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Frendorf PO, Heyde SAH, Nørholm MHH. Mutations upstream from sdaC and malT in Escherichia coli uncover a complex interplay between the cAMP receptor protein and different sigma factors. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0035523. [PMID: 38197669 PMCID: PMC10882989 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00355-23] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In Escherichia coli, one of the best understood microorganisms, much can still be learned about the basic interactions between transcription factors and promoters. When a cAMP-deficient cya mutant is supplied with maltose as the main carbon source, mutations develop upstream from the two genes malT and sdaC. Here, we explore the regulation of the two promoters, using fluorescence-based genetic reporters in combination with both spontaneously evolved and systematically engineered cis-acting mutations. We show that in the cya mutant, regulation of malT and sdaC evolves toward cAMP-independence and increased expression in the stationary phase. Furthermore, we show that the location of the cAMP receptor protein (Crp) binding site upstream of malT is important for alternative sigma factor usage. This provides new insights into the architecture of bacterial promoters and the global interplay between Crp and sigma factors in different growth phases.IMPORTANCEThis work provides new general insights into (1) the architecture of bacterial promoters, (2) the importance of the location of Class I Crp-dependent promoters, and (3) the global interplay between Crp and sigma factors in different growth phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Ott Frendorf
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sophia A. H. Heyde
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten H. H. Nørholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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2
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Amarelle V, Roldán DM, Fabiano E, Guazzaroni ME. Synthetic Biology Toolbox for Antarctic Pseudomonas sp. Strains: Toward a Psychrophilic Nonmodel Chassis for Function-Driven Metagenomics. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:722-734. [PMID: 36862944 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
One major limitation of function-driven metagenomics is the ability of the host to express the metagenomic DNA correctly. Differences in the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational machinery between the organism to which the DNA belongs and the host strain are all factors that influence the success of a functional screening. For this reason, the use of alternative hosts is an appropriate approach to favor the identification of enzymatic activities in function-driven metagenomics. To be implemented, appropriate tools should be designed to build the metagenomic libraries in those hosts. Moreover, discovery of new chassis and characterization of synthetic biology toolbox in nonmodel bacteria is an active field of research to expand the potential of these organisms in processes of industrial interest. Here, we assessed the suitability of two Antarctic psychrotolerant Pseudomonas strains as putative alternative hosts for function-driven metagenomics using pSEVA modular vectors as scaffold. We determined a set of synthetic biology tools suitable for these hosts and, as a proof of concept, we demonstrated their fitness for heterologous protein expression. These hosts represent a step forward for the prospection and identification of psychrophilic enzymes of biotechnological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Amarelle
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Genómica Microbianas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Diego M Roldán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Genómica Microbianas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Elena Fabiano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Genómica Microbianas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - María-Eugenia Guazzaroni
- Departamento de Biologia. FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, 14049-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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3
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Sun S, Tan Y, Wang L, Wu Z, Zhou J, Wu G, Shao Y, Wang M, Song Z, Xin Z. Improving the activity and expression level of a phthalate-degrading enzyme by a combination of mutagenesis strategies and strong promoter replacement. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:41107-41119. [PMID: 36630040 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25263-7] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are widely used plasticizers found in consumer products, which enter the environment and pose severe threats to human health. Here, a new PAE-degrading enzyme EstJ6 was modified by combining mutagenesis strategies and a strong promoter replacement to improve its catalytic activity and expression level. Four mutants with enhanced activity were obtained by random mutation, among which EstJ6M1.1 exhibited the highest catalytic activity with an increase in catalytic activity by 2.9-fold toward dibutyl phthalate (DBP) than that of the wild-type (WT) enzyme. With these mutants as a template, a variant EstJ6M2 with 3.1-fold higher catalytic activity and 4.61 times higher catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) was identified by staggered extension PCR. Targeting four mutation sites of EstJ6M2, a variant EstJ6M3.1 was gained by site-directed saturation mutagenesis and displayed 4.3-fold higher activity and 5.97 times higher Kcat/Km than WT. The expression level of three mutants EstJ6M1.1, EstJ6M2, and EstJ6M3.1, as well as the WT, increased nearly threefold after a strong promoter replacement. These results provide a proof-theoretical basis and practicable pipeline for applying PAE-degrading enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhi Tan
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Zichao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Shao
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Song
- Instrumental Analysis Center of CPU, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Xin
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Gomez-Hinostroza ES, Gurdo N, Alvan Vargas MVG, Nikel PI, Guazzaroni ME, Guaman LP, Castillo Cornejo DJ, Platero R, Barba-Ostria C. Current landscape and future directions of synthetic biology in South America. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1069628. [PMID: 36845183 PMCID: PMC9950111 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1069628] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology (SynBio) is a rapidly advancing multidisciplinary field in which South American countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Brazil have made notable contributions and have established leadership positions in the region. In recent years, efforts have strengthened SynBio in the rest of the countries, and although progress is significant, growth has not matched that of the aforementioned countries. Initiatives such as iGEM and TECNOx have introduced students and researchers from various countries to the foundations of SynBio. Several factors have hindered progress in the field, including scarce funding from both public and private sources for synthetic biology projects, an underdeveloped biotech industry, and a lack of policies to promote bio-innovation. However, open science initiatives such as the DIY movement and OSHW have helped to alleviate some of these challenges. Similarly, the abundance of natural resources and biodiversity make South America an attractive location to invest in and develop SynBio projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Sebastian Gomez-Hinostroza
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Citogenética y Biomoléculas de Anfibios (LICBA), Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Nicolás Gurdo
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Pablo I. Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Linda P. Guaman
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Raúl Platero
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genómica Microbianas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador,Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador,*Correspondence: Carlos Barba-Ostria,
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Kalia VC, Gong C, Shanmugam R, Lee JK. Prospecting Microbial Genomes for Biomolecules and Their Applications. Indian J Microbiol 2022; 62:516-523. [PMID: 36458216 PMCID: PMC9705627 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-022-01040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioactive molecules of microbial origin are finding increasing biotechnological applications. Their sources range from the terrestrial, marine, and endophytic to the human microbiome. These biomolecules have unique chemical structures and related groups, which enable them to improve the efficiency of the bioprocesses. This review focuses on the applications of biomolecules in bioremediation, agriculture, food, pharmaceutical industries, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Chandra Kalia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
| | - Chunjie Gong
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ramasamy Shanmugam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
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Chen Y, Li J, Zhang S, Hu J, Chen X, Lin T, Dang D, Fan J. Controlling expression and inhibiting function of the toxin reporter for simple detection of the promoters’ activities in Escherichia coli. Enzyme Microb Technol 2022; 158:110051. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2022.110051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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7
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González D, Robas M, Fernández V, Bárcena M, Probanza A, Jiménez PA. Comparative Metagenomic Study of Rhizospheric and Bulk Mercury-Contaminated Soils in the Mining District of Almadén. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:797444. [PMID: 35330761 PMCID: PMC8940170 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.797444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil contamination by heavy metals, particularly mercury (Hg), is a problem that can seriously affect the environment, animals, and human health. Hg has the capacity to biomagnify in the food chain. That fact can lead to pathologies, of those which affect the central nervous system being the most severe. It is convenient to know the biological environmental indicators that alert of the effects of Hg contamination as well as the biological mechanisms that can help in its remediation. To contribute to this knowledge, this study conducted comparative analysis by the use of Shotgun metagenomics of the microbial communities in rhizospheric soils and bulk soil of the mining region of Almadén (Ciudad Real, Spain), one of the most affected areas by Hg in the world The sequences obtained was analyzed with MetaPhlAn2 tool and SUPER-FOCUS. The most abundant taxa in the taxonomic analysis in bulk soil were those of Actinobateria and Alphaproteobacteria. On the contrary, in the rhizospheric soil microorganisms belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria were abundant, evidencing that roots have a selective effect on the rhizospheric communities. In order to analyze possible indicators of biological contamination, a functional potential analysis was performed. The results point to a co-selection of the mechanisms of resistance to Hg and the mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics or other toxic compounds in environments contaminated by Hg. Likewise, the finding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms typical of the human clinic, such as resistance to beta-lactams and glycopeptics (vancomycin), suggests that these environments can behave as reservoirs. The sequences involved in Hg resistance (operon mer and efflux pumps) have a similar abundance in both soil types. However, the response to abiotic stress (salinity, desiccation, and contaminants) is more prevalent in rhizospheric soil. Finally, sequences involved in nitrogen fixation and metabolism and plant growth promotion (PGP genes) were identified, with higher relative abundances in rhizospheric soils. These findings can be the starting point for the targeted search for microorganisms suitable for further use in bioremediation processes in Hg-contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel González
