Article
Plant Sciences
Gernot Beihammer, Julia Koenig-Beihammer, Benjamin Kogelmann, Valentina Ruocco, Clemens Gruenwald-Gruber, Marc-Andre D'Aoust, Pierre-Olivier Lavoie, Pooja Saxena, Johannes S. S. Gach, Herta Steinkellner, Richard Strasser
Summary: By testing a single-subunit oligosaccharyltransferase from Leishmania donovani (LdOST), we found that it can significantly increase the Fc glycosylation level of IgG1 without changing the overall N-glycan composition. This finding is important for reducing the heterogeneity of plant-produced antibodies and improving their stability and effector functions.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lukas Eidenberger, Florian Eminger, Alexandra Castilho, Herta Steinkellner
Summary: This study investigated the capability of three commonly used transient expression vectors to express a multi-component protein with controlled and modified N-glycosylation. The results showed that all three expression vectors produced similar quantities of targeted N-glycosylation, demonstrating the universal application of plant-based glycoengineering.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nicolo Alvisi, Kim van Noort, Sarlita Dwiani, Nathan Geschiere, Octavina Sukarta, Koen Varossieau, Dieu-Linh Nguyen, Richard Strasser, Cornelis H. Hokke, Arjen Schots, Ruud H. P. Wilbers
Summary: Recent research has shown that glycoproteins from parasitic worms can be produced transiently in Nicotiana benthamiana plants by co-expressing desired glycosyltransferases. However, efficient modification of N-glycans in plants seems to be hindered by specific enzymes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shi-Jian Song, Heeyeon Kim, Eun Young Jang, Hyungmin Jeon, Hai-Ping Diao, Md Rezaul Islam Khan, Mi-Seon Lee, Young Jae Lee, Jeong-hyun Nam, Seong-Ryeol Kim, Young-Jin Kim, Eun-Ju Sohn, Inhwan Hwang, Jang-Hoon Choi
Summary: This study generated a candidate COVID-19 vaccine by expressing recombinant S proteins in tobacco, which induced immune responses and cross-neutralizing antibodies against multiple variants in mouse and knock-in mouse models.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Khadijeh Ghasemian, Inge Broer, Jennifer Schoen, Nadine Kolp, Richard Killisch, Stefan Mikkat, Jana Huckauf
Summary: Rodent population control can be achieved through the use of species-specific oral contraceptive vaccines. This study successfully produced mouse-specific contraceptive peptides, mZP2 and mIzumo1, in plants. The plant-produced antigens showed immunogenicity and were able to reduce the litter size of immunized mice. The study demonstrates the feasibility of producing small contraceptive peptides in plants for the development of oral contraceptive vaccines against mouse populations.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana-Maria Pantazica, Andre van Eerde, Mihaela-Olivia Dobrica, Iuliana Caras, Irina Ionescu, Adriana Costache, Catalin Tucureanu, Hege Steen, Catalin Lazar, Inger Heldal, Sissel Haugslien, Adrian Onu, Crina Stavaru, Norica Branza-Nichita, Jihong Liu Clarke
Summary: In this study, a chimeric hepatitis B virus (HBV) S/L antigen was produced in glyco-engineered Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The antigen produced in plants lacking beta-1,2-xylosyltransferase and alpha-1,3-fucosyltransferase activities showed significantly enhanced immune response in mice, and efficiently neutralized both wild-type HBV and a vaccine escape mutant. This research validates the importance of using genetically modified tobacco plants as a host for plant production of glycoprotein vaccines.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Naphatsamon Uthailak, Hiroyuki Kajiura, Ryo Misaki, Kazuhito Fujiyama
Summary: This research successfully produced functional recombinant GCase with a mannosidic-type N-glycan structure in Nicotiana benthamiana plants with downregulated N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I gene. The glycoengineered plant line offers a promising alternative for producing therapeutic proteins targeted at the mannose receptor.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sara Selma, Neus Sanmartin, Ana Espinosa-Ruiz, Silvia Gianoglio, Maria Pilar Lopez-Gresa, Marta Vazquez-Vilar, Victor Flors, Antonio Granell, Diego Orzaez
Summary: Transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR architecture allow for the reprogramming of gene expression in plants. In this study, the multiplexable CRISPR activator dCasEV2.1 was used to selectively enrich four different flavonoids in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Resulting metabolic analysis showed a specific enrichment of the targeted metabolites, demonstrating the potential of dCasEV2.1 for customizing plant metabolome.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tanapati Phakham, Christine Joy Bulaon, Narach Khorattanakulchai, Balamurugan Shanmugaraj, Supranee Buranapraditkun, Chatikorn Boonkrai, Sarintip Sooksai, Nattiya Hirankarn, Yoshito Abe, Richard Strasser, Kaewta Rattanapisit, Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
Summary: This study demonstrates that the plant-based system in Nicotiana benthamiana can efficiently and rapidly produce Pembrolizumab antibody with expected molecular weight, structural characteristics, and functional properties, comparable to the commercial product Keytruda(R).
