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Akram F, Fatima T, Ibrar R, Shabbir I, Shah FI, Haq IU. Trends in the development and current perspective of thermostable bacterial hemicellulases with their industrial endeavors: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130993. [PMID: 38508567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Hemicellulases are enzymes that hydrolyze hemicelluloses, common polysaccharides in nature. Thermophilic hemicellulases, derived from microbial strains, are extensively studied as natural biofuel sources due to the complex structure of hemicelluloses. Recent research aims to elucidate the catalytic principles, mechanisms and specificity of hemicellulases through investigations into their high-temperature stability and structural features, which have applications in biotechnology and industry. This review article targets to serve as a comprehensive resource, highlighting the significant progress in the field and emphasizing the vital role of thermophilic hemicellulases in eco-friendly catalysis. The primary goal is to improve the reliability of hemicellulase enzymes obtained from thermophilic bacterial strains. Additionally, with their ability to break down lignocellulosic materials, hemicellulases hold immense potential for biofuel production. Despite their potential, the commercial viability is hindered by their high enzyme costs, necessitating the development of efficient bioprocesses involving waste pretreatment with microbial consortia to overcome this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Taseer Fatima
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ramesha Ibrar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ifrah Shabbir
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | | | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Shah FI, Shehzadi S, Akram F, Haq IU, Javed B, Sabir S, Kazim Y, Ashfaq S. Unveiling the Psychedelic Journey: An Appraisal of Psilocybin as a Profound Antidepressant Therapy. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00994-7. [PMID: 38117395 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00994-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Depression, a global health concern with significant implications for suicide rates, remains challenging to treat effectively with conventional pharmacological options. The existing pharmaceutical interventions for these illnesses need daily dosing, are accompanied by various adverse effects, and may exhibit limited efficacy in certain cases. However, hope emerges from an unlikely source-Psilocybin, a natural hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms. Recently, this enigmatic compound has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in addressing various mental health issues, including depression. Psilocybin alters mood, cognition, and perception by acting on a particular subtype of serotonin receptors in the brain. It's feasible that these shifts in consciousness will promote healing development, offering a novel approach to depression management. This comprehensive review explores psilocybin, derived from specific mushrooms, and its implications in the treatment of depression. The study examines new perspectives and therapeutic possibilities surrounding psilocybin, addressing existing gaps in academic literature. It delves into its biosynthesis, unique mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and anti-depressive effects. By uncovering the potential of this mind-altering substance, the review aims to advance psychiatric care, offering hope to those globally affected by depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Shehzadi S, Javed M, Ullah A, Bilal Waqar A, Iftikhar Shah F, Ullah S. In-vitro Augmentation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Using Adult Bovine Serum. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2023:CSCR-EPUB-135016. [PMID: 37861050 DOI: 10.2174/011574888x260118230927050143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are increasingly being utilized for immune-related disease therapies due to their low immunogenicity. However, the primary culture of UC-MSCs requires the supplementation of serum in the growth medium, which has posed a challenge due to ethical issues related to the collection method of the fetal bovine serum (FBS) that is routinely used in cell culture. AIM In order to address this, the purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of adult bovine serum (ABS) as a different and more affordable source of serum for the in-vitro cultivation of UC-MSCs. UC-MSCs were isolated from the umbilical cord of Wharton's jelly of cow immediately after birth, by digestion with Collagenase type I. METHOD ABS was collected from fresh bovine sources and heat-inactivated. The morphology of UC-MSCs was observed under an inverted microscope, and growth patterns, proliferative index, and doubling time were calculated every two days to compare the efficacy of ABS with FBS. Immunocytochemistry for specific markers was also conducted on the MSCs. RESULT The results showed a notable difference in morphology, growth rate, population doubling, and proliferative index between ABS and FBS. CONCLUSION Intriguingly, ABS proved to be an effective supplement in the growth medium for expanding UC-MSCs in vitro, providing a viable alternative to FBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somia Shehzadi
- University of Lahore University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology Lahore Pakistan
| | - Maryam Javed
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Lahore Pakistan
| | - Asmat Ullah
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Clinical Research Institute Hangzhou China
| | - Ahmad Bilal Waqar
- University of Lahore University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology Lahore Pakistan
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- University of Lahore University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology Lahore Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Ullah
- University of Lahore University Institute of Medical Laboratory Lahore Pakistan
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Akram F, Shah FI, Ibrar R, Fatima T, Haq IU, Naseem W, Gul MA, Tehreem L, Haider G. Bacterial thermophilic DNA polymerases: A focus on prominent biotechnological applications. Anal Biochem 2023; 671:115150. [PMID: 37054862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerases are the enzymes able to replicate the genetic information in nucleic acid. As a result, they are necessary to copy the complete genome of every living creature before cell division and sustain the integrity of the genetic information throughout the life of each cell. Any organism that uses DNA as its genetic information, whether unicellular or multicellular, requires one or more thermostable DNA polymerases to thrive. Thermostable DNA polymerase is important in modern biotechnology and molecular biology because it results in methods such as DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, whole genome amplification, molecular diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction, synthetic biology, and single nucleotide polymorphism detection. There are at least 14 DNA-dependent DNA polymerases in the human genome, which is remarkable. These include the widely accepted, high-fidelity enzymes responsible for replicating the vast majority of genomic DNA and eight or more specialized DNA polymerases discovered in the last decade. The newly discovered polymerases' functions are still being elucidated. Still, one of its crucial tasks is to permit synthesis to resume despite the DNA damage that stops the progression of replication-fork. One of the primary areas of interest in the research field has been the quest for novel DNA polymerase since the unique features of each thermostable DNA polymerase may lead to the prospective creation of novel reagents. Furthermore, protein engineering strategies for generating mutant or artificial DNA polymerases have successfully generated potent DNA polymerases for various applications. In molecular biology, thermostable DNA polymerases are extremely useful for PCR-related methods. This article examines the role and importance of DNA polymerase in a variety of techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ramesha Ibrar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Taseer Fatima
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Waqas Naseem
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mahmood Ayaz Gul
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Tehreem
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ghanoor Haider
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Akram F, Waheed HM, Shah FI, Haq IU, Nasir N, Akhtar MT, Farooq Gohar U. Burgeoning therapeutic strategies to curb the contemporary surging viral infections. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106088. [PMID: 37004965 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Significant efforts and initiatives were already made in the health care systems, however in the last few years; our world is facing emergences of viral infections which potentially leading to considerable challenges in terms of higher morbidity, mortality, increased and considerable financial loads on the affected populations. Over ten major epidemics or pandemics have been recorded in the twenty-first century, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic being one of them. Viruses being distinct obligate pathogens largely dependent on living beings are considered as one of the prominent causes of death globally. Although effective vaccines and antivirals have led to the eradication of imperative viral pathogens, the emergences of new viral infections as well as novel drug-resistant strains have necessitated the implementation of ingenious and efficient therapeutic approaches to treat viral outbreaks in the future. Nature being a constant source of tremendous therapeutical resources has inspired us to develop multi-target antiviral drugs, overcoming the challenges and limitations faced by pharmaceutical industry. Recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of viral reproduction have laid the groundwork for potential treatment approaches including antiviral gene therapy relying on the application of precisely engineered nucleic acids for disabling pathogen replication. The development of RNA interference and advancements in genome manipulating tools have proven to be especially significant in this regard. In this review, we discussed mode of actions and pathophysiological events associated with the viral infections; followed by distributions, and advancement made towards the detection strategies for timely diagnosis. In the later section, current approaches to cope up the viral pathogens and their key limitations have also been elaborated. Lastly, we also explored some novel and potential targets to treat such infections, where attentions were made on next generation gene editing technologies.
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Haq IU, Akram F, Nasir N, Shah FI. Circular RNAs: Insights into Clinical and Therapeutic Approaches for Various Cancers. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2023; 24:130-142. [PMID: 36635927 DOI: 10.2174/1389203724666230111113715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the advent of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are swiftly becoming one of the significant regulators of gene expression and cellular functions. A plethora of multiple molecular mechanisms has been observed to elicit their influence. OBJECTIVE Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct category of endogenous noncoding RNAs designed as a result of exon back splicing events in precursor's mRNAs (pre-mRNAs) and are widely distributed in the transcriptome of eukaryotic cells. METHODS Although the role of circRNAs is still in its infancy, they serve as microRNA sponges, protein scaffolds, and modulators of transcription and splicing and occasionally as templates for the production of peptides. RESULTS It is well known that abnormal circRNA expression is prevalent in malignancies and has been linked to a number of pathophysiological aspects of cancer. This extensively anomalous expression assists in cellular proliferation and growth, sustaining cellular invasiveness and bypassing cellular senescence and death, thus advocating their promise to serve as both clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets. CONCLUSION An overview of the recent status of circRNA will aid in the identification of new biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and their prospect in the diagnosis and therapy of disease. In this review article, we discuss the functional mechanisms of circRNAs, their biomarker potential in disease diagnosis and prognosis, therapeutic approaches, and the associated limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.,Pakistan Academy of Science, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Narmeen Nasir
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Akram F, Aqeel A, Shoaib M, Haq IU, Shah FI. Multifarious revolutionary aspects of microbial keratinases: an efficient green technology for future generation with prospective applications. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:86913-86932. [PMID: 36271998 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23638-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the dawn of century, tons of keratin bio-waste is generated by the poultry industry annually, and they end up causing environmental havoc. Keratins are highly flexible fibrous proteins which exist in α- and β- forms and provide mechanical strength and stability to structural appendages. The finding of broad-spectrum protease, keratinase, from thermophilic bacteria and fungi, has provided an eco-friendly solution to hydrolyze the peptide bonds in highly recalcitrant keratinous substances such as nails, feathers, claws, and horns into valuable amino acids. Microorganisms produce these proteolytic enzymes by techniques of solid-state and submerged fermentation. However, solid-state fermentation is considered as a yielding approach for the production of thermostable keratinases. This review prioritized the molecular and biochemical properties of microbial keratinases, and the role of keratinases in bringing prodigious impact for the sustainable progress of the economy. It also emphasizes on the current development in keratinase production with the focus to improve the biochemical properties related to enzyme's catalytic activity and stability, and production of mutant and cloned microbial strains to improve the yield of keratinases. Recently, multitude molecular approaches have been employed to enhance enzyme's productivity, activity, and thermostability which makes them suitable for pharmaceutical industry and for the production of animal feed, organic fertilizers, biogas, clearing of animal hides, and detergent formulation. Hence, it can be surmised that microbial keratinolytic enzymes are the conceivable candidates for numerous commercial and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Amna Aqeel
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Minahil Shoaib
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
- Pakistan Academy of Science, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Akram F, Haq IU, Shah FI, Aqeel A, Ahmed Z, Mir AS, Qureshi SS, Raja SI. Genus Thermotoga: A valuable home of multifunctional glycoside hydrolases (GHs) for industrial sustainability. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:105942. [PMID: 35709577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nature is a dexterous and prolific chemist for cataloging a number of hostile niches that are the ideal residence of various thermophiles. Apart from having other species, these subsurface environments are considered a throne of bacterial genus Thermotoga. The genome sequence of Thermotogales encodes complex and incongruent clusters of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), which are superior to their mesophilic counterparts and play a prominent role in various applications due to their extreme intrinsic stability. They have a tremendous capacity to use a wide variety of simple and multifaceted carbohydrates through GHs, formulate fermentative hydrogen and bioethanol at extraordinary yield, and catalyze high-temperature reactions for various biotechnological applications. Nevertheless, no stringent rules exist for the thermo-stabilization of biocatalysts present in the genus Thermotoga. These enzymes endure immense attraction in fundamental aspects of how these polypeptides attain and stabilize their distinctive three-dimensional (3D) structures to accomplish their physiological roles. Moreover, numerous genome sequences from Thermotoga species have revealed a significant fraction of genes most closely related to those of archaeal species, thus firming a staunch belief of lateral gene transfer mechanism. However, the question of its magnitude is still in its infancy. In addition to GHs, this genus is a paragon of encapsulins which carry pharmacological and industrial significance in the field of life sciences. This review highlights an intricate balance between the genomic organizations, factors inducing the thermostability, and pharmacological and industrial applications of GHs isolated from genus Thermotoga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; Pakistan Academy of Science, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Amna Aqeel
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Ahmed
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Azka Shahzad Mir
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sumbal Sajid Qureshi
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Saleha Ibadat Raja
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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Akram F, Haq IU, Aqeel A, Ahmed Z, Shah FI, Nawaz A, Zafar J, Sattar R. Insights into the evolutionary and prophylactic analysis of SARS-CoV-2: A review. J Virol Methods 2022; 300:114375. [PMID: 34838536 PMCID: PMC8610842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In late 2019, following the emergence of a β-originated SARS-CoV-2, phylogenetic and evolutionary approaches have been demonstrated to strengthen the diagnostic and prophylactic stratagem of COVID-19 at an unprecedented level. Despite its clinical prominence, the SARS-CoV-2 gene set remains largely irrefutable by impeding the dissection of COVID-19 biology. However, many pieces of molecular and serological evidence have predicted that SARS-CoV-2 related viruses carry their roots from bats and pangolins of South East Asia. Analysis of viral genome predicts that point mutations at a rate of 10-4 nucleotides per base in the receptor-binding domain allow the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants at regular intervals. Research in the evolution of molecular pathways involved in emergence of pandemic is critical for the development of therapeutics and vaccines as well as the prevention of future zoonosis. By determining the phyletic lineages of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants and those of the conserved regions in the accessory and spike proteins of all the SARS-related coronaviruses, a universal vaccine against all human coronaviruses could be formulated which would revolutionize the field of medicine. This review highlighted the current development and future prospects of antiviral drugs, inhibitors, mesenchymal stem cells, passive immunization, targeted immune therapy and CRISPR-Cas-based prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. However, further investigations on Covid-19 pathogenesis is required for the successful fabrication of successful antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Amna Aqeel
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Ahmed
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ali Nawaz
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Javaria Zafar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Rukhma Sattar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Zafar J, Aqeel A, Shah FI, Ehsan N, Gohar UF, Moga MA, Festila D, Ciurea C, Irimie M, Chicea R. Biochemical and Immunological implications of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10910. [PMID: 34681572 PMCID: PMC8535525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout history, nature has been acknowledged for being a primordial source of various bioactive molecules in which human macular carotenoids are gaining significant attention. Among 750 natural carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and their oxidative metabolites are selectively accumulated in the macular region of living beings. Due to their vast applications in food, feed, pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals industries, the global market of lutein and zeaxanthin is continuously expanding but chemical synthesis, extraction and purification of these compounds from their natural repertoire e.g., plants, is somewhat costly and technically challenging. In this regard microbial as well as microalgal carotenoids are considered as an attractive alternative to aforementioned challenges. Through the techniques of genetic engineering and gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9, the overproduction of lutein and zeaxanthin in microorganisms can be achieved but the commercial scale applications of such procedures needs to be done. Moreover, these carotenoids are highly unstable and susceptible to thermal and oxidative degradation. Therefore, esterification of these xanthophylls and microencapsulation with appropriate wall materials can increase their shelf-life and enhance their application in food industry. With their potent antioxidant activities, these carotenoids are emerging as molecules of vital importance in chronic degenerative, malignancies and antiviral diseases. Therefore, more research needs to be done to further expand the applications of lutein and zeaxanthin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javaria Zafar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (J.Z.); (A.A.); (F.I.S.); (N.E.); (U.F.G.)
| | - Amna Aqeel
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (J.Z.); (A.A.); (F.I.S.); (N.E.); (U.F.G.)
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (J.Z.); (A.A.); (F.I.S.); (N.E.); (U.F.G.)
| | - Naureen Ehsan
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (J.Z.); (A.A.); (F.I.S.); (N.E.); (U.F.G.)
| | - Umar Farooq Gohar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (J.Z.); (A.A.); (F.I.S.); (N.E.); (U.F.G.)
| | - Marius Alexandru Moga
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania; (M.A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Dana Festila
- Radiology and Maxilo Facial Surgery Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Codrut Ciurea
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania; (M.A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Marius Irimie
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania; (M.A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Radu Chicea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550169 Sibiu, Romania;
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