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, CEU Universities, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Marina Robas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, CEU Universities, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Vanesa Fernández
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, CEU Universities, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Marta Bárcena
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, CEU Universities, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Agustín Probanza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, CEU Universities, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Pedro A Jiménez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, CEU Universities, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
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8
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Yuan C, Li P, Qing C, Kou Z, Wang H. Different Regulatory Strategies of Arsenite Oxidation by Two Isolated Thermus tengchongensis Strains From Hot Springs. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:817891. [PMID: 35359718 PMCID: PMC8963470 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.817891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is a ubiquitous constituent in geothermal fluids. Thermophiles represented by Thermus play vital roles in its transformation in geothermal fluids. In this study, two Thermus tengchongensis strains, named as 15Y and 15W, were isolated from arsenic-rich geothermal springs and found different arsenite oxidation behaviors with different oxidation strategies. Arsenite oxidation of both strains occurred at different growth stages, and two enzyme-catalyzed reaction kinetic models were observed. The arsenite oxidase of Thermus strain 15W performed better oxidation activity, exhibiting typical Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The kinetic parameter of arsenite oxidation in whole cell showed a Vmax of 18.48 μM min–1 and KM of 343 μM. Both of them possessed the arsenite oxidase-coding genes aioB and aioA. However, the expression of gene aioBA was constitutive in strain 15W, whereas it was induced by arsenite in strain 15Y. Furthermore, strain 15Y harbored an intact aio operon including the regulatory gene of the ArsR family, whereas a genetic inversion of an around 128-kbp fragment produced the inactivation of this regulator in strain 15W, leading to the constitutive expression of aioBA genes. This study provides a valuable insight into the adaption of thermophiles to extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changguo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Li,
| | - Chun Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhu Kou
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Helin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
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9
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Santana-Pereira ALR, Sandoval-Powers M, Monsma S, Zhou J, Santos SR, Mead DA, Liles MR. Discovery of Novel Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Diversity From a Soil Metagenomic Library. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:585398. [PMID: 33365020 PMCID: PMC7750434 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.585398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil microorganisms historically have been a rich resource for natural product discovery, yet the majority of these microbes remain uncultivated and their biosynthetic capacity is left underexplored. To identify the biosynthetic potential of soil microorganisms using a culture-independent approach, we constructed a large-insert metagenomic library in Escherichia coli from a topsoil sampled from the Cullars Rotation (Auburn, AL, United States), a long-term crop rotation experiment. Library clones were screened for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) using either PCR or a NGS (next generation sequencing) multiplexed pooling strategy, coupled with bioinformatic analysis to identify contigs associated with each metagenomic clone. A total of 1,015 BGCs were detected from 19,200 clones, identifying 223 clones (1.2%) that carry a polyketide synthase (PKS) and/or a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) cluster, a dramatically improved hit rate compared to PCR screening that targeted type I polyketide ketosynthase (KS) domains. The NRPS and PKS clusters identified by NGS were distinct from known BGCs in the MIBiG database or those PKS clusters identified by PCR. Likewise, 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained by NGS of the library included many representatives that were not recovered by PCR, in concordance with the same bias observed in KS amplicon screening. This study provides novel resources for natural product discovery and circumvents amplification bias to allow annotation of a soil metagenomic library for a more complete picture of its functional and phylogenetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Scott Monsma
- Lucigen Corporation, Middleton, WI, United States
| | - Jinglie Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Scott R. Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - David A. Mead
- Varigen Biosciences Corporation, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mark R. Liles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Varigen Biosciences Corporation, Madison, WI, United States
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10
