology and provide an insight into their dynamic evolutionary relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raya Bhattacharjya
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313, India
| | - Archana Tiwari
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313, India.
| | - Thomas Kiran Marella
- Algae Biomass Energy System Development Research Center (ABES), Tennodai, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hina Bansal
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313, India
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Physiological and Molecular Responses to Main Environmental Stressors of Microalgae and Bacteria in Polar Marine Environments. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121957. [PMID: 33317109 PMCID: PMC7764121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arctic and Antarctic regions constitute 14% of the total biosphere. Although they differ in their physiographic characteristics, both are strongly affected by snow and ice cover changes, extreme photoperiods and low temperatures, and are still largely unexplored compared to more accessible sites. This review focuses on microalgae and bacteria from polar marine environments and, in particular, on their physiological and molecular responses to harsh environmental conditions. The data reported in this manuscript show that exposure to cold, increase in CO2 concentration and salinity, high/low light, and/or combination of stressors induce variations in species abundance and distribution for both polar bacteria and microalgae, as well as changes in growth rate and increase in cryoprotective compounds. The use of -omics techniques also allowed to identify specific gene losses and gains which could have contributed to polar environmental adaptation, and metabolic shifts, especially related to lipid metabolism and defence systems, such as the up-regulation of ice binding proteins, chaperones and antioxidant enzymes. However, this review also provides evidence that -omics resources for polar species are still few and several sequences still have unknown functions, highlighting the need to further explore polar environments, the biology and ecology of the inhabiting bacteria and microalgae, and their interactions.
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Mishra B, Saxena A, Tiwari A. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from marine diatoms Chaetoceros sp., Skeletonema sp., Thalassiosira sp., and their antibacterial study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:e00571. [PMID: 33312881 PMCID: PMC7721619 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Marine Diatoms have been envisaged for AgNP synthesis. The average size of AgNP ranges from 150 to 350 nm. Diatom based AgNP exhibits excellent biocidal activity. These AgNP showed inhibition against both Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria.
Diatoms are a reservoir of metabolites with diverse applications and silver nanoparticle (AgNP) from diatoms holds immense therapeutic potentials against pathogenic microbes owing to their silica frustules. In the present study, Chaetoceros sp., Skeletonema sp., and Thalassiosira sp were used for synthesis of AgNP. The average particle size of AgNP synthesized was 149.03 ± 3.0 nm, 186.73 ± 4.9 nm, and 239.46 ± 44.3 nm as reported in DLS whereas 148.3 ± 46.8 nm, 238.0 ± 60.9 nm, and 359.8 ± 92.33 nm in SEM respectively. EDX analysis strongly indicates the confirmation of AgNP displaying a sharp peak of Ag+ ions within the spectra. High negative zeta potential values indicate a substantial degree of stabilization even after three months. The antibacterial efficacy of biosynthesized AgNP tested against Aeromonas sp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This study encourages the synthesis of diatom based AgNP for a variety of applications owing least toxicity and biodegradable nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Mishra
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Archana Tiwari
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
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Lauritano C, Ianora A. Chemical Defense in Marine Organisms. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18100518. [PMID: 33080956 PMCID: PMC7589352 DOI: 10.3390/md18100518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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De novo Transcriptome of the Non-saxitoxin Producing Alexandrium tamutum Reveals New Insights on Harmful Dinoflagellates. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18080386. [PMID: 32722301 PMCID: PMC7460133 DOI: 10.3390/md18080386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many dinoflagellates species, especially of the Alexandrium genus, produce a series of toxins with tremendous impacts on human and environmental health, and tourism economies. Alexandrium tamutum was discovered for the first time in the Gulf of Naples, and it is not known to produce saxitoxins. However, a clone of A. tamutum from the same Gulf showed copepod reproduction impairment and antiproliferative activity. In this study, the full transcriptome of the dinoflagellate A. tamutum is presented in both control and phosphate starvation conditions. RNA-seq approach was used for in silico identification of transcripts that can be involved in the synthesis of toxic compounds. Phosphate starvation was selected because it is known to induce toxin production for other Alexandrium spp. Results showed the presence of three transcripts related to saxitoxin synthesis (sxtA, sxtG and sxtU), and others potentially related to the synthesis of additional toxic compounds (e.g., 44 transcripts annotated as "polyketide synthase"). These data suggest that even if this A. tamutum clone does not produce saxitoxins, it has the potential to produce toxic metabolites, in line with the previously observed activity. These data give new insights into toxic microalgae, toxin production and their potential applications for the treatment of human pathologies.
