1
|
Tarafder E, Nizamani MM, Karunarathna SC, Das D, Zeng X, Rind RA, Wang Y, Tian F. Advancements in genetic studies of mushrooms: a comprehensive review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:275. [PMID: 39034336 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04079-8] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Genetic studies in mushrooms, driven by innovations such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and RNA interference, transform our understanding of these enigmatic fungi and their multifaceted roles in agriculture, medicine, and conservation. This comprehensive review explores the rationale and significance of genetic research in mushrooms, delving into the ethical, regulatory, and ecological dimensions of this field. CRISPR-Cas9 emerges as a game-changing technology, enabling precise genome editing, targeted gene knockouts, and pathway manipulation. RNA interference complements these efforts by downregulating genes for improved crop yield and enhanced pest and disease resistance. Genetic studies also contribute to the conservation of rare species and developing more robust mushroom strains, fostering sustainable cultivation practices. Moreover, they unlock the potential for discovering novel medicinal compounds, offering new horizons in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. As emerging technologies and ethical considerations shape the future of mushroom research, these studies promise to revolutionize our relationship with these fungi, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Entaj Tarafder
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Mir Muhammad Nizamani
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Samantha C Karunarathna
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, 655011, People's Republic of China
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - Diptosh Das
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Xiangyu Zeng
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Raza Ali Rind
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Hyderabad, Pakistan
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fenghua Tian
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tiwari P, Park KI. Advanced Fungal Biotechnologies in Accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): What Do We Know and What Comes Next? J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:506. [PMID: 39057391 PMCID: PMC11278089 DOI: 10.3390/jof10070506] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present era has witnessed an unprecedented scenario with extreme climate changes, depleting natural resources and rising global food demands and its widespread societal impact. From providing bio-based resources to fulfilling socio-economic necessities, tackling environmental challenges, and ecosystem restoration, microbes exist as integral members of the ecosystem and influence human lives. Microbes demonstrate remarkable potential to adapt and thrive in climatic variations and extreme niches and promote environmental sustainability. It is important to mention that advances in fungal biotechnologies have opened new avenues and significantly contributed to improving human lives through addressing socio-economic challenges. Microbe-based sustainable innovations would likely contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing affordable energy (use of agro-industrial waste by microbial conversions), reducing economic burdens/affordable living conditions (new opportunities by the creation of bio-based industries for a sustainable living), tackling climatic changes (use of sustainable alternative fuels for reducing carbon footprints), conserving marine life (production of microbe-based bioplastics for safer marine life) and poverty reduction (microbial products), among other microbe-mediated approaches. The article highlights the emerging trends and future directions into how fungal biotechnologies can provide feasible and sustainable solutions to achieve SDGs and address global issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Tiwari
- Department of Horticulture & Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dinius A, Müller H, Kellhammer D, Deffur C, Schmideder S, Hammel JU, Krull R, Briesen H. 3D imaging and analysis to unveil the impact of microparticles on the pellet morphology of filamentous fungi. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 38943490 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28788] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Controlling the morphology of filamentous fungi is crucial to improve the performance of fungal bioprocesses. Microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) increases productivity, most likely by changing the fungal morphology. However, due to a lack of appropriate methods, the exact impact of the added microparticles on the structural development of fungal pellets is mostly unexplored. In this study synchrotron radiation-based microcomputed tomography and three-dimensional (3D) image analysis were applied to unveil the detailed 3D incorporation of glass microparticles in nondestructed pellets of Aspergillus niger from MPEC. The developed method enabled the 3D analysis based on 375 pellets from various MPEC experiments. The total and locally resolved volume fractions of glass microparticles and hyphae were quantified for the first time. At increasing microparticle concentrations in the culture medium, pellets with lower hyphal fraction were obtained. However, the total volume of incorporated glass microparticles within the pellets did not necessarily increase. Furthermore, larger microparticles were less effective than smaller ones in reducing pellet density. However, the total volume of incorporated glass was larger for large microparticles. In addition, analysis of MPEC pellets from different times of cultivation indicated that spore agglomeration is decisive for the development of MPEC pellets. The developed 3D morphometric analysis method and the presented results will promote the general understanding and further development of MPEC for industrial application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dinius
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Henri Müller
- School of Life Sciences, Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Diana Kellhammer
- School of Life Sciences, Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Charlotte Deffur
- School of Life Sciences, Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmideder
- School of Life Sciences, Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Rainer Krull
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- School of Life Sciences, Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu Z, Chen Z, Liu Y, Hua X, Gao C, Liu J. Morphological Engineering of Filamentous Fungi: Research Progress and Perspectives. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1197-1205. [PMID: 38693049 PMCID: PMC11239417 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2402.02007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are important cell factories for the production of high-value enzymes and chemicals for the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Under submerged fermentation, filamentous fungi exhibit diverse fungal morphologies that are influenced by environmental factors, which in turn affect the rheological properties and mass transfer of the fermentation system, and ultimately the synthesis of products. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms of mycelial morphogenesis and then provide an overview of current developments in methods and strategies for morphological regulation, including physicochemical and metabolic engineering approaches. We also anticipate that rapid developments in synthetic biology and genetic manipulation tools will accelerate morphological engineering in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwu Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Zhiqun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Yunguo Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Xuexue Hua
- Shandong Fufeng Fermentation Co., Ltd., Linyi 276600, P. R. China
| | - Cuijuan Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu X, Zhang T, Zhang K, Zhang R, Shi M, Gu C, Shi T, Lu L, Xue F, Xu Q, Zhang C. The forced activation of asexual conidiation in Aspergillus niger simplifies bioproduction. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:277-284. [PMID: 38496318 PMCID: PMC10942867 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.02.007] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus niger is an efficient cell factory for organic acids production, particularly l-malic acid, through genetic manipulation. However, the traditional method of collecting A. niger spores for inoculation is labor-intensive and resource-consuming. In our study, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to replace the promoter of brlA, a key gene in Aspergillus conidiation, with a xylose-inducible promoter xylP in l-malic acid-producing A. niger strain RG0095, generating strain brlAxylP. When induced with xylose in submerged liquid culture, brlAxylP exhibited significant upregulation of conidiation-related genes. This induction allowed us to easily collect an abundance of brlAxylP spores (>7.1 × 106/mL) in liquid xylose medium. Significantly, the submerged conidiation approach preserves the substantial potential of A. niger as a foundational cellular platform for the biosynthesis of organic acids, including but not limited to l-malic acid. In summary, our study offers a simplified submerged conidiation strategy to streamline the preparation stage and reduce labor and material costs for industrial organic acid production using Aspergillus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Man Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chenlei Gu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tianqiong Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ling Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Xue
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barthel L, Cairns T, Duda S, Müller H, Dobbert B, Jung S, Briesen H, Meyer V. Breaking down barriers: comprehensive functional analysis of the Aspergillus niger chitin synthase repertoire. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38468360 PMCID: PMC10926633 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-024-00172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the fungal kingdom are heterotrophic eukaryotes encased in a chitin containing cell wall. This polymer is vital for cell wall stiffness and, ultimately, cell shape. Most fungal genomes contain numerous putative chitin synthase encoding genes. However, systematic functional analysis of the full chitin synthase catalogue in a given species is rare. This greatly limits fundamental understanding and potential applications of manipulating chitin synthesis across the fungal kingdom. RESULTS In this study, we conducted in silico profiling and subsequently deleted all predicted chitin synthase encoding genes in the multipurpose cell factory Aspergillus niger. Phylogenetic analysis suggested nine chitin synthases evolved as three distinct groups. Transcript profiling and co-expression network construction revealed remarkably independent expression, strongly supporting specific role(s) for the respective chitin synthases. Deletion mutants confirmed all genes were dispensable for germination, yet impacted colony spore titres, chitin content at hyphal septa, and internal architecture of submerged fungal pellets. We were also able to assign specific roles to individual chitin synthases, including those impacting colony radial growth rates (ChsE, ChsF), lateral cell wall chitin content (CsmA), chemical genetic interactions with a secreted antifungal protein (CsmA, CsmB, ChsE, ChsF), resistance to therapeutics (ChsE), and those that modulated pellet diameter in liquid culture (ChsA, ChsB). From an applied perspective, we show chsF deletion increases total protein in culture supernatant over threefold compared to the control strain, indicating engineering filamentous fungal chitin content is a high priority yet underexplored strategy for strain optimization. CONCLUSION This study has conducted extensive analysis for the full chitin synthase encoding gene repertoire of A. niger. For the first time we reveal both redundant and non-redundant functional roles of chitin synthases in this fungus. Our data shed light on the complex, multifaceted, and dynamic role of chitin in fungal growth, morphology, survival, and secretion, thus improving fundamental understanding and opening new avenues for biotechnological applications in fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Barthel
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sven Duda
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henri Müller
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Birgit Dobbert
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Jung
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nouri N, Sadeghi L, Marefat A. Production of alkaline protease by Aspergillus niger in a new combinational paper waste culture medium. J Biosci Bioeng 2024; 137:173-178. [PMID: 38242758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2023.12.010] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes derived from microbial sources have gained increasing popularity in industrial applications over the past decades. Despite the high production cost, alkaline proteases have wide applications in industries such as tanneries, food production, and detergents. In recent years, there has been a shift towards utilizing natural carbon sources for cultivating microorganisms and extracting proteases in order to reduce production costs. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical and kinetic properties of protease enzymes obtained from Aspergillus niger cultivated in a paper waste medium and compare with the enzyme produced in a basal medium. Glucose is a more favorable carbon source compared to cellulose, so paper waste was pretreated with cellulose-degrading bacteria to convert cellulose into smaller carbohydrates. After the growth of A. niger in basal and combinational media, the enzymatic properties were compared between the extracted enzymes by using casein as substrate. The results demonstrated that A. niger could produce protease enzymes in the paper waste medium similar to the basal medium with more than 5-fold cost saving. The specific activity of the enzymes isolated from the basal and paper waste media was calculated to be 184.95 ± 10.56 U ml-1 and 169.88 ± 11.05 U ml-1, respectively. Carbon sources did not affect the optimum pH and temperature of the protease enzyme, which were found to be 8 and 37 °C, respectively. This study provides valuable insights into the production of alkaline protease from A. niger using a combinational medium (paper waste pretreated by cellulose-degrading bacteria), offering a cost-effective approach for industrial applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Nouri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Leila Sadeghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Arezu Marefat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gómez-Vázquez EG, Sánchez Roque Y, Ibáñez-Duharte GR, Canseco-Pérez MA, Zenteno-Carballo AG, Berrones-Hernández R, Pérez-Luna YC. Molecular identification and lipolytic potential of filamentous fungi isolated from residual cooking oil. Biodivers Data J 2024; 12:e113698. [PMID: 38352121 PMCID: PMC10862348 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.12.e113698] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi, microorganisms that develop and are located in different habitats, are considered important producers of enzymes and metabolites with potential for the biotechnology industry. The objective of this work was to isolate and identify filamentous fungi that grow in used oil. Two fungal species were characterised through their morphology and molecular identification. The DNA of each extracted strain was amplified by PCR using primers ITS1 and ITS4, obtaining sequences that were later in GenBank (NCBI). A white coloured strain (HB) with a cottony, white, hyaline morphology and irregular borders was observed; so too, a brown colony (HC) with a sandy surface, a well-defined border of beige colour in early growth until it became a dark brown colour. The identity result by homology of the sequences in the BLASTn database was 100% and 99.55%, indicating that they correspond to Cladosporiumtenuissimum and Fomitopsismeliae, respectively. Finally, the results in lipolytic activity show greater potential for Fomitopsismeliae with 0.61 U/l in residual oil. Thus, it is important to highlight the potential of this type of waste to favour the prospection of microorganisms for a sustainable alternative for future studies of biological conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvia G Gómez-Vázquez
- Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, MexicoUniversidad de Ciencias y Artes de ChiapasTuxtla GutiérrezMexico
| | - Yazmin Sánchez Roque
- Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa, MexicoUniversidad Politécnica de ChiapasSuchiapaMexico
| | - Guillermo R Ibáñez-Duharte
- Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, MexicoUniversidad de Ciencias y Artes de ChiapasTuxtla GutiérrezMexico
| | - Miguel A Canseco-Pérez
- Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa, MexicoUniversidad Politécnica de ChiapasSuchiapaMexico
| | - Ana G Zenteno-Carballo
- Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, MexicoUniversidad de Ciencias y Artes de ChiapasTuxtla GutiérrezMexico
| | | | - Yolanda C Pérez-Luna
- Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa, MexicoUniversidad Politécnica de ChiapasSuchiapaMexico
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Singh B, Jana AK. Agri-residues and agro-industrial waste substrates bioconversion by fungal cultures to biocatalyst lipase for green chemistry: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119219. [PMID: 37852078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Huge amounts of agri-residues generated from food crops and processing are discarded in landfills, causing environmental problems. There is an urgent need to manage them with a green technological approach. Agri-residues are rich in nutrients such as proteins, lipids, sugars, minerals etc., and provide an opportunity for bioconversion into value-added products. Considering the importance of lipase as a biocatalyst for various industrial applications and its growing need for economic production, a detailed review of bioconversion of agri-residues and agro-industrial substrate for the production of lipase from fungal species from a technological perspective has been reported for the first time. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram was used for the identification and selection of articles from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases from 2010 to 2023 (July), and 108 peer-reviewed journal articles were included based on the scope of the study. The composition of agri-residues/agro-industrial wastes, fungal species, lipase production, industrial/green chemistry applications, and the economic impact of using agri-residues on lipase costs have been discussed. Bioconversion procedure, process developments, and technology gaps required to be addressed before commercialization have also been discussed. This process expects to decrease the environmental pollution from wastes, and low-cost lipase can help in the growth of the bioeconomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhim Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, 144011, Punjab, India
| | - Asim Kumar Jana
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, 144011, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li J, Wang Y, Yang K, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhang H, Huang H, Su X, Yao B, Luo H, Qin X. Development of an efficient protein expression system in the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:236. [PMID: 37974259 PMCID: PMC10652509 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02245-5] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila has been widely used in industrial applications due to its ability to produce various enzymes. However, the lack of an efficient protein expression system has limited its biotechnological applications. RESULTS In this study, using a laccase gene reporting system, we developed an efficient protein expression system in M. thermophila through the selection of strong constitutive promoters, 5'UTRs and signal peptides. The expression of the laccase was confirmed by enzyme activity assays. The results showed that the Mtpdc promoter (Ppdc) was able to drive high-level expression of the target protein in M. thermophila. Manipulation of the 5'UTR also has significant effects on protein expression and secretion. The best 5'UTR (NCA-7d) was identified. The transformant containing the laccase gene under the Mtpdc promoter, NCA-7d 5'UTR and its own signal peptide with the highest laccase activity (1708 U/L) was obtained. In addition, the expression system was stable and could be used for the production of various proteins, including homologous proteins like MtCbh-1, MtGh5-1, MtLPMO9B, and MtEpl1, as well as a glucoamylase from Trichoderma reesei. CONCLUSIONS An efficient protein expression system was established in M. thermophila for the production of various proteins. This study provides a valuable tool for protein production in M. thermophila and expands its potential for biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Kun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Honglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Huoqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Xiaoyun Su
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Bin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China
| | - Huiying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China.
| | - Xing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10093, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen Y, Wang J, Wang M, Han A, Zhao X, Wang W, Wei D. Engineering the metabolism and morphology of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei for efficient L-malic acid production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129629. [PMID: 37558099 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
L-malic acid (MA) is a vital platform chemical with huge market demand because of its broad industrial applications. A cell factory for MA production was engineered by strengthening the intrinsic pathway without inserting foreign genes into Trichoderma reesei. The native MA transporter gene in the T. reesei genome was characterized (trmae1), and its overexpression significantly improved MA production, which increased from 2 to 56.24 g/L. Native pyruvate carboxylase, malate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, and glucose transporter were overexpressed further to improve the titer and yield of MA production. Fungal morphology was adapted to produce MA in the fermenter by deleting gul1. A titer of 235.8 g/L MA was produced from the final engineered strain in a 5-L fermenter with a yield of 1.48 mol of MA per mol of glucose and productivity of 1.23 g/L/h. This study provides novel insights for understanding and remodeling the MA synthesis pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Chen
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, China; Luhua Suo, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, China; Luhua Suo, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ao Han
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Wei Wang
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, China; Luhua Suo, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Dongzhi Wei
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, China; Luhua Suo, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Müller H, Deffur C, Schmideder S, Barthel L, Friedrich T, Mirlach L, Hammel JU, Meyer V, Briesen H. Synchrotron radiation-based microcomputed tomography for three-dimensional growth analysis of Aspergillus niger pellets. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3244-3260. [PMID: 37475650 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi produce a wide range of relevant biotechnological compounds. The close relationship between fungal morphology and productivity has led to a variety of analytical methods to quantify their macromorphology. Nevertheless, only a µ-computed tomography (µ-CT) based method allows a detailed analysis of the 3D micromorphology of fungal pellets. However, the low sample throughput of a laboratory µ-CT limits the tracking of the micromorphological evolution of a statistically representative number of submerged cultivated fungal pellets over time. To meet this challenge, we applied synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microtomography at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron [German Electron Synchrotron Research Center], resulting in 19,940 3D analyzed individual fungal pellets that were obtained from 26 sampling points during a 48 h Aspergillus niger submerged batch cultivation. For each of the pellets, we were able to determine micromorphological properties such as number and density of spores, tips, branching points, and hyphae. The computed data allowed us to monitor the growth of submerged cultivated fungal pellets in highly resolved 3D for the first time. The generated morphological database from synchrotron measurements can be used to understand, describe, and model the growth of filamentous fungal cultivations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henri Müller
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Charlotte Deffur
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmideder
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Lars Barthel
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tiaan Friedrich
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Lukas Mirlach
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zheng X, Du P, Gao K, Du Y, Cairns TC, Ni X, Chen M, Zhao W, Ma X, Yang H, Zheng P, Sun J. Genome-wide transcription landscape of citric acid producing Aspergillus niger in response to glucose gradient. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1282314. [PMID: 37941722 PMCID: PMC10628723 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1282314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus niger is the main industrial workhorse for global citric acid production. This fungus has complex sensing and signaling pathways to respond to environmental nutrient fluctuations. As the preferred primary carbon source, glucose also acts as a critical signal to trigger intracellular bioprocesses. Currently, however, there is still a knowledge gap in systems-level understanding of metabolic and cellular responses to this vital carbon source. In this study, we determined genome-wide transcriptional changes of citric acid-producing Aspergillus niger in response to external glucose gradient. It demonstrated that external glucose fluctuation led to transcriptional reprogramming of many genes encoding proteins involved in fundamental cellular process, including ribosomal biogenesis, carbon transport and catabolism, glucose sensing and signaling. The major glucose catabolism repressor creA maintained a stable expression independent of external glucose, while creB and creD showed significant downregulation and upregulation by the glucose increase. Notably, several high-affinity glucose transporters encoding genes, including mstA, were greatly upregulated when glucose was depleted, while the expression of low-affinity glucose transporter mstC was glucose-independent, which showed clear concordance with their protein levels detected by in situ fluorescence labeling assay. In addition, we also observed that the citric acid exporter cexA was observed to be transcriptionally regulated by glucose availability, which was correlated with extracellular citric acid secretion. These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of glucose but also shed new light on the adaptive evolutionary mechanism of citric acid production of A. niger.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zheng
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Du
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaiyue Gao
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Yimou Du
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Timothy C. Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaomeng Ni
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Shan Dong Fuyang Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Dezhou, China
| | - Xinrong Ma
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongjiang Yang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jibin Sun
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Murphy EJ, Rezoagli E, Collins C, Saha SK, Major I, Murray P. Sustainable production and pharmaceutical applications of β-glucan from microbial sources. Microbiol Res 2023; 274:127424. [PMID: 37301079 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
β-glucans are a large class of complex polysaccharides found in abundant sources. Our dietary sources of β-glucans are cereals that include oats and barley, and non-cereal sources can consist of mushrooms, microalgae, bacteria, and seaweeds. There is substantial clinical interest in β-glucans; as they can be used for a variety of diseases including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Suitable sources of β-glucans for biopharmaceutical applications include bacteria, microalgae, mycelium, and yeast. Environmental factors including culture medium can influence the biomass and ultimately β-glucan content. Therefore, cultivation conditions for the above organisms can be controlled for sustainable enhanced production of β-glucans. This review discusses the various sources of β-glucans and their cultivation conditions that may be optimised to exploit sustainable production. Finally, this article discusses the immune-modulatory potential of β-glucans from these sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Murphy
- LIFE - Health and Biosciences Research Institute, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick V94EC5T, Ireland; PRISM Research Institute, Midlands Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone N37 HD68, Ireland.