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Nora LC, Westmann CA, Guazzaroni ME, Siddaiah C, Gupta VK, Silva-Rocha R. Recent advances in plasmid-based tools for establishing novel microbial chassis. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107433. [PMID: 31437573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A key challenge for domesticating alternative cultivable microorganisms with biotechnological potential lies in the development of innovative technologies. Within this framework, a myriad of genetic tools has flourished, allowing the design and manipulation of complex synthetic circuits and genomes to become the general rule in many laboratories rather than the exception. More recently, with the development of novel technologies such as DNA automated synthesis/sequencing and powerful computational tools, molecular biology has entered the synthetic biology era. In the beginning, most of these technologies were established in traditional microbial models (known as chassis in the synthetic biology framework) such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, enabling fast advances in the field and the validation of fundamental proofs of concept. However, it soon became clear that these organisms, although extremely useful for prototyping many genetic tools, were not ideal for a wide range of biotechnological tasks due to intrinsic limitations in their molecular/physiological properties. Over the last decade, researchers have been facing the great challenge of shifting from these model systems to non-conventional chassis with endogenous capacities for dealing with specific tasks. The key to address these issues includes the generation of narrow and broad host plasmid-based molecular tools and the development of novel methods for engineering genomes through homologous recombination systems, CRISPR/Cas9 and other alternative methods. Here, we address the most recent advances in plasmid-based tools for the construction of novel cell factories, including a guide for helping with "build-your-own" microbial host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Czamanski Nora
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Cauã Antunes Westmann
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - María-Eugenia Guazzaroni
- Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | | | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- ERA Chair of Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Rafael Silva-Rocha
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil.
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11
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Amarelle V, Sanches-Medeiros A, Silva-Rocha R, Guazzaroni ME. Expanding the Toolbox of Broad Host-Range Transcriptional Terminators for Proteobacteria through Metagenomics. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:647-654. [PMID: 30943009 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
As the field of synthetic biology moves toward the utilization of novel bacterial chassis, there is a growing need for biological parts with enhanced performance in a wide number of hosts. Is not unusual that biological parts (such as promoters and terminators), initially characterized in the model bacterium Escherichia coli, do not perform well when implemented in alternative hosts, such as Pseudomonas, therefore limiting the construction of synthetic circuits in industrially relevant bacteria, for instance Pseudomonas putida. In order to address this limitation, we present here the mining of transcriptional terminators through functional metagenomics to identify novel parts with broad host-range activity. Using a GFP-based terminator trap strategy and a broad host-range plasmid, we identified 20 clones with potential terminator activity in P. putida. Further characterization allowed the identification of 4 unique sequences ranging from 58 to 181 bp long that efficiently terminate transcription in P. putida, E. coli, Burkholderia phymatum, and two Pseudomonas strains isolated from Antarctica. Therefore, this work presents a new set of biological parts useful for the engineering of synthetic circuits in Proteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Amarelle
- Department of Microbial Biochemistry and Genomics, Biological Research Institute Clemente Estable, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, 14049-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Silva-Rocha
- FMRP, University of São Paulo, 14049-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Zhao H, Gao H, Ji K, Yan B, Li Q, Mo S, Zheng M, Ou Q, Wu B, Li N, Jiang C. Isolation and biochemical characterization of a metagenome-derived 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase gene from subtropical marine mangrove wetland sediments. AMB Express 2019; 9:19. [PMID: 30715617 PMCID: PMC6362186 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-019-0742-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
3-Deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in aromatic amino acid anabolism. A new Iβ-type DAHPS gene (aro1A) was identified in a metagenomic library from subtropical marine mangrove sediment. The gene encoded a polypeptide composed of 272 amino acids and had a maximum similarity of 52.4% to a known DAHPS at the amino acid level. Multiple sequence alignment, homologous modeling, and molecular docking showed that Aro1A had the typical (β/α)8 barrel-shaped catalytic structural domain of DAHPS. The motifs and amino acid residues involved in the combination of substrates and metal ligand were highly conservative with the known DAHPS. The putative DAHPS gene was subcloned into a pET-30a(+) vector and was overexpressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) cells. The recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity. The maximum activity for the recombinant Aro1A protein occurred at pH 8.0 and 40 °C. Ba2+ and Ca2+ stimulated the activity of Aro1A protein. The enzyme showed high affinity and catalytic efficiency (K m PEP = 19.58 μM, V max PEP = 29.02 μM min-1, and k cat PEP /K m PEP = 0.88 s-1 μM-1) under optimal reaction conditions. The enzymatic property of Aro1A indicates its potential in aromatic amino acid industrial production.
