1
|
Luna-Cerralbo D, Blasco-Machín I, Adame-Pérez S, Lampaya V, Larraga A, Alejo T, Martínez-Oliván J, Broset E, Bruscolini P. A statistical-physics approach for codon usage optimisation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:3050-3064. [PMID: 39188969 PMCID: PMC11345917 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of "codon optimisation" involves adjusting the coding sequence of a target protein to account for the inherent codon preferences of a host species and maximise protein expression in that species. However, there is still a lack of consensus on the most effective approach to achieve optimal results. Existing methods typically depend on heuristic combinations of different variables, leaving the user with the final choice of the sequence hit. In this study, we propose a new statistical-physics model for codon optimisation. This model, called the Nearest-Neighbour interaction (NN) model, links the probability of any given codon sequence to the "interactions" between neighbouring codons. We used the model to design codon sequences for different proteins of interest, and we compared our sequences with the predictions of some commercial tools. In order to assess the importance of the pair interactions, we additionally compared the NN model with a simpler method (Ind) that disregards interactions. It was observed that the NN method yielded similar Codon Adaptation Index (CAI) values to those obtained by other commercial algorithms, despite the fact that CAI was not explicitly considered in the algorithm. By utilising both the NN and Ind methods to optimise the reporter protein luciferase, and then analysing the translation performance in human cell lines and in a mouse model, we found that the NN approach yielded the highest protein expression in vivo. Consequently, we propose that the NN model may prove advantageous in biotechnological applications, such as heterologous protein expression or mRNA-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Luna-Cerralbo
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, c/ Pedro Cerbuna s/n, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, c/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Irene Blasco-Machín
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Susana Adame-Pérez
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Verónica Lampaya
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Ana Larraga
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Teresa Alejo
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Juan Martínez-Oliván
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Esther Broset
- Certest Pharma, Certest Biotec S.L, Polígono Industrial Río Gallego II, Calle J, 1, San Mateo de Gállego, 50840, Spain
| | - Pierpaolo Bruscolini
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zaragoza, c/ Pedro Cerbuna s/n, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, c/ Mariano Esquillor s/n, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Anurogo D, Chen CY, Lin CC, Pawitan JA, Qiu DW, Qiu JT. Codon optimized influenza H1 HA sequence but not CTLA-4 targeting of HA antigen to enhance the efficacy of DNA vaccines in an animal model. J Immunotoxicol 2024; 21:2400624. [PMID: 39319829 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2024.2400624] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by the influenza virus lead to both epidemic and pandemic outbreaks in humans and animals. Owing to their rapid production, safety, and stability, DNA vaccines represent a promising avenue for eliciting immunity and thwarting viral infections. While DNA vaccines have demonstrated substantial efficacy in murine models, their effectiveness in larger animals remains subdued. This limitation may be addressed by augmenting the immunogenicity of DNA-based vaccines. In the investigation here, protein expression was enhanced via codon optimization and then mouse cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) was harnessed as a modulatory adjunct to bind directly to antigen-presenting cells. Further, the study evaluated the immunogenicity of two variants of the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen, i.e. the full-length and the C-terminal deletion versions. The study findings revealed that the codon-optimized HA gene (pcHA) led to increased protein synthesis, as evidenced by elevated mRNA levels. Codon optimization also significantly bolstered both cellular and humoral immune responses. In cytokine assays, all plasmid constructs, particularly pCTLA4-cHA, induced robust interferon (IFN)-γ production, while interleukin (IL)-4 levels remained uniformly non-significant. Mice immunized with pcHA displayed an augmented presence of IFNγ+ T-cells, underscoring the enhanced potency of the codon-optimized HA vaccine. Contrarily, CTLA-4-fused DNA vaccines did not significantly amplify the immune response.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Mice
- CTLA-4 Antigen/genetics
- CTLA-4 Antigen/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Codon/genetics
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Humans
- Female
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Disease Models, Animal
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Influenza, Human/immunology
- Influenza, Human/prevention & control
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dito Anurogo
- International Ph.D. Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Makassar City, Indonesia
| | - Chia-Yuan Chen
- Department of Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chu-Chi Lin
- Department of Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jeanne Adiwinata Pawitan
- Department of Histology, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Stem Cell Medical Technology Integrated Service Unit, Cipto Mangunkusumo Central Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Daniel W Qiu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - J Timothy Qiu
- International Ph.D. Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang R, Yuan S, Zhou Y, Wei Y, Li F, Wang M, Chen B, Yu H. Strategies to overcome the challenges of low or no expression of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 75:108417. [PMID: 39038691 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108417] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Protein expression is a critical process in diverse biological systems. For Escherichia coli, a widely employed microbial host in industrial catalysis and healthcare, researchers often face significant challenges in constructing recombinant expression systems. To maximize the potential of E. coli expression systems, it is essential to address problems regarding the low or absent production of certain target proteins. This article presents viable solutions to the main factors posing challenges to heterologous protein expression in E. coli, which includes protein toxicity, the intrinsic influence of gene sequences, and mRNA structure. These strategies include specialized approaches for managing toxic protein expression, addressing issues related to mRNA structure and codon bias, advanced codon optimization methodologies that consider multiple factors, and emerging optimization techniques facilitated by big data and machine learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhao Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis (Tsinghua University), the Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuting Yuan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis (Tsinghua University), the Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yilong Zhou
- Tanwei College, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuwen Wei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis (Tsinghua University), the Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fulong Li
- Beijing Evolyzer Co.,Ltd., 100176, China
| | | | - Bo Chen
- Beijing Evolyzer Co.,Ltd., 100176, China
| | - Huimin Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis (Tsinghua University), the Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China; Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hashempour A, Khodadad N, Bemani P, Ghasemi Y, Akbarinia S, Bordbari R, Tabatabaei AH, Falahi S. Design of multivalent-epitope vaccine models directed toward the world's population against HIV-Gag polyprotein: Reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306559. [PMID: 39331650 PMCID: PMC11432917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306559] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in HIV-1 research; however, researchers have not yet achieved the objective of eradicating HIV-1 infection. Accordingly, in this study, eucaryotic and procaryotic in silico vaccines were developed for HIV-Gag polyproteins from 100 major HIV subtypes and CRFs using immunoinformatic techniques to simulate immune responses in mice and humans. The epitopes located in the conserved domains of the Gag polyprotein were evaluated for allergenicity, antigenicity, immunogenicity, toxicity, homology, topology, and IFN-γ induction. Adjuvants, linkers, CTLs, HTLs, and BCL epitopes were incorporated into the vaccine models. Strong binding affinities were detected between HLA/MHC alleles, TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-4, TLR-7, and TLR-9, and vaccine models. Immunological simulation showed that innate and adaptive immune cells elicited active and consistent responses. The human vaccine model was matched with approximately 93.91% of the human population. The strong binding of the vaccine to MHC/HLA and TLR molecules was confirmed through molecular dynamic stimulation. Codon optimization ensured the successful translation of the designed constructs into human cells and E. coli hosts. We believe that the HIV-1 Gag vaccine formulated in our research can reduce the challenges faced in developing an HIV-1 vaccine. Nevertheless, experimental verification is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of these vaccines in these models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ava Hashempour
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nastaran Khodadad
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peyman Bemani
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shokufeh Akbarinia
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Bordbari
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Tabatabaei
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahab Falahi
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao Y, Zhu S, Li H, Hao X, Chen W, Pan D, Qian Z. AntigenBoost: enhanced mRNA-based antigen expression through rational amino acid substitution. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae468. [PMID: 39400114 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae468] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent a groundbreaking advancement in immunology and public health, particularly highlighted by their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Optimizing mRNA-based antigen expression is a crucial focus in this emerging industry. We have developed a bioinformatics tool named AntigenBoost to address the challenge posed by destabilizing dipeptides that hinder ribosomal translation. AntigenBoost identifies these dipeptides within specific antigens and provides a range of potential amino acid substitution strategies using a two-dimensional scoring system. Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we significantly enhanced the in vitro expression of mRNA-derived Respiratory Syncytial Virus fusion glycoprotein and Influenza A Hemagglutinin antigen. Notably, a single amino acid substitution improved the immune response in mice, underscoring the effectiveness of AntigenBoost in mRNA vaccine design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiao Gao
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Siran Zhu
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Huichun Li
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xueting Hao
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wen Chen
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Deng Pan
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Zhikang Qian
- NanoRibo (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200003, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sahoo A, Das PK, Veeranki VD, Patra S. Production of recombinant human insulin from a promising Pseudomonas fluorescens cell factory and its kinetic modeling. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 280:135742. [PMID: 39293616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135742] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Insulin intake is recommended for diabetics in addition to a proper diet and lifestyle to maintain adequate blood glucose level. Currently, there is a need for an alternative expression system for insulin production as the current expression systems may not meet the growing demand due to various constraints. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of human insulin in an unconventional expression system based on Pseudomonas fluorescens, a BSL 1 bacterium. Human insulin was produced in the form of proinsulin fused with fusion protein. Then, the proinsulin fusion protein was purified using Ni-NTA chromatography and converted into human insulin. The physicochemical parameters for producing proinsulin fusion protein are optimized. Glucose and ammonium chloride are determined to be suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The validity of insulin and proinsulin fusion protein is assessed using western blot and quantified using ELISA techniques. Up to 145.35 mg/l of the proinsulin fusion protein is achieved at the shake flask level. Further, MALDI-TOF and RP-HPLC analysis of the purified human insulin were observed to be close to the theoretical value and insulin standard, respectively. The expression of the recombinant fusion protein was found to be 214.7 mg/l in a batch bioreactor, a ∼48% enhancement over the shake flask level. Further, kinetic modeling was performed to understand the system regarding growth, substrate utilization and product formation, and to estimate the various kinetic parameters. This study establishes the potential of the P. fluorescens expression system for producing human insulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ansuman Sahoo
- Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Prabir Kumar Das
- Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Venkata Dasu Veeranki
- Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Sanjukta Patra
- Enzyme & Microbial Technology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Laksmi FA, Dewi KS, Nuryana I, Yulianti SE, Ramadhan KP, Hadi MI, Nugraha Y. High-level expression of codon-optimized Taq DNA polymerase under the control of rhaBAD promoter. Anal Biochem 2024; 692:115581. [PMID: 38815728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115581] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
A DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus remains the most popular among DNA polymerases. It was widely applied in various fields involving the application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), implying the high commercial value of this enzyme. For this reason, an attempt to obtain a high yield of Taq DNA polymerase is continuously conducted. In this study, the l-rhamnose-inducible promoter rhaBAD was utilized due to its ability to produce recombinant protein under tight control in E. coli expression system. Instead of full-length Taq polymerase, an N-terminal deletion of Taq polymerase was selected. To obtain a high-level expression, we attempted to optimize the codon by reducing the rare codon and GC content, and in a second attempt, we optimized the culture conditions for protein expression. The production of Taq polymerase using the optimum culture condition improved the level of expression by up to 3-fold. This approach further proved that a high level of recombinant protein expression could be achieved by yielding a purified Taq polymerase of about 8.5 mg/L of culture. This is the first research publication on the production of Taq polymerase with N-terminal deletion in E. coli with the control of the rhaBAD promoter system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fina Amreta Laksmi
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Kartika Sari Dewi
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Isa Nuryana
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Siti Eka Yulianti
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Kharisma Panji Ramadhan
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Moch Irfan Hadi
- Department of Biology, Sunan Ampel State Islamic University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Yudhi Nugraha
- Research Center for Molecular Biology Eijkman, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Van Gelder K, Lindner SN, Hanson AD, Zhou J. Strangers in a foreign land: 'Yeastizing' plant enzymes. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14525. [PMID: 39222378 PMCID: PMC11368087 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14525] [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: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Expressing plant metabolic pathways in microbial platforms is an efficient, cost-effective solution for producing many desired plant compounds. As eukaryotic organisms, yeasts are often the preferred platform. However, expression of plant enzymes in a yeast frequently leads to failure because the enzymes are poorly adapted to the foreign yeast cellular environment. Here, we first summarize the current engineering approaches for optimizing performance of plant enzymes in yeast. A critical limitation of these approaches is that they are labour-intensive and must be customized for each individual enzyme, which significantly hinders the establishment of plant pathways in cellular factories. In response to this challenge, we propose the development of a cost-effective computational pipeline to redesign plant enzymes for better adaptation to the yeast cellular milieu. This proposition is underpinned by compelling evidence that plant and yeast enzymes exhibit distinct sequence features that are generalizable across enzyme families. Consequently, we introduce a data-driven machine learning framework designed to extract 'yeastizing' rules from natural protein sequence variations, which can be broadly applied to all enzymes. Additionally, we discuss the potential to integrate the machine learning model into a full design-build-test cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Van Gelder
- Horticultural Sciences DepartmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Steffen N. Lindner
- Department of Systems and Synthetic MetabolismMax Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdamGermany
- Department of BiochemistryCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐UniversitätBerlinGermany
| | - Andrew D. Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences DepartmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Juannan Zhou
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Azizi-Dargahlou S, Pouresmaeil M, Ahmadabadi M. Tobacco Plant: A Novel and Promising Heterologous Bioreactor for the Production of Recombinant Bovine Chymosin. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:2595-2605. [PMID: 38244177 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01043-z] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The natural source of chymosin, a key enzyme in the dairy industry, is insufficient for rapidly growing cheese industries. Large-scale production of recombinant proteins in heterologous hosts provides an efficient alternative solution. Here, the codon-optimized synthetic prochymosin gene, which has a CAI index of 0.926, was subcloned from a cloning vector (pUC57-bCYM) into the pBI121 vector, resulting in the construct named pBI121-bCYM. CAI ranges from 0 to 1 and higher CAI improves gene expression in heterologous hosts. The overexpression of the prochymosin gene was under the control of constitutive CaMV 35S promoter and NOS terminator and was transferred into the tobacco via A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404. Explant type, regeneration method, inoculation temperature, cell density (OD600) of Agrobacterium for inoculation, and acetosyringone concentration were leaf explants, direct somatic embryogenesis, 19 °C, 0.1, and 100 µM, respectively. The successful integration and expression of the prochymosin gene, along with the bioactivity of recombinant chymosin, were confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR, and milk coagulation assay, respectively. Overall, this study reports the first successful overexpression of the codon-optimized prochymosin form of the bovine chymosin enzyme in the tobacco via indirect transformation. Production of recombinant bovine chymosin in plants can be an easy-to-scale-up, safe, and inexpensive platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnam Azizi-Dargahlou
- Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute, Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Mahin Pouresmaeil
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabi, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahmadabadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hashempour A, Khodadad N, Akbarinia S, Ghasabi F, Ghasemi Y, Nazar MMKA, Falahi S. Reverse vaccinology approaches to design a potent multiepitope vaccine against the HIV whole genome: immunoinformatic, bioinformatics, and molecular dynamics approaches. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:873. [PMID: 39198721 PMCID: PMC11360854 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09775-2] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial advances have been made in the development of promising HIV vaccines to eliminate HIV-1 infection. For the first time, one hundred of the most submitted HIV subtypes and CRFs were retrieved from the LANL database, and the consensus sequences of the eleven HIV proteins were obtained to design vaccines for human and mouse hosts. By using various servers and filters, highly qualified B-cell epitopes, as well as HTL and CD8 + epitopes that were common between mouse and human alleles and were also located in the conserved domains of HIV proteins, were considered in the vaccine constructs. With 90% coverage worldwide, the human vaccine model covers a diverse allelic population, making it widely available. Codon optimization and in silico cloning in prokaryotic and eukaryotic vectors guarantee high expression of the vaccine models in human and E. coli hosts. Molecular dynamics confirmed the stable interaction of the vaccine constructs with TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9, leading to a substantial immunogenic response to the designed vaccine. Vaccine models effectively target the humoral and cellular immune systems in humans and mice; however, experimental validation is needed to confirm these findings in silico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ava Hashempour
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nastaran Khodadad
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Shokufeh Akbarinia
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farzane Ghasabi
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shahab Falahi
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu L, Bai X, Joong Oh E. Strategic approaches for designing yeast strains as protein secretion and display platforms. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39138023 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2385996] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Yeast has been established as a versatile platform for expressing functional molecules, owing to its well-characterized biology and extensive genetic modification tools. Compared to prokaryotic systems, yeast possesses advanced cellular mechanisms that ensure accurate protein folding and post-translational modifications. These capabilities are particularly advantageous for the expression of human-derived functional proteins. However, designing yeast strains as an expression platform for proteins requires the integration of molecular and cellular functions. By delving into the complexities of yeast-based expression systems, this review aims to empower researchers with the knowledge to fully exploit yeast as a functional platform to produce a diverse range of proteins. This review includes an exploration of the host strains, gene cassette structures, as well as considerations for maximizing the efficiency of the expression system. Through this in-depth analysis, the review anticipates stimulating further innovation in the field of yeast biotechnology and protein engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luping Xu
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Eun Joong Oh
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Biswas R, Swetha RG, Basu S, Roy A, Ramaiah S, Anbarasu A. Designing multi-epitope vaccine against human cytomegalovirus integrating pan-genome and reverse vaccinology pipelines. Biologicals 2024; 87:101782. [PMID: 39003966 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2024.101782] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is accountable for high morbidity in neonates and immunosuppressed individuals. Due to the high genetic variability of HCMV, current prophylactic measures are insufficient. In this study, we employed a pan-genome and reverse vaccinology approach to screen the target for efficient vaccine candidates. Four proteins, envelope glycoprotein M, UL41A, US23, and US28, were shortlisted based on cellular localization, high solubility, antigenicity, and immunogenicity. A total of 29 B-cell and 44 T-cell highly immunogenic and antigenic epitopes with high global population coverage were finalized using immunoinformatics tools and algorithms. Further, the epitopes that were overlapping among the finalized B-cell and T-cell epitopes were linked with suitable linkers to form various combinations of multi-epitopic vaccine constructs. Among 16 vaccine constructs, Vc12 was selected based on physicochemical and structural properties. The docking and molecular simulations of VC12 were performed, which showed its high binding affinity (-23.35 kcal/mol) towards TLR4 due to intermolecular hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, and hydrophobic interactions, and there were only minimal fluctuations. Furthermore, Vc12 eliciting a good response was checked for its expression in Escherichia coli through in silico cloning and codon optimization, suggesting it to be a potent vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhitam Biswas
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rayapadi G Swetha
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biosciences, SBST, VIT, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soumya Basu
- Department of Biotechnology, NIST University, Berhampur, 761008, Odisha, India
| | - Aditi Roy
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudha Ramaiah
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biosciences, SBST, VIT, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Morgan RN, Ismail NSM, Alshahrani MY, Aboshanab KM. Multi-epitope peptide vaccines targeting dengue virus serotype 2 created via immunoinformatic analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17645. [PMID: 39085250 PMCID: PMC11291903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67553-1] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The Middle East has witnessed a greater spread of infectious Dengue viruses, with serotype 2 (DENV-2) being the most prevalent form. Through this work, multi-epitope peptide vaccines against DENV-2 that target E and nonstructural (NS1) proteins were generated through an immunoinformatic approach. MHC class I and II and LBL epitopes among NS1 and envelope E proteins sequences were predicted and their antigenicity, toxicity, and allergenicity were investigated. Studies of the population coverage denoted the high prevalence of NS1 and envelope-E epitopes among different countries where DENV-2 endemic. Further, both the CTL and HTL epitopes retrieved from NS1 epitopes exhibited high conservancies' percentages with other DENV serotypes (1, 3, and 4). Three vaccine constructs were created and the expected immune responses for the constructs were estimated using C-IMMSIM and HADDOCK (against TLR 2,3,4,5, and 7). Molecular dynamics simulation for vaccine construct 2 with TLR4 denoted high binding affinity and stability of the construct with the receptor which might foretell favorable in vivo interaction and immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa N Morgan
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nasser S M Ismail
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, 9088, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled M Aboshanab
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity St., Abbassia, POB: 11566, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tang J, Yang DZ, Lu C, Zheng W, Hu ZM, Xu YF, Li K, Wei JF, Xu ZQ. A Novel Quality Control Strategy for the Preparation of High-Quality Recombinant Allergens in Escherichia coli: A Case Study of Der f 2. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39047720 DOI: 10.1159/000539835] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recombinant allergens produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) system play an important role in the component-resolved diagnostics of allergy and vaccine development. However, incorrect folding of recombinant allergens may affect their application. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the correct folding of recombinant allergens. Currently, there is still a lack of a quality control strategy to solve this problem. In this study, a mite allergen, Der f 2, was taken as an example to establish a novel quality control strategy, which was based on chromatography to isolate the allergen, and on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to verify the IgE reactivity of the isolated allergen. METHODS The nucleotide sequence encoding Der f 2 was codon-optimized and cloned into pET-28a (+) plasmid. Best conditions for the expression of Der f 2 in E. coli were sought. The inclusion body of Der f 2 was denatured and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Refolding processes were compared using glutathione redox system. The fully and partially folded proteins were separated by anion exchange chromatography, and the IgE reactivity of the isolated proteins was verified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS An optimized 387 bp segment of the Der f 2 coding gene was successfully expressed in E. coli. Best induction conditions included preinduction bacterial density with absorbance value at 600 nm was 0.6, 1 mM isopropyl beta-d-thiogalactopyranoside at 28°C for 4 h. The Der f 2 protein after refolding was separated by chromatography and two fractions were obtained. The first fraction was identified as monomer protein and the second as aggregate by size-exclusion chromatography. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay also confirmed that the first fraction showed higher IgE reactivity. CONCLUSION In this study, a novel quality control strategy based on chromatographic separation and IgE reactivity monitoring was established in the case of mite Der f 2, which systematically evaluated the effectiveness of multiple preparation methods for the first time. It is faster and more convenient when compared with the existing methods such as size-exclusion chromatography. This strategy laid a foundation for the stable application of recombinant allergens produced by E. coli in component-resolved diagnostics and the development of molecular vaccines in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - De-Zheng Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Fei Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji-Fu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- National Vaccine Innovation Platform, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Xu
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hriňová K, Dlapová J, Kubala B, Kormanová Ľ, Levarski Z, Struhárňanská E, Turňa J, Stuchlík S. Production of Reverse Transcriptase and DNA Polymerase in Bacterial Expression Systems. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:727. [PMID: 39061809 PMCID: PMC11274053 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070727] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA amplification and reverse transcription enzymes have proven to be invaluable in fast and reliable diagnostics and research applications because of their processivity, specificity, and robustness. Our study focused on the production of mutant Taq DNA polymerase and mutant M-MLV reverse transcriptase in the expression hosts Vibrio natriegens and Escherichia coli under various expression conditions. We also examined nonspecific extracellular production in V. natriegens. Intracellularly, M-MLV was produced in V. natriegens at the level of 11% of the total cell proteins (TCPs) compared with 16% of TCPs in E. coli. We obtained a soluble protein that accounted for 11% of the enzyme produced in V. natriegens and 22% of the enzyme produced in E. coli. Taq pol was produced intracellularly in V. natriegens at the level of 30% of TCPs compared with 26% of TCPs in E. coli. However, Taq pol was almost non-soluble in E. coli, whereas in V. natriegens, we obtained a soluble protein that accounted for 23% of the produced enzyme. We detected substantial extracellular production of Taq pol. Thus, V. natriegens is a suitable alternative host with the potential for production of recombinant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Hriňová
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Johana Dlapová
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Bohuš Kubala
- Laboratory for Microbial Ecology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 84551 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Ľubica Kormanová
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Zdenko Levarski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
- Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia
- ReKoMBe, s.r.o., 84102 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Struhárňanská
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
- ReKoMBe, s.r.o., 84102 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Turňa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
- Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia
- ReKoMBe, s.r.o., 84102 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Stuchlík
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.H.); (J.D.); (Ľ.K.); (E.S.); (J.T.); (S.S.)
- Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia
- ReKoMBe, s.r.o., 84102 Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Roy A, Swetha RG, Basu S, Biswas R, Ramaiah S, Anbarasu A. Integrating pan-genome and reverse vaccinology to design multi-epitope vaccine against Herpes simplex virus type-1. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:176. [PMID: 38855144 PMCID: PMC11153438 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-04022-6] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), the etiological agent of sporadic encephalitis and recurring oral (sometimes genital) infections in humans, affects millions each year. The evolving viral genome reduces susceptibility to existing antivirals and, thus, necessitates new therapeutic strategies. Immunoinformatics strategies have shown promise in designing novel vaccine candidates in the absence of a clinically licensed vaccine to prevent HSV-1. However, to encourage clinical translation, the HSV-1 pan-genome was integrated with the reverse-vaccinology pipeline for rigorous screening of universal vaccine candidates. Viral targets were screened from 104 available complete genomes. Among 364 proteins, envelope glycoprotein D being an outer membrane protein with a high antigenicity score (> 0.4) and solubility (> 0.6) was selected for epitope screening. A total of 17 T-cell and 4 B-cell epitopes with highly antigenic, immunogenic, non-toxic properties and high global population coverage were identified. Furthermore, 8 vaccine constructs were designed using different combinations of epitopes and suitable linkers. VC-8 was identified as the most potential vaccine candidate regarding chemical and structural stability. Molecular docking revealed high interactive affinity (low binding energy: - 56.25 kcal/mol) of VC-8 with the target elicited by firm intermolecular H-bonds, salt-bridges, and hydrophobic interactions, which was validated with simulations. Compatibility of the vaccine candidate to be expressed in pET-29(a) + plasmid was established by in silico cloning studies. Immune simulations confirmed the potential of VC-8 to trigger robust B-cell, T-cell, cytokine, and antibody-mediated responses, thereby suggesting a promising candidate for the future of HSV-1 prevention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04022-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Roy
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
| | - Rayapadi G. Swetha
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
- Department of Biosciences, SBST, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
| | - Soumya Basu
- Department of Biotechnology, NIST University, Berhampur, Odisha 761008 India
| | - Rhitam Biswas
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
| | - Sudha Ramaiah
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
- Department of Biosciences, SBST, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical and Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014 India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ren Z, Jiang L, Di Y, Zhang D, Gong J, Gong J, Jiang Q, Fu Z, Sun P, Zhou B, Ni M. CodonBERT: a BERT-based architecture tailored for codon optimization using the cross-attention mechanism. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae330. [PMID: 38788220 PMCID: PMC11226863 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae330] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Due to the varying delivery methods of mRNA vaccines, codon optimization plays a critical role in vaccine design to improve the stability and expression of proteins in specific tissues. Considering the many-to-one relationship between synonymous codons and amino acids, the number of mRNA sequences encoding the same amino acid sequence could be enormous. Finding stable and highly expressed mRNA sequences from the vast sequence space using in silico methods can generally be viewed as a path-search problem or a machine translation problem. However, current deep learning-based methods inspired by machine translation may have some limitations, such as recurrent neural networks, which have a weak ability to capture the long-term dependencies of codon preferences. RESULTS We develop a BERT-based architecture that uses the cross-attention mechanism for codon optimization. In CodonBERT, the codon sequence is randomly masked with each codon serving as a key and a value. In the meantime, the amino acid sequence is used as the query. CodonBERT was trained on high-expression transcripts from Human Protein Atlas mixed with different proportions of high codon adaptation index codon sequences. The result showed that CodonBERT can effectively capture the long-term dependencies between codons and amino acids, suggesting that it can be used as a customized training framework for specific optimization targets. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION CodonBERT is freely available on https://github.com/FPPGroup/CodonBERT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Ren
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun 130122, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun 130122, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Yaxin Di
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun 130122, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150038, China
| | - Dufei Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun 130122, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Jianli Gong
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Wuhan Technology and Business University, Wuhan 340000, China
| | - Jianting Gong
- Deartment of Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qiwei Jiang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Zhiguo Fu
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Pingping Sun
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Deartment of Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brudenell EL, Pohare MB, Zafred D, Phipps J, Hornsby HR, Darby JF, Dai J, Liggett E, Cain KM, Barran PE, de Silva TI, Sayers JR. Efficient overexpression and purification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleocapsid proteins in Escherichia coli. Biochem J 2024; 481:669-682. [PMID: 38713013 PMCID: PMC11346444 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20240019] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The fundamental biology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein (Ncap), its use in diagnostic assays and its potential application as a vaccine component have received considerable attention since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic in late 2019. Here we report the scalable expression and purification of soluble, immunologically active, SARS-CoV-2 Ncap in Escherichia coli. Codon-optimised synthetic genes encoding the original Ncap sequence and four common variants with an N-terminal 6His affinity tag (sequence MHHHHHHG) were cloned into an inducible expression vector carrying a regulated bacteriophage T5 synthetic promoter controlled by lac operator binding sites. The constructs were used to express Ncap proteins and protocols developed which allow efficient production of purified Ncap with yields of over 200 mg per litre of culture media. These proteins were deployed in ELISA assays to allow comparison of their responses to human sera. Our results suggest that there was no detectable difference between the 6His-tagged and untagged original Ncap proteins but there may be a slight loss of sensitivity of sera to other Ncap isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Brudenell
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Manoj B. Pohare
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Domen Zafred
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Janine Phipps
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Hailey R. Hornsby
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - John F. Darby
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Junxiao Dai
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Ellen Liggett
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Kathleen M. Cain
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Perdita E. Barran
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Thushan I. de Silva
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Jon R. Sayers
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jeong Y, Moon S, Shin JH. In vitro synthesis and biochemical characterization of acyl-homoserine lactone synthase and its deletion mutant. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304331. [PMID: 38820426 PMCID: PMC11142500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304331] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing can induce density-dependent gene expressions that cause various problems. For quorum-sensing inhibition, fundamental solutions such as gene manipulation are required, and acyl-homoserine lactone synthase (AHL synthase), which synthesizes the universal quorum-sensing signal of gram-negative bacteria, can be used as a target. In this study, researchers synthesized His-tagged AHL synthase and its deletion mutant that lacks the active site and compared their biochemical characteristics. His-YpeI, the 6x His-tagged AHL synthase of Serratia fonticola, and His-ΔYpeI, its deletion mutant, were designed, and their property conservation were examined using in silico projection tools. For in vitro synthesis of enzymes, the His-YpeI CFPS template was synthesized by in vitro gene synthesis, and the His-ΔYpeI CFPS template was obtained by deletion PCR. CFPS was performed and the products were purified with the 6x His-tag. The enzymes' properties were compared using an enzymatic assay. The bioinformatic analysis confirmed the conservation of biochemical properties between 6x His-tagged and untagged enzymes, including helix-turn-helix interactions, hydropathy profiles, and tertiary structure between His-YpeI and YpeI and between His-ΔYpeI and ΔYpeI. His-YpeI and His-ΔYpeI synthesized by CFPS were found to have the expected molecular weights and demonstrated distinct differences in enzyme activity. The analyzed enzymatic constants supported a significant decrease in substrate affinity and reaction rate as a result of YpeI's enzyme active site deletion. This result showed that CFPS could be used for in vitro protein synthesis, and quorum sensing could be inhibited at the enzymatic level due to the enzyme active site's deletion mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yechan Jeong
- Gyeonggi Science High School for the Gifted, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Moon
- Gyeonggi Science High School for the Gifted, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-hwa Shin
- Gyeonggi Science High School for the Gifted, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Das NC, Gorai S, Gupta PSS, Panda SK, Rana MK, Mukherjee S. Immune targeting of filarial glutaredoxin through a multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine: A reverse vaccinology approach. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112120. [PMID: 38657497 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112120] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite the efforts of global programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (GPELF), the threat of lymphatic filariasis (LF) still looms over humanity in terms of long-term disabilities, and morbidities across the globe. In light of this situation, investigators have chosen to focus on the development of immunotherapeutics targeting the physiologically important filarial-specific proteins. Glutaredoxin (16.43 kDa) plays a pivotal role in filarial redox biology, serving as a vital contributor. In the context of the intra-host survival of filarial parasites, this antioxidant helps in mitigating the oxidative stress imposed by the host immune system. Given its significant contribution, the development of a vaccine targeting glutaredoxin holds promise as a new avenue for achieving a filaria-free world. Herein, multi-epitope-based vaccine was designed using advanced immunoinformatics approach. Initially, 4B-cell epitopes and 6 T-cell epitopes (4 MHC I and 2 MHC II) were identified from the 146 amino acid long sequence of glutaredoxin of the human filarid, Wuchereria bancrofti. Subsequent clustering of these epitopes with linker peptides finalized the vaccine structure. To boost TLR-mediated innate immunity, TLR-specific adjuvants were incorporated into the designed vaccine. After that, experimental analyses confirm the designed vaccine, Vac4 as anefficient ligand of human TLR5 to elicit protective innate immunity against filarial glutaredoxin. Immune simulation further demonstrated abundant levels of IgG and IgM as crucial contributors in triggering vaccine-induced adaptive responses in the recipients. Hence, to facilitate the validation of immunogenicity of the designed vaccine, Vac4 was cloned in silico in pET28a(+) expression vector for recombinant production. Taken together, our findings suggest that vaccine-mediated targeting of filarial glutaredoxin could be a future option for intervening LF on a global scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Chandra Das
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol 713 340, West Bengal, India
| | - Sampa Gorai
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol 713 340, West Bengal, India
| | - Parth Sarthi Sen Gupta
- School of Biosciences & Bioengineering, D. Y. Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune 411044, India
| | - Saroj Kumar Panda
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur, India
| | - Malay Kumar Rana
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur, India
| | - Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol 713 340, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gonçalves AAM, Ribeiro AJ, Resende CAA, Couto CAP, Gandra IB, Dos Santos Barcelos IC, da Silva JO, Machado JM, Silva KA, Silva LS, Dos Santos M, da Silva Lopes L, de Faria MT, Pereira SP, Xavier SR, Aragão MM, Candida-Puma MA, de Oliveira ICM, Souza AA, Nogueira LM, da Paz MC, Coelho EAF, Giunchetti RC, de Freitas SM, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Nagem RAP, Galdino AS. Recombinant multiepitope proteins expressed in Escherichia coli cells and their potential for immunodiagnosis. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:145. [PMID: 38778337 PMCID: PMC11110257 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02418-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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant multiepitope proteins (RMPs) are a promising alternative for application in diagnostic tests and, given their wide application in the most diverse diseases, this review article aims to survey the use of these antigens for diagnosis, as well as discuss the main points surrounding these antigens. RMPs usually consisting of linear, immunodominant, and phylogenetically conserved epitopes, has been applied in the experimental diagnosis of various human and animal diseases, such as leishmaniasis, brucellosis, cysticercosis, Chagas disease, hepatitis, leptospirosis, leprosy, filariasis, schistosomiasis, dengue, and COVID-19. The synthetic genes for these epitopes are joined to code a single RMP, either with spacers or fused, with different biochemical properties. The epitopes' high density within the RMPs contributes to a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The RMPs can also sidestep the need for multiple peptide synthesis or multiple recombinant proteins, reducing costs and enhancing the standardization conditions for immunoassays. Methods such as bioinformatics and circular dichroism have been widely applied in the development of new RMPs, helping to guide their construction and better understand their structure. Several RMPs have been expressed, mainly using the Escherichia coli expression system, highlighting the importance of these cells in the biotechnological field. In fact, technological advances in this area, offering a wide range of different strains to be used, make these cells the most widely used expression platform. RMPs have been experimentally used to diagnose a broad range of illnesses in the laboratory, suggesting they could also be useful for accurate diagnoses commercially. On this point, the RMP method offers a tempting substitute for the production of promising antigens used to assemble commercial diagnostic kits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Anna Julia Ribeiro
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ananias Aparecido Resende
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Carolina Alves Petit Couto
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Isadora Braga Gandra
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Caroline Dos Santos Barcelos
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Jonatas Oliveira da Silva
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Juliana Martins Machado
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Kamila Alves Silva
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Líria Souza Silva
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Michelli Dos Santos
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Lucas da Silva Lopes
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Mariana Teixeira de Faria
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Paula Pereira
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Sandra Rodrigues Xavier
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Matheus Motta Aragão
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mayron Antonio Candida-Puma
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, 04000, Peru
| | | | - Amanda Araujo Souza
- Biophysics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lais Moreira Nogueira
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Mariana Campos da Paz
- Bioactives and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antônio Ferraz Coelho
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, National Institute of Science and Technology on Tropical Diseases (INCT-DT), Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Biophysics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, 04000, Peru
| | - Ronaldo Alves Pinto Nagem
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology on Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BI), Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Midwest Campus, Divinópolis, 35501-296, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pouresmaeil M, Azizi-Dargahlou S. Investigation of CaMV-host co-evolution through synonymous codon pattern. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300664. [PMID: 38436477 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300664] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) has a double-stranded DNA genome and is globally distributed. The phylogeny tree of 121 CaMV isolates was categorized into two primary groups, with Iranian isolates showing the greatest genetic variations. Nucleotide A demonstrated the highest percentage (36.95%) in the CaMV genome and the dinucleotide odds ratio analysis revealed that TC dinucleotide (1.34 ≥ 1.23) and CG dinucleotide (0.63 ≤ 0.78) are overrepresented and underrepresented, respectively. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis confirmed codon usage bias in CaMV and its hosts. Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa, among the susceptible hosts of CaMV, showed a codon adaptation index (CAI) value above 0.8. Additionally, relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI) results exhibited the highest degree of deoptimization in Raphanus sativus. These findings suggest that the genes of CaMV underwent codon adaptation with its hosts. Among the CaMV open reading frames (ORFs), genes that produce reverse transcriptase and virus coat proteins showed the highest CAI value of 0.83. These genes are crucial for the creation of new virion particles. The results confirm that CaMV co-evolved with its host to ensure the optimal expression of its genes in the hosts, allowing for easy infection and effective spread. To detect the force behind codon usage bias, an effective number of codons (ENC)-plot and neutrality plot were conducted. The results indicated that natural selection is the primary factor influencing CaMV codon usage bias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Pouresmaeil
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Shahnam Azizi-Dargahlou
- Agricultural Biotechnology, Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute, Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Silva MF, Pereira G, Mateus L, da Costa LL, Silva E. Design of a multi-epitope-based vaccine candidate against Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis using a reverse vaccinology approach. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:144. [PMID: 38641595 PMCID: PMC11027316 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04006-x] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a worldwide distributed venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), has a relevant negative economic impact in cattle herds. The control of BGC is hampered by the inexistence of globally available effective vaccines. The present in silico study aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Cfv through reverse vaccinology. RESULTS The analysis of Cfv strain NCTC 10354 proteome allowed the identification of 9 proteins suitable for vaccine development. From these, an outer membrane protein, OmpA, and a flagellar protein, FliK, were selected for prediction of B-cell and T-cell epitopes. The top-ranked epitopes conservancy was assessed in 31 Cfv strains. The selected epitopes were integrated to form a multi-epitope fragment of 241 amino acids, which included 2 epitopes from OmpA and 13 epitopes from FliK linked by GPGPG linkers and connected to the cholera toxin subunit B by an EAAAK linker. The vaccine candidate was predicted to be antigenic, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and soluble upon overexpression. The protein structure was predicted and optimized, and the sequence was successfully cloned in silico into a plasmid vector. Additionally, immunological simulations demonstrated the vaccine candidate's ability to stimulate an immune response. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a novel vaccine candidate suitable for further in vitro and in vivo experimental validation, which may become a useful tool for the control of BGC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Filipa Silva
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Pereira
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Mateus
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Lopes da Costa
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Paremskaia AI, Kogan AA, Murashkina A, Naumova DA, Satish A, Abramov IS, Feoktistova SG, Mityaeva ON, Deviatkin AA, Volchkov PY. Codon-optimization in gene therapy: promises, prospects and challenges. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1371596. [PMID: 38605988 PMCID: PMC11007035 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1371596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Codon optimization has evolved to enhance protein expression efficiency by exploiting the genetic code's redundancy, allowing for multiple codon options for a single amino acid. Initially observed in E. coli, optimal codon usage correlates with high gene expression, which has propelled applications expanding from basic research to biopharmaceuticals and vaccine development. The method is especially valuable for adjusting immune responses in gene therapies and has the potenial to create tissue-specific therapies. However, challenges persist, such as the risk of unintended effects on protein function and the complexity of evaluating optimization effectiveness. Despite these issues, codon optimization is crucial in advancing gene therapeutics. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current metrics for codon-optimization, and its practical usage in research and clinical applications, in the context of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Iu Paremskaia
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Kogan
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia Murashkina
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria A. Naumova
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anakha Satish
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S. Abramov
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
- The MCSC named after A. S. Loginov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya G. Feoktistova
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga N. Mityaeva
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei A. Deviatkin
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Yu Volchkov
- Federal Research Center for Innovator and Emerging Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
- The MCSC named after A. S. Loginov, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Khandia R, Pandey MK, Garg R, Khan AA, Baklanov I, Alanazi AM, Nepali P, Gurjar P, Choudhary OP. Molecular insights into codon usage analysis of mitochondrial fission and fusion gene: relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1416-1425. [PMID: 38463054 PMCID: PMC10923317 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is the leading cause of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Mitochondria is a highly dynamic organelle continuously undergoing the process of fission and fusion for even distribution of components and maintaining proper shape, number, and bioenergetic functionality. A set of genes governs the process of fission and fusion. OPA1, Mfn1, and Mfn2 govern fusion, while Drp1, Fis1, MIEF1, and MIEF2 genes control fission. Determination of specific molecular patterns of transcripts of these genes revealed the impact of compositional constraints on selecting optimal codons. AGA and CCA codons were over-represented, and CCC, GTC, TTC, GGG, ACG were under-represented in the fusion gene set. In contrast, CTG was over-represented, and GCG, CCG, and TCG were under-represented in the fission gene set. Hydropathicity analysis revealed non-polar protein products of both fission and fusion gene set transcripts. AGA codon repeats are an integral part of translational regulation machinery and present a distinct pattern of over-representation and under-representation in different transcripts within the gene sets, suggestive of selective translational force precisely controlling the occurrence of the codon. Out of six synonymous codons, five synonymous codons encoding for leucine were used differently in both gene sets. Hence, forces regulating the occurrence of AGA and five synonymous leucine-encoding codons suggest translational selection. A correlation of mutational bias with gene expression and codon bias and GRAVY and AROMA signifies the selection pressure in both gene sets, while the correlation of compositional bias with gene expression, codon bias, protein properties, and minimum free energy signifies the presence of compositional constraints. More than 25% of codons of both gene sets showed a significant difference in codon usage. The overall analysis shed light on molecular features of gene sets involved in fission and fusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Megha Katare Pandey
- Translational Medicine Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal
| | | | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Igor Baklanov
- Department of Philosophy, North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Amer M. Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Prakash Nepali
- Government Medical Officer, Bhimad Primary Health Care Center, Government of Nepal, Tanahun, Nepal
| | - Pankaj Gurjar
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| | - Om Prakash Choudhary
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Rampura Phul, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Khandia R, Pandey MK, Khan AA, Baklanov I, Alanazi AM, Nepali P, Gurjar P, Choudhary OP. Synthetic biology approach revealed enhancement in haeme oxygenase-1 gene expression by codon pair optimization while reduction by codon deoptimization. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1359-1369. [PMID: 38463112 PMCID: PMC10923308 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a ubiquitously expressed gene involved in cellular homoeostasis, and its imbalance in expression results in various disorders. To alleviate such disorders, HO-1 gene expression needs to be modulated. Codon usage bias results from evolutionary forces acting on any nucleotide sequence and determines the gene expression. Like codon usage bias, codon pair bias also exists, playing a role in gene expression. In the present study, HO-1 gene was recoded by manipulating codon and codon pair bias, and four such constructs were made through codon/codon pair deoptimization and codon/codon pair optimization to reduce and enhance the HO-1 gene expression. Codon usage analysis was done for these constructs for four tissues brain, heart, pancreas and liver. Based on codon usage in different tissues, gene expression of these tissues was determined in terms of the codon adaptation index. Based on the codon adaptation index, minimum free energy, and translation efficiency, constructs were evaluated for enhanced or decreased HO-1 expression. The analysis revealed that for enhancing gene expression, codon pair optimization, while for reducing gene expression, codon deoptimization is efficacious. The recoded constructs developed in the study could be used in gene therapy regimens to cure HO-1 over or underexpression-associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, MP, India
| | - Megha Katare Pandey
- Translational Medicine Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, MP, India
| | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Igor Baklanov
- Department of Philosophy, North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Amer M. Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Prakash Nepali
- Bhimad Primary Health Care Center, Government of Nepal, Tanahun, Nepal
| | - Pankaj Gurjar
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| | - Om Prakash Choudhary
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Rampura Phul, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Guan X, Pei Y, Song J. DNA-Based Nonviral Gene Therapy─Challenging but Promising. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:427-453. [PMID: 38198640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00907] [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: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in utilizing nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA molecules, for therapeutic purposes. For DNA molecules, although various DNA delivery systems have been established, viral vector systems are the go-to choice for large-scale commercial applications. However, viral systems have certain disadvantages such as immune response, limited payload capacity, insertional mutagenesis and pre-existing immunity. In contrast, nonviral systems are less immunogenic, not size limited, safer, and easier for manufacturing compared with viral systems. What's more, nonviral DNA vectors have demonstrated their capacity to mediate specific protein expression in vivo for diverse therapeutic objectives containing a wide range of diseases such as cancer, rare diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases, yielding promising therapeutic outcomes. However, exogenous plasmid DNA is prone to degrade and has poor immunogenicity in vivo. Thus, various strategies have been developed: (i) designing novel plasmids with special structures, (ii) optimizing plasmid sequences for higher expression, and (iii) developing more efficient nonviral DNA delivery systems. Based on these strategies, many interesting clinical results have been reported. This Review discusses the development of DNA-based nonviral gene therapy, including novel plasmids, nonviral delivery systems, clinical advances, and prospects. These developments hold great potential for enhancing the efficacy and safety of nonviral gene therapy and expanding its applications in the treatment of various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocai Guan
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yufeng Pei
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kamath D, Iwakuma T, Bossmann SH. Therapeutic potential of combating cancer by restoring wild-type p53 through mRNA nanodelivery. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2024; 56:102732. [PMID: 38199451 PMCID: PMC11108594 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102732] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Among the tumor suppressor genes, TP53 is the most frequently mutated in human cancers, and most mutations are missense mutations causing production of mutant p53 (mutp53) proteins. TP53 mutations not only results in loss of function (LOH) as a transcription factor and a tumor suppressor, but also gain wild-type p53 (WTp53)-independent oncogenic functions that enhance cancer metastasis and progression (Yamamoto and Iwakuma, 2018; Zhang et al., 2022). TP53 has extensively been studied as a therapeutic target as well as for drug development and therapies, however with limited success. Achieving targeted therapies for restoration of WTp53 function and depletion or repair of mutant p53 (mutp53) will have far reaching implication in cancer treatment and therapies. This review briefly discusses the role of p53 mutation in cancer and the therapeutic potential of restoring WTp53 through the advances in mRNA nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kamath
- The University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Cancer Biology, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, mailstop 1071, 66160 Kansas City, KS, USA.
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Children's Mercy Hospital, Adele Hall Campus, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
| | - Stefan H Bossmann
- The University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Cancer Biology, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, mailstop 1071, 66160 Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kramps T. Introduction to RNA Vaccines Post COVID-19. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:1-22. [PMID: 38814388 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_1] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Available prophylactic vaccines help prevent many infectious diseases that burden humanity. Future vaccinology will likely extend these benefits by more effectively countering newly emerging pathogens, fighting currently intractable infections, or even generating novel treatment modalities for non-infectious diseases. Instead of applying protein antigen directly, RNA vaccines contain short-lived genetic information that guides the expression of protein antigen in the vaccinee, like infection with a recombinant viral vector. Upon decades of research, messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines have proven clinical value in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as they combine benefits of killed subunit vaccines and live-attenuated vectors, including flexible production, self-adjuvanting effects, and stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity. RNA vaccines remain subject to continued development raising high hopes for broader future application. Their mechanistic versatility promises to make them a key tool of vaccinology and immunotherapy going forward. Here, I briefly review key developments in RNA vaccines and outline the contents of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology.
Collapse
|
30
|
Cortez CT, Murphy RO, Owens IM, Beckmann JF. Use of Drosophila Transgenics to Identify Functions for Symbiont Effectors. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2739:301-320. [PMID: 38006559 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3553-7_18] [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: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia, one of the most successful and studied insect symbionts, and Drosophila, one of the most understood model insects, can be exploited as complementary tools to unravel mechanisms of insect symbiosis. Although Wolbachia itself cannot be grown axenically as clonal isolates or genetically manipulated by standard methods, its reproductive phenotypes, including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), have been elucidated using well-developed molecular tools and precise transgenic manipulations available for Drosophila melanogaster. Current research only scratches the surface of how Drosophila can provide a tool for understanding Wolbachia's evolutionary success and the molecular roles of its genetic elements. Here, we briefly outline basic methodologies inherent to transgenic Drosophila systems that have already contributed significant advances in understanding CI, but may be unfamiliar to those who lack experience in Drosophila genetics. In the future, these approaches will continue providing significant insights into Wolbachia that undoubtedly will be extended to other insect symbionts and their biological capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carai T Cortez
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Richard O Murphy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Isabella M Owens
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - John F Beckmann
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu Y, Yang Q, Guo Y, Jiang Y, Zhu H, Yang B. New insights of flavonoid glycosidases and their application in food industry. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38117083 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2294167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are significant natural nutraceuticals and a key component of dietary supplements. Given that flavonoid glycosides are more plentiful in nature and less beneficial to human health than their aglycone counterparts, they serve as potential precursors for flavonoid production. Glycosidases have shown substantial potential within the food industry, particularly in enhancing the organoleptic properties of juice, wine, and tea. When applied to food resources, glycosidases can amplify their biological activities, thereby improving the performance of functional foods. This review provides up-to-date information on flavonoid glycosidases, including their catalytic mechanisms, biochemical properties, and natural sources, as well as their applications within the food industry. The use of flavonoid glycosidases in improving food quality is also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Functional Food Group, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Functional Food Group, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Functional Food Group, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yueming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Functional Food Group, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Functional Food Group, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Functional Food Group, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fang J, Sheng L, Ye Y, Ji J, Sun J, Zhang Y, Sun X. Recent advances in biosynthesis of mycotoxin-degrading enzymes and their applications in food and feed. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-17. [PMID: 38108665 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2294166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in food and feed, which can cause serious health problems. Bioenzymatic degradation is gaining increasing popularity due to its high specificity, gentle degradation conditions, and environmental friendliness. We reviewed recently reported biosynthetic mycotoxin-degrading enzymes, traditional and novel expression systems, enzyme optimization strategies, food and feed applications, safety evaluation of both degrading enzymes and degradation products, and commercialization potentials. Special emphasis is given to the novel expression systems, advanced optimization strategies, and safety considerations for industrial use. Over ten types of recombinases such as oxidoreductase and hydrolase have been studied in the enzymatic hydrolysis of mycotoxins. Besides traditional expression system of Escherichia coli and yeasts, these enzymes can also be expressed in novel systems such as Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria. To meet the requirements of industrial applications in terms of degradation efficacy and stability, genetic engineering and computational tools are used to optimize enzymatic expression. Currently, registration and technical difficulties have restricted commercial application of mycotoxin-degrading enzymes. To overcome these obstacles, systematic safety evaluation of both biosynthetic enzymes and their degradation products, in-depth understanding of degradation mechanisms and a comprehensive evaluation of their impact on food and feed quality are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinpei Fang
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| | - Lina Sheng
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| | - Yongli Ye
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| | - Jian Ji
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| | - Jiadi Sun
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| | - Yinzhi Zhang
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| | - Xiulan Sun
- School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu, P.R China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zahmanova G, Aljabali AAA, Takova K, Minkov G, Tambuwala MM, Minkov I, Lomonossoff GP. Green Biologics: Harnessing the Power of Plants to Produce Pharmaceuticals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17575. [PMID: 38139405 PMCID: PMC10743837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417575] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are increasingly used for the production of high-quality biological molecules for use as pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in industry. Plants have proved that they can produce life-saving therapeutic proteins (Elelyso™-Gaucher's disease treatment, ZMapp™-anti-Ebola monoclonal antibodies, seasonal flu vaccine, Covifenz™-SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccine); however, some of these therapeutic proteins are difficult to bring to market, which leads to serious difficulties for the manufacturing companies. The closure of one of the leading companies in the sector (the Canadian biotech company Medicago Inc., producer of Covifenz) as a result of the withdrawal of investments from the parent company has led to the serious question: What is hindering the exploitation of plant-made biologics to improve health outcomes? Exploring the vast potential of plants as biological factories, this review provides an updated perspective on plant-derived biologics (PDB). A key focus is placed on the advancements in plant-based expression systems and highlighting cutting-edge technologies that streamline the production of complex protein-based biologics. The versatility of plant-derived biologics across diverse fields, such as human and animal health, industry, and agriculture, is emphasized. This review also meticulously examines regulatory considerations specific to plant-derived biologics, shedding light on the disparities faced compared to biologics produced in other systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Alaa A. A. Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
| | - George Minkov
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pritam M. Exploring the whole proteome of monkeypox virus to design B cell epitope-based oral vaccines using immunoinformatics approaches. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 252:126498. [PMID: 37640189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126498] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In the last few months 85,536 cases and 91 deaths were reported for monkeypox disease from 110 and 71 locations from all over the world, correspondingly. The vaccines of other viruses that belong to the Poxviridae family were recommended for monkeypox. There is no licensed vaccine available for monkeypox that originated from monkeypox virus. In the present study, using the reverse vaccinology approach we have performed whole proteome analysis of monkeypox virus to screen out the potential antigenic proteins that can be used as vaccine candidates. We have also designed 12 B cell epitopes-based vaccine candidates using immunoinformatics approach. We have found a total 15 potential antigenic proteins out of which 14 antigens are novel and can be used for further vaccine development against monkeypox. We have performed the physicochemical properties, antigenic, immunogenic and allergenicity prediction of the designed vaccine candidates MPOXVs (MPOXV1-MPOXV12). Further, we have performed molecular docking, in silico immune simulation and cloning of MPOXVs. All MPOXVs are potential vaccine candidate that can potentially activate the innate, cellular, and humoral immune response. However, further experimental validation is required before moving to clinical trials. This is the first oral vaccine reported for monkeypox virus derived from monkeypox proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pritam
- Department of Biotechnology, AMITY University Lucknow Campus, India; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu P, Li W, Peng Y, Han S, Liang Z, Cen Y, Li X, Wang P, Lv H, Zhang Q, Chen H, Lin J. Molecular cloning, expression, and functional analysis of a putative lectin from the pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata, Gould 1850). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 143:109215. [PMID: 37951320 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine lectins are a group of proteins that possess specific carbohydrate recognition and binding domains. They exhibit various activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, a novel galectin-binding lectin gene named PFL-96 (GenBank: OQ561753.1) was cloned from Pinctada fucata. The PFL-96 gene has an open reading frame of 324 base pairs (bp) and encodes a protein comprising 107 amino acids. The protein has a molecular weight of 11.95 kDa and an isoelectric point of 9.27. It contains an N-terminal signal peptide and a galactose-binding lectin domain. The sequence identity to lectin proteins from fish, echinoderms, coelenterates, and shellfish ranges from 31.90 to 40.00 %. In the phylogenetic analysis, it was found that the PFL-96 protein is closely related to the lectin from Pteria penguin. The PFL-96 recombinant protein exhibited coagulation activity on 2 % rabbit red blood cells at a concentration of ≥8 μg/mL. Additionally, it showed significant hemolytic activity at a concentration of ≥32 μg/mL. The PFL-96 recombinant protein exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Vibrio alginolyticus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 4, 8, 16, and 16 μg/mL, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined to be 8, 16, 32, and 32 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the PFL-96 recombinant protein exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation of Hela tumor cells, HepG2 tumor cells, and C666-1 tumor cells, with IC50 values of 7.962, 8.007, and 9.502 μg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the recombinant protein PFL-96 exhibits significant bioactivity in vitro, contributing to a better understanding of the active compounds found in P. fucata. The present study establishes a fundamental basis for further investigation into the mechanism of action and structural optimization of the recombinant protein PFL-96. The aim is to develop potential candidates for antibacterial and anti-tumor agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China.
| | - Wenyue Li
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yue Peng
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Siyin Han
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Zhongxiu Liang
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yanhui Cen
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Peiyan Wang
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Huiying Lv
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Qingying Zhang
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Comprehensive Laboratory of Medical Innovation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pfeifer BA, Beitelshees M, Hill A, Bassett J, Jones CH. Harnessing synthetic biology for advancing RNA therapeutics and vaccine design. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:60. [PMID: 38036580 PMCID: PMC10689799 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00323-3] [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] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent global events have drawn into focus the diversity of options for combatting disease across a spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. The recent success of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has paved the way for RNA-based treatments to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. However, historical treatment options are continuously updated and reimagined in the context of novel technical developments, such as those facilitated through the application of synthetic biology. When it comes to the development of genetic forms of therapies and vaccines, synthetic biology offers diverse tools and approaches to influence the content, dosage, and breadth of treatment with the prospect of economic advantage provided in time and cost benefits. This can be achieved by utilizing the broad tools within this discipline to enhance the functionality and efficacy of pharmaceutical agent sequences. This review will describe how synthetic biology principles can augment RNA-based treatments through optimizing not only the vaccine antigen, therapeutic construct, therapeutic activity, and delivery vector. The enhancement of RNA vaccine technology through implementing synthetic biology has the potential to shape the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A Pfeifer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Andrew Hill
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10001, USA
| | - Justin Bassett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nuryana I, Laksmi FA, Dewi KS, Akbar FR, Nurhayati, Harmoko R. Codon optimization of a gene encoding DNA polymerase from Pyrococcus furiosus and its expression in Escherichia coli. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:129. [PMID: 37987973 PMCID: PMC10663413 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00605-7] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA polymerase is an essential component in PCR assay for DNA synthesis. Improving DNA polymerase with characteristics indispensable for a powerful assay is crucial because it can be used in wide-range applications. Derived from Pyrococcus furiosus, Pfu DNA polymerase (Pfu pol) is one of the excellent polymerases due to its high fidelity. Therefore, we aimed to develop Pfu pol from a synthetic gene with codon optimization to increase its protein yield in Escherichia coli. RESULTS Recombinant Pfu pol was successfully expressed and purified with a two-step purification process using nickel affinity chromatography, followed by anion exchange chromatography. Subsequently, the purified Pfu pol was confirmed by Western blot analysis, resulting in a molecular weight of approximately 90 kDa. In the final purification process, we successfully obtained a large amount of purified enzyme (26.8 mg/L). Furthermore, the purified Pfu pol showed its functionality and efficiency when tested for DNA amplification using the standard PCR. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a high-level expression of recombinant Pfu pol was achieved by employing our approach in the present study. In the future, our findings will be useful for studies on synthesizing recombinant DNA polymerase in E. coli expression system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isa Nuryana
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Fina Amreta Laksmi
- Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia.
| | - Kartika Sari Dewi
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Faiz Raihan Akbar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro, Jalan Prof Soedarto, SH, Kampus UNDIP Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia
| | - Nurhayati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro, Jalan Prof Soedarto, SH, Kampus UNDIP Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia
| | - Rikno Harmoko
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Schmidt M, Lee N, Zhan C, Roberts JB, Nava AA, Keiser LS, Vilchez AA, Chen Y, Petzold CJ, Haushalter RW, Blank LM, Keasling JD. Maximizing Heterologous Expression of Engineered Type I Polyketide Synthases: Investigating Codon Optimization Strategies. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3366-3380. [PMID: 37851920 PMCID: PMC10661030 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Type I polyketide synthases (T1PKSs) hold enormous potential as a rational production platform for the biosynthesis of specialty chemicals. However, despite great progress in this field, the heterologous expression of PKSs remains a major challenge. One of the first measures to improve heterologous gene expression can be codon optimization. Although controversial, choosing the wrong codon optimization strategy can have detrimental effects on the protein and product levels. In this study, we analyzed 11 different codon variants of an engineered T1PKS and investigated in a systematic approach their influence on heterologous expression in Corynebacterium glutamicum, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas putida. Our best performing codon variants exhibited a minimum 50-fold increase in PKS protein levels, which also enabled the production of an unnatural polyketide in each of these hosts. Furthermore, we developed a free online tool (https://basebuddy.lbl.gov) that offers transparent and highly customizable codon optimization with up-to-date codon usage tables. In this work, we not only highlight the significance of codon optimization but also establish the groundwork for the high-throughput assembly and characterization of PKS pathways in alternative hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schmidt
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Institute
of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), Aachen Biology and Biotechnology (ABBt), RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Namil Lee
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Chunjun Zhan
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jacob B. Roberts
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Joint
Program in Bioengineering, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Alberto A. Nava
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Leah S. Keiser
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Aaron A. Vilchez
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Yan Chen
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Christopher J. Petzold
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Robert W. Haushalter
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Lars M. Blank
- Institute
of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), Aachen Biology and Biotechnology (ABBt), RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jay D. Keasling
- Joint
BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Joint
Program in Bioengineering, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- The
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Center
for Synthetic Biochemistry, Institute for
Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes for Advanced Technologies, Shenzhen 518071, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Parthiban S, Vijeesh T, Gayathri T, Shanmugaraj B, Sharma A, Sathishkumar R. Artificial intelligence-driven systems engineering for next-generation plant-derived biopharmaceuticals. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1252166. [PMID: 38034587 PMCID: PMC10684705 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1252166] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant biopharmaceuticals including antigens, antibodies, hormones, cytokines, single-chain variable fragments, and peptides have been used as vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Plant molecular pharming is a robust platform that uses plants as an expression system to produce simple and complex recombinant biopharmaceuticals on a large scale. Plant system has several advantages over other host systems such as humanized expression, glycosylation, scalability, reduced risk of human or animal pathogenic contaminants, rapid and cost-effective production. Despite many advantages, the expression of recombinant proteins in plant system is hindered by some factors such as non-human post-translational modifications, protein misfolding, conformation changes and instability. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in various fields of biotechnology and in the aspect of plant molecular pharming, a significant increase in yield and stability can be achieved with the intervention of AI-based multi-approach to overcome the hindrance factors. Current limitations of plant-based recombinant biopharmaceutical production can be circumvented with the aid of synthetic biology tools and AI algorithms in plant-based glycan engineering for protein folding, stability, viability, catalytic activity and organelle targeting. The AI models, including but not limited to, neural network, support vector machines, linear regression, Gaussian process and regressor ensemble, work by predicting the training and experimental data sets to design and validate the protein structures thereby optimizing properties such as thermostability, catalytic activity, antibody affinity, and protein folding. This review focuses on, integrating systems engineering approaches and AI-based machine learning and deep learning algorithms in protein engineering and host engineering to augment protein production in plant systems to meet the ever-expanding therapeutics market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Parthiban
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Thandarvalli Vijeesh
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Thashanamoorthi Gayathri
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Centre of Bioengineering, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Ramalingam Sathishkumar
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wang S, Chen R, Yuan L, Zhang C, Liang D, Qiao J. Molecular and Functional Analyses of Characterized Sesquiterpene Synthases in Mushroom-Forming Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1017. [PMID: 37888273 PMCID: PMC10608071 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101017] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpenes are a type of abundant natural product with widespread applications in several industries. They are biosynthesized by sesquiterpene synthases (STSs). As valuable and abundant biological resources, mushroom-forming fungi are rich in new sesquiterpenes and STSs, which remain largely unexploited. In the present study, we collected information on 172 STSs from mushroom-forming fungi with experimentally characterized products from the literature and sorted them to develop a dataset. Furthermore, we analyzed and discussed the phylogenetic tree, catalytic products, and conserved motifs of STSs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the STSs were clustered into four clades. Furthermore, their cyclization reaction mechanism was divided into four corresponding categories. This database was used to predict 12 putative STS genes from the edible fungi Flammulina velutipes. Finally, three FvSTSs were selected to experimentally characterize their functions. FvSTS03 predominantly produced Δ-cadinol and FvSTS08 synthesized β-barbatene as the main product; these findings were consistent with those of the functional prediction analysis. A product titer of 78.8 mg/L β-barbatene was achieved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via metabolic engineering. Our study findings will help screen or design STSs from fungi with specific product profiles as functional elements for applications in synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (S.W.); (R.C.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China;
| | - Ruiqi Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (S.W.); (R.C.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China;
| | - Lin Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (S.W.); (R.C.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China;
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Dongmei Liang
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China;
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (S.W.); (R.C.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Varghese R, Buragohain T, Banerjee I, Mukherjee R, Penshanwar SN, Agasti S, Ramamoorthy S. The apocarotenoid production in microbial biofactories: An overview. J Biotechnol 2023; 374:5-16. [PMID: 37499877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.07.009] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are a vast group of natural pigments that come in a variety of colors ranging from red to orange. Apocarotenoids are derived from these carotenoids, which are hormones, pigments, retinoids, and volatiles employed in the textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Due to the high commercial value and poor natural host abundance, they are significantly undersupplied. Microbes like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli act as heterologous hosts for apocarotenoid production. This article briefly reviews categories of apocarotenoids, their biosynthetic pathway commencing from the MVA and MEP, its significance, the tool enzymes for apocarotenoid biosynthesis like CCDs, their biotechnological production in microbial factories, and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ressin Varghese
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tinamoni Buragohain
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ishani Banerjee
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rishyani Mukherjee
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shraddha Naresh Penshanwar
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Swapna Agasti
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Siva Ramamoorthy
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Timilsina M, Fey D, Buosi S, Janik A, Costabello L, Carcereny E, Abreu DR, Cobo M, Castro RL, Bernabé R, Minervini P, Torrente M, Provencio M, Nováček V. Synergy between imputed genetic pathway and clinical information for predicting recurrence in early stage non-small cell lung cancer. J Biomed Inform 2023; 144:104424. [PMID: 37352900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2023.104424] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lung cancer exhibits unpredictable recurrence in low-stage tumors and variable responses to different therapeutic interventions. Predicting relapse in early-stage lung cancer can facilitate precision medicine and improve patient survivability. While existing machine learning models rely on clinical data, incorporating genomic information could enhance their efficiency. This study aims to impute and integrate specific types of genomic data with clinical data to improve the accuracy of machine learning models for predicting relapse in early-stage, non-small cell lung cancer patients. METHODS The study utilized a publicly available TCGA lung cancer cohort and imputed genetic pathway scores into the Spanish Lung Cancer Group (SLCG) data, specifically in 1348 early-stage patients. Initially, tumor recurrence was predicted without imputed pathway scores. Subsequently, the SLCG data were augmented with pathway scores imputed from TCGA. The integrative approach aimed to enhance relapse risk prediction performance. RESULTS The integrative approach achieved improved relapse risk prediction with the following evaluation metrics: an area under the precision-recall curve (PR-AUC) score of 0.75, an area under the ROC (ROC-AUC) score of 0.80, an F1 score of 0.61, and a Precision of 0.80. The prediction explanation model SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) was employed to explain the machine learning model's predictions. CONCLUSION We conclude that our explainable predictive model is a promising tool for oncologists that addresses an unmet clinical need of post-treatment patient stratification based on the relapse risk while also improving the predictive power by incorporating proxy genomic data not available for specific patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Timilsina
- Data Science Institute, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - Dirk Fey
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Samuele Buosi
- Data Science Institute, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | | | | | - Enric Carcereny
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, B-ARGO, IGTP, Badalona, Spain.
| | | | - Manuel Cobo
- Medical Oncology Intercenter Unit. Regional and Virgen de la Victoria University Hospitals. IBIMA. Málaga., Spain.
| | | | - Reyes Bernabé
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain.
| | | | - Maria Torrente
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mariano Provencio
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Vít Nováček
- Data Science Institute, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University of Galway, Ireland; Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic; Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Liu D, Garrigues S, de Vries RP. Heterologous protein production in filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5019-5033. [PMID: 37405433 PMCID: PMC10386965 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are able to produce a wide range of valuable proteins and enzymes for many industrial applications. Recent advances in fungal genomics and experimental technologies are rapidly changing the approaches for the development and use of filamentous fungi as hosts for the production of both homologous and heterologous proteins. In this review, we highlight the benefits and challenges of using filamentous fungi for the production of heterologous proteins. We review various techniques commonly employed to improve the heterologous protein production in filamentous fungi, such as strong and inducible promoters, codon optimization, more efficient signal peptides for secretion, carrier proteins, engineering of glycosylation sites, regulation of the unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum associated protein degradation, optimization of the intracellular transport process, regulation of unconventional protein secretion, and construction of protease-deficient strains. KEY POINTS: • This review updates the knowledge on heterologous protein production in filamentous fungi. • Several fungal cell factories and potential candidates are discussed. • Insights into improving heterologous gene expression are given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dujuan Liu
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Garrigues
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica Y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ronald P de Vries
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Anwar AM, Khodary SM, Ahmed EA, Osama A, Ezzeldin S, Tanios A, Mahgoub S, Magdeldin S. gtAI: an improved species-specific tRNA adaptation index using the genetic algorithm. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1218518. [PMID: 37469707 PMCID: PMC10352787 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1218518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The tRNA adaptation index (tAI) is a translation efficiency metric that considers weighted values (S ij values) for codon-tRNA wobble interaction efficiencies. The initial implementation of the tAI had significant flaws. For instance, generated S ij weights were optimized based on gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is expected to vary among different species. Consequently, a species-specific approach (stAI) was developed to overcome those limitations. However, the stAI method employed a hill climbing algorithm to optimize the S ij weights, which is not ideal for obtaining the best set of S ij weights because it could struggle to find the global maximum given a complex search space, even after using different starting positions. In addition, it did not perform well in computing the tAI of fungal genomes in comparison with the original implementation. We developed a novel approach named genetic tAI (gtAI) implemented as a Python package (https://github.com/AliYoussef96/gtAI), which employs a genetic algorithm to obtain the best set of S ij weights and follows a new codon usage-based workflow that better computes the tAI of genomes from the three domains of life. The gtAI has significantly improved the correlation with the codon adaptation index (CAI) and the prediction of protein abundance (empirical data) compared to the stAI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mostafa Anwar
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saif M. Khodary
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman Ali Ahmed
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Aya Osama
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shahd Ezzeldin
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Anthony Tanios
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sebaey Mahgoub
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sameh Magdeldin
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Khandia R, Pandey MK, Zaki MEA, Al-Hussain SA, Baklanov I, Gurjar P. Application of codon usage and context analysis in genes up- or down-regulated in neurodegeneration and cancer to combat comorbidities. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1200523. [PMID: 37383425 PMCID: PMC10293642 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1200523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurodegeneration and cancer present in comorbidities with inverse effects due to the expression of genes and pathways acting in opposition. Identifying and studying the genes simultaneously up or downregulated during morbidities helps curb both ailments together. Methods This study examines four genes. Three of these (Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein (APP), Cyclin D1 (CCND1), and Cyclin E2 (CCNE2) are upregulated, and one protein phosphatase 2 phosphatase activator (PTPA) is simultaneously downregulated in both disorders. We investigated molecular patterns, codon usage, codon usage bias, nucleotide bias in the third codon position, preferred codons, preferred codon pairs, rare codons, and codon context. Results Parity analysis revealed that T is preferred over A, and G is preferred over C in the third codon position, suggesting composition plays no role in nucleotide bias in both the upregulated and downregulated gene sets and that mutational forces are stronger in upregulated gene sets than in downregulated ones. Transcript length influenced the overall %A composition and codon bias, and the codon AGG exerted the strongest influence on codon usage in both the upregulated and downregulated gene sets. Codons ending in G/C were preferred for 16 amino acids, and glutamic acid-, aspartic acid-, leucine-, valine-, and phenylalanine-initiated codon pairs were preferred in all genes. Codons CTA (Leu), GTA (Val), CAA (Gln), and CGT (Arg) were underrepresented in all examined genes. Discussion Using advanced gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas or any other gene augmentation technique, these recoded genes may be introduced into the human body to optimize gene expression levels to augment neurodegeneration and cancer therapeutic regimens simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Megha Katare Pandey
- Translational Medicine Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
| | - Magdi E. A. Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami A. Al-Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Igor Baklanov
- Department of Philosophy, North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Pankaj Gurjar
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Firdaus MER, Mustopa AZ, Ekawati N, Chairunnisa S, Arifah RK, Hertati A, Irawan S, Prastyowati A, Kusumawati A, Nurfatwa M. Optimization, characterization, comparison of self-assembly VLP of capsid protein L1 in yeast and reverse vaccinology design against human papillomavirus type 52. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37222880 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is the one of the agendas of many countries to reduce cervical cancer caused by the Human papillomavirus. Currently, VLP-based vaccine is the most potent vaccine against HPV, which could be produced by a variety of expression systems. Our study focuses on a comparison of recombinant protein expression L1 HPV52 using two common yeasts, Pichia pastoris and Hansenula polymorpha that have been used for vaccine production on an industrial scale. We also applied bioinformatics approach using reverse vaccinology to design alternative multi-epitope vaccines in recombinant protein and mRNA types. RESULTS Our study found that P. pastoris relatively provided higher level of L1 protein expression and production efficiency compared to H. polymorpha in a batch system. However, both hosts showed self-assembly VLP formation and stable integration during protein induction. The vaccine we have designed exhibited high immune activation and safe in computational prediction. It is also potentially suitable for production in a variety of expression systems. CONCLUSION By monitoring the overall optimization parameter assessment, this study can be used as the basis reference for large-scale production of the HPV52 vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moh Egy Rahman Firdaus
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
- Current Address: Laboratory of Structural Virology, The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMOL), Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Apon Zaenal Mustopa
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia.
| | - Nurlaili Ekawati
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Sheila Chairunnisa
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Rosyida Khusniatul Arifah
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Ai Hertati
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Shasmita Irawan
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Anika Prastyowati
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Arizah Kusumawati
- Directorate of Laboratory Management Research Facilities, Science and Technology Park, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Maritsa Nurfatwa
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Khandia R, Pandey MK, Rzhepakovsky IV, Khan AA, Alexiou A. Synonymous Codon Variant Analysis for Autophagic Genes Dysregulated in Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2252-2267. [PMID: 36637744 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03081-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are often a culmination of the accumulation of abnormally folded proteins and defective organelles. Autophagy is a process of removing these defective proteins, organelles, and harmful substances from the body, and it works to maintain homeostasis. If autophagic removal of defective proteins has interfered, it affects neuronal health. Some of the autophagic genes are specifically found to be associated with neurodegenerative phenotypes. Non-functional, mutated, or gene copies having silent mutations, often termed synonymous variants, might explain this. However, these synonymous variant which codes for exactly similar proteins have different translation rates, stability, and gene expression profiling. Hence, it would be interesting to study the pattern of synonymous variant usage. In the study, synonymous variant usage in various transcripts of autophagic genes ATG5, ATG7, ATG8A, ATG16, and ATG17/FIP200 reported to cause neurodegeneration (if dysregulated) is studied. These genes were analyzed for their synonymous variant usage; nucleotide composition; any possible nucleotide skew in a gene; physical properties of autophagic protein including GRAVY and AROMA; hydropathicity; instability index; and frequency of acidic, basic, neutral amino acids; and gene expression level. The study will help understand various evolutionary forces acting on these genes and the possible augmentation of a gene if showing unusual behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, 462026, India.
| | - Megha Katare Pandey
- Department of Translational Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, 462020, India
| | | | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, Australia
- AFNP Med, Wien, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kakakhel S, Ahmad A, Mahdi WA, Alshehri S, Aiman S, Begum S, Shams S, Kamal M, Imran M, Shakeel F, Khan A. Annotation of Potential Vaccine Targets and Designing of mRNA-Based Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Lumpy Skin Disease Virus via Reverse Vaccinology and Agent-Based Modeling. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040430. [PMID: 37106617 PMCID: PMC10135540 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lumpy skin disease is a fatal emerging disease of cattle, which has started to gain extensive attention due to its rapid incursions across the globe. The disease epidemic causes economic loss and cattle morbidity. Currently, there are no specific treatments and safe vaccines against the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) to halt the spread of the disease. The current study uses genome-scan vaccinomics analyses to prioritize promiscuous vaccine candidate proteins of the LSDV. These proteins were subjected to top-ranked B- and T-cell epitope prediction based on their antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity values. The shortlisted epitopes were connected using appropriate linkers and adjuvant sequences to design multi-epitope vaccine constructs. Three vaccine constructs were prioritized based on their immunological and physicochemical properties. The model constructs were back-translated to nucleotide sequences and codons were optimized. The Kozak sequence with a start codon along with MITD, tPA, Goblin 5′, 3′ UTRs, and a poly(A) tail sequences were added to design a stable and highly immunogenic mRNA vaccine. Molecular docking followed by MD simulation analysis predicted significant binding affinity and stability of LSDV-V2 construct within bovine immune receptors and predicted it to be the top-ranked candidate to stimulate the humeral and cellular immunogenic responses. Furthermore, in silico restriction cloning predicted feasible gene expression of the LSDV-V2 construct in a bacterial expression vector. It could prove worthwhile to validate the predicted vaccine models experimentally and clinically against LSDV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Kakakhel
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
| | - Wael A. Mahdi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Aiman
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Sara Begum
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
| | - Sulaiman Shams
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd. Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faiyaz Shakeel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asifullah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Miserez A, Yu J, Mohammadi P. Protein-Based Biological Materials: Molecular Design and Artificial Production. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2049-2111. [PMID: 36692900 PMCID: PMC9999432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric materials produced from fossil fuels have been intimately linked to the development of industrial activities in the 20th century and, consequently, to the transformation of our way of living. While this has brought many benefits, the fabrication and disposal of these materials is bringing enormous sustainable challenges. Thus, materials that are produced in a more sustainable fashion and whose degradation products are harmless to the environment are urgently needed. Natural biopolymers─which can compete with and sometimes surpass the performance of synthetic polymers─provide a great source of inspiration. They are made of natural chemicals, under benign environmental conditions, and their degradation products are harmless. Before these materials can be synthetically replicated, it is essential to elucidate their chemical design and biofabrication. For protein-based materials, this means obtaining the complete sequences of the proteinaceous building blocks, a task that historically took decades of research. Thus, we start this review with a historical perspective on early efforts to obtain the primary sequences of load-bearing proteins, followed by the latest developments in sequencing and proteomic technologies that have greatly accelerated sequencing of extracellular proteins. Next, four main classes of protein materials are presented, namely fibrous materials, bioelastomers exhibiting high reversible deformability, hard bulk materials, and biological adhesives. In each class, we focus on the design at the primary and secondary structure levels and discuss their interplays with the mechanical response. We finally discuss earlier and the latest research to artificially produce protein-based materials using biotechnology and synthetic biology, including current developments by start-up companies to scale-up the production of proteinaceous materials in an economically viable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Miserez
- Center
for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
(NTU), Singapore637553
- School
of Biological Sciences, NTU, Singapore637551
| | - Jing Yu
- Center
for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
(NTU), Singapore637553
- Institute
for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), NTU, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore637553
| | - Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, UusimaaFI-02044, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pouresmaeil M, Dall'Ara M, Salvato M, Turri V, Ratti C. Cauliflower mosaic virus: Virus-host interactions and its uses in biotechnology and medicine. Virology 2023; 580:112-119. [PMID: 36812696 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) was the first discovered plant virus with genomic DNA that uses reverse transcriptase for replication. The CaMV 35S promoter is a constitutive promoter and thus, an attractive driver of gene expression in plant biotechnology. It is used in most transgenic crops to activate foreign genes which have been artificially inserted into the host plant. In the last century, producing food for the world's population while preserving the environment and human health is the main topic of agriculture. The damage caused by viral diseases has a significant negative economic impact on agriculture, and disease control is based on two strategies: immunization and prevention to contain virus spread, so correct identification of plant viruses is important for disease management. Here, we discuss CaMV from different aspects: taxonomy, structure and genome, host plants and symptoms, transmission and pathogenicity, prevention, control and application in biotechnology as well as in medicine. Also, we calculated the CAI index for three ORFs IV, V, and VI of the CaMV virus in host plants, the results of which can be used in the discussion of gene transfer or antibody production to identify the CaMV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Pouresmaeil
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mattia Dall'Ara
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Salvato
- University of Maryland, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Valentina Turri
- Healthcare Direction, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio e La Cura Dei Tumori, IRCCS, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Claudio Ratti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|