| | - Emanuele Rezoagli
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy; School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Catherine Collins
- LIFE - Health and Biosciences Research Institute, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick V94EC5T, Ireland
| | - Sushanta Kumar Saha
- LIFE - Health and Biosciences Research Institute, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick V94EC5T, Ireland
| | - Ian Major
- PRISM Research Institute, Midlands Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone N37 HD68, Ireland
| | - Patrick Murray
- LIFE - Health and Biosciences Research Institute, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick V94EC5T, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cairns TC, de Kanter T, Zheng XZ, Zheng P, Sun J, Meyer V. Regression modelling of conditional morphogene expression links and quantifies the impact of growth rate, fitness and macromorphology with protein secretion in Aspergillus niger. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:95. [PMID: 37268954 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filamentous fungi are used as industrial cell factories to produce a diverse portfolio of proteins, organic acids, and secondary metabolites in submerged fermentation. Generating optimized strains for maximum product titres relies on a complex interplay of molecular, cellular, morphological, and macromorphological factors that are not yet fully understood. RESULTS In this study, we generate six conditional expression mutants in the protein producing ascomycete Aspergillus niger and use them as tools to reverse engineer factors which impact total secreted protein during submerged growth. By harnessing gene coexpression network data, we bioinformatically predicted six morphology and productivity associated 'morphogenes', and placed them under control of a conditional Tet-on gene switch using CRISPR-Cas genome editing. Strains were phenotypically screened on solid and liquid media following titration of morphogene expression, generating quantitative measurements of growth rate, filamentous morphology, response to various abiotic perturbations, Euclidean parameters of submerged macromorphologies, and total secreted protein. These data were built into a multiple linear regression model, which identified radial growth rate and fitness under heat stress as positively correlated with protein titres. In contrast, diameter of submerged pellets and cell wall integrity were negatively associated with productivity. Remarkably, our model predicts over 60% of variation in A. niger secreted protein titres is dependent on these four variables, suggesting that they play crucial roles in productivity and are high priority processes to be targeted in future engineering programs. Additionally, this study suggests A. niger dlpA and crzA genes are promising new leads for enhancing protein titres during fermentation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together this study has identified several potential genetic leads for maximizing protein titres, delivered a suite of chassis strains with user controllable macromorphologies during pilot fermentation studies, and has quantified four crucial factors which impact secreted protein titres in A. niger.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße Des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tom de Kanter
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße Des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaomei Z Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Jibin Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße Des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Khakhar A. A roadmap for the creation of synthetic lichen. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 654:87-93. [PMID: 36898228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Lichens represent a charismatic corner of biology that has a rich history of scientific exploration, but to which modern biological techniques have been sparsely applied. This has limited our understanding of phenomena unique to lichen, such as the emergent development of physically coupled microbial consortia or distributed metabolisms. The experimental intractability of natural lichens has prevented studies of the mechanistic underpinnings of their biology. Creating synthetic lichen from experimentally tractable, free-living microbes has the potential to overcome these challenges. They could also serve as powerful new chassis for sustainable biotechnology. In this review we will first briefly introduce what lichen are, what remains mysterious about their biology, and why. We will then articulate the scientific insights that creating a synthetic lichen will generate and lay out a roadmap for how this could be achieved using synthetic biology. Finally, we will explore the translational applications of synthetic lichen and detail what is needed to advance the pursuit of their creation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Khakhar
- Biology Department, Colorado State University, 251 West Pitkin Drive, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jo C, Zhang J, Tam JM, Church GM, Khalil AS, Segrè D, Tang TC. Unlocking the magic in mycelium: Using synthetic biology to optimize filamentous fungi for biomanufacturing and sustainability. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100560. [PMID: 36756210 PMCID: PMC9900623 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi drive carbon and nutrient cycling across our global ecosystems, through its interactions with growing and decaying flora and their constituent microbiomes. The remarkable metabolic diversity, secretion ability, and fiber-like mycelial structure that have evolved in filamentous fungi have been increasingly exploited in commercial operations. The industrial potential of mycelial fermentation ranges from the discovery and bioproduction of enzymes and bioactive compounds, the decarbonization of food and material production, to environmental remediation and enhanced agricultural production. Despite its fundamental impact in ecology and biotechnology, molds and mushrooms have not, to-date, significantly intersected with synthetic biology in ways comparable to other industrial cell factories (e.g. Escherichia coli,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Komagataella phaffii). In this review, we summarize a suite of synthetic biology and computational tools for the mining, engineering and optimization of filamentous fungi as a bioproduction chassis. A combination of methods across genetic engineering, mutagenesis, experimental evolution, and computational modeling can be used to address strain development bottlenecks in established and emerging industries. These include slow mycelium growth rate, low production yields, non-optimal growth in alternative feedstocks, and difficulties in downstream purification. In the scope of biomanufacturing, we then detail previous efforts in improving key bottlenecks by targeting protein processing and secretion pathways, hyphae morphogenesis, and transcriptional control. Bringing synthetic biology practices into the hidden world of molds and mushrooms will serve to expand the limited panel of host organisms that allow for commercially-feasible and environmentally-sustainable bioproduction of enzymes, chemicals, therapeutics, foods, and materials of the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Jo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenny M. Tam
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George M. Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmad S. Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Segrè
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Heterogeneity in Spore Aggregation and Germination Results in Different Sized, Cooperative Microcolonies in an Aspergillus niger Culture. mBio 2023; 14:e0087022. [PMID: 36629410 PMCID: PMC9973262 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00870-22] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungus Aspergillus niger is among the most abundant fungi in the world and is widely used as a cell factory for protein and metabolite production. This fungus forms asexual spores called conidia that are used for dispersal. Notably, part of the spores and germlings aggregate in an aqueous environment. The aggregated conidia/germlings give rise to large microcolonies, while the nonaggregated spores/germlings result in small microcolonies. Here, it is shown that small microcolonies release a larger variety and quantity of secreted proteins compared to large microcolonies. Yet, the secretome of large microcolonies has complementary cellulase activity with that of the small microcolonies. Also, large microcolonies are more resistant to heat and oxidative stress compared to small microcolonies, which is partly explained by the presence of nongerminated spores in the core of the large microcolonies. Together, it is proposed that heterogeneity in germination and aggregation has evolved to form a population of different sized A. niger microcolonies, thereby increasing stress survival and producing a meta-secretome more optimally suited to degrade complex substrates. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus niger can form microcolonies of different size due to partial aggregation of spores and germlings. So far, this heterogeneity was considered a negative trait by the industry. We here, however, show that heterogeneity in size within a population of microcolonies is beneficial for food degradation and stress survival. This functional heterogeneity is not only of interest for the industry to make blends of enzymes (e.g., for biofuel or bioplastic production) but could also play a role in nature for effective nutrient cycling and survival of the fungus.
Collapse
|
19
|
Effect of Microparticles on Fungal Fermentation for Fermentation-Based Product Productions. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10122681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ranging from simple food ingredients to complex pharmaceuticals, value-added products via microbial fermentation have many advantages over their chemically synthesized alternatives. Some of such advantages are environment-friendly production pathways, more specificity in the case of enzymes as compared to the chemical catalysts and reduction of harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals or strong acids and bases. Fungal fermentation systems include yeast and filamentous fungal cells based on cell morphology and culture conditions. However, filamentous fungal fermentation has gained attention in the past few decades because of the diversity of microbial products and robust production of some of the most value-added commodities. This type of fungal fermentation is usually carried out by solid-state fermentation. However, solid-state fermentation poses problems during the scale-up for industrial production. Therefore, submerged fermentation for value-added products is usually preferred for scaling-up purposes. The main problem with submerged fungal fermentation is the formation of complex mycelial clumps or pellets. The formation of such pellets increases the viscosity of the media and hinders the efficient transfer of oxygen and nutrient resources in the liquid phase. The cells at the center of the clump or pellet start to die because of a shortage of resources and, thus, productivity decreases substantially. To overcome this problem, various morphological engineering techniques are being researched. One approach is the use of microparticles. Microparticles are inert particles with various size ranges that are used in fermentation. These microparticles are shown to have positive effects, such as high enzyme productivity or smaller pellets with fungal fermentation. Therefore, this review provides a background about the types of microparticles and summarizes some of the recent studies with special emphasis on the fungal morphology changes and microparticle types along with the applications of microparticles in filamentous fungal fermentations.
Collapse
|
20
|
Qamar SA, Riasat A, Jahangeer M, Fatima R, Bilal M, Iqbal HMN, Mu BZ. Prospects of microbial polysaccharides-based hybrid constructs for biomimicking applications. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:1319-1336. [PMID: 35048396 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharides are biobased polymers obtained from renewable sources. They exhibit various interesting features including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nontoxicity. Microbial polysaccharides are produced by several microorganisms including yeast, fungi, algae, and bacteria. Microbial polysaccharides have gained high importance in biotechnology due to their novel physiochemical characteristics and composition. Among microbial polysaccharides, xanthan, alginate, gellan, and dextran are the most commonly reported polysaccharides for the development of biomimetic materials for biomedical applications including targeted drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Several chemical and physical cross-linking reactions are performed to increase their technological and functional properties. Owning to the broad-scale applications of microbial polysaccharides, this review aims to summarize the characteristics with different ways of physical/chemical crosslinking for polysaccharide regulation. Recently, several biopolymers have gained high importance due to their biologically active properties. This will help in the formation of bioactive nutraceuticals and functional foods. This review provides a perspective on microbial polysaccharides, with special emphasis given to applications in promising biosectors and the subsequent advancement on the discovery and development of new polysaccharides for adding new products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarmad Ahmad Qamar
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Areej Riasat
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jahangeer
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rameen Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, China
| | - Hafiz M N Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Bo-Zhong Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jiang C, Wang H, Liu M, Wang L, Yang R, Wang P, Lu Z, Zhou Y, Zheng Z, Zhao G. Identification of chitin synthase activator in Aspergillus niger and its application in citric acid fermentation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6993-7011. [PMID: 36149454 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12174-9] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of citric acid (CA) using Aspergillus niger as a carrier is influenced by mycelium morphology, which is determined by the expression level of morphology-related genes. As a key component of the fungal cell wall, chitin content has an important effect on morphogenesis, and to investigate the effects of this on fermentation performance, we used RNA interference to knockdown chitin synthase C (CHSC) and chitin synthase activator (CHS3) to obtain the single-gene mutant strains A. niger chs3 and chsC and the double mutant A. niger chs3C. We found that the CA fermentation performance of the two single mutants was significantly better than that of the double mutant. The mutant A. niger chs3-4 exhibited CA production potential compared to that of the parent strain in scale-up fermentation; we determined certain characteristics of CA high-yielding strain fermentation pellets. In addition, when chsC alone was silenced, there was very little change in chs3 mRNA levels, whereas those of chsC were significantly reduced when only chs3 was silenced. As this may be because of a synergistic effect between chsC and chs3, and we speculated that the latent activation target of CHS3 is CHSC, our results confirmed this hypothesis. This study is the first application of a separation and combination silence strategy of chitin synthase and chitin synthase activator in the morphology of A. niger CA fermentation. Furthermore, it provides new insights into the method for the morphological study of A. niger fermentation and the interaction of homologous genes. KEY POINTS: • The function of chitin synthase C (chsC) and chitin synthase activator (chs3) is tightly interrelated. • Mycelial morphology was optimized by knockdown of CHS3, resulting in the overproduction of citric acid. • The separation and combination silence strategies are promising tools for the interaction of homologous housekeeping genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxu Jiang
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Comprehensive Laboratory Building, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, P.O. Box 1138, Hefei Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Wang
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Comprehensive Laboratory Building, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, P.O. Box 1138, Hefei Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China.
| | - Menghan Liu
- COFCO Biotechnology Co, Ltd. No. 1, Zhongliang Avenue, Bengbu Anhui, 233010, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Comprehensive Laboratory Building, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, P.O. Box 1138, Hefei Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruwen Yang
- COFCO Biotechnology Co, Ltd. No. 1, Zhongliang Avenue, Bengbu Anhui, 233010, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Comprehensive Laboratory Building, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, P.O. Box 1138, Hefei Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongmei Lu
- COFCO Biotechnology Co, Ltd. No. 1, Zhongliang Avenue, Bengbu Anhui, 233010, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhou
- COFCO Biotechnology Co, Ltd. No. 1, Zhongliang Avenue, Bengbu Anhui, 233010, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiming Zheng
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Comprehensive Laboratory Building, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, P.O. Box 1138, Hefei Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China.
| | - Genhai Zhao
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Comprehensive Laboratory Building, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, P.O. Box 1138, Hefei Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cephalosporin C biosynthesis and fermentation in Acremonium chrysogenum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6413-6426. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12181-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
23
|
Zhou Y, Anoopkumar AN, Tarafdar A, Madhavan A, Binoop M, Lakshmi NM, B AK, Sindhu R, Binod P, Sirohi R, Pandey A, Zhang Z, Awasthi MK. Microbial engineering for the production and application of phytases to the treatment of the toxic pollutants: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119703. [PMID: 35787420 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phytases are a group of digestive enzymes which are commonly used as feed enzymes. These enzymes are used exogenously in the feeds of monogastric animals thereby it improves the digestibility of phosphorous and thus reduces the negative impact of inorganic P excretion on the environment. Even though these enzymes are widely distributed in many life forms, microorganisms are the most preferred and potential source of phytase. Despite the extensive availability of the phytase-producing microbial consortia, only a few microorganisms have been known to be exploited at industrial level. The high costs of the enzyme along with the incapability to survive high temperatures followed by the poor storage stability are noted to be the bottleneck in the commercialization of enzymes. For this reason, besides the conventional fermentation approaches, the applicability of cloning, expression studies and genetic engineering has been implemented for the past few years to accomplish the abovesaid benefits. The site-directed mutagenesis as well as knocking out have also validated their prominent role in microbe-based phytase production with enhanced levels. The present review provides detailed information on recent insights on the modification of phytases through heterologous expression and protein engineering to make thermostable and protease-resistant phytases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - A N Anoopkumar
- Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases, Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Ayon Tarafdar
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aravind Madhavan
- Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
| | - Mohan Binoop
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum, 695 019, Kerala, India
| | - Nair M Lakshmi
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum, 695 019, Kerala, India
| | - Arun K B
- Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
| | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum, 695 019, Kerala, India; Department of Food Technology, T K M Institute of Technology, Kollam, 691 505, Kerala, India
| | - Parameswaran Binod
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum, 695 019, Kerala, India
| | - Ranjna Sirohi
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 136713, Republic of Korea
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Center for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248 007, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wen Y, Liao B, Yan X, Wu Z, Tian X. Temperature-responsive regulation of the fermentation of hypocrellin A by Shiraia bambusicola (GDMCC 60438). Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:135. [PMID: 35787717 PMCID: PMC9254528 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01862-w] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypocrellin A (HA) is a perylene quinone pigment with high medicinal value that is produced by Shiraia bambusicola Henn. (S. bambusicola) and Hypocrella bambusae (Berk. & Broome) Sacc. (Ascomycetes) with great potential in clinical photodynamic therapy. Submerged cultivation of S. bambusicola is a popular technique for HA production. However, there is not much research on how temperature changes lead to differential yields of HA production. RESULTS The temperature regulation of submerged fermentation is an efficient approach to promote HA productivity. After a 32 °C fermentation, the HA content in the mycelia S. bambusicola (GDMCC 60438) was increased by more than three- and fivefold when compared to that at 28 °C and 26 °C, respectively. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis showed that the regulation of the expression of transcription factors and genes essential for HA biosynthesis could be induced by high temperature. Among the 496 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) explicitly expressed at 32 °C, the hub genes MH01c06g0046321 and MH01c11g0073001 in the coexpression network may affect HA biosynthesis and cytoarchitecture, respectively. Moreover, five genes, i.e., MH01c01g0006641, MH01c03g0017691, MH01c04g0029531, MH01c04g0030701 and MH01c22g0111101, potentially related to HA synthesis also exhibited significantly higher expression levels. Morphological observation showed that the autolysis inside the mycelial pellets tightly composted intertwined mycelia without apparent holes. CONCLUSIONS The obtained results provide an effective strategy in the submerged fermentation of S. bambusicola for improved HA production and reveal an alternative regulatory network responsive to the biosynthesis metabolism of HA in response to environmental signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongdi Wen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation & Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Baosheng Liao
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yan
- Zhuhai Institute of Modern Industrial Innovation, South China University of Technology, 8 Fushan Road, Fushan Industrial Park, Zhuhai, 519100, China
| | - Zhenqiang Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation & Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaofei Tian
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation & Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Zhuhai Institute of Modern Industrial Innovation, South China University of Technology, 8 Fushan Road, Fushan Industrial Park, Zhuhai, 519100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Balagurunathan B, Ling H, Choi WJ, Chang MW. Potential use of microbial engineering in single-cell protein production. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 76:102740. [PMID: 35660478 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell proteins (SCPs) have been widely used in human food and animal feed applications, still, there are challenges in their production and commercialization. Recently, advances in microbial synthetic biology, genomic engineering, and biofoundry technologies have offered capabilities to effectively and rapidly engineer microorganisms for improving the productivity, nutritional, and functional quality of SCPs. In this review, we discuss various synthetic biology, genomic engineering, and biofoundry tools that can be harnessed for SCP production and genetic modification. We also describe the current and potential applications of genetic modification in producing intermediate feedstocks, as well as biomass-based and multifunctional SCPs. Finally, we discuss the technological and policy-control related challenges encountered when deploying genetic modification in SCP production for animal feed and human food applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Balagurunathan
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A⁎STAR) 1, Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore.
| | - Hua Ling
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Wilmar-NUS Corporate Laboratory (WIL@NUS), National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
| | - Won Jae Choi
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A⁎STAR) 1, Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore (A⁎STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Singapore; Singapore Institute of Technology, 10 Dover Dr, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Matthew Wook Chang
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Wilmar-NUS Corporate Laboratory (WIL@NUS), National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Müller H, Barthel L, Schmideder S, Schütze T, Meyer V, Briesen H. From spores to fungal pellets: a new high throughput image analysis highlights the structural development of Aspergillus niger. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2182-2195. [PMID: 35477834 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Many filamentous fungi are exploited as cell factories in biotechnology. Cultivated under industrially relevant submerged conditions, filamentous fungi can adopt different macromorphologies ranging from dispersed mycelia over loose clumps to pellets. Central to the development of a pellet morphology is the agglomeration of spores after inoculation followed by spore germination and outgrowth into a pellet population which is usually very heterogeneous. As the dynamics underlying population heterogeneity are not yet fully understood, we present here a new high-throughput image analysis pipeline based on stereomicroscopy to comprehensively assess the developmental program starting from germination up to pellet formation. To demonstrate the potential of this pipeline, we used data from 44 sampling times harvested during a 48 h submerged batch cultivation of the fungal cell factory Aspergillus niger. The analysis of up to 1700 spore agglomerates and 1500 pellets per sampling time allowed the precise tracking of the morphological development of the overall culture. The data gained were used to calculate size distributions and area fractions of spores, spore agglomerates, spore agglomerates within pellets, pellets, and dispersed mycelia. This approach eventually enables the quantification of culture heterogeneities and pellet breakage. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henri Müller
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Freising, Germany
| | - Lars Barthel
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmideder
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Freising, Germany
| | - Tabea Schütze
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu J, Wang X, Dai G, Zhang Y, Bian X. Microbial chassis engineering drives heterologous production of complex secondary metabolites. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107966. [PMID: 35487394 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The cryptic secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) far outnumber currently known secondary metabolites. Heterologous production of secondary metabolite BGCs in suitable chassis facilitates yield improvement and discovery of new-to-nature compounds. The two juxtaposed conventional model microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have been harnessed as microbial chassis to produce a bounty of secondary metabolites with the help of certain host engineering. In last decade, engineering non-model microbes to efficiently biosynthesize secondary metabolites has received increasing attention due to their peculiar advantages in metabolic networks and/or biosynthesis. The state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools lead the way in operating genetic manipulation in non-model microorganisms for phenotypic optimization or yields improvement of desired secondary metabolites. In this review, we firstly discuss the pros and cons of several model and non-model microbial chassis, as well as the importance of developing broader non-model microorganisms as alternative programmable heterologous hosts to satisfy the desperate needs of biosynthesis study and industrial production. Then we highlight the lately advances in the synthetic biology tools and engineering strategies for optimization of non-model microbial chassis, in particular, the successful applications for efficient heterologous production of multifarious complex secondary metabolites, e.g., polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, as well as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides. Lastly, emphasis is on the perspectives of chassis cells development to access the ideal cell factory in the artificial intelligence-driven genome era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Liu
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Present address: Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Xue Wang
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Guangzhi Dai
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Youming Zhang
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Bian
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yoshimi A, Miyazawa K, Kawauchi M, Abe K. Cell Wall Integrity and Its Industrial Applications in Filamentous Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:435. [PMID: 35628691 PMCID: PMC9148135 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways regulating cell wall integrity (CWI) in filamentous fungi have been studied taking into account findings in budding yeast, and much knowledge has been accumulated in recent years. Given that the cell wall is essential for viability in fungi, its architecture has been analyzed in relation to virulence, especially in filamentous fungal pathogens of plants and humans. Although research on CWI signaling in individual fungal species has progressed, an integrated understanding of CWI signaling in diverse fungi has not yet been achieved. For example, the variety of sensor proteins and their functional differences among different fungal species have been described, but the understanding of their general and species-specific biological functions is limited. Our long-term research interest is CWI signaling in filamentous fungi. Here, we outline CWI signaling in these fungi, from sensor proteins required for the recognition of environmental changes to the regulation of cell wall polysaccharide synthesis genes. We discuss the similarities and differences between the functions of CWI signaling factors in filamentous fungi and in budding yeast. We also describe the latest findings on industrial applications, including those derived from studies on CWI signaling: the development of antifungal agents and the development of highly productive strains of filamentous fungi with modified cell surface characteristics by controlling cell wall biogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yoshimi
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; (A.Y.); (M.K.)
- ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Ken Miyazawa
- ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
- Laboratory of Filamentous Mycoses, Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
| | - Moriyuki Kawauchi
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; (A.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Keietsu Abe
- ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fungal morphology: a challenge in bioprocess engineering industries for product development. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2021.100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
30
|
Zheng X, Cairns TC, Ni X, Zhang L, Zhai H, Meyer V, Zheng P, Sun J. Comprehensively dissecting the hub regulation of PkaC on high-productivity and pellet macromorphology in citric acid producing Aspergillus niger. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:1867-1882. [PMID: 35213792 PMCID: PMC9151341 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus niger, an important industrial workhorse for citric acid production, is characterized by polar hyphal growth with complex pelleted, clumped or dispersed macromorphologies in submerged culture. Although organic acid titres are dramatically impacted by these growth types, studies that assess productivity and macromorphological changes are limited. Herein, we functionally analysed the role of the protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signalling cascade during fermentation by disrupting and conditionally expressing the pkaC gene. pkaC played multiple roles during hyphal, colony and conidiophore growth. By overexpressing pkaC, we could concomitantly modify hyphal growth at the pellet surface and improve citric acid titres up to 1.87‐fold. By quantitatively analysing hundreds of pellets during pilot fermentation experiments, we provide the first comprehensive correlation between A. niger pellet surface morphology and citric acid production. Finally, by intracellular metabolomics analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) following titration of pkaC expression, we unveil the metabolomic and transcriptomic basis underpin hyperproductivity and pellet growth. Taken together, this study confirms pkaC as hub regulator linking submerged macromorphology and citric acid production and provides high‐priority genetic leads for future strain engineering programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Timothy C Cairns
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Institute of Biotechnology, Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany
| | - Xiaomei Ni
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.,National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.,National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhai
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Vera Meyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany
| | - Ping Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jibin Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin, 300308, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cairns TC, Zheng X, Feurstein C, Zheng P, Sun J, Meyer V. A Library of Aspergillus niger Chassis Strains for Morphology Engineering Connects Strain Fitness and Filamentous Growth With Submerged Macromorphology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:820088. [PMID: 35111742 PMCID: PMC8801610 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.820088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Submerged fermentation using filamentous fungal cell factories is used to produce a diverse portfolio of useful molecules, including food, medicines, enzymes, and platform chemicals. Depending on strain background and abiotic culture conditions, different macromorphologies are formed during fermentation, ranging from dispersed hyphal fragments to approximately spherical pellets several millimetres in diameter. These macromorphologies are known to have a critical impact on product titres and rheological performance of the bioreactor. Pilot productivity screens in different macromorphological contexts is technically challenging, time consuming, and thus a significant limitation to achieving maximum product titres. To address this bottleneck, we developed a library of conditional expression mutants in the organic, protein, and secondary metabolite cell factory Aspergillus niger. Thirteen morphology-associated genes transcribed during fermentation were placed via CRISPR-Cas9 under control of a synthetic Tet-on gene switch. Quantitative analysis of submerged growth reveals that these strains have distinct and titratable macromorphologies for use as chassis during strain engineering programs. We also used this library as a tool to quantify how pellet formation is connected with strain fitness and filamentous growth. Using multiple linear regression modelling, we predict that pellet formation is dependent largely on strain fitness, whereas pellet Euclidian parameters depend on fitness and hyphal branching. Finally, we have shown that conditional expression of the putative kinase encoding gene pkh2 can decouple fitness, dry weight, pellet macromorphology, and culture heterogeneity. We hypothesize that further analysis of this gene product and the cell wall integrity pathway in which it is embedded will enable more precise engineering of A. niger macromorphology in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C. Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Timothy C. Cairns, ; Jibin Sun, ; Vera Meyer,
| | - Xiaomei Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Claudia Feurstein
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ping Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jibin Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Timothy C. Cairns, ; Jibin Sun, ; Vera Meyer,
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Timothy C. Cairns, ; Jibin Sun, ; Vera Meyer,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Füting P, Barthel L, Cairns TC, Briesen H, Schmideder S. Filamentous fungal applications in biotechnology: a combined bibliometric and patentometric assessment. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2021; 8:23. [PMID: 34963476 PMCID: PMC8713403 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-021-00131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Processes and products employing filamentous fungi are increasing contributors to biotechnology. These organisms are used as cell factories for the synthesis of platform chemicals, enzymes, acids, foodstuffs and therapeutics. More recent applications include processing biomass into construction or textile materials. These exciting advances raise several interrelated questions regarding the contributions of filamentous fungi to biotechnology. For example, are advances in this discipline a major contributor compared to other organisms, e.g. plants or bacteria? From a geographical perspective, where is this work conducted? Which species are predominantly used? How do biotech companies actually use these organisms? RESULTS To glean a snapshot of the state of the discipline, literature (bibliometry) and patent (patentometry) outputs of filamentous fungal applications and the related fields were quantitatively surveyed. How these outputs vary across fungal species, industrial application(s), geographical locations and biotechnological companies were analysed. Results identified (i) fungi as crucial drivers for publications and patents in biotechnology, (ii) enzyme and organic acid production as the main applications, (iii) Aspergillus as the most commonly used genus by biotechnologists, (iv) China, the United States, Brazil, and Europe as the leaders in filamentous fungal science, and (v) the key players in industrial biotechnology. CONCLUSIONS This study generated a summary of the status of filamentous fungal applications in biotechnology. Both bibliometric and patentometric data have identified several key trends, breakthroughs and challenges faced by the fungal research community. The analysis suggests that the future is bright for filamentous fungal research worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamina Füting