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13
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Nora LC, Westmann CA, Martins‐Santana L, Alves LDF, Monteiro LMO, Guazzaroni M, Silva‐Rocha R. The art of vector engineering: towards the construction of next-generation genetic tools. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 12:125-147. [PMID: 30259693 PMCID: PMC6302727 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
When recombinant DNA technology was developed more than 40 years ago, no one could have imagined the impact it would have on both society and the scientific community. In the field of genetic engineering, the most important tool developed was the plasmid vector. This technology has been continuously expanding and undergoing adaptations. Here, we provide a detailed view following the evolution of vectors built throughout the years destined to study microorganisms and their peculiarities, including those whose genomes can only be revealed through metagenomics. We remark how synthetic biology became a turning point in designing these genetic tools to create meaningful innovations. We have placed special focus on the tools for engineering bacteria and fungi (both yeast and filamentous fungi) and those available to construct metagenomic libraries. Based on this overview, future goals would include the development of modular vectors bearing standardized parts and orthogonally designed circuits, a task not fully addressed thus far. Finally, we present some challenges that should be overcome to enable the next generation of vector design and ways to address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Czamanski Nora
- Ribeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão Preto, São Paulo14049‐900Brazil
| | - Cauã Antunes Westmann
- Ribeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão Preto, São Paulo14049‐900Brazil
| | | | - Luana de Fátima Alves
- Ribeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão Preto, São Paulo14049‐900Brazil
- School of Philosophy, Science and Letters of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão Preto, São Paulo14049‐900Brazil
| | | | - María‐Eugenia Guazzaroni
- School of Philosophy, Science and Letters of Ribeirão PretoUniversity of São PauloRibeirão Preto, São Paulo14049‐900Brazil
| | - Rafael Silva‐Rocha
- Ribeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloRibeirão Preto, São Paulo14049‐900Brazil
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Alves LDF, Westmann CA, Lovate GL, de Siqueira GMV, Borelli TC, Guazzaroni ME. Metagenomic Approaches for Understanding New Concepts in Microbial Science. Int J Genomics 2018; 2018:2312987. [PMID: 30211213 PMCID: PMC6126073 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2312987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past thirty years, since the dawn of metagenomic studies, a completely new (micro) universe was revealed, with the potential to have profound impacts on many aspects of the society. Remarkably, the study of human microbiome provided a new perspective on a myriad of human traits previously regarded as solely (epi-) genetically encoded, such as disease susceptibility, immunological response, and social and nutritional behaviors. In this context, metagenomics has established a powerful framework for understanding the intricate connections between human societies and microbial communities, ultimately allowing for the optimization of both human health and productivity. Thus, we have shifted from the old concept of microbes as harmful organisms to a broader panorama, in which the signal of the relationship between humans and microbes is flexible and directly dependent on our own decisions and practices. In parallel, metagenomics has also been playing a major role in the prospection of "hidden" genetic features and the development of biotechnological applications, through the discovery of novel genes, enzymes, pathways, and bioactive molecules with completely new or improved biochemical functions. Therefore, this review highlights the major milestones over the last three decades of metagenomics, providing insights into both its potentialities and current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana de Fátima Alves
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cauã Antunes Westmann
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lencioni Lovate
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Cabral Borelli
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - María-Eugenia Guazzaroni
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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