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Bakhti A, Shokouhi Z, Mohammadipanah F. Modulation of proteins by rare earth elements as a biotechnological tool. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:129072. [PMID: 38163500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129072] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although rare earth element (REE) complexes are often utilized in bioimaging due to their photo- and redox stability, magnetic and optical characteristics, they are also applied for pharmaceutical applications due to their interaction with macromolecules namely proteins. The possible implications induced by REEs through modification in the function or regulatory activity of the proteins trigger a variety of applications for these elements in biomedicine and biotechnology. Lanthanide complexes have particularly been applied as anti-biofilm agents, cancer inhibitors, potential inflammation inhibitors, metabolic elicitors, and helper agents in the cultivation of unculturable strains, drug delivery, tissue engineering, photodynamic, and radiation therapy. This paper overviews emerging applications of REEs in biotechnology, especially in biomedical imaging, tumor diagnosis, and treatment along with their potential toxic effects. Although significant advances in applying REEs have been made, there is a lack of comprehensive studies to identify the potential of all REEs in biotechnology since only four elements, Eu, Ce, Gd, and La, among 17 REEs have been mostly investigated. However, in depth research on ecotoxicology, environmental behavior, and biological functions of REEs in the health and disease status of living organisms is required to fill the vital gaps in our understanding of REEs applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bakhti
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shokouhi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadipanah
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran.
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Melo LFMD, Aquino-Martins VGDQ, Silva APD, Oliveira Rocha HA, Scortecci KC. Biological and pharmacological aspects of tannins and potential biotechnological applications. Food Chem 2023; 414:135645. [PMID: 36821920 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites are divided into three classes: phenolic, terpenoid, and nitrogenous compounds. Phenolic compounds are also known as polyphenols and include tannins, classified as hydrolysable or condensed. Herein, we explored tannins for their ROS reduction characteristics and role in homeostasis. These activities are associated with the numbers and degree of polymerisation of reactive hydroxyl groups present in the phenolic rings of tannins. These characteristics are associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-proliferative health benefits. Tannins can reduce the risk of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's, respectively. These biomolecules may be used as nutraceuticals to maintain good gut microbiota. Industrial applications include providing durability to leather, anti-corrosive properties to metals, and substrates for 3D printing and in bio-based foam manufacture. This review updates regarding tannin-based research and highlights its biological and pharmacological relevance and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Fentanes Moura de Melo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética - Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59072-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59078-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Verônica Giuliani de Queiroz Aquino-Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética - Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59072-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59078-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Ariana Pereira da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética - Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59072-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59078-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59078-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica - Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59078-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Katia Castanho Scortecci
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética - Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59072-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário UFRN, 59078-970, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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Falkenberg F, Voß L, Bott M, Bongaerts J, Siegert P. New robust subtilisins from halotolerant and halophilic Bacillaceae. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12553-w. [PMID: 37160606 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12553-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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was the characterisation of three true subtilisins and one phylogenetically intermediate subtilisin from halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms. Considering the currently growing enzyme market for efficient and novel biocatalysts, data mining is a promising source for novel, as yet uncharacterised enzymes, especially from halophilic or halotolerant Bacillaceae, which offer great potential to meet industrial needs. Both halophilic bacteria Pontibacillus marinus DSM 16465T and Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus DSM 5271T and both halotolerant bacteria Metabacillus indicus DSM 16189 and Litchfieldia alkalitelluris DSM 16976T served as a source for the four new subtilisins SPPM, SPAH, SPMI and SPLA. The protease genes were cloned and expressed in Bacillus subtilis DB104. Purification to apparent homogeneity was achieved by ethanol precipitation, desalting and ion-exchange chromatography. Enzyme activity could be observed between pH 5.0-12.0 with an optimum for SPPM, SPMI and SPLA around pH 9.0 and for SPAH at pH 10.0. The optimal temperature for SPMI and SPLA was 70 °C and for SPPM and SPAH 55 °C and 50 °C, respectively. All proteases showed high stability towards 5% (w/v) SDS and were active even at NaCl concentrations of 5 M. The four proteases demonstrate potential for future biotechnological applications. KEY POINTS: • Halophilic and halotolerant Bacillaceae are a valuable source of new subtilisins. • Four new subtilisins were biochemically characterised in detail. • The four proteases show potential for future biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Falkenberg
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Leonie Voß
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Michael Bott
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Johannes Bongaerts
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Petra Siegert
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428, Jülich, Germany.
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Tounsi L, Hentati F, Ben Hlima H, Barkallah M, Smaoui S, Fendri I, Michaud P, Abdelkafi S. Microalgae as feedstock for bioactive polysaccharides. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:1238-1250. [PMID: 36067848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to the increase in industrial demand for new biosourced molecules (notably bioactive exopolysaccharides (EPS)), microalgae are gaining popularity because of their nutraceutical potential and benefits health. Such health effects are delivered by specific secondary metabolites, e.g., pigments, exopolysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, and glycolipids. These are suitable for the subsequent uses in cosmetic, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, biofuels, biological waste treatment, animal feed and food fields. In this regard, a special focus has been given in this review to describe the various methods used for extraction and purification of polysaccharides. The second part of the review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of parameters affecting the microalgae growth and insights to maximize the metabolic output by understanding the intricacies of algal development and polysaccharides production. In the ultimate part, the health and nutraceutical claims associated with marine algal bioactive polysaccharides, explaining their noticeable potential for biotechnological applications, are summarized and comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Tounsi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Équipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia; Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Faiez Hentati
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, Unité de Recherche Animal et Fonctionnalités des Produits Animaux (UR AFPA), USC 340, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Équipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Barkallah
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Équipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Smaoui
- Laboratoire de Microorganismes et de Biomolécules, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, Route Sidi Mansour Km 6 B.P. 117, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie des Plantes Appliquée à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Équipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia.
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Ying G, Zhang G, Yang J, Hao Z, Xing W, Lu D, Zhang S, Yan L. Biomineralization and biotechnological applications of bacterial magnetosomes. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 216:112556. [PMID: 35605573 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Magnetosomes intracellularly biomineralized by Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are membrane-enveloped nanoparticles of the magnetic minerals magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4). MTB thrive in oxic-anoxic interface and exhibit magnetotaxis due to the presence of magnetosomes. Because of the unique characteristic and bionavigation inspiration of magnetosomes, MTB has been a subject of study focused on by biologists, medical pharmacologists, geologists, and physicists since the discovery. We herein first briefly review the features of MTB and magnetosomes. The recent insights into the process and mechanism for magnetosome biomineralization including iron uptake, magnetosome membrane invagination, iron mineralization and magnetosome chain assembly are summarized in detail. Additionally, the current research progress in biotechnological applications of magnetosomes is also elucidated, such as drug delivery, MRI image contrast, magnetic hyperthermia, wastewater treatment, and cell separation. This review would expand our understanding of biomineralization and biotechnological applications of bacterial magnetosomes.
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Sakr EAE, Massoud MI, Ragaee S. Food wastes as natural sources of lactic acid bacterial exopolysaccharides for the functional food industry: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 189:232-241. [PMID: 34428487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) synthesized by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), have recently received much interest because of their various functional features in several industries. Food wastes (FWs) have become a major source of worry, as they can cause serious environmental contamination if improperly disposed. The utilization of these FWs is an excellent choice (approach) for producing value-added products such as EPSs, which will efficiently remediate wastes. The overall EPSs yield for the selected producers is strain-specific, and is heavily influenced by the nutritional and growing conditions used. This review emphasizes what is currently known about LAB's ability to generate economically relevant EPSs from FWs. In addition, a concise overview of the food industry, packaging, pharmaceutical and clinical applications application is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtehag A E Sakr
- Botany Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mona I Massoud
- Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Ragaee
- Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Canada
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Kallscheuer N, Jogler C. The bacterial phylum Planctomycetes as novel source for bioactive small molecules. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107818. [PMID: 34537319 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Extensive knowledge and methodological expertise on the bacterial cell biology have been accumulated over the last decades and bacterial cells have now become an integral part of several (bio-)technological processes. While it appears reasonable to focus on a relatively small number of fast-growing and genetically easily manipulable model bacteria as biotechnological workhorses, the for the most part untapped diversity of bacteria needs to be explored when it comes to bioprospecting for natural product discovery. Members of the underexplored and evolutionarily deep-branching phylum Planctomycetes have only recently gained increased attention with respect to the production of small molecules with biomedical activities, e.g. as a natural source of novel antibiotics. Next-generation sequencing and metagenomics can provide access to the genomes of uncultivated bacteria from sparsely studied phyla, this, however, should be regarded as an addition rather than a substitute for classical strain isolation approaches. Ten years ago, a large sampling campaign was initiated to isolate planctomycetes from their varied natural habitats and protocols were developed to address complications during cultivation of representative species in the laboratory. The characterisation of approximately 90 novel strains by several research groups in the recent years opened a detailed in silico look into the coding potential of individual members of this phylum. Here, we review the current state of planctomycetal research, focusing on diversity, small molecule production and potential future applications. Although the field developed promising, the time frame of 10 years illustrates that the study of additional promising bacterial phyla as sources for novel small molecules needs to start rather today than tomorrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Kallscheuer
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1): Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany; Department of Microbial Interactions, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Jogler
- Department of Microbial Interactions, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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Carvalho VL, Long MT. Insect-Specific Viruses: An overview and their relationship to arboviruses of concern to humans and animals. Virology 2021; 557:34-43. [PMID: 33631523 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The group of Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) includes viruses apparently restricted to insects based on their inability to replicate in the vertebrates. Increasing numbers of ISVs have been discovered and characterized representing a diverse number of viral families. However, most studies have focused on those ISVs belonging to the family Flaviviridae, which highlights the importance of ISV study from other viral families, which allow a better understanding for the mechanisms of transmission and evolution used for this diverse group of viruses. Some ISVs have shown the potential to modulate arboviruses replication and vector competence of mosquitoes. Based on this, ISVs may be used as an alternative tool for biological control, development of vaccines, and diagnostic platforms for arboviruses. In this review, we provide an update of the general characteristics of ISVs and their interaction with arboviruses that infect vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria L Carvalho
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA; Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Rodovia BR-316, Km 7, S/n, Ananindeua, Para, 67030-000, Brazil.
| | - Maureen T Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
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Salem SS, Fouda A. Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Prospective Biotechnological Applications: an Overview. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:344-370. [PMID: 32377944 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using living cells is a promising and novelty tool in bionanotechnology. Chemical and physical methods are used to synthesize NPs; however, biological methods are preferred due to its eco-friendly, clean, safe, cost-effective, easy, and effective sources for high productivity and purity. High pressure or temperature is not required for the green synthesis of NPs, and the use of toxic and hazardous substances and the addition of external reducing, stabilizing, or capping agents are avoided. Intra- or extracellular biosynthesis of NPs can be achieved by numerous biological entities including bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, actinomycetes, and plant extracts. Recently, numerous methods are used to increase the productivity of nanoparticles with variable size, shape, and stability. The different mechanical, optical, magnetic, and chemical properties of NPs have been related to their shape, size, surface charge, and surface area. Detection and characterization of biosynthesized NPs are conducted using different techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, SEM, AFM, DLS, XRD, zeta potential analyses, etc. NPs synthesized by the green approach can be incorporated into different biotechnological fields as antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant agents; as a control for phytopathogens; and as bioremediative factors, and they are also used in the food and textile industries, in smart agriculture, and in wastewater treatment. This review will address biological entities that can be used for the green synthesis of NPs and their prospects for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem S Salem
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Fouda
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
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Pereira LDM, Messias EA, Sorroche BP, Oliveira ADN, Arantes LMRB, de Carvalho AC, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Grego KF, Carvalho AL, Melendez ME. In-depth transcriptome reveals the potential biotechnological application of Bothrops jararaca venom gland. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20190058. [PMID: 33149734 PMCID: PMC7579844 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lack of complete genomic data of Bothrops jararaca impedes molecular biology research focusing on biotechnological applications of venom gland components. Identification of full-length coding regions of genes is crucial for the correct molecular cloning design. Methods: RNA was extracted from the venom gland of one adult female specimen of Bothrops jararaca. Deep sequencing of the mRNA library was performed using Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. De novo assembly of B. jararaca transcriptome was done using Trinity. Annotation was performed using Blast2GO. All predicted proteins after clustering step were blasted against non-redundant protein database of NCBI using BLASTP. Metabolic pathways present in the transcriptome were annotated using the KAAS-KEGG Automatic Annotation Server. Toxins were identified in the B. jararaca predicted proteome using BLASTP against all protein sequences obtained from Animal Toxin Annotation Project from Uniprot KB/Swiss-Pro database. Figures and data visualization were performed using ggplot2 package in R language environment. Results: We described the in-depth transcriptome analysis of B. jararaca venom gland, in which 76,765 de novo assembled isoforms, 96,044 transcribed genes and 41,196 unique proteins were identified. The most abundant transcript was the zinc metalloproteinase-disintegrin-like jararhagin. Moreover, we identified 78 distinct functional classes of proteins, including toxins, inhibitors and tumor suppressors. Other venom proteins identified were the hemolytic lethal factors stonustoxin and verrucotoxin. Conclusion: It is believed that the application of deep sequencing to the analysis of snake venom transcriptomes may represent invaluable insight on their biotechnological potential focusing on candidate molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro de Mattos Pereira
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elisa Alves Messias
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - André Lopes Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil
| | - Matias Eliseo Melendez
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Pelé Little Prince Research Institute, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.,Little Prince College, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Kirubakaran R, ArulJothi KN, Revathi S, Shameem N, Parray JA. Emerging priorities for microbial metagenome research. Bioresour Technol Rep 2020; 11:100485. [PMID: 32835181 PMCID: PMC7319936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2020.100485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Overwhelming anthropogenic activities lead to deterioration of natural resources and the environment. The microorganisms are considered desirable, due to their suitability for easy genetic manipulation and handling. With the aid of modern biotechnological techniques, the culturable microorganisms have been widely exploited for the benefit of mankind. Metagenomics, a powerful tool to access the abundant biodiversity of the environmental samples including the unculturable microbes, to determine microbial diversity and population structure, their ecological roles and expose novel genes of interest. This review focuses on the microbial adaptations to the adverse environmental conditions, metagenomic techniques employed towards microbial biotechnology. Metagenomic approach helps to understand microbial ecology and to identify useful microbial derivatives like antibiotics, toxins, and enzymes with diverse and enhanced function. It also summarizes the application of metagenomics in clinical diagnosis, improving microbial ecology, therapeutics, xenobiotic degradation and impact on agricultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K N ArulJothi
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Nowsheen Shameem
- Department of Environmental Science, Cluster University Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Javid A Parray
- Department of Environmental Science, Govt SAM Degree College Budgam, J&K, India
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Schmitz S, Wieczorek M, Nölle V, Elleuche S. Characterization of Single Amino Acid Variations in an EDTA-Tolerating Non-specific Nuclease from the Ice-Nucleating Bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. Mol Biotechnol 2019; 62:67-78. [PMID: 31749083 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-019-00229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-specific nuclease (NSN) can be applied in industrial downstream processing to remove nucleic acids from crude protein extracts or in cell-sorting systems to degrade nucleic acids derived from lysed cells. PsNuc from the ice-nucleating bacterium Pseudomonas syringae has the ability to decompose double- and single-stranded DNA in linear or circular form and RNA. It is not affected by the presence of metal-ion chelators such as EDTA and tolerates several protease inhibitors and reducing agents. A multiple sequence alignment of PsNuc with closely related enzymes (97-99% identity on the protein level) within the family Pseudomonaceae revealed the presence of only six amino acid residues that are variable in putative NSN from different members of the genus Pseudomonas. Single amino acid variants were produced in recombinant form in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. They showed similar activity compared to PsNuc, but a single variant even displayed an improved performance with an activity of > 20,000 U/mg at 35 °C, while amino acid residues S148 and V161 were found to be essential for enzymatic functionality. These results suggest that homologous nucleases from Pseudomonaceae display high activity levels in a metal-ion-independent manner and are therefore of interest for applications in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schmitz
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Marek Wieczorek
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Volker Nölle
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Skander Elleuche
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
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13
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Carbonell V, Vuorio E, Aro EM, Kallio P. Enhanced stable production of ethylene in photosynthetic cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:77. [PMID: 31069553 PMCID: PMC6536634 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ethylene is a volatile alkene which is used in large commercial scale as a precursor in plastic industry, and is currently derived from petroleum refinement. As an alternative production strategy, photoautotrophic cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 have been previously evaluated as potential biotechnological hosts for producing ethylene directly from CO2, by the over-expression of ethylene forming enzyme (efe) from Pseudomonas syringae. This work addresses various open questions related to the use of Synechococcus as the engineering target, and demonstrates long-term ethylene production at rates reaching 140 µL L−1 h−1 OD750−1 without loss of host vitality or capacity to produce ethylene. The results imply that the genetic instability observed earlier may be associated with the expression strategies, rather than efe over-expression, ethylene toxicity or the depletion of 2-oxoglutarate—derived cellular precursors in Synechococcus. In context with literature, this study underlines the critical differences in expression system design in the alternative hosts, and confirms Synechococcus as a suitable parallel host for further engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Carbonell
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun yliopisto, Finland
| | - Eerika Vuorio
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun yliopisto, Finland
| | - Eva-Mari Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun yliopisto, Finland
| | - Pauli Kallio
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun yliopisto, Finland.
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14
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Adeniji AA, Loots DT, Babalola OO. Bacillus velezensis: phylogeny, useful applications, and avenues for exploitation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:3669-3682. [PMID: 30911788 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [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: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Some members of the Bacillus velezensis (Bv) group (e.g., Bv FZB42T and AS3.43) were previously assigned grouping with B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens, based on the fact that they shared a 99% DNA-DNA percentage phylogenetic similarity. However, hinging on current assessments of the pan-genomic reassignments, the differing phylogenomic characteristics of Bv from B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens are now better understood. Within this re-grouping/reassignment, the various strains within the Bv share a close phylogenomic resemblance, and a number of these strains have received a lot of attention in recent years, due to their genomic robustness, and the growing evidence for their possible utilization in the agricultural industry for managing plant diseases. Only a few applications for their use medicinally/pharmaceutically, environmentally, and in the food industry have been reported, and this may be due to the fact that the majority of those strains investigated are those typically occurring in soil. Although the intracellular unique biomolecules of Bv strains have been revealed via in silico genome modeling and investigated using transcriptomics and proteomics, a further inquisition into the Bv metabolome using newer technologies such as metabolomics could elucidate additional applications of this economically relevant Bacillus species, beyond that of primarily the agricultural sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetomiwa Ayodele Adeniji
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Food Security and Safety, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa.,Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Human Metabolomics Private Bag X6001, Box 269, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Du Toit Loots
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Human Metabolomics Private Bag X6001, Box 269, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Food Security and Safety, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa.
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15
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Baldisserotto C, Sabia A, Ferroni L, Pancaldi S. Biological aspects and biotechnological potential of marine diatoms in relation to different light regimens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:35. [PMID: 30712106 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2607-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As major primary producers in marine environments, diatoms are considered a valuable feedstock of biologically active compounds for application in several biotechnological fields. Due to their metabolic plasticity, especially for light perception and use and in order to make microalgal production more environmentally sustainable, marine diatoms are considered good candidates for the large-scale cultivation. Among physical parameters, light plays a primary role. Even if sunlight is cost-effective, the employment of artificial light becomes a winning strategy if a high-value microalgal biomass is produced. Several researches on marine diatoms are designed to study the influence of different light regimens to increase biomass production enriched in biotechnologically high-value compounds (lipids, carotenoids, proteins, polysaccharides), or with emphasised photonic properties of the frustule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Baldisserotto
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d'Este, 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sabia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d'Este, 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferroni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d'Este, 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simonetta Pancaldi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d'Este, 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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16
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Schmitz S, Nölle V, Elleuche S. A non-specific nucleolytic enzyme and its application potential in EDTA-containing buffer solutions. Biotechnol Lett 2018; 41:129-136. [PMID: 30390191 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-018-2618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metal-ion independent non-specific nucleases are of high potential for applications in EDTA-containing bioprocessing workflows. RESULTS A novel extracellular non-specific nuclease EcNuc from the enterobacterium Escherichia coli has been identified. The recombinant gene was expressed and the protein was purified. Maximum activity of the enzyme was detected at 41.7 °C and at an acidic pH of 5.8. EcNuc tolerates EDTA in the reaction buffer at concentrations of up to 20 mM and the activity is not impaired by high concentrations of mono- and divalent metal ions in the absence of EDTA. The viscosity of crude protein extracts after cell lysis in EDTA-containing buffers is reduced when supplemented with EcNuc. CONCLUSION Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated that a metal-ion independent non-specific nuclease can be applied for removal of nucleic acids in EDTA-containing buffers for the subsequent purification of proteins from crude extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schmitz
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Volker Nölle
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Skander Elleuche
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
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Izadpanah Qeshmi F, Homaei A, Fernandes P, Javadpour S. Marine microbial L-asparaginase: Biochemistry, molecular approaches and applications in tumor therapy and in food industry. Microbiol Res 2018; 208:99-112. [PMID: 29551216 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The marine environment is a rich source of biological and chemical diversity. It covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and features a wide diversity of habitats, often displaying extreme conditions, where marine organisms thrive, offering a vast pool for microorganisms and enzymes. Given the dissimilarity between marine and terrestrial habitats, enzymes and microorganisms, either novel or with different and appealing features as compared to terrestrial counterparts, may be identified and isolated. L-asparaginase (E.C. 3.5.1.1), is among the relevant enzymes that can be obtained from marine sources. This amidohydrolase acts on L-asparagine and produce L-aspartate and ammonia, accordingly it has an acknowledged chemotherapeutic application, namely in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Moreover, L-asparaginase is also of interest in the food industry as it prevents acrylamide formation. Terrestrial organisms have been largely tapped for L-asparaginases, but most failed to comply with criteria for practical applications, whereas marine sources have only been marginally screened. This work provides an overview on the relevant features of this enzyme and the framework for its application, with a clear emphasis on the use of L-asparaginase from marine sources. The review envisages to highlight the unique properties of marine L-asparaginases that could make them good candidates for medical applications and industries, especially in food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Homaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Pedro Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and IBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Faculty of Engineering, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Av. Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sedigheh Javadpour
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Abstract
Magnetotactic bacteria form unique prokaryotic organelles, termed magnetosomes, which consist of membrane-enclosed magnetite nanoparticles. Analysis of magnetosome biogenesis has been greatly facilitated by proteomic methods. These, however, require pure, highly enriched magnetosomes. Here, we describe the purification of magnetosomes from Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense using high pressure cell disruption, and sequential purification by magnetic enrichment and sucrose density ultracentrifugation. The resulting enriched magnetosomes can be subsequently subjected to proteomic analyses or biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Schüler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - René Uebe
- Department of Microbiology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
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19
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Maruthamuthu M, van Elsas JD. Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of four novel thermo-alkaliphilic enzymes retrieved from a metagenomic library. Biotechnol Biofuels 2017; 10:142. [PMID: 28588643 PMCID: PMC5457731 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-017-0808-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enzyme discovery is a promising approach to aid in the deconstruction of recalcitrant plant biomass in an industrial process. Novel enzymes can be readily discovered by applying metagenomics on whole microbiomes. Our goal was to select, examine, and characterize eight novel glycoside hydrolases that were previously detected in metagenomic libraries, to serve biotechnological applications with high performance. RESULTS Here, eight glycosyl hydrolase family candidate genes were selected from metagenomes of wheat straw-degrading microbial consortia using molecular cloning and subsequent gene expression studies in Escherichia coli. Four of the eight enzymes had significant activities on either pNP-β-d-galactopyranoside, pNP-β-d-xylopyranoside, pNP-α-l-arabinopyranoside or pNP-α-d-glucopyranoside. These proteins, denoted as proteins 1, 2, 5 and 6, were his-tag purified and their nature and activities further characterized using molecular and activity screens with the pNP-labeled substrates. Proteins 1 and 2 showed high homologies with (1) a β-galactosidase (74%) and (2) a β-xylosidase (84%), whereas the remaining two (5 and 6) were homologous with proteins reported as a diguanylate cyclase and an aquaporin, respectively. The β-galactosidase- and β-xylosidase-like proteins 1 and 2 were confirmed as being responsible for previously found thermo-alkaliphilic glycosidase activities of extracts of E. coli carrying the respective source fosmids. Remarkably, the β-xylosidase-like protein 2 showed activities with both pNP-Xyl and pNP-Ara in the temperature range 40-50 °C and pH range 8.0-10.0. Moreover, proteins 5 and 6 showed thermotolerant α-glucosidase activity at pH 10.0. In silico structure prediction of protein 5 revealed the presence of a potential "GGDEF" catalytic site, encoding α-glucosidase activity, whereas that of protein 6 showed a "GDSL" site, encoding a 'new family' α-glucosidase activity. CONCLUSION Using a rational screening approach, we identified and characterized four thermo-alkaliphilic glycosyl hydrolases that have the potential to serve as constituents of enzyme cocktails that produce sugars from lignocellulosic plant remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukil Maruthamuthu
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Dirk van Elsas
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Abstract
Laccase belongs to a small group of enzymes called the blue multicopper oxidases, having the potential ability of oxidation. It belongs to enzymes, which have innate properties of reactive radical production, but its utilization in many fields has been ignored because of its unavailability in the commercial field. There are diverse sources of laccase producing organisms like bacteria, fungi and plants. In fungi, laccase is present in Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes, Basidiomycetes and is particularly abundant in many white-rot fungi that degrade lignin. Laccases can degrade both phenolic and non-phenolic compounds. They also have the ability to detoxify a range of environmental pollutants. Due to their property to detoxify a range of pollutants, they have been used for several purposes in many industries including paper, pulp, textile and petrochemical industries. Some other application of laccase includes in food processing industry, medical and health care. Recently, laccase has found applications in other fields such as in the design of biosensors and nanotechnology. The present review provides an overview of biological functions of laccase, its mechanism of action, laccase mediator system, and various biotechnological applications of laccase obtained from endophytic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, G. B. Pant Engineering College, Ghurdauri, Pauri, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rahul Shrivastava
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, HP, India
| | - Pavan Kumar Agrawal
- Department of Biotechnology, G. B. Pant Engineering College, Ghurdauri, Pauri, Uttarakhand, India.
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21
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Daâssi D, Zouari-Mechichi H, Belbahri L, Barriuso J, Martínez MJ, Nasri M, Mechichi T. Phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of Tunisian forest wood-degrading fungi: a wealth of novelties and opportunities for biotechnology. 3 Biotech 2016; 6:46. [PMID: 28330115 PMCID: PMC4742418 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-015-0356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, 51 fungal strains were isolated from decaying wood samples collected from forests located in the Northwest of Tunisia in the vicinity of Bousalem, Ain Draham and Kef. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of the internal transcribed spacers of the ribosomal DNA showed a high diversity among the 51 fungal isolates collection. Representatives of 25 genera and 29 species were identified, most of which were members of one of the following phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Zygomycota). In addition to the phylogenetic diversity, a high diversity of secreted enzyme profiles was also detected among the fungal isolates. All fungal strains produced at least one of the following enzymes: laccase, cellulase, protease and/or lipase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalel Daâssi
- Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering and Microbiology, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Route de Soukra Km 4,5, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Khulais, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Héla Zouari-Mechichi
- Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering and Microbiology, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Route de Soukra Km 4,5, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Lassaad Belbahri
- Laboratory of Soil Biology, University of Neuchatel, Rue Emile Argand 11, 2009, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- NextBiotech, Agareb, Tunisia
| | - Jorge Barriuso
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Moncef Nasri
- Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering and Microbiology, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Route de Soukra Km 4,5, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tahar Mechichi
- Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering and Microbiology, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Route de Soukra Km 4,5, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia.
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22
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Abstract
Plants have evolved to synthesize a variety of noxious compounds to cope with unfavorable circumstances, among which a large group of toxic proteins that play a critical role in plant defense against predators and microbes. Up to now, a wide range of harmful proteins have been discovered in different plants, including lectins, ribosome-inactivating proteins, protease inhibitors, ureases, arcelins, antimicrobial peptides and pore-forming toxins. To fulfill their role in plant defense, these proteins exhibit various degrees of toxicity towards animals, insects, bacteria or fungi. Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the toxic effects and mode of action of these plant proteins in order to explore their possible applications. Indeed, because of their biological activities, toxic plant proteins are also considered as potentially useful tools in crop protection and in biomedical applications, such as cancer treatment. Genes encoding toxic plant proteins have been introduced into crop genomes using genetic engineering technology in order to increase the plant's resistance against pathogens and diseases. Despite the availability of ample information on toxic plant proteins, very few publications have attempted to summarize the research progress made during the last decades. This review focuses on the diversity of toxic plant proteins in view of their toxicity as well as their mode of action. Furthermore, an outlook towards the biological role(s) of these proteins and their potential applications is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyi Dang
- Ghent University, Dept. Molecular Biotechnology, Laboratory Biochemistry and Glycobiology, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Els J M Van Damme
- Ghent University, Dept. Molecular Biotechnology, Laboratory Biochemistry and Glycobiology, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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