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Lars Barthel
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty III Process Sciences, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy C Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty III Process Sciences, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmideder
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Grunwald O, Harish E, Osherov N. Development of Novel Forms of Fungal Art Using Aspergillus nidulans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121018. [PMID: 34947000 PMCID: PMC8703424 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121018] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are embedded in human culture, tradition, and art, and have featured as inspirational and visual motifs. Psychedelic and medicinal mushrooms have been sculpted, painted, and ingested by our ancestors since prehistory. In modern times, the growing divide between the arts and sciences has delegated fungal art to a niche activity, with the bulk of the focus being on mycelium as a biomaterial. A collaboration between a multidisciplinary artist and a research laboratory, specializing in the molecular study of Aspergillus molds, has allowed us to develop new forms of mycelial art. We describe in detail the development of fungal art techniques using nutrient-rich agar containing Aspergillus nidulans conidia spotted on glass acrylic surfaces or impregnated onto etched acrylic blocks. This approach generates visually and temporally dynamic artwork that is user-friendly, safe, relatively resistant to contamination and easily scalable. Moreover, it offers countless avenues of artistic development based on the diversity of colors, textures and shapes afforded by different fungal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nir Osherov
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3-640-9599; Fax: +972-3-640-9160
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ichikawa H, Miyazawa K, Komeiji K, Susukida S, Zhang S, Muto K, Orita R, Takeuchi A, Kamachi Y, Hitosugi M, Yoshimi A, Shintani T, Kato Y, Abe K. Improved recombinant protein production in Aspergillus oryzae lacking both α-1,3-glucan and galactosaminogalactan in batch culture with a lab-scale bioreactor. J Biosci Bioeng 2021; 133:39-45. [PMID: 34627690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.09.010] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are used as production hosts for various commercially valuable enzymes and chemicals including organic acids and secondary metabolites. We previously revealed that α-1,3-glucan and galactosaminogalactan (GAG) contribute to hyphal aggregation in the industrial fungus Aspergillus oryzae, and that production of recombinant protein in shake-flask culture is higher in a mutant lacking both α-1,3-glucan and GAG (AGΔ-GAGΔ) than in the parental strain. Here, we compared the productivity of the wild type, AGΔ-GAGΔ, and mutants lacking α-1,3-glucan (AGΔ) or GAG (GAGΔ) in batch culture with intermittent addition of glucose in a 5-L lab-scale bioreactor. The hyphae of the wild type and all mutants were dispersed by agitation, although the wild type and AGΔ formed small amounts of aggregates. Although mycelial weight was similar among the strains, the concentration of a secreted recombinant protein (CutL1) was the highest in AGΔ-GAGΔ. Evaluation of fluid properties revealed that the apparent viscosities of mycelial cultures of the wild type and AGΔ-GAGΔ decreased as the agitation speed was increased. The apparent viscosity of the AGΔ-GAGΔ culture tended to be lower than that of the wild-type strain at each agitation speed, and was significantly lower at 600 rpm. Overall, the lack of α-1,3-glucan and GAG in the hyphae improved culture rheology, resulting in an increase in recombinant protein production in AGΔ-GAGΔ. This is the first report of flow behavior improvement by a cell-surface component defect in a filamentous fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Ichikawa
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Ken Miyazawa
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Keisuke Komeiji
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Shunya Susukida
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Silai Zhang
- Laboratory of Bioindustrial Genomics, Department of Bioindustrial Informatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Kiyoaki Muto
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Orita
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Ayumu Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Yuka Kamachi
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hitosugi
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Akira Yoshimi
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake-cho, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shintani
- Laboratory of Bioindustrial Genomics, Department of Bioindustrial Informatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kato
- Mixing Technology Laboratory, Satake Chemical Equipment Mfg., Ltd., 60 Niizo, Toda, Saitama 335-0021, Japan
| | - Keietsu Abe
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan; ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan; Department of Microbial Resources, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Garrigues S, Kun RS, Peng M, Gruben BS, Benoit Gelber I, Mäkelä M, de Vries RP. The Cultivation Method Affects the Transcriptomic Response of Aspergillus niger to Growth on Sugar Beet Pulp. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0106421. [PMID: 34431718 PMCID: PMC8552599 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01064-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, filamentous fungi are exposed to diverse nutritional sources and changes in substrate availability. Conversely, in submerged cultures, mycelia are continuously exposed to the existing substrates, which are depleted over time. Submerged cultures are the preferred choice for experimental setups in laboratory and industry and are often used for understanding the physiology of fungi. However, to what extent the cultivation method affects fungal physiology, with respect to utilization of natural substrates, has not been addressed in detail. Here, we compared the transcriptomic responses of Aspergillus niger grown in submerged culture and solid culture, both containing sugar beet pulp (SBP) as a carbon source. The results showed that expression of CAZy (Carbohydrate Active enZyme)-encoding and sugar catabolic genes in liquid SBP was time dependent. Moreover, additional components of SBP delayed the A. niger response to the degradation of pectin present in SBP. In addition, we demonstrated that liquid cultures induced wider transcriptome variability than solid cultures. Although there was a correlation regarding sugar metabolic gene expression patterns between liquid and solid cultures, it decreased in the case of CAZyme-encoding genes. In conclusion, the transcriptomic response of A. niger to SBP is influenced by the culturing method, limiting the value of liquid cultures for understanding the behavior of fungi in natural habitats. IMPORTANCE Understanding the interaction between filamentous fungi and their natural and biotechnological environments has been of great interest for the scientific community. Submerged cultures are preferred over solid cultures at a laboratory scale to study the natural response of fungi to different stimuli found in nature (e.g., carbon/nitrogen sources, pH). However, whether and to what extent submerged cultures introduce variation in the physiology of fungi during growth on plant biomass have not been studied in detail. In this study, we compared the transcriptomic responses of Aspergillus niger to growth on liquid and solid cultures containing sugar beet pulp (a by-product of the sugar industry) as a carbon source. We demonstrate that the transcriptomic response of A. niger was highly affected by the culture condition, since the transcriptomic response obtained in a liquid environment could not fully explain the behavior of the fungus in a solid environment. This could partially explain the differences often observed between the phenotypes on plates compared to liquid cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Garrigues
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roland S. Kun
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mao Peng
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit S. Gruben
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Microbiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Benoit Gelber
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Microbiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miia Mäkelä
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ronald P. de Vries
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Microbiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Meyer V, Cairns T, Barthel L, King R, Kunz P, Schmideder S, Müller H, Briesen H, Dinius A, Krull R. Understanding and controlling filamentous growth of fungal cell factories: novel tools and opportunities for targeted morphology engineering. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2021; 8:8. [PMID: 34425914 PMCID: PMC8383395 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-021-00115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungal cell factories are efficient producers of platform chemicals, proteins, enzymes and natural products. Stirred-tank bioreactors up to a scale of several hundred m³ are commonly used for their cultivation. Fungal hyphae self-assemble into various cellular macromorphologies ranging from dispersed mycelia, loose clumps, to compact pellets. Development of these macromorphologies is so far unpredictable but strongly impacts productivities of fungal bioprocesses. Depending on the strain and the desired product, the morphological forms vary, but no strain- or product-related correlations currently exist to improve
process understanding of fungal production systems. However, novel genomic, genetic, metabolic, imaging and modelling tools have recently been established that will provide fundamental new insights into filamentous fungal growth and how it is balanced with product formation. In this primer, these tools will be highlighted and their revolutionary impact on rational morphology engineering and bioprocess control will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Timothy Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Barthel
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rudibert King
- Chair of Measurement and Control, Institute of Chemical and Process Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Kunz
- Chair of Measurement and Control, Institute of Chemical and Process Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmideder
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Gregor- Mendel-Str. 4, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Henri Müller
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Gregor- Mendel-Str. 4, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Gregor- Mendel-Str. 4, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Anna Dinius
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Rebenring 56, 38106, Brunswick, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Str. 35a, 38106, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Rainer Krull
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Rebenring 56, 38106, Brunswick, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Str. 35a, 38106, Brunswick, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Something old, something new: challenges and developments in Aspergillus niger biotechnology. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:213-224. [PMID: 33955461 PMCID: PMC8314004 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The filamentous ascomycete fungus Aspergillus niger is a prolific secretor of organic acids, proteins, enzymes and secondary metabolites. Throughout the last century, biotechnologists have developed A. niger into a multipurpose cell factory with a product portfolio worth billions of dollars each year. Recent technological advances, from genome editing to other molecular and omics tools, promise to revolutionize our understanding of A. niger biology, ultimately to increase efficiency of existing industrial applications or even to make entirely new products. However, various challenges to this biotechnological vision, many several decades old, still limit applications of this fungus. These include an inability to tightly control A. niger growth for optimal productivity, and a lack of high-throughput cultivation conditions for mutant screening. In this mini-review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art for A. niger biotechnology with special focus on organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, gluconic acid and itaconic acid), secreted proteins and secondary metabolites, and discuss how new technological developments can be applied to comprehensively address a variety of old and persistent challenges.
Collapse
|
38
|
Cairns TC, Zheng X, Zheng P, Sun J, Meyer V. Turning Inside Out: Filamentous Fungal Secretion and Its Applications in Biotechnology, Agriculture, and the Clinic. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:535. [PMID: 34356914 PMCID: PMC8307877 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are found in virtually every marine and terrestrial habitat. Vital to this success is their ability to secrete a diverse range of molecules, including hydrolytic enzymes, organic acids, and small molecular weight natural products. Industrial biotechnologists have successfully harnessed and re-engineered the secretory capacity of dozens of filamentous fungal species to make a diverse portfolio of useful molecules. The study of fungal secretion outside fermenters, e.g., during host infection or in mixed microbial communities, has also led to the development of novel and emerging technological breakthroughs, ranging from ultra-sensitive biosensors of fungal disease to the efficient bioremediation of polluted environments. In this review, we consider filamentous fungal secretion across multiple disciplinary boundaries (e.g., white, green, and red biotechnology) and product classes (protein, organic acid, and secondary metabolite). We summarize the mechanistic understanding for how various molecules are secreted and present numerous applications for extracellular products. Additionally, we discuss how the control of secretory pathways and the polar growth of filamentous hyphae can be utilized in diverse settings, including industrial biotechnology, agriculture, and the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C. Cairns
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaomei Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; (X.Z.); (P.Z.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; (X.Z.); (P.Z.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jibin Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; (X.Z.); (P.Z.); (J.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Delivering the goods: Fungal secretion modulates virulence during host–pathogen interactions. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
41
|
Garcia CA, Gardner JG. Bacterial α-diglucoside metabolism: perspectives and potential for biotechnology and biomedicine. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4033-4052. [PMID: 33961116 PMCID: PMC8237927 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11322-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In a competitive microbial environment, nutrient acquisition is a major contributor to the survival of any individual bacterial species, and the ability to access uncommon energy sources can provide a fitness advantage. One set of soluble carbohydrates that have attracted increased attention for use in biotechnology and biomedicine is the α-diglucosides. Maltose is the most well-studied member of this class; however, the remaining four less common α-diglucosides (trehalose, kojibiose, nigerose, and isomaltose) are increasingly used in processed food and fermented beverages. The consumption of trehalose has recently been shown to be a contributing factor in gut microbiome disease as certain pathogens are using α-diglucosides to outcompete native gut flora. Kojibiose and nigerose have also been examined as potential prebiotics and alternative sweeteners for a variety of foods. Compared to the study of maltose metabolism, our understanding of the synthesis and degradation of uncommon α-diglucosides is lacking, and several fundamental questions remain unanswered, particularly with regard to the regulation of bacterial metabolism for α-diglucosides. Therefore, this minireview attempts to provide a focused analysis of uncommon α-diglucoside metabolism in bacteria and suggests some future directions for this research area that could potentially accelerate biotechnology and biomedicine developments. KEY POINTS: • α-diglucosides are increasingly important but understudied bacterial metabolites. • Kinetically superior α-diglucoside enzymes require few amino acid substitutions. • In vivo studies are required to realize the biotechnology potential of α-diglucosides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecelia A Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bodie E, Virag A, Pratt RJ, Leiva N, Ward M, Dodge T. Reduced viscosity mutants of Trichoderma reesei with improved industrial fermentation characteristics. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 48:kuab014. [PMID: 33599729 PMCID: PMC9113505 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Morphological mutants of Trichoderma reesei were isolated following chemical or insertional mutagenesis. The mutant strains were shown to have reduced viscosity under industrially relevant fermentation conditions and to have maintained high specific productivity of secreted protein. This allowed higher biomass concentration to be maintained during the production phase and, consequently, increased volumetric productivity of secreted protein. The causative mutations were traced to four individual genes (designated sfb3, ssb7, seb1, and mpg1). We showed that two of the morphological mutations could be combined in a single strain to further reduce viscosity and enable a 100% increase in volumetric productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert J Pratt
- Nutrition and Biosciences, DuPont, Palo Alto, CA
94304, USA
| | - Nicholas Leiva
- Nutrition and Biosciences, DuPont, Palo Alto, CA
94304, USA
| | - Michael Ward
- Nutrition and Biosciences, DuPont, Palo Alto, CA
94304, USA
| | - Tim Dodge
- Nutrition and Biosciences, DuPont, Palo Alto, CA
94304, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhao Q, Liu Q, Wang Q, Qin Y, Zhong Y, Gao L, Liu G, Qu Y. Disruption of the Trichoderma reesei gul1 gene stimulates hyphal branching and reduces broth viscosity in cellulase production. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 48:6132311. [PMID: 33693788 PMCID: PMC9113457 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Hyphal morphology is considered to have a close relationship with the production
level of secreted proteins by filamentous fungi. In this study, the
gul1 gene, which encodes a putative mRNA-binding protein,
was disrupted in cellulase-producing fungus Trichoderma reesei.
The hyphae of Δgul1 strain produced more lateral
branches than the parent strain. Under the condition for cellulase production,
disruption of gul1 resulted in smaller mycelial clumps and
significantly lower viscosity of fermentation broth. In addition, cellulase
production was improved by 22% relative to the parent strain.
Transcriptome analysis revealed that a set of genes encoding cell wall
remodeling enzymes as well as hydrophobins were differentially expressed in the
Δgul1 strain. The results suggest that the
regulatory role of gul1 in cell morphogenesis is likely
conserved in filamentous fungi. To our knowledge, this is the first report on
the engineering of gul1 in an industrially important
fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, 27 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqi Qin
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, 27 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yaohua Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Liwei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 11 Keyuanjingsi Road, 266101 Qingdao, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China.,National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, 27 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yinbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China.,National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, 27 Binhai Road, 266237 Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jansen R, Morschett H, Hasenklever D, Moch M, Wiechert W, Oldiges M. Microbioreactor-assisted cultivation workflows for time-efficient phenotyping of protein producing Aspergillus niger in batch and fed-batch mode. Biotechnol Prog 2021; 37:e3144. [PMID: 33745237 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3144] [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: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, many fungal genomes have become publicly available. In combination with novel gene editing tools, this allows for accelerated strain construction, making filamentous fungi even more interesting for the production of valuable products. However, besides their extraordinary production and secretion capacities, fungi most often exhibit challenging morphologies, which need to be screened for the best operational window. Thereby, combining genetic diversity with various environmental parameters results in a large parameter space, creating a strong demand for time-efficient phenotyping technologies. Microbioreactor systems, which have been well established for bacterial organisms, enable an increased cultivation throughput via parallelization and miniaturization, as well as enhanced process insight via non-invasive online monitoring. Nevertheless, only few reports about microtiter plate cultivation for filamentous fungi in general and even less with online monitoring exist in literature. Moreover, screening under batch conditions in microscale, when a fed-batch process is performed in large-scale might even lead to the wrong identification of optimized parameters. Therefore, in this study a novel workflow for Aspergillus niger was developed, allowing for up to 48 parallel microbioreactor cultivations in batch as well as fed-batch mode. This workflow was validated against lab-scale bioreactor cultivations to proof scalability. With the optimized cultivation protocol, three different micro-scale fed-batch strategies were tested to identify the best protein production conditions for intracellular model product GFP. Subsequently, the best feeding strategy was again validated in a lab-scale bioreactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Jansen
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Morschett
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dennis Hasenklever
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany
| | - Matthias Moch
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wiechert
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany.,Computational Systems Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Jülich, Germany
| | - Marco Oldiges
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Reyes C, Poulin A, Nyström G, Schwarze FWMR, Ribera J. Enzyme Activities of Five White-Rot Fungi in the Presence of Nanocellulose. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030222. [PMID: 33803754 PMCID: PMC8003285 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
White-rot fungi can degrade all lignocellulose components due to their potent lignin and cellulose-degrading enzymes. In this study, five white-rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, Trametes pubescens, Ganoderma adspersum, Ganoderma lipsiense, and Rigidoporus vitreus were tested for endoglucanase, laccase, urease, and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) production when grown with malt extract and nanocellulose in the form of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Results show that temperature plays a key role in controlling the growth of all five fungi when cultured with malt extract alone. Endoglucanase activities were highest in cultures of G. adspersum and G. lipsiense and laccase activities were highest in cultures of T. versicolor and R. vitreus. Urease activities were highest in cultures of G. adspersum, G. lipsiense, and R. vitreus. Glucose-6-phosphate levels also indicate that cells were actively metabolizing glucose present in the cultures. These results show that TEMPO-oxidized CNF and CNC do not inhibit the production of specific lignocellulose enzymes by these white-rot fungi. The apparent lack of enzymatic inhibition makes TEMPO-oxidized CNF and CNC excellent candidates for future biotechnological applications in combination with the white-rot fungi studied here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Reyes
- Laboratory for Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; (A.P.); (G.N.)
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Alexandre Poulin
- Laboratory for Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; (A.P.); (G.N.)
| | - Gustav Nyström
- Laboratory for Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; (A.P.); (G.N.)
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Francis W. M. R. Schwarze
- Laboratory for Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Javier Ribera
- Laboratory for Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (J.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Salvatierra HN, Regner EL, Baigorí MD, Pera LM. Orchestration an extracellular lipase production from Aspergillus niger MYA 135: biomass morphology and fungal physiology. AMB Express 2021; 11:42. [PMID: 33730322 PMCID: PMC7969684 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of biomass morphology and culture conditions on fungal fermentation was widely reviewed in the literature. In this work, we presented three independent experiments in order to evaluate the influence of some of those input factors on a lipase production separately by using the Aspergillus niger MYA 135 and the two-stage fermentation technique. Regarding the culture modality, the biomass was pre-grown in a first reactor. Then, the washed mycelium was transferred to a second reactor to continue the study. Firstly, linear effects of fungal morphology and several physiological parameters on a lipase production were explored using the Plackett-Burman design. The dispersed fungal morphology was confirmed as a proper quality characteristic for producing an extracellular lipase activity. Concerning the impact of the carbon source on the biomass pre-growth, the sucrose (E = 9.923, p < 0.001) and the L-arabinose (E = 4.198, p = 0.009) presented positive and significant effects on the enzyme production. On the contrary, the supplementation of 0.05 g/L CaCl2 displayed a highly negative and significant effect on this process (E = - 7.390, p < 0.001). Secondly, the relationship between the enzyme production and the input variables N:C ratio, FeCl3 and olive oil was explored applying the central composite design. Among the model terms, the N:C ratio of the production medium had the most negative and significant influence on the enzyme synthesis. Thus, it was concluded that a low N:C ratio was preferable to increase its production. In addition, the bifunctional role of FeCl3 on this fungus was presented. Thirdly, a prove of concept assay was also discussed.
Collapse
|
47
|
Jansen R, Küsters K, Morschett H, Wiechert W, Oldiges M. A fully automated pipeline for the dynamic at-line morphology analysis of microscale Aspergillus cultivation. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2021; 8:2. [PMID: 33676585 PMCID: PMC7937226 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-021-00109-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morphology, being one of the key factors influencing productivity of filamentous fungi, is of great interest during bioprocess development. With increasing demand of high-throughput phenotyping technologies for fungi due to the emergence of novel time-efficient genetic engineering technologies, workflows for automated liquid handling combined with high-throughput morphology analysis have to be developed. Results In this study, a protocol allowing for 48 parallel microbioreactor cultivations of Aspergillus carbonarius with non-invasive online signals of backscatter and dissolved oxygen was established. To handle the increased cultivation throughput, the utilized microbioreactor is integrated into a liquid handling platform. During cultivation of filamentous fungi, cell suspensions result in either viscous broths or form pellets with varying size throughout the process. Therefore, tailor-made liquid handling parameters such as aspiration/dispense height, velocity and mixing steps were optimized and validated. Development and utilization of a novel injection station enabled a workflow, where biomass samples are automatically transferred into a flow through chamber fixed under a light microscope. In combination with an automated image analysis concept, this enabled an automated morphology analysis pipeline. The workflow was tested in a first application study, where the projected biomass area was determined at two different cultivation temperatures and compared to the microbioreactor online signals. Conclusions A novel and robust workflow starting from microbioreactor cultivation, automated sample harvest and processing via liquid handling robots up to automated morphology analysis was developed. This protocol enables the determination of projected biomass areas for filamentous fungi in an automated and high-throughput manner. This measurement of morphology can be applied to describe overall pellet size distribution and heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Jansen
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kira Küsters
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Morschett
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wiechert
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany.,Computational Systems Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marco Oldiges
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Jülich, Germany. .,Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tamayo-Ordóñez MC, Contreras-Esquivel JC, Ayil-Gutiérrez BA, De la Cruz-Arguijo EA, Tamayo-Ordóñez FA, Ríos-González LJ, Tamayo-Ordóñez YJ. Interspecific evolutionary relationships of alpha-glucuronidase in the genus Aspergillus. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:560-575. [PMID: 34140152 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The increased availability and production of lignocellulosic agroindustrial wastes has originated proposals for their use as raw material to obtain biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) or derived products. However, for biomass generated from lignocellulosic residues to be successfully degraded, in most cases it requires a physical (thermal), chemical, or enzymatic pretreatment before the application of microbial or enzymatic fermentation technologies (biocatalysis). In the context of enzymatic technologies, fungi have demonstrated to produce enzymes capable of degrading polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin. Because of this ability for degrading lignocellulosic material, researchers are making efforts to isolate and identify fungal enzymes that could have a better activity for the degradation of plant cell walls and agroindustrial biomass. We performed an in silico analysis of alpha-glucoronidase in 82 accessions of the genus Aspergillus. The constructed dendrograms of amino acid sequences defined the formation of 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, and VI), which demonstrates the high diversity of the enzyme. Despite this ample divergence between enzyme groups, our 3D structure modeling showed both conservation and differences in amino acid residues participating in enzyme-substrate binding, which indicates the possibility that some enzymes are functionally specialized for the specific degradation of a substrate depending on the genetics of each species in the genus and the condition of the habitat where they evolved. The identification of alpha-glucuronidase isoenzymes would allow future use of genetic engineering and biocatalysis technologies aimed at specific production of the enzyme for its use in biotransformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética, Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Ing J. Cárdenas Valdez S/N, República, 25280, Saltillo, Coah, Mexico
| | - J C Contreras-Esquivel
- Laboratorio de Glicobiotecnologia Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Ing. J. Cárdenas Valdez S/N, República, 25280, Saltillo, Coah, Mexico
| | - B A Ayil-Gutiérrez
- CONACYT- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Biotecnologia Vegetal. Blvd. del Maestro, s/n, Esq. Elías Piña, Reynosa, 88710, Mexico
| | - E A De la Cruz-Arguijo
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Blvd. del Maestro, s/n, Esq. Elías Piña, Reynosa, 88710, Mexico
| | - F A Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 No. 4 por Av. Concordia, Campus Principal, 24180, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico
| | - L J Ríos-González
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Ing Cárdenas Valdez S/N, República, 25280, Saltillo, Coah, Mexico
| | - Y J Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Estancia Posdoctoral Nacional-CONACyT, Posgrado en Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Ing J. Cardenas Valdez S/N, República, 25280, Saltillo, Coah, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gao Y, Zhou X, Zhang MM, Liu YJ, Guo XP, Lei CR, Li WJ, Lu D. Response characteristics of the membrane integrity and physiological activities of the mutant strain Y217 under exogenous butanol stress. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2455-2472. [PMID: 33606076 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Butanol inhibits bacterial activity by destroying the cell membrane of Clostridium acetobutylicum strains and altering functionality. Butanol toxicity also results in destruction of the phosphoenolpyruvate-carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS), thereby preventing glucose transport and phosphorylation and inhibiting transmembrane transport and assimilation of sugars, amino acids, and other nutrients. In this study, based on the addition of exogenous butanol, the tangible macro indicators of changes in the carbon ion beam irradiation-mutant Y217 morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mutant has lower microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon (MATH) value than C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824 strain. FDA fluorescence intensity and conductivity studies demonstrated the intrinsically low membrane permeability of the mutant membrane, with membrane potential remaining relatively stable. Monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) accounted for 35.17% of the mutant membrane, and the saturated fatty acids (SFA)/unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) ratio in the mutant cell membrane was 1.65. In addition, we conducted DNA-level analysis of the mutant strain Y217. Expectedly, through screening, we found gene mutant sites encoding membrane-related functions in the mutant, including ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-related genes, predicted membrane proteins, and the PTS transport system. It is noteworthy that an unreported predicted membrane protein (CAC 3309) may be related to changes in mutant cell membrane properties. KEY POINTS: • Mutant Y217 exhibited better membrane integrity and permeability. • Mutant Y217 was more resistant to butanol toxicity. • Some membrane-related genes of mutant Y217 were mutated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation and Application, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Ya-Jun Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China.,Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Guo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cai-Rong Lei
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wen-Jian Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation and Application, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Dong Lu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China. .,Gansu Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation and Application, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
|