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juliette Balieu, Jae-Wan Jung, Philippe Chan, George P. Lomonossoff, Patrice Lerouge, Muriel Bardor
Summary: This study investigated the glycosylation status of the S protein produced in Nicotiana benthamiana and found that it is mainly comprised of complex plant N-glycans with some oligomannoses. This suggests that the S protein produced in N. benthamiana has a similar overall 3D structure to recombinant homologues produced in mammalian cells.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shiva Izadi, Vinny Kunnummel, Herta Steinkellner, Stefan Werner, Alexandra Castilho
Summary: There is a demand to increase manufacturing capacities for recombinant protein-based drugs. Novel expression systems such as plants are being explored for faster and more flexible production. In this study, we discuss the technical issues and solutions for achieving efficient protein sialylation in plants. We also evaluate different strategies for delivering the sialylation pathway genes and demonstrate the scalability of protein sialylation for large-scale production.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nikoletta Mitsopoulou, Kosmas Lakiotis, Evangelia E. Golia, Ebrahim M. Khah, Ourania Pavli
Summary: The study investigated the response of Nicotiana benthamiana plants expressing SP/hrpZ(Psph) under cadmium stress. The transgenic plants demonstrated significant differences in germination rates and growth parameters compared to wild-type plants, with some lines showing superior resistance to cadmium stress. Additionally, a tissue-specific cadmium accumulation pattern was observed between wild-type and hrpZ(Psph)-plants, suggesting potential mechanisms underlying the resistance to cadmium stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ruben Mateos-Fernandez, Sandra Vacas, Ismael Navarro-Fuertes, Vicente Navarro-Llopis, Diego Orzaez, Silvia Gianoglio
Summary: Metabolically engineered plants can be used as biofactories for irregular monoterpenes and as bioactive volatile biodispensers. Tobacco and Nicotiana benthamiana show potential as biofactories for irregular monoterpenes. By super-transforming tobacco, it can become a biodispenser emitting high levels of pheromones, providing an important solution for sustainable pest control.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Louis-Philippe Hamel, Rachel Tardif, Francis Poirier-Gravel, Asieh Rasoolizadeh, Chantal Brosseau, Genevieve Giroux, Jean-Francois Lucier, Marie-Claire Goulet, Adam Barrada, Marie-Eve Pare, Elise Roussel, Marc-Andre Comeau, Pierre-Olivier Lavoie, Peter Moffett, Dominique Michaud, Marc-Andre D'Aoust
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of molecular changes occurring in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells during transient expression of the viral suppressor P19 or co-expression of P19 and the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein. The results show that the expression of foreign proteins induces general responses such as chloroplast gene expression shutdown, activation of oxidative stress responses, and reinforcement of the plant cell wall. Additionally, the expression of P19 promotes salicylic acid signaling, while co-expression of P19 and HA dampens this signaling. The expression of HA also affects lipid metabolism, lipid distribution within membranes, and oxylipin-related signaling pathways.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kim Dua Nguyen, Hiroyuki Kajiura, Ryo Kamiya, Takahiro Yoshida, Ryo Misaki, Kazuhito Fujiyama
Summary: N-glycan engineering allows for the optimization and quality control of recombinant antibodies. Nicotiana benthamiana has emerged as an attractive production system for therapeutic antibodies. In this study, a CD27-targeting monoclonal antibody Varlilumab was successfully produced in N. benthamiana with biantennary β1,4-galactosylated N-glycan structures through N-glycan engineering.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Qun Yang, Kristof De Schutter, Pengyu Chen, Els J. M. Van Damme, Guy Smagghe
Summary: The study highlighted the importance of N-glycosylation in the postembryonic development of the brown planthopper, particularly during the transition from nymph to adult. It also revealed an essential role for alpha-1,6-fucosyl transferase in the ecdysis event of the brown planthopper nymphs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Els J. M. Van Damme
Summary: Plants contain a diverse group of lectins with different molecular structures and biochemical properties, which can be classified based on the primary structure of the lectin domain. These lectins reside in different cell compartments, interact with a variety of carbohydrate structures, and play a role in multiple biological functions.
GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Pengyu Chen, Kristof De Schutter, Jarne Pauwels, Kris Gevaert, Els J. M. Van Damme, Guy Smagghe
Summary: Plant lectins in mammals have been shown to modulate immune responses, but their effects in insects are not well understood. Treatment of Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells with Orysata, a mannose-binding lectin, led to the upregulation of immunity-related proteins and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, Orysata was found to interact with iron-binding proteins and reduces intracellular iron concentration in S2 cells. These findings provide new insights into the immunomodulatory properties of plant lectins in insects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weidong Li, Kristof De Schutter, Els J. M. Van Damme, Guy Smagghe
Summary: Eukaryotic cells can modify their proteins with carbohydrate structures, affecting the proteins' properties. The study analyzed the O-glycan profile of different developmental stages of the red flour beetle using mass spectrometry technology, revealing predominance of mucin-type glycans. Interestingly, complex mucin-type O-glycans were abundant during the pupa stage, indicating a change in the insect O-glycan profile during metamorphosis.
ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maