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Qiao F, Binknowski TA, Broughan I, Chen W, Natarajan A, Schiltz GE, Scheidt KA, Anderson WF, Bergan R. Protein Structure Inspired Drug Discovery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.17.594634. [PMID: 38826221 PMCID: PMC11142055 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.17.594634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Drug discovery starts with known function, either of a compound or a protein, in-turn prompting investigations to probe 3D structure of the compound-protein interface. As protein structure determines function, we hypothesized that unique 3D structural motifs represent primary information denoting unique function that can drive discovery of novel agents. Using a physics-based protein structure analysis platform developed by us, designed to conduct computationally intensive analysis at supercomputing speeds, we probed a high-resolution protein x-ray crystallographic library developed by us. We selected 3D structural motifs whose function was not otherwise established, that offered environments supporting binding of drug-like chemicals and were present on proteins that were not established therapeutic targets. For each of eight potential binding pockets on six different proteins we accessed a 60 million compound library and used our analysis platform to evaluate binding. Using eight-day colony formation assays acquired compounds were screened for efficacy against human breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer cells and toxicity against human bone marrow stem cells. Compounds selectively inhibiting cancer growth segregated to two pockets on separate proteins. The compound, Dxr2-017, exhibited selective activity against human melanoma cells in the NCI-60 cell line screen, had an IC50 of 19 nM against human melanoma M14 cells in our eight-day assay, while over 2100-fold higher concentrations inhibited stem cells by less than 30%. We show that Dxr2-017 induces anoikis, a unique form of programmed cell death in need of targeted therapeutics. The predicted target protein for Dxr2-017 is expressed in bacteria, not in humans. This supports our strategy of focusing on unique 3D structural motifs. It is known that functionally important 3D structures are evolutionarily conserved. Here we demonstrate proof-of-concept that protein structure represents high value primary data to support discovery of novel therapeutics. This approach is widely applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Qiao
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | | | - Irene Broughan
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Weining Chen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Gary E. Schiltz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Karl A. Scheidt
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Wayne F. Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Raymond Bergan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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Xiao Y, Tan X, He Q, Yang S. Systematic metabolic engineering of Zymomonas mobilis for β-farnesene production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1392556. [PMID: 38827034 PMCID: PMC11140730 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1392556] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Zymomonas mobilis is an ethanologenic bacterium that can produce hopanoids using farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), which can be used as the precursor by β-farnesene synthase for β-farnesene production. To explore the possibility and bottlenecks of developing Z. mobilis for β-farnesene production, five heterologous β-farnesene synthases were selected and screened, and AaBFS from Artemisia annua had the highest β-farnesene titer. Recombinant strains with AaBFS driven by the strong constitutive promoter Pgap (Pgap-AaBFS) doubled its β-farnesene production to 25.73 ± 0.31 mg/L compared to the recombinant strain with AaBFS driven by Ptet (Ptet-AaBFS), which can be further improved by overexpressing the Pgap-AaBFS construct using the strategies of multiple plasmids (41.00 ± 0.40 mg/L) or genomic multi-locus integration (48.33 ± 3.40 mg/L). The effect of cofactor NADPH balancing on β-farnesene production was also investigated, which can be improved only in zwf-overexpressing strains but not in ppnK-overexpressing strains, indicating that cofactor balancing is important and sophisticated. Furthermore, the β-farnesene titer was improved to 73.30 ± 0.71 mg/L by overexpressing dxs, ispG, and ispH. Finally, the β-farnesene production was increased to 159.70 ± 7.21 mg/L by fermentation optimization, including the C/N ratio, flask working volume, and medium/dodecane ratio, which was nearly 13-fold improved from the parental strain. This work thus not only generated a recombinant β-farnesene production Z. mobilis strain but also unraveled the bottlenecks to engineer Z. mobilis for farnesene production, which will help guide the future rational design and construction of cell factories for terpenoid production in non-model industrial microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qiaoning He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shihui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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3
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Solano YJ, Kiser PD. Double-duty isomerases: a case study of isomerization-coupled enzymatic catalysis. Trends Biochem Sci 2024:S0968-0004(24)00107-5. [PMID: 38760195 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.04.007] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes can usually be unambiguously assigned to one of seven classes specifying the basic chemistry of their catalyzed reactions. Less frequently, two or more reaction classes are catalyzed by a single enzyme within one active site. Two examples are an isomerohydrolase and an isomero-oxygenase that catalyze isomerization-coupled reactions crucial for production of vision-supporting 11-cis-retinoids. In these enzymes, isomerization is obligately paired and mechanistically intertwined with a second reaction class. A handful of other enzymes carrying out similarly coupled isomerization reactions have been described, some of which have been subjected to detailed structure-function analyses. Herein we review these rarefied enzymes, focusing on the mechanistic and structural basis of their reaction coupling with the goal of revealing catalytic commonalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen J Solano
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA.
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Abdullaziz MA, Takada S, Illarionov B, Pessanha de Carvalho L, Sakamoto Y, Höfmann S, Knak T, Kiffe-Delf AL, Mazzone F, Pfeffer K, Kalscheuer R, Bacher A, Held J, Fischer M, Tanaka N, Kurz T. Reverse N-Substituted Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives of Fosmidomycin Target a Previously Unknown Subpocket of 1-Deoxy-d-xylulose 5-Phosphate Reductoisomerase (DXR). ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1739-1752. [PMID: 38647213 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00100] [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: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Reverse analogs of the phosphonohydroxamic acid antibiotic fosmidomycin are potent inhibitors of the nonmevalonate isoprenoid biosynthesis enzyme 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR, IspC) of Plasmodium falciparum. Some novel analogs with large phenylalkyl substituents at the hydroxamic acid nitrogen exhibit nanomolar PfDXR inhibition and potent in vitro growth inhibition of P. falciparum parasites coupled with good parasite selectivity. X-ray crystallographic studies demonstrated that the N-phenylpropyl substituent of the newly developed lead compound 13e is accommodated in a subpocket within the DXR catalytic domain but does not reach the NADPH binding pocket of the N-terminal domain. As shown for reverse carba and thia analogs, PfDXR selectively binds the S-enantiomer of the new lead compound. In addition, some representatives of the novel inhibitor subclass are nanomolar Escherichia coli DXR inhibitors, whereas the inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DXR is considerably weaker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Abdullaziz
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- National Research Centre (NRC), 33 El Buhouth St, Ad Doqi, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Sana Takada
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Boris Illarionov
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Universität Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lais Pessanha de Carvalho
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yasumitsu Sakamoto
- School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate 028-3694, Japan
| | - Stefan Höfmann
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Talea Knak
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna-Lene Kiffe-Delf
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Flaminia Mazzone
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rainer Kalscheuer
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Adelbert Bacher
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Universität Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 10, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jana Held
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Fischer
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Universität Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nobutada Tanaka
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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5
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Jitsukawa T, Watanabe S, Shigeri Y, Fujisaki S. Quantification of polyprenyl diphosphates in Escherichia coli cells using high-performance liquid chromatography. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2024; 88:429-436. [PMID: 38192035 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Dephosphorylation of undecaprenyl diphosphate is a crucial step in the synthesis of undecaprenyl phosphate, which is essential for cell wall synthesis. We have developed a method for the quantification of intracellular polyprenyl diphosphates, which have never before been measured directly. Polyprenyl phosphates and diphosphates prepared by chemical phosphorylation of polyprenols from Staphylococcus aureus were used to establish the conditions for fractionation by ion-exchange chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). By using an elution solvent containing tetraethylammonium phosphate as an ion-pair reagent for HPLC, polyprenyl phosphate and polyprenyl diphosphate with carbon numbers from 40 to 55 could be detected as separate peaks from the reversed-phase column. This analytical method was applied to lipids extracted from Escherichia coli to determine the intracellular levels of octaprenyl phosphate, undecaprenyl phosphate, octaprenyl diphosphate, and undecaprenyl diphosphate. This is the first report of separate measurement of cellular levels of polyprenyl phosphates and polyprenyl diphosphates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotaka Jitsukawa
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Soichiro Watanabe
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shigeri
- Department of Chemistry, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shingo Fujisaki
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
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Aziz S, Waqas M, Naz HF, Halim SA, Jan A, Muhsinah AB, Khan A, Al-Harrasi A. Identification of novel compounds and repurposing of FDA drugs for 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase enzyme of Plasmodium falciparum to combat malaria resistance. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128672. [PMID: 38092105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128672] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The rise of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is a significant concern in the fight against malaria. This situation calls for the search for novel anti-malarial candidates. 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (IspC) is a potential target involved in various cellular processes in P. falciparum (Pf). We screened ∼0.69 billion novel compounds from the ZINC20 library and repurposed ∼1400 FDA drugs using computational drug discovery methods against PfIspC. Following our computational pipeline, we found five novel ZINC20 compounds (Z-2, Z-3, Z-10, Z-13, and Z-14) and three FDA drugs (Aliskiren, Ceftolozane, and Ombitasvir) that showed striking docking energy (ranging from -8.405 to -10.834 kcal/mol), and strong interactions with key binding site residues (Ser269, Ser270, Ser306, Asn311, Lys312, and Met360) of PfIspC. The novel anti-malarial compounds also exhibited favorable pharmacokinetics and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, through molecular dynamics simulation, we observed the stable dynamics of PfIspC-inhibitor complexes and the influence of inhibitor binding on the protein's conformational arrangements. Notably, the binding free energy estimation confirmed high binding affinity (varied from -11.68 to -33.16 kcal/mol) of these compounds for PfIspC. Our findings could contribute to the ongoing efforts in combating malaria and invite experimental-lab researchers for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahkaar Aziz
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University, Mansehra 21120, Pakistan; Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, 616 Nizwa, Oman
| | - Hafiza Farah Naz
- Department of Biotechnology, , Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, 616 Nizwa, Oman
| | - Afnan Jan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullatif Bin Muhsinah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, 616 Nizwa, Oman.
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, 616 Nizwa, Oman.
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7
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Wierz JC, Gimmel ML, Huthmacher S, Engl T, Kaltenpoth M. Evolutionary history of tyrosine-supplementing endosymbionts in pollen-feeding beetles. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae080. [PMID: 38861456 PMCID: PMC11191362 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae080] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Many insects feeding on nutritionally challenging diets like plant sap, leaves, or wood engage in ancient associations with bacterial symbionts that supplement limiting nutrients or produce digestive or detoxifying enzymes. However, the distribution, function, and evolutionary dynamics of microbial symbionts in insects exploiting other plant tissues or relying on a predacious diet remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history and function of the intracellular gamma-proteobacterial symbiont "Candidatus Dasytiphilus stammeri" in soft-winged flower beetles (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Dasytinae) that transition from saprophagy or carnivory to palynivory (pollen-feeding) between larval and adult stage. Reconstructing the distribution of the symbiont within the Dasytinae phylogeny unraveled not only a long-term coevolution, originating from a single acquisition event with subsequent host-symbiont codiversification, but also several independent symbiont losses. The analysis of 20 different symbiont genomes revealed that their genomes are severely eroded. However, the universally retained shikimate pathway indicates that the core metabolic contribution to their hosts is the provisioning of tyrosine for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Despite the high degree of similarity in gene content and order across symbiont strains, the capacity to synthesize additional essential amino acids and vitamins and to recycle urea is retained in some but not all symbionts, suggesting ecological differences among host lineages. This report of tyrosine-provisioning symbionts in insects with saprophagous or carnivorous larvae and pollen-feeding adults expands our understanding of tyrosine supplementation as an important symbiont-provided benefit across a broad range of insects with diverse feeding ecologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Wierz
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthew L Gimmel
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
| | - Selina Huthmacher
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Guo M, Lv H, Chen H, Dong S, Zhang J, Liu W, He L, Ma Y, Yu H, Chen S, Luo H. Strategies on biosynthesis and production of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2024; 16:13-26. [PMID: 38375043 PMCID: PMC10874775 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2023.01.007] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are a valuable source of essential medicines and herbal products for healthcare and disease therapy. Compared with chemical synthesis and extraction, the biosynthesis of natural products is a very promising alternative for the successful conservation of medicinal plants, and its rapid development will greatly facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants. Here, we summarize the advances in strategies and methods concerning the biosynthesis and production of natural products of medicinal plants. The strategies and methods mainly include genetic engineering, plant cell culture engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology based on multiple "OMICS" technologies, with paradigms for the biosynthesis of terpenoids and alkaloids. We also highlight the biosynthetic approaches and discuss progress in the production of some valuable natural products, exemplifying compounds such as vindoline (alkaloid), artemisinin and paclitaxel (terpenoids), to illustrate the power of biotechnology in medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoxian Guo
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Haizhou Lv
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuting Dong
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhong Zhang
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanjing Liu
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liu He
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yimian Ma
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Shilin Chen
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Hongmei Luo
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China
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9
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Hamid R, Adam S, Lacour A, Monjas L, Köhnke J, Hirsch AKH. 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae reveals conformational changes upon cofactor binding. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105152. [PMID: 37567475 PMCID: PMC10504544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105152] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The ESKAPE bacteria are the six highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant pathogens that require the most urgent attention for the development of novel antibiotics. Detailed knowledge of target proteins specific to bacteria is essential to develop novel treatment options. The methylerythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway, which is absent in humans, represents a potentially valuable target for the development of novel antibiotics. Within the MEP pathway, the enzyme 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXPS) catalyzes a crucial, rate-limiting first step and a branch point in the biosynthesis of the vitamins B1 and B6. We report the high-resolution crystal structures of DXPS from the important ESKAPE pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae in both the co-factor-bound and the apo forms. We demonstrate that the absence of the cofactor thiamine diphosphate results in conformational changes that lead to disordered loops close to the active site that might be important for the design of potent DXPS inhibitors. Collectively, our results provide important structural details that aid in the assessment of DXPS as a potential target in the ongoing efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawia Hamid
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sebastian Adam
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Antoine Lacour
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Leticia Monjas
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jesko Köhnke
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany; School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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10
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Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of polyprenyl phosphates in Escherichia coli cells in which genes for isoprenoid synthesis are amplified. J Biosci Bioeng 2023; 135:382-388. [PMID: 36868984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2023.02.003] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Overproduction of isopentenyl diphosphate by the amplification of the genes for the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway, dxs and dxr, is known to be deleterious for the growth of Escherichia coli. We hypothesized that overproduction of one of the endogenous isoprenoids, in addition to isopentenyl diphosphate itself, might be the cause of the reported reduced growth rate and attempted to identify the causative agent. In order to analyze polyprenyl phosphates, they were methylated by the reaction with diazomethane. The resulting dimethyl esters of polyprenyl phosphates with carbon numbers from 40 to 60 were quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis detecting ion peaks of the sodium ion adducts. The E. coli was transformed by a multi-copy plasmid carrying both the dxs and dxr genes. Amplification of dxs and dxr significantly increased the levels of polyprenyl phosphates and 2-octaprenylphenol. The levels of Z,E-mixed polyprenyl phosphates with carbon numbers of 50-60 in the strain in which ispB was co-amplified with dxs and dxr were lower than those in the control strain where only dxs and dxr were amplified. The levels of (all-E)-octaprenyl phosphate and 2-octaprenylphenol in the strains in which ispU/rth or crtE was co-amplified with dxs and dxr were lower than those in the control strain. Although the increase in the level of each isoprenoid intermediate was blocked, the growth rates of these strains were not restored. Neither polyprenyl phosphates nor 2-octaprenylphenol can be determined to be the cause of the growth rate reduction seen with dxs and dxr amplification.
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Liu C, Zhao Z, Xu Q, Zhang H, Liu X, Yin C, Yan H, Liu Y. Comparative Genomic Analysis of Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 for Producing Macular Pigment. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020266. [PMID: 36838230 PMCID: PMC9967899 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5, which we previously identified and tested, is a new bacterial strain for producing lutein. Here, based on the next-generation sequencing technology, we analyzed high throughput genomic sequences and compared related functional genes of Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. The genome of Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 has two sets of chromosomes, which is 4,239,716 bp and harbors 3882 protein coding genes. There are 59 protein-coding genes related to the macular pigment (MP) biosynthesis, of which four genes (ackA, pgm, gpmI and pckA) are unique. These genes, pckG, porB, meh, and fldA, are unique in Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. The analysis of Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 genomes gives an insight into the new pathway for MP production. These genes for the transformation of glucose to MP were also found in Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. This study expands the understanding of the pathway for complete biosynthesis of MP by Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hai Yan
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (Y.L.)
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12
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Sharma D, Pareek A, Arya H, Soni R, Rai P, Agrawal A, Nimesh S, Kumar D, Yaragorla S, Bhatt TK. Synthesis and inhibition studies towards the discovery of benzodiazepines as potential antimalarial compounds. Exp Parasitol 2022; 243:108411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Zhang Y, Yang L, Yang J, Hu H, Wei G, Cui J, Xu J. Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal Differences in Terpenoid and Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Cryptomeria fortunei Needles Across Different Seasons. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:862746. [PMID: 35937363 PMCID: PMC9355645 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.862746] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cryptomeria fortunei (Chinese cedar) has outstanding medicinal value due to its abundant flavonoid and terpenoid contents. The metabolite contents of C. fortunei needles differ across different seasons. However, the biosynthetic mechanism of these differentially synthesized metabolites (DSMs) is poorly understood. To improve our understanding of this process, we performed integrated non-targeted metabolomic liquid chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS and GC-MS), and transcriptomic analyses of summer and winter needles. In winter, the C. fortunei needle ultrastructure was damaged, and the chlorophyll content and F v/F m were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced. Based on GC-MS and LC-MS, we obtained 106 and 413 DSMs, respectively; based on transcriptome analysis, we obtained a total of 41.17 Gb of clean data and assembled 33,063 unigenes, including 14,057 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that these DSMs/DEGs were significantly (p < 0.05) enriched in many biosynthesis pathways, such as terpenoids, photosynthates, and flavonoids. Integrated transcriptomic and metabonomic analyses showed that seasonal changes have the greatest impact on photosynthesis pathways, followed by terpenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. In summer Chinese cedar (SCC) needles, DXS, DXR, and ispH in the 2-methyl-pentaerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway and GGPS were highly expressed and promoted the accumulation of terpenoids, especially diterpenoids. In winter Chinese cedar (WCC) needles, 9 genes (HCT, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3'H, F3'5'H, FLS, DFR, and LAR) involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were highly expressed and promoted flavonoid accumulation. This study broadens our understanding of the metabolic and transcriptomic changes in C. fortunei needles caused by seasonal changes and provides a reference regarding the adaptive mechanisms of C. fortunei and the extraction of its metabolites.
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Davis I, Geng J, Liu A. Metalloenzymes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. Methods Enzymol 2022; 671:207-222. [PMID: 35878978 PMCID: PMC9315058 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.01.012] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids are a family of pigment compounds, a subset of which are precursors for vitamin A biosynthesis. These pigments are derived from isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), with geranylgeranyl diphosphate being the first metabolite unique to carotenoid biosynthesis in plants, algae, fungi, some bacteria, and arthropods. This chapter highlights the metal-dependent enzymes involved in synthesizing carotenoids in plants and the current state of knowledge of their cofactors and mechanisms. Emphasis is given to spectroscopic methods used to characterize metal centers. The recently discovered heme-dependent isomerase Z-ISO is presented as a case study in how to interrogate a metalloenzyme. Use of UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopies of a metal center at various oxidation states and with external small molecule probes (CN-, CO, and NO) can provide information about the nature of the metal center, the identity of its ligands, and its mechanism of action. Z-ISO is a histidine/cysteine ligated heme-dependent enzyme that is only active in the ferrous state and possesses redox-linked ligand switching. The choice and design of experiments are discussed as well as the conclusions that can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Davis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
| | - Jiafeng Geng
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aimin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
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15
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Li Y, Li X, Zhang J, Li D, Yan L, You M, Zhang J, Lei X, Chang D, Ji X, An J, Li M, Bai S, Yan J. Physiological and Proteomic Responses of Contrasting Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) Varieties to High Temperature Stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:753011. [PMID: 34956258 PMCID: PMC8695758 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.753011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High temperature (HT) is an important factor for limiting global plant distribution and agricultural production. As the global temperature continues to rise, it is essential to clarify the physiological and molecular mechanisms of alfalfa responding the high temperature, which will contribute to the improvement of heat resistance in leguminous crops. In this study, the physiological and proteomic responses of two alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties contrasting in heat tolerance, MS30 (heat-tolerant) and MS37 (heat-sensitive), were comparatively analyzed under the treatments of continuously rising temperatures for 42 days. The results showed that under the HT stress, the chlorophyll content and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter (Fv/Fm) of alfalfa were significant reduced and some key photosynthesis-related proteins showed a down-regulated trend. Moreover, the content of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the electrolyte leakage (EL) of alfalfa showed an upward trend, which indicates both alfalfa varieties were damaged under HT stress. However, because the antioxidation-reduction and osmotic adjustment ability of MS30 were significantly stronger than MS37, the damage degree of the photosynthetic system and membrane system of MS30 is significantly lower than that of MS37. On this basis, the global proteomics analysis was undertaken by tandem mass tags (TMT) technique, a total of 6,704 proteins were identified and quantified. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that a series of key pathways including photosynthesis, metabolism, adjustment and repair were affected by HT stress. Through analyzing Venn diagrams of two alfalfa varieties, 160 and 213 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) that had dynamic changes under HT stress were identified from MS30 and MS37, respectively. Among these DEPs, we screened out some key DEPs, such as ATP-dependent zinc metalloprotease FTSH protein, vitamin K epoxide reductase family protein, ClpB3, etc., which plays important functions in response to HT stress. In conclusion, the stronger heat-tolerance of MS30 was attributed to its higher adjustment and repair ability, which could cause the metabolic process of MS30 is more conducive to maintaining its survival and growth than MS37, especially at the later period of HT stress. This study provides a useful catalog of the Medicago sativa L. proteomes with the insight into its future genetic improvement of heat-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhu Li
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Daxu Li
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijun Yan
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghong You
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Lei
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Chang
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofei Ji
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinchan An
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingfeng Li
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiqie Bai
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajun Yan
- Institute of Herbaceous Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
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Ball HS, Girma MB, Zainab M, Soojhawon I, Couch RD, Noble SM. Characterization and Inhibition of 1-Deoxy-d-Xylulose 5-Phosphate Reductoisomerase: A Promising Drug Target in Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2987-2998. [PMID: 34672535 PMCID: PMC8594541 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00132] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The ESKAPE pathogens
comprise a group of multidrug-resistant bacteria
that are the leading cause of nosocomial infections worldwide. The
prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains and the relative ease by
which bacteria acquire resistance genes highlight the continual need
for the development of novel antibiotics against new drug targets.
The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is an attractive target
for the development of new antibiotics. The MEP pathway governs the
synthesis of isoprenoids, which are key lipid precursors for vital
cell components such as ubiquinone and bacterial hopanoids. Additionally,
the MEP pathway is entirely distinct from the corresponding mammalian
pathway, the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway, making the first committed
enzyme of the MEP pathway, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate
reductoisomerase (IspC), an attractive target for antibiotic development.
To facilitate drug development against two of the ESKAPE pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella
pneumoniae, we cloned, expressed, purified, and characterized
IspC from these two Gram-negative bacteria. Enzyme inhibition assays
using IspC from these two pathogens, and compounds fosmidomycin and
FR900098, indicate IC50 values ranging from 19.5–45.5
nM. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests with these inhibitors reveal
that A. baumannii is susceptible to
FR900098, whereas K. pneumoniae is
susceptible to both compounds. Finally, to facilitate structure-based
drug design of inhibitors targeting A. baumannii IspC, we determined the 2.5 Å crystal structure of IspC from A. baumannii in complex with inhibitor FR900098,
and cofactors NADPH and magnesium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley S. Ball
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20109, United States of America
- Wound Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Springs, Maryland 20910, United States of America
| | - Misgina B. Girma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20109, United States of America
| | - Mosufa Zainab
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20109, United States of America
| | - Iswarduth Soojhawon
- Wound Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Springs, Maryland 20910, United States of America
| | - Robin D. Couch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20109, United States of America
| | - Schroeder M. Noble
- Wound Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Springs, Maryland 20910, United States of America
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Kianersi F, Pour-Aboughadareh A, Majdi M, Poczai P. Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on Thymol, Carvacrol, Phytochemical Accumulation, and Expression of Key Genes Involved in Thymol/Carvacrol Biosynthetic Pathway in Some Iranian Thyme Species. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11124. [PMID: 34681782 PMCID: PMC8539593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyme species are a good source of thymol and carvacrol, which play a key role in controlling diseases. For the first time, the expression patterns of γ-terpinene synthase (TPS2), CYP71D178, and CYP71D180 genes and the amount of phenolics compounds were evaluated in T. migricus and T. daenensis after different methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments. The highest thymol and carvacrol contents were observed in T. migricus (86.27%) and T. daenensis (17.87%) at MeJA 100 µM, which was consistent with the expression patterns of the three investigated genes. All species treated showed high total phenolic and flavonoid content compared to control plants for which the highest amounts were observed in T. vulgaris treated with 100 µM and 10 µM MeJA. Furthermore, in the 100 µM MeJA treatment, the relative expression of TPS2 and CYP71D178 in T. migricus increased 7.47 and 9.86-fold compared with the control, respectively. The highest level of CYP71D180 transcripts (5.15-fold) was also observed for T. daenensis treated. This finding highlights the notion that thymol was known as the dominant component of the essential oil rather than carvacrol in diffident thyme species. This implies that MeJA at different concentrations influenced metabolic pathways and induced expression changes, resulting in a rise in essential oil levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Kianersi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan P.O. Box 6517838695, Iran;
| | - Alireza Pour-Aboughadareh
- Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj P.O. Box 3183964653, Iran
| | - Mohammad Majdi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj P.O. Box 1517566177, Iran;
- Research Center for Medicinal Plant Breeding and Development, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj P.O. Box 1517566177, Iran
| | - Peter Poczai
- Botany Unit, Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 7, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Negative regulation of plastidial isoprenoid pathway by herbivore-induced β-cyclocitral in Arabidopsis thaliana. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2008747118. [PMID: 33674379 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2008747118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect damage to plants is known to up-regulate defense and down-regulate growth processes. While there are frequent reports about up-regulation of defense signaling and production of defense metabolites in response to herbivory, much less is understood about the mechanisms by which growth and carbon assimilation are down-regulated. Here we demonstrate that insect herbivory down-regulates the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a pathway making primarily metabolites for use in photosynthesis. Simulated feeding by the generalist herbivore Spodoptera littoralis suppressed flux through the MEP pathway and decreased steady-state levels of the intermediate 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DXP). Simulated herbivory also increased reactive oxygen species content which caused the conversion of β-carotene to β-cyclocitral (βCC). This volatile oxidation product affected the MEP pathway by directly inhibiting DXP synthase (DXS), the rate-controlling enzyme of the MEP pathway in Arabidopsis and inducing plant resistance against S. littoralis βCC inhibited both DXS transcript accumulation and DXS activity. Molecular models suggested that βCC binds to DXS at the binding site for the thymine pyrophosphate cofactor and blocks catalysis, which was confirmed by direct assays of βCC with the purified DXS protein in vitro. Another intermediate of the MEP pathway, 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-2, 4-cyclodiphosphate, which is known to stimulate salicylate defense signaling, showed greater accumulation and enhanced export out of the plastid in response to simulated herbivory. Together, our work implicates βCC as a signal of herbivore damage in Arabidopsis that increases defense and decreases flux through the MEP pathway, a pathway involved in growth and carbon assimilation.
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Metabolic engineering for the synthesis of steviol glycosides: current status and future prospects. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:5367-5381. [PMID: 34196745 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
With the pursuit of natural non-calorie sweeteners, steviol glycosides (SGs) have become one of the most popular natural sweeteners in the market. The SGs in Stevia are a mixture of SGs synthesized from steviol (a terpenoid). SGs are diterpenoids. Different SGs depend on the number and position of sugar groups on the core steviol backbone. This diversity comes from the processing of glycoside steviol by various glycosyltransferases. Due to the differences in glycosylation, each SG has unique sensory properties. At present, it is more complicated to extract high-quality SGs from plants, so the excavation of the metabolic pathways of engineered microorganisms to synthesize SGs has been extensively studied. Specifically, the expression of different glycosyltransferases in microbes is key to the synthesis of various SGs by engineered microorganisms. To trigger more researches on the functional characterization of the enzymes encoded by these genes, this review describes the latest research progresses of the related enzymes involved in SG biosynthesis and metabolic engineering.Key points• Outlines the research progress of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of SGs• Factors affecting the catalytic capacity of stevia glucosyltransferase• Provide guidance for the efficient synthesis of SGs in microbial cell factories.
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Gao J, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wu X, Huang L, Gao W. Triptolide: pharmacological spectrum, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and derivatives. Theranostics 2021; 11:7199-7221. [PMID: 34158845 PMCID: PMC8210588 DOI: 10.7150/thno.57745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, an abietane-type diterpenoid isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F., has significant pharmacological activity. Research results show that triptolide has obvious inhibitory effects on many solid tumors. Therefore, triptolide has become one of the lead compounds candidates for being the next "blockbuster" drug, and multiple triptolide derivatives have entered clinical research. An increasing number of researchers have developed triptolide synthesis methods to meet the clinical need. To provide new ideas for researchers in different disciplines and connect different disciplines with researchers aiming to solve scientific problems more efficiently, this article reviews the research progress made with analyzes of triptolide pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and chemical synthesis pathways and reported in toxicological and clinical studies of derivatives over the past 20 years, which have laid the foundation for subsequent researchers to study triptolide in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xihong Liu
- Basic Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiayi Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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Pessanha de Carvalho L, Kreidenweiss A, Held J. Drug Repurposing: A Review of Old and New Antibiotics for the Treatment of Malaria: Identifying Antibiotics with a Fast Onset of Antiplasmodial Action. Molecules 2021; 26:2304. [PMID: 33921170 PMCID: PMC8071546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most life-threatening infectious diseases and constitutes a major health problem, especially in Africa. Although artemisinin combination therapies remain efficacious to treat malaria, the emergence of resistant parasites emphasizes the urgent need of new alternative chemotherapies. One strategy is the repurposing of existing drugs. Herein, we reviewed the antimalarial effects of marketed antibiotics, and described in detail the fast-acting antibiotics that showed activity in nanomolar concentrations. Antibiotics have been used for prophylaxis and treatment of malaria for many years and are of particular interest because they might exert a different mode of action than current antimalarials, and can be used simultaneously to treat concomitant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Pessanha de Carvalho
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (L.P.d.C.); (A.K.)
| | - Andrea Kreidenweiss
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (L.P.d.C.); (A.K.)
- Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné BP 242, Gabon
| | - Jana Held
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (L.P.d.C.); (A.K.)
- Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné BP 242, Gabon
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In silico characterization and differential expression analysis of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) of Centella asiatica. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:184. [PMID: 33927975 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR; EC1.1.1.267), an NADPH-dependent reductase, plays a pivotal role in the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway (MEP), in the conversion of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) into MEP. Photochemical profiles, as well as pharmaceutical activities of Centella asiatica (L.), one of the most valuable medicinal plants, divulge the presence of secondary metabolites called Centellosides. Despite well-studied pharmaceutical activities, not much is known about the genes responsible for the synthesis of these compounds. In the present study, the full-length DXR gene sequence (JQ965955) of Centella submitted in NCBI was characterized using various bioinformatics tools and tissue specific differential expression studies were also carried out. The full-length CDNA of CaDXR contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1425 bp which encodes a peptide of 474 amino acids. The molecular weight of this protein was found to be 51.5 kDa with isoelectric point of 6.33. The protein contains three conserved domain, namely NADPH (GSTGSIGT and LAAGSNV), substrate binding (LPADSEHSAI and NKGLEVIEAHY) and Cys-Ser-(Ala/Met/Val/Thr) cleavage-site domains. Phylogenetic studies of CaDXR sequence show close homology with DXR sequence of Angelica sinensis and Daucus carota subsp sativus as they all belong to Apiaceae family. In silico analysis predicted that CaDXR protein contains 21 α-helix and 11 β-sheets and further DXR protein model was validated by Ramachandran plot analysis. The results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations unveil dynamic stability of the proposed model and docking studies suggest that the NDP cofactor tightly binds in the active site of the protein with a strong network of hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. The expression studies by semi-RT followed by qRT-PCR suggests that CaDXR is differentially expressed in different tissues (with maximal expression in the node and lowest in the roots). Thus, characterization and structure-function analysis of DXR gene in Centella facilitate us to understand not only the functions of DXR gene but also regulatory mechanisms involved in the MEP pathway in C. asiatica plant at the molecular level. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02723-w.
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Degradation of the Escherichia coli Essential Proteins DapB and Dxr Results in Oxidative Stress, which Contributes to Lethality through Incomplete Base Excision Repair. mBio 2021; 13:e0375621. [PMID: 35130721 PMCID: PMC8822343 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03756-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Various lethal stresses, including bactericidal antibiotics, can trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to killing. Incomplete base excision repair (BER) of oxidized nucleotides, especially 8-oxo-dG, has been identified as a major component of ROS-induced lethality. However, the relative contributions of this pathway to death vary widely between stresses, due in part to poorly understood complex differences in the physiological changes caused by these stresses. To identify new lethal stresses that kill cells through this pathway, we screened an essential protein degradation library and found that depletion of either DapB or Dxr leads to cell death through incomplete BER; the contribution of this pathway to overall cell death is greater for DapB than for Dxr. Depletion of either protein generates oxidative stress, which increases incorporation of 8-oxo-dG into the genome. This oxidative stress is causally related to cell death, as plating on an antioxidant provided a protective effect. Moreover, incomplete BER was central to this cell death, as mutants lacking the key BER DNA glycosylases MutM and MutY were less susceptible, while overexpression of the nucleotide sanitizer MutT, which degrades 8-oxo-dGTP to prevent its incorporation, was protective. RNA sequencing of cells depleted of these proteins revealed widely different transcriptional responses to these stresses. Our discovery that oxidative stress-induced incomplete BER is highly dependent on the exact physiological changes that the cell experiences helps explain the past confusion that arose concerning the role of ROS in antibiotic lethality. IMPORTANCE Bacterial cell death is a poorly understood process. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an apparently common response to challenges by a wide variety of lethal stresses, including bactericidal antibiotics. Incomplete BER of nucleotides damaged by these ROS, especially 8-oxo-dG, is a significant contributing factor to this lethality, but the levels of its contribution vary widely between different lethal stresses. A better understanding of the conditions that cause cells to die because of incomplete BER may lead to improved strategies for targeting this mode of death as an adjunct to antimicrobial therapy.
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Non-hydroxamate inhibitors of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR): A critical review and future perspective. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113055. [PMID: 33303239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) catalyzes the second step of the non-mevalonate (or MEP) pathway that functions in several organisms and plants for the synthesis of isoprenoids. DXR is essential for the survival of multiple pathogenic bacteria/parasites, including those that cause tuberculosis and malaria in humans. DXR function is inhibited by fosmidomycin (1), a natural product, which forms a chelate with the active site divalent metal (Mg2+/Mn2+) through its hydroxamate metal-binding group (MBG). Most of the potent DXR inhibitors are structurally similar to 1 and retain hydroxamate despite the unfavourable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of the latter. We provide our perspective on the lack of non-hydroxamate DXR inhibitors. We also highlight the fundamental flaws in the design of MBG in these molecules, primarily responsible for their failure to inhibit DXR. We also suggest that for designing next-generation non-hydroxamate DXR inhibitors, approaches followed for other metalloenzymes targets may be exploited.
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Lu Y, Liu Y, Zhou J, Li D, Gao W. Biosynthesis, total synthesis, structural modifications, bioactivity, and mechanism of action of the quinone-methide triterpenoid celastrol. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:1022-1060. [PMID: 33174200 DOI: 10.1002/med.21751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Celastrol, a quinone-methide triterpenoid, was extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. in 1936 for the first time. Almost 70 years later, it is considered one of the molecules most likely to be developed into modern drugs, as it exhibits notable bioactivity, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity, and exerts antiobesity effects. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying its bioactivity are being widely studied, which offers new avenues for its development as a pharmaceutical reagent. Owing to its potential therapeutic effects and unique chemical structure, celastrol has attracted considerable interest in the fields of organic, biosynthesis, and medicinal chemistry. As several steps in the biosynthesis of celastrol have been revealed, the mechanisms of key enzymes catalyzing the formation and postmodifications of the celastrol scaffold have been gradually elucidated, which lays a good foundation for the future heterogeneous biosynthesis of celastrol. Chemical synthesis is also an effective approach to obtain celastrol. The total synthesis of celastrol was realized for the first time in 2015, which established a new strategy to obtain celastroid natural products. However, owing to the toxic effects and suboptimal pharmacological properties of celastrol, its clinical applications remain limited. To search for drug-like derivatives, several structurally modified compounds were synthesized and tested. This review focuses primarily on the latest research progress in the biosynthesis, total synthesis, structural modifications, bioactivity, and mechanism of action of celastrol. We anticipate that this paper will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of this promising compound and provide constructive references for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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26
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Zhang S, Ding G, He W, Liu K, Luo Y, Tang J, He N. Functional Characterization of the 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose 5-Phosphate Synthase Genes in Morus notabilis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1142. [PMID: 32849701 PMCID: PMC7396507 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Terpenoids are considered to be the largest group of secondary metabolites and natural products. Studies have revealed 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the plastidial methylerythritol phosphate pathway, which produces isopentenyl diphosphate and its isoform dimethylallyl diphosphate as terpenoid biosynthesis precursors. Mulberry (Morus L.) is an economically and ecologically important perennial tree with diverse secondary metabolites, including terpenoids that protect plants against bacteria and insects and may be useful for treating human diseases. However, there has been relatively little research regarding DXS genes in mulberry and other woody plant species. In this study, we cloned and functionally characterized three Morus notabilis DXS genes (MnDXS1, MnDXS2A, and MnDXS2B). Bioinformatics analyses indicated MnDXS1 belongs to clade 1, whereas MnDXS2A and MnDXS2B are in clade 2. The three encoded MnDXS proteins are localized to chloroplasts. Additionally, substantial differences in MnDXS expression patterns were observed in diverse tissues and in response to insect feeding and methyl jasmonate treatment. Moreover, overexpression of MnDXS1 in Arabidopsis thaliana increased the gibberellic acid content and resulted in early flowering, whereas overexpression of MnDXS2A enhanced root growth and increased the chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Our findings indicate that MnDXS functions vary among the clades, which may be useful for further elucidation of the functions of the DXS genes in mulberry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenmin He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiwei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningjia He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Industrial Engineering Research Center of Mulberry, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chongqing, China
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Comparative transcriptome analysis of a taxol-producing endophytic fungus, Aspergillus aculeatinus Tax-6, and its mutant strain. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10558. [PMID: 32601443 PMCID: PMC7324598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67614-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Taxol is a rare but extremely effective antitumor agent extracted from Taxus yew barks. Taxus plants are valuable and rare species, and the production of taxol from them is a complex process. Therefore, taxol-producing endophytic fungi seem to be a promising alternative because of their high practical value and convenient progress. In this study, the transcriptome of an endophytic fungus, Aspergillus aculeatinus Tax-6 was analyzed in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of producing fungal taxol. The results showed that genes involved in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and non-mevalonate (MEP) pathway were expressed, including isopentenyl pyrophosphate transferase, geranyl pyrophosphate transferase, and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthetase. However, those downstream genes involved in the conversion of taxa-4(5)-11(12)-diene from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate were not expressed except for taxane 10-beta-hydroxylase. Additionally, a mutant strain, A. aculeatinus BT-2 was obtained from the original strain, A. aculeatinus Tax-6, using fungicidin as the mutagenic agent. The taxol yield of BT-2 was 560 µg L−1, which was higher than that of Tax-6. To identify the mechanism of the difference in taxol production, we compared the transcriptomes of the two fungi and explored the changes in the gene expression between them. When compared with the original strain, Tax-6, most genes related to the MVA pathway in the mutant strain BT-2 showed upregulation, including GGPPS. Moreover, most of the downstream genes were not expressed in the mutant fungi as well. Overall, the results revealed the pathway and mechanism of taxol synthesis in endophytic fungi and the potential for the construction of taxol-producing genetic engineering strains.
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Pines G, Fankhauser RG, Eckert CA. Predicting Drug Resistance Using Deep Mutational Scanning. Molecules 2020; 25:E2265. [PMID: 32403408 PMCID: PMC7248951 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major healthcare challenge, resulting in a continuous need to develop new inhibitors. The development of these inhibitors requires an understanding of the mechanisms of resistance for a critical mass of occurrences. Recent genome editing technologies based on high-throughput DNA synthesis and sequencing may help to predict mutations resulting in resistance by testing large mutagenesis libraries. Here we describe the rationale of this approach, with examples and relevance to drug development and resistance in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gur Pines
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Reilly G. Fankhauser
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Baird Hall 3225 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Carrie A. Eckert
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 027 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401, USA
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29
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Ball HS, Girma M, Zainab M, Riley H, Behrendt CT, Lienau C, Konzuch S, Avelar LAA, Lungerich B, Soojhawon I, Noble SM, Kurz T, Couch RD. Inhibition of the Yersinia pestis Methylerythritol Phosphate Pathway of Isoprenoid Biosynthesis by α-Phenyl-Substituted Reverse Fosmidomycin Analogues. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:5170-5175. [PMID: 32201804 PMCID: PMC7081406 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fosmidomycin inhibits IspC (1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase), the first committed enzyme in the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis. The MEP pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis is essential to the causative agent of the plague, Yersinia pestis, and is entirely distinct from the corresponding mammalian pathway. To further drug development, we established structure-activity relationships of fosmidomycin analogues by assessing a suite of 17 α-phenyl-substituted reverse derivatives of fosmidomycin against Y. pestis IspC. Several of these compounds showed increased potency over fosmidomycin with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Additionally, we performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing with Y. pestis A1122 (YpA1122). The bacteria were susceptible to several compounds with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 128 to 512 μg/mL; a correlation between the IC50 and MIC values was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley S. Ball
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United
States
- Wound
Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Misgina Girma
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United
States
| | - Mosufa Zainab
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United
States
| | - Honoria Riley
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United
States
| | - Christoph T. Behrendt
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Lienau
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Konzuch
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leandro A. A. Avelar
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Beate Lungerich
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Iswarduth Soojhawon
- Wound
Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Schroeder M. Noble
- Wound
Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robin D. Couch
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United
States
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Javed H, Meeran MFN, Jha NK, Ojha S. Carvacrol, a Plant Metabolite Targeting Viral Protease (M pro) and ACE2 in Host Cells Can Be a Possible Candidate for COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:601335. [PMID: 33664752 PMCID: PMC7921315 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.601335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in December 2019, resulting in the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Coronaviruses are solely accountable for rising mortality and socioeconomic saddles. Presently, there are few repurposed drugs such as remdesivir or favipiravir approved for the treatment of COVID-19, although vaccines and plasma therapy is also subject to emergency approval. However, some potential natural treatments and cures have also been proposed. Molecules of natural origin showed therapeutic importance such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, and could be useful drug candidates for treating COVID-19. In recent years, essential oils have shown promising therapeutic effects against many viral diseases. Carvacrol is one of the monoterpene phenol with abundant presence in essential oils of many aromatic plants, including thyme and oregano. It is being used as food flavoring, additive, and preservatives. Carvacrol is also used as a fragrance in cosmetic products. A number of research studies have shown biological actions of carvacrol with its therapeutic potential is of clinical significance. The in vitro and in vivo studies have shown multiple pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, hepatoprotective, and spasmolytic. This review highlights the various biological and pharmacological properties of carvacrol within the scope of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayate Javed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Hayate Javed,
| | - Mohamed Fizur Nagoor Meeran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Shreesh Ojha,
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Calcagnile M, Tredici SM, Talà A, Alifano P. Bacterial Semiochemicals and Transkingdom Interactions with Insects and Plants. INSECTS 2019; 10:E441. [PMID: 31817999 PMCID: PMC6955855 DOI: 10.3390/insects10120441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A peculiar feature of all living beings is their capability to communicate. With the discovery of the quorum sensing phenomenon in bioluminescent bacteria in the late 1960s, it became clear that intraspecies and interspecies communications and social behaviors also occur in simple microorganisms such as bacteria. However, at that time, it was difficult to imagine how such small organisms-invisible to the naked eye-could influence the behavior and wellbeing of the larger, more complex and visible organisms they colonize. Now that we know this information, the challenge is to identify the myriad of bacterial chemical signals and communication networks that regulate the life of what can be defined, in a whole, as a meta-organism. In this review, we described the transkingdom crosstalk between bacteria, insects, and plants from an ecological perspective, providing some paradigmatic examples. Second, we reviewed what is known about the genetic and biochemical bases of the bacterial chemical communication with other organisms and how explore the semiochemical potential of a bacterium can be explored. Finally, we illustrated how bacterial semiochemicals managing the transkingdom communication may be exploited from a biotechnological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pietro Alifano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.C.); (S.M.T.); (A.T.)
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Lienau C, Gräwert T, Alves Avelar LA, Illarionov B, Held J, Knaab TC, Lungerich B, van Geelen L, Meier D, Geissler S, Cynis H, Riederer U, Buchholz M, Kalscheuer R, Bacher A, Mordmüller B, Fischer M, Kurz T. Novel reverse thia-analogs of fosmidomycin: Synthesis and antiplasmodial activity. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Fathi E, Majdi M, Dastan D, Maroufi A. The spatio-temporal expression of some genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of terpenes/phenylpropanoids in yarrow (Achillea millefolium). PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2019; 142:43-52. [PMID: 31272034 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a medicinal plant from the Asteracea which biosynthesize different secondary metabolites especially terpenes and phenylpropanoids. To improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms behind the biosynthesis of these compounds we analyzed the expression of some genes associated with the biosynthesis of terpenes and phenylpropanoids in different tissues and in response to trans-cinnamic acid (tCA) as an inhibitor of PAL activity. Isolation and expression analysis of DXR, GPPS, PAL and CHS genes together with linalool synthase (LIS) as monoterpene synthase was conducted in different developmental stages of leaves, flowers and in response to trans-cinnamic acid (tCA). Differential expression of these genes observed in different tissues. tCA up-regulated the biosynthetic genes of monterpenes and down-regulated the biosynthetic genes of phenylpropanoids. Gene expression analysis in intact leaves and leaves without glandular trichomes showed that DXR, LIS, PAL and CHS are highly expressed in glandular trichomes while GPPS expressed ubiquitously. Analysis of essential oils composition showed that sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes are main compounds; in which from 57 identified compounds the highest were germacreneD (% 11.5), guaiol (%10.38), spatulenol (%8.73) and caryophyllene oxide (%7.48).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Fathi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Majdi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran; (b)Research Center for Medicinal Plant Breeding and Development, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Dara Dastan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Asad Maroufi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
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Biosca A, Dirscherl L, Moles E, Imperial S, Fernàndez-Busquets X. An ImmunoPEGliposome for Targeted Antimalarial Combination Therapy at the Nanoscale. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11070341. [PMID: 31315185 PMCID: PMC6680488 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11070341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination therapies, where two drugs acting through different mechanisms are administered simultaneously, are one of the most efficient approaches currently used to treat malaria infections. However, the different pharmacokinetic profiles often exhibited by the combined drugs tend to decrease treatment efficacy as the compounds are usually eliminated from the circulation at different rates. To circumvent this obstacle, we have engineered an immunoliposomal nanovector encapsulating hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds in its lumen and lipid bilayer, respectively. The antimalarial domiphen bromide has been encapsulated in the liposome membrane with good efficiency, although its high IC50 of ca. 1 µM for living parasites complicates its use as immunoliposomal therapy due to erythrocyte agglutination. The conjugation of antibodies against glycophorin A targeted the nanocarriers to Plasmodium-infected red blood cells and to gametocytes, the sole malaria parasite stage responsible for the transmission from the human to the mosquito vector. The antimalarials pyronaridine and atovaquone, which block the development of gametocytes, have been co-encapsulated in glycophorin A-targeted immunoliposomes. The co-immunoliposomized drugs have activities significantly higher than their free forms when tested in in vitro Plasmodium falciparum cultures: Pyronaridine and atovaquone concentrations that, when encapsulated in immunoliposomes, resulted in a 50% inhibition of parasite growth had no effect on the viability of the pathogen when used as free drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Biosca
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorin Dirscherl
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ernest Moles
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, PO Box 81, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Santiago Imperial
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Sawasato K, Sekiya Y, Nishiyama K. Two‐step induction ofcdsApromoters leads to upregulation of the glycolipidMPIase at cold temperature. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:1711-1723. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Sawasato
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences Iwate University Morioka Japan
| | - Yusei Sekiya
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Food Science Faculty of Agriculture Iwate University Morioka Japan
| | - Ken‐ichi Nishiyama
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences Iwate University Morioka Japan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Food Science Faculty of Agriculture Iwate University Morioka Japan
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Identification of Key Genes in the Synthesis Pathway of Volatile Terpenoids in Fruit of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10040328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum), a plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family, is widely planted in China. Its outstanding feature is its rich aroma. The main component that creates this aroma is the volatile terpenoids. In this study, we aimed to understand the molecular mechanism related to aroma synthesis in Z. bungeanum and provide new ideas for breeding. Headspace solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), RT-qPCR and bioinformatics were used to study the changes in volatile terpenoids and identify key genes in the pathway of terpenoids in fruits of Z. bungeanum. The results show that the trend of volatile terpenoids is consistent among the two varieties. As the fruit matures, the terpenoids gradually accumulate and peak in the third period (mid-development) before gradually decreasing. Among these terpenoids, there is the highest content of α-pinene. In Z. bungeanum cv. ‘Hanchengdahongpao’ (Hanchengdahongpao) and Z. bungeanum cv. ‘Fuguhuajiao’ (Fuguhuajiao), this reached 24.74% and 20.78% respectively. In general, for the content of volatile terpenoids, Hanchengdahongpao is 62% and Fuguhuajiao is 41%. The results of RT-qPCR showed that most gene expression in this study was upregulated. Among them, ZbDXS has the highest relative level of expression in itself, which is the key rate-limiting enzymein the MEP pathway. These results explore the synthetic route of terpenoids during the ripening process of Z. bungeanum, which provides a reference for cultivar and improving good traits.
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Wei H, Movahedi A, Xu C, Sun W, Almasi Zadeh Yaghuti A, Wang P, Li D, Zhuge Q. Overexpression of PtDXS Enhances Stress Resistance in Poplars. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1669. [PMID: 30987184 PMCID: PMC6479640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
1-Deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the plastidial methylerythritol phosphate pathway (MEP). In this study, PtDXS (XM_024607716.1) was isolated from Populus trichocarpa. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that PtDXS had high homology with the DXSs of other plant species. PtDXS expression differed among plant tissues and was highest in young leaves and lowest in roots. The recombinant protein was produced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), purified, and its activity evaluated. The purified protein was capable of catalyzing the formation of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and pyruvate. A functional color assay in E. coli harboring pAC-BETA indicated that PtDXS encodes a functional protein involved in the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors. The treatment of P. trichocarpa seedlings with 200 μM abscisic acid (ABA), 200 mM NaCl, 10% polyethylene glycol6000, and 2 mM H₂O₂ resulted in increased expression of PtDXS. The ABA and gibberellic acid contents of the transgenic lines (Poplar Nanlin 895) were higher than wild types, suggesting that DXS is important in terpenoid biosynthesis. Overexpression of PtDXS enhanced resistance to S. populiperda infection. Furthermore, the transgenic lines showed decreased feeding by Micromelalopha troglodyta, supporting the notion that PtDXS is a key enzyme in terpenoid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wei
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Ali Movahedi
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Chen Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Construction Laboratory of Special Biomass Resource Utilization, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing 211171, China.
| | - Weibo Sun
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Amir Almasi Zadeh Yaghuti
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Pu Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Dawei Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Qiang Zhuge
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
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Lund S, Hall R, Williams GJ. An Artificial Pathway for Isoprenoid Biosynthesis Decoupled from Native Hemiterpene Metabolism. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:232-238. [PMID: 30648856 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Isoprenoids are constructed in nature using hemiterpene building blocks that are biosynthesized from lengthy enzymatic pathways with little opportunity to deploy precursor-directed biosynthesis. Here, an artificial alcohol-dependent hemiterpene biosynthetic pathway was designed and coupled to several isoprenoid biosynthetic systems, affording lycopene and a prenylated tryptophan in robust yields. This approach affords a potential route to diverse non-natural hemiterpenes and by extension isoprenoids modified with non-natural chemical functionality. Accordingly, the prototype chemo-enzymatic pathway is a critical first step toward the construction of engineered microbial strains for bioconversion of simple scalable building blocks into complex isoprenoid scaffolds.
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Chen AY, Adamek RN, Dick BL, Credille CV, Morrison CN, Cohen SM. Targeting Metalloenzymes for Therapeutic Intervention. Chem Rev 2019; 119:1323-1455. [PMID: 30192523 PMCID: PMC6405328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metalloenzymes are central to a wide range of essential biological activities, including nucleic acid modification, protein degradation, and many others. The role of metalloenzymes in these processes also makes them central for the progression of many diseases and, as such, makes metalloenzymes attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Increasing awareness of the role metalloenzymes play in disease and their importance as a class of targets has amplified interest in the development of new strategies to develop inhibitors and ultimately useful drugs. In this Review, we provide a broad overview of several drug discovery efforts focused on metalloenzymes and attempt to map out the current landscape of high-value metalloenzyme targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allie Y Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Rebecca N Adamek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Benjamin L Dick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Cy V Credille
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Christine N Morrison
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Seth M Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
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40
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Ussin NK, Bagnell AM, Offermann LR, Abdulsalam R, Perdue ML, Magee P, Chruszcz M. Structural characterization of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate Reductoisomerase from Vibrio vulnificus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2018; 1866:1209-1215. [PMID: 30278288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus, a gram-negative bacterium, is the leading cause of seafood-borne illnesses and mortality in the United States. Previous studies have identified metabolites 2-C-methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) as being essential for V. vulnificus growth and function. It was shown that 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (Dxr) is a critical enzyme in the viability of V. vulnificus, and many other bacteria, as it catalyzes the rearrangement of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (Dxp) to 2-C-methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) within the MEP pathway, found in plants and bacteria. The MEP pathway produces the isoprenoids, isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. In this study, we produced and structurally characterized V. vulnificus Dxr. The enzyme forms a dimeric assembly and contains a metal ion in the active site. Protein produced in Escherichia coli co-purifies with Mg2+ ions, however the Mg2+ cations may be substituted with Mn2+, as both of these metals may be utilized by Dxrs. These findings will provide a basis for the design of Dxr inhibitors that may find application as antimicrobial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita K Ussin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Anna M Bagnell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Lesa R Offermann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States; Department of Chemistry, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035, United States
| | - Rawan Abdulsalam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Makenzie L Perdue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Patrick Magee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Maksymilian Chruszcz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States.
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He L, He P, Luo X, Li M, Yu L, Guo J, Zhan X, Zhu G, Zhao J. The MEP pathway in Babesia orientalis apicoplast, a potential target for anti-babesiosis drug development. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:452. [PMID: 30081952 PMCID: PMC6090808 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3038-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apicomplexan parasite Babesia orientalis, the causative agent of water buffalo babesiosis in China, is widespread in central and south China, resulting in a huge economic loss annually. Currently, there is no effective vaccine or drug against this disease. Babesia bovis and Plasmodium falciparum were reported to possess an apicoplast which contains the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway inhibitable by fosmidomycin, suggesting that the pathway could serve as a drug target for screening new drugs. However, it remains unknown in B. orientalis. METHODS Primers were designed according to the seven MEP pathway genes of Babesia microti and Babesia bovis. The genes were cloned, sequenced and analyzed. The open reading frames (ORFs) of the first two enzyme genes, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (BoDXS) and 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (BoDXR), were cloned into the pET-32a expression vector and expressed as a Trx-tag fusion protein. Rabbit anti-rBoDXS and rabbit anti-rBoDXR antibodies were generated. Western blot was performed to identify the native proteins of BoDXS and BoDXR in B. orientalis. Fosmidomycin and geranylgeraniol were used for inhibition assay and rescue assay, respectively, in the in vitro cultivation of B. orientalis. RESULTS The seven enzyme genes of the B. orientalis MEP pathway (DXS, DXR, IspD, IspE, IspF, IspG and IspH) were cloned and sequenced, with a full length of 2094, 1554, 1344, 1521, 654, 1932 and 1056 bp, respectively. BoDXS and BoDXR were expressed as Trx-tag fusion proteins, with a size of 95 and 67 kDa, respectively. Western blot identified a 77 kDa band for the native BoDXS and a 49 kDa band for the native BoDXR. The drug assay results showed that fosmidomycin could inhibit the growth of B. orientalis, and geranylgeraniol could reverse the effect of fosmidomycin. CONCLUSIONS Babesia orientalis has the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, which could be a potential drug target for controlling and curing babesiosis. Considering the high price and instability of fosmidomycin, further studies should focus on the screening of stable and cheap drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Pei He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Muxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueyan Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Guan Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas USA
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
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Zhang T, Sun M, Guo Y, Shi X, Yang Y, Chen J, Zheng T, Han Y, Bao F, Ahmad S. Overexpression of LiDXS and LiDXR From Lily ( Lilium 'Siberia') Enhances the Terpenoid Content in Tobacco Flowers. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:909. [PMID: 30038631 PMCID: PMC6046550 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lilium, the famous and significant cut flower, emits a variety of volatile organic compounds, which mainly contain monoterpenes, such as myrcene, (E)-β-ocimene, and linalool. To understand the molecular mechanism of monoterpene synthesis in Lilium, we cloned two potential genes in the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway, namely LiDXS and LiDXR, from the strong-flavored oriental Lilium 'Siberia' using a homology-based PCR strategy. The expression levels of LiDXS and LiDXR were consistent with the emission and accumulation of monoterpenes in different floral organs and during the floral development, indicating that these two genes may play key roles in monoterpene synthesis. Subcellular localization demonstrated that LiDXS and LiDXR are expressed in the chloroplasts. Ectopic expression in transgenic tobacco suggested that the flowers of LiDXS and LiDXR transgenic lines accumulated substantially more diterpene, sclareol, compared to the plants transformed with empty vector. Surprisingly, increased content of the monoterpene, linalool and sesquiterpene, caryophyllene, were detected in the LiDXR transgenic lines, whereas the emission of caryophyllene, increased in one of the LiDXS transgenic tobacco lines, indicating that these two genes play significant roles in the synthesis of floral volatiles in the transgenic plants. These results demonstrate that LiDXR can contribute to monoterpene biosynthesis in Lilium 'Siberia'; however, the role of LiDXS in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes needs further study.
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Identification of Possibility of Glycyrrhiza uralensis as an Allergen by Protein Analysis. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-017-2110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Wang X, Dowd CS. The Methylerythritol Phosphate Pathway: Promising Drug Targets in the Fight against Tuberculosis. ACS Infect Dis 2018; 4:278-290. [PMID: 29390176 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a severe infectious disease in need of new chemotherapies especially for drug-resistant cases. To meet the urgent requirement of new TB drugs with novel modes of action, the TB research community has been validating numerous targets from several biosynthetic pathways. The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is utilized by Mtb for the biosynthesis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and its isomer dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), the universal five-carbon building blocks of isoprenoids. While being a common biosynthetic pathway in pathogens, the MEP pathway is completely absent in humans. Due to its unique presence in pathogens as well as the essentiality of the MEP pathway in Mtb, the enzymes in this pathway are promising targets for the development of new drugs against tuberculosis. In this Review, we discuss three enzymes in the MEP pathway: 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS), 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (IspC/DXR), and 2 C-methyl-d-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF), which appear to be the most promising antitubercular drug targets. Structural and mechanistic features of these enzymes are reviewed, as well as selected inhibitors that show promise as antitubercular agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Cynthia S. Dowd
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
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Chen LX, Méndez-García C, Dombrowski N, Servín-Garcidueñas LE, Eloe-Fadrosh EA, Fang BZ, Luo ZH, Tan S, Zhi XY, Hua ZS, Martinez-Romero E, Woyke T, Huang LN, Sánchez J, Peláez AI, Ferrer M, Baker BJ, Shu WS. Metabolic versatility of small archaea Micrarchaeota and Parvarchaeota. THE ISME JOURNAL 2018; 12:756-775. [PMID: 29222443 PMCID: PMC5864196 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-017-0002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Small acidophilic archaea belonging to Micrarchaeota and Parvarchaeota phyla are known to physically interact with some Thermoplasmatales members in nature. However, due to a lack of cultivation and limited genomes on hand, their biodiversity, metabolisms, and physiologies remain largely unresolved. Here, we obtained 39 genomes from acid mine drainage (AMD) and hot spring environments around the world. 16S rRNA gene based analyses revealed that Parvarchaeota were only detected in AMD and hot spring habitats, while Micrarchaeota were also detected in others including soil, peat, hypersaline mat, and freshwater, suggesting a considerable higher diversity and broader than expected habitat distribution for this phylum. Despite their small genomes (0.64-1.08 Mb), these archaea may contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycling by degrading multiple saccharides and proteins, and produce ATP via aerobic respiration and fermentation. Additionally, we identified several syntenic genes with homology to those involved in iron oxidation in six Parvarchaeota genomes, suggesting their potential role in iron cycling. However, both phyla lack biosynthetic pathways for amino acids and nucleotides, suggesting that they likely scavenge these biomolecules from the environment and/or other community members. Moreover, low-oxygen enrichments in laboratory confirmed our speculation that both phyla are microaerobic/anaerobic, based on several specific genes identified in them. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses provide insights into the close evolutionary history of energy related functionalities between both phyla with Thermoplasmatales. These results expand our understanding of these elusive archaea by revealing their involvement in carbon, nitrogen, and iron cycling, and suggest their potential interactions with Thermoplasmatales on genomic scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Xing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Celia Méndez-García
- Departamento de Biología Funcional-IUBA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Nina Dombrowski
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
| | - Luis E Servín-Garcidueñas
- Laboratory of Microbiomics, National School of Higher Studies Morelia, National University of Mexico, Morelia, Michoacan, 58190, Mexico
| | | | - Bao-Zhu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Hao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhi
- Yunnan Institute of Microbiology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Shuang Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Esperanza Martinez-Romero
- Department of Ecological Genomics, Center for Genomic Sciences, National University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Tanja Woyke
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, USA
| | - Li-Nan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jesús Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional-IUBA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Peláez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional-IUBA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Manuel Ferrer
- Institute of Catalysis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Brett J Baker
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
| | - Wen-Sheng Shu
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, People's Republic of China.
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46
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Haymond A, Dowdy T, Johny C, Johnson C, Ball H, Dailey A, Schweibenz B, Villarroel K, Young R, Mantooth CJ, Patel T, Bases J, Dowd CS, Couch RD. A high-throughput screening campaign to identify inhibitors of DXP reductoisomerase (IspC) and MEP cytidylyltransferase (IspD). Anal Biochem 2018; 542:63-75. [PMID: 29180070 PMCID: PMC5817008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The rise of antibacterial resistance among human pathogens represents a problem that could change the landscape of healthcare unless new antibiotics are developed. The methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway represents an attractive series of targets for novel antibiotic design, considering each enzyme of the pathway is both essential and has no human homologs. Here we describe a pilot scale high-throughput screening (HTS) campaign against the first and second committed steps in the pathway, catalyzed by DXP reductoisomerase (IspC) and MEP cytidylyltransferase (IspD), using compounds present in the commercially available LOPAC1280 library as well as in an in-house natural product extract library. Hit compounds were characterized to deduce their mechanism of inhibition; most function through aggregation. The HTS workflow outlined here is useful for quickly screening a chemical library, while effectively identifying false positive compounds associated with assay constraints and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Haymond
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Tyrone Dowdy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Chinchu Johny
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Claire Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Haley Ball
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Allyson Dailey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Brandon Schweibenz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Karen Villarroel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Richard Young
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Clark J Mantooth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Trishal Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Jessica Bases
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Cynthia S Dowd
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington DC 20052, USA.
| | - Robin D Couch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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47
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Huang R, Wang Y, Wang P, Li C, Xiao F, Chen N, Li N, Li C, Sun C, Li L, Chen R, Xu Z, Zhu J, Deng X. A single nucleotide mutation of IspF gene involved in the MEP pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis causes yellow-green leaf phenotype in rice. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 96:5-16. [PMID: 29143298 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-017-0668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We identified IspF gene through yellow-green leaf mutant 505ys in rice. OsIspF was expressed in all tissues detected, and its encoded protein was targeted to the chloroplast. On expression levels of genes in this mutant, OsIspF itself and the genes encoding other enzymes of the MEP pathway and chlorophyll synthase were all up-regulated, however, among eight genes associated with photosynthesis, only psaA, psaN and psbA genes for three reaction center subunits of photosystem obviously changed. Isoprenoids are the most abundant natural compounds in all organisms, which originate from the basic five-carbon units isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). In plants, IPP and DMAPP are synthesized through two independent pathways, the mevalonic acid pathway in cytoplasm and the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids. The MEP pathway comprises seven enzymatic steps, in which IspF is the fifth enzyme. So far, no IspF gene has been identified in monocotyledonous plants. In this study, we isolated a leaf-color mutant, 505ys, in rice (Oryza sativa). The mutant displayed yellow-green leaf phenotype, reduced level of photosynthetic pigments, and arrested development of chloroplasts. By map-based cloning of this mutant, we identified OsIspF gene (LOC_Os02g45660) showing significant similarity to IspF gene of Arabidopsis, in which a missense mutation occurred in the mutant, resulting in an amino acid change in the encoded protein. OsIspF gene was expressed in all tissues detected, and its encoded protein was targeted to the chloroplast. Further, the mutant phenotype of 505ys was complemented by transformation with the wild-type OsIspF gene. Therefore, we successfully identified an IspF gene in monocotyledonous plants. In addition, real-time quantitative RT-PCR implied that a positive regulation could exist between the OsIspF gene and the genes encoding other enzymes of the MEP pathway and chlorophyll synthase. At the same time, it also implied that the individual genes involved in the MEP pathway might differentially regulated expression levels of the genes associated with photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Huang
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Pingrong Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Chunmei Li
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuliang Xiao
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Nenggang Chen
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Caixia Li
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Changhui Sun
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Lihua Li
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Rongjun Chen
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengjun Xu
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianqing Zhu
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaojian Deng
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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48
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Sharma D, Soni R, Rai P, Sharma B, Bhatt TK. Relict plastidic metabolic process as a potential therapeutic target. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:134-140. [PMID: 28987288 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The alignment of the evolutionary history of parasites with that of plants provides a different panorama in the drug development process. The housing of different metabolic processes, essential for parasite survival, adds to the indispensability of the apicoplast. The different pathways responsible for fueling the apicoplast and parasite offer a myriad of proteins responsible for the apicoplast function. The studies emphasizing the target-based approaches might help in the discovery of antimalarials. The different putative drug targets and their roles are highlighted. In addition, the origin of the apicoplast and metabolic processes are reviewed and the different drugs acting upon the enzymes of the apicoplast are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drista Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Rani Soni
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Praveen Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Bhaskar Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India.
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49
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Edwards RL, Brothers RC, Wang X, Maron MI, Ziniel PD, Tsang PS, Kraft TE, Hruz PW, Williamson KC, Dowd CS, John ARO. MEPicides: potent antimalarial prodrugs targeting isoprenoid biosynthesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8400. [PMID: 28827774 PMCID: PMC5567135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to frontline therapeutics has prompted efforts to identify and validate agents with novel mechanisms of action. MEPicides represent a new class of antimalarials that inhibit enzymes of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis, including the clinically validated target, deoxyxylulose phosphate reductoisomerase (Dxr). Here we describe RCB-185, a lipophilic prodrug with nanomolar activity against asexual parasites. Growth of P. falciparum treated with RCB-185 was rescued by isoprenoid precursor supplementation, and treatment substantially reduced metabolite levels downstream of the Dxr enzyme. In addition, parasites that produced higher levels of the Dxr substrate were resistant to RCB-185. Notably, environmental isolates resistant to current therapies remained sensitive to RCB-185, the compound effectively treated sexually-committed parasites, and was both safe and efficacious in malaria-infected mice. Collectively, our data demonstrate that RCB-185 potently and selectively inhibits Dxr in P. falciparum, and represents a promising lead compound for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert C Brothers
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Maxim I Maron
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Peter D Ziniel
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patricia S Tsang
- Tuberculosis Research Section, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas E Kraft
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Nonnenwald, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Paul W Hruz
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kim C Williamson
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cynthia S Dowd
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Audrey R Odom John
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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50
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Majdi M, Malekzadeh-Mashhady A, Maroufi A, Crocoll C. Tissue-specific gene-expression patterns of genes associated with thymol/carvacrol biosynthesis in thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and their differential changes upon treatment with abiotic elicitors. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2017; 115:152-162. [PMID: 28365519 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is known to produce a variety of phenolic monoterpenes such as thymol and carvacrol. Thymol and carvacrol are health-promoting, biocide and antitoxin compounds and have been considered as the main constituents of essential oils in T. vulgaris. To improve our understanding of the regulation of monoterpene biosynthesis in thyme, the expression of genes related to thymol and carvacrol biosynthesis in different tissues and in response to abiotic elicitors was analyzed. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), trans-cinnamic acid (tCA) and UV-C irradiation were applied to T. vulgare leaves and transcript levels of early (DXR) and late (TvTPS1, CYP71D178 and CYP71D180) biosynthetic genes of thymol and carvacrol were measured. The results showed that early step and late step genes in thymol/carvacrol biosynthesis are differentially regulated. DXR was not found to be exclusively expressed in glandular trichomes; in contrast, biosynthetic genes including γ-terpinene synthase (TvTPS1) and two cytochrome P450s, CYP71D178 and CYP71D180, were preferentially expressed in glandular secretory trichomes. The high expression of late biosynthetic genes in glandular trichomes, which also contain the highest concentration of thymol and carvacrol, suggests that glandular trichomes are the structure in which thymol/carvacrol biosynthesis and accumulation occur. Our results indicate that in addition to abiotic elicitors, developmental and spatial factors also play a key role in the biosynthesis of thymol and carvacrol, most likely relating to glandular trichome density and/or activity. Hence optimization of these factors could be considered as a useful strategy to achieve high yield of valuable compounds in T. vulgare or other closely related plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Majdi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran; Research Center for Medicinal Plant Breeding and Development, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | | | - Asad Maroufi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Christoph Crocoll
- DynaMo Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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