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De Luca D, Lauritano C. In Silico Identification of Type III PKS Chalcone and Stilbene Synthase Homologs in Marine Photosynthetic Organisms. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E110. [PMID: 32456002 PMCID: PMC7284882 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Marine microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms at the base of the marine food webs. They are characterized by huge taxonomic and metabolic diversity and several species have been shown to have bioactivities useful for the treatment of human pathologies. However, the compounds and the metabolic pathways responsible for bioactive compound synthesis are often still unknown. In this study, we aimed at analysing the microalgal transcriptomes available in the Marine Microbial Eukaryotic Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP) database for an in silico search of polyketide synthase type III homologs and, in particular, chalcone synthase (CHS) and stilbene synthase (STS), which are often referred to as the CHS/STS family. These enzymes were selected because they are known to produce compounds with biological properties useful for human health, such as cancer chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-viral and anti-diabetic. In addition, we also searched for 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase, an upstream enzyme in the synthesis of chalcones and stilbenes. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of these enzymes in specific microalgal taxa, confirming the importance for microalgae of these pathways and giving new insights into microalgal physiology and possible biotechnological applications for the production of bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele De Luca
- Department of Humanities, Università degli Studi Suor Orsola Benincasa, CAP80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, CAP80121 Naples, Italy
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Pheophorbide a: State of the Art. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18050257. [PMID: 32423035 PMCID: PMC7281735 DOI: 10.3390/md18050257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorophyll breakdown products are usually studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The chlorophyll derivative Pheophorbide a (PPBa) is a photosensitizer that can induce significant anti-proliferative effects in several human cancer cell lines. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for about 9.6 million deaths, in 2018 alone. Hence, it is crucial to monitor emergent compounds that show significant anticancer activity and advance them into clinical trials. In this review, we analyze the anticancer activity of PPBa with or without photodynamic therapy and also conjugated with or without other chemotherapic drugs, highlighting the capacity of PPBa to overcome multidrug resistance. We also report other activities of PPBa and different pathways that it can activate, showing its possible applications for the treatment of human pathologies.
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Riccio G, De Luca D, Lauritano C. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and Sulfolipid Synthesis in Microalgae. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18050237. [PMID: 32370033 PMCID: PMC7281551 DOI: 10.3390/md18050237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae, due to their huge taxonomic and metabolic diversity, have been shown to be a valuable and eco-friendly source of bioactive natural products. The increasing number of genomic and transcriptomic data will give a great boost for the study of metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds. In this study, we analyzed the presence of the enzymes involved in the synthesis of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs) and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDG). Both compounds have important biological properties. MGDGs present both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities while SQDGs present immunostimulatory activities and inhibit the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase, which is involved in Alzheimer’s disease. The Ocean Global Atlas (OGA) database and the Marine Microbial Eukaryotic Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP) were used to search MGDG synthase (MGD), UDP-sulfoquinovose synthase (SQD1), and sulfoquinovosyltransferase (SQD2) sequences along microalgal taxa. In silico 3D prediction analyses for the three enzymes were performed by Phyre2 server, while binding site predictions were performed by the COACH server. The analyzed enzymes are distributed across different taxa, which confirms the importance for microalgae of these two pathways for thylakoid physiology. MGD genes have been found across almost all analyzed taxa and can be separated in two different groups, similarly to terrestrial plant MGD. SQD1 and SQD2 genes are widely distributed along the analyzed taxa in a similar way to MGD genes with some exceptions. For Pinguiophyceae, Raphidophyceae, and Synurophyceae, only sequences coding for MGDG were found. On the contrary, sequences assigned to Ciliophora and Eustigmatophyceae were exclusively corresponding to SQD1 and SQD2. This study reports, for the first time, the presence/absence of these enzymes in available microalgal transcriptomes, which gives new insights on microalgal physiology and possible biotechnological applications for the production of bioactive lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Riccio
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, CAP80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Department of Humanities, Università degli Studi Suor Orsola Benincasa, CAP80135 Naples, Italy;
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, CAP80121 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-5833-221
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