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Hu YF, Luo S, Wang SQ, Chen KX, Zhong WX, Li BY, Cao LY, Chen HH, Yin YS. Exploring functional genes' correlation with ( S)-equol concentration and new daidzein racemase identification. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0000724. [PMID: 38501861 PMCID: PMC11022573 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00007-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
With its estrogenic activity, (S)-equol plays an important role in maintaining host health and preventing estrogen-related diseases. Exclusive production occurs through the transformation of soy isoflavones by intestinal bacteria, but the reasons for variations in (S)-equol production among different individuals and species remain unclear. Here, fecal samples from humans, pigs, chickens, mice, and rats were used as research objects. The concentrations of (S)-equol, along with the genetic homology and evolutionary relationships of (S)-equol production-related genes [daidzein reductase (DZNR), daidzein racemase (DDRC), dihydrodaidzein reductase (DHDR), tetrahydrodaidzein reductase (THDR)], were analyzed. Additionally, in vitro functional verification of the newly identified DDRC gene was conducted. It was found that approximately 40% of human samples contained (S)-equol, whereas 100% of samples from other species contained (S)-equol. However, there were significant variations in (S)-equol content among the different species: rats > pigs > chickens > mice > humans. The distributions of the four genes displayed species-specific patterns. High detection rates across various species were exhibited by DHDR, THDR, and DDRC. In contrast, substantial variations in detection rates among different species and individuals were observed with respect to DZNR. It appears that various types of DZNR may be associated with different concentrations of (S)-equol, which potentially correspond to the regulatory role during (S)-equol synthesis. This enhances our understanding of individual variations in (S)-equol production and their connection with functional genes in vitro. Moreover, the newly identified DDRC exhibits higher potential for (S)-equol synthesis compared to the known DDRC, providing valuable resources for advancing in vitro (S)-equol production. IMPORTANCE (S)-equol ((S)-EQ) plays a crucial role in maintaining human health, along with its known capacity to prevent and treat various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, osteoporosis, diabetes, brain-related diseases, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and inflammation. However, factors affecting individual variations in (S)-EQ production and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. This study examines the association between functional genes and (S)-EQ production, highlighting a potential correlation between the DZNR gene and (S)-EQ content. Various types of DZNR may be linked to the regulation of (S)-EQ synthesis. Furthermore, the identification of a new DDRC gene offers promising prospects for enhancing in vitro (S)-EQ production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fei Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Shu Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Sheng-Qi Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ke-Xin Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wei-Xuan Zhong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Bai-Yuan Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lin-Yan Cao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Hua-Hai Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Ye-Shi Yin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
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Gong Y, Lv J, Pang X, Zhang S, Zhang G, Liu L, Wang Y, Li C. Advances in the Metabolic Mechanism and Functional Characteristics of Equol. Foods 2023; 12:2334. [PMID: 37372545 DOI: 10.3390/foods12122334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Equol is the most potent soy isoflavone metabolite and is produced by specific intestinal microorganisms of mammals. It has promising application possibilities for preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer due to its high antioxidant activity and hormone-like activity. Thus, it is of great significance to systematically study the efficient preparation method of equol and its functional activity. This paper elaborates on the metabolic mechanism of equol in humans; focuses on the biological characteristics, synthesis methods, and the currently isolated equol-producing bacteria; and looks forward to its future development and application direction, aiming to provide guidance for the application and promotion of equol in the field of food and health products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Gong
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiaping Lv
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoyang Pang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guofang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Libo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yunna Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Heilongjiang Green Food Science Research Institute, Harbin 150030, China
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Wang Z, Li X, Azi F, Dai Y, Xu Z, Yu L, Zhou J, Dong M, Xia X. Biosynthesis of ( S)-Equol from Soy Whey by Metabolically Engineered Escherichia coli. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37038970 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
(S)-Equol is one of the most bioactive metabolites of the isoflavones with immense nutritional and pharmaceutical value. Soy whey is the major liquid byproduct of the soy product processing industries that is rich in nutrients and (S)-equol biosynthetic precursor daidzin. However, it is usually disposed into the sewage, causing high environmental contamination. Herein, we constructed a recombinant Escherichia coli for the biosynthesis of (S)-equol from soy whey. First, we evaluated daidzin-specific transporters and optimized the anaerobically induced Pnar in the (S)-equol biosynthesis cassette to produce (S)-equol from daidzin. Then, sucrase and α-galactosidase were co-expressed to confer sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose utilization capacity on E. coli. Meanwhile, EIIBCAglc was inactivated to eliminate the daidzin transport inhibition induced by glucose. Finally, combining these strategies and optimizing the fermentation conditions, the optimal strain produced 91.5 mg/L of (S)-equol with a yield of 0.96 mol/mol substrates in concentrated soy whey. Overall, this new strategy is an attractive route to broaden the applications of soy whey and achieve the eco-friendly production of (S)-equol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Fidelis Azi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Yiqiang Dai
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhuang Xu
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Lijun Yu
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Jianzhong Zhou
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Mingsheng Dong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiudong Xia
- Institute of Agro-Product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210014, China
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Deng H, Gao S, Zhang W, Zhang T, Li N, Zhou J. High Titer of ( S)-Equol Synthesis from Daidzein in Escherichia coli. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:4043-4053. [PMID: 36282480 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
(S)-Equol is the terminal metabolite of daidzein and plays important roles in human health. However, due to anaerobic inefficiency, limited productivity in (S)-equol-producing strains often hinders (S)-equol mass production. Here, a multi-enzyme cascade system was designed to generate a higher (S)-equol titer. First, full reversibility of the (S)-equol synthesis pathway was found and a blocking reverse conversion strategy was established. As biosynthetic genes are present in the microbial genome, an effective daidzein reductase was chosen using evolutionary principles. And our analyses showed that NADPH was crucial for the pathway. In response to this, a novel NADPH pool was redesigned after analyzing a cofactor metabolism model. By adjusting synthesis pathway genes at the right expression level, the entire synthesis pathway can take place smoothly. Thus, the cascade system was optimized by regulating the gene expression intensity. Finally, after optimizing fermentation conditions, a 5 L bioreactor was used to generate a high (S)-equol production titer (3418.5 mg/L), with a conversion rate of approximately 85.9%. This study shows a feasible green process route for the production of (S)-equol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanning Deng
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiping Zhang
- Bloomage Biotechnology Corporation Limited, 678 Tianchen Street, Jinan 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Tianmeng Zhang
- Bloomage Biotechnology Corporation Limited, 678 Tianchen Street, Jinan 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Li
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Bloomage Biotechnology Corporation Limited, 678 Tianchen Street, Jinan 250101, Shandong, China
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Wang X, Chen B, Fang X, Zhong Q, Liao Z, Wang J, Wu X, Ma Y, Li P, Feng X, Wang L. Soy isoflavone-specific biotransformation product S-equol in the colon: physiological functions, transformation mechanisms, and metabolic regulatory pathways. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:5462-5490. [PMID: 36503364 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2154744] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggest that regular intake of soy isoflavones may reduce the incidence of estrogen-dependent and aging-associated disorders. Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavone (SI) produced by specific gut microbiota and has many beneficial effects on human health due to its higher biological activity compared to SI. However, only 1/3 to 1/2 of humans are able to produce equol in the body, which means that not many people can fully benefit from SI. This review summarizes the recent advances in equol research, focusing on the chemical properties, physiological functions, conversion mechanisms in vitro and vivo, and metabolic regulatory pathways affecting S-equol production. Advanced experimental designs and possible techniques in future research plan are also fully discussed. Furthermore, this review provides a fundamental basis for researchers in the field to understand individual differences in S-equol production, the efficiency of metabolic conversion of S-equol, and fermentation production of S-equol in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiyan Chen
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Zhong
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenlin Liao
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Wu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Ma
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengzhen Li
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Feng
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Hu Y, Yang C, Song C, Zhong W, Li B, Cao L, Chen H, Zhao C, Yin Y. Characterization and Identification of a New Daidzein Reductase Involved in (S)-Equol Biosynthesis in Clostridium sp. ZJ6. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:901745. [PMID: 35668767 PMCID: PMC9164157 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.901745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(S)-equol (EQ) is an isoflavone with high estrogen-like activity in the human body, and is only produced by some gut bacteria in vivo. It plays an important role in maintaining individual health, however, the dearth of resources associated with (S)-EQ-producing bacteria has seriously restricted the production and application of (S)-EQ. We report here a new functional gene KEC48-07020 (K-07020) that was identified from a chick (S)-EQ-producing bacterium (Clostridium sp. ZJ6, ZJ6). We found that recombinant protein of K-07020 possessed similar function to daidzein reductase (DZNR), which can convert daidzein (DZN) into R/S-dihydrodaidzein (R/S-DHD). Interestingly, K-07020 can reversely convert (R/S)-DHD (DHD oxidase) into DZN even without cofactors under aerobic conditions. Additionally, high concentrations of (S)-EQ can directly promote DHD oxidase but inhibit DZNR activity. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the amino acid > Arg75 was the active site of DHD oxidase. Subsequently, an engineered E. coli strain based on K-07020 was constructed and showed higher yield of (S)-EQ than the engineered bacteria from our previous work. Metagenomics analysis and PCR detection surprisingly revealed that K-07020 and related bacteria may be prevalent in the gut of humans and animals. Overall, a new DZNR from ZJ6 was found and identified in this study, and its bidirectional enzyme activities and wide distribution in the gut of humans and animals provide alternative strategies for revealing the individual regulatory mechanisms of (S)-EQ-producing bacteria.
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Mithul Aravind S, Wichienchot S, Tsao R, Ramakrishnan S, Chakkaravarthi S. Role of dietary polyphenols on gut microbiota, their metabolites and health benefits. Food Res Int 2021; 142:110189. [PMID: 33773665 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial health roles of dietary polyphenols in preventing oxidative stress related chronic diseases have been subjected to intense investigation over the last two decades. As our understanding of the role of gut microbiota advances our knowledge of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of polyphenols accumulates, there emerges a need to examine the prebiotic role of dietary polyphenols. This review focused onthe role of different types and sources of dietary polyphenols on the modulation of the gut microbiota, their metabolites and how they impact on host health benefits. Inter-dependence between the gut microbiota and polyphenol metabolites and the vital balance between the two in maintaining the host gut homeostasis were discussed with reference to different types and sources of dietary polyphenols. Similarly, the mechanisms behind the health benefits by various polyphenolic metabolites bio-transformed by gut microbiota were also explained. However, further research should focus on the importance of human trials and profound links of polyphenols-gut microbiota-nerve-brain as they provide the key to unlock the mechanisms behind the observed benefits of dietary polyphenols found in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mithul Aravind
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship Management, Haryana, India
| | - Santad Wichienchot
- Center of Excellence in Functional Food and Gastronomy, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkla University, Korhong, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Rong Tsao
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 93 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5C9, Canada.
| | - S Ramakrishnan
- Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - S Chakkaravarthi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship Management, Haryana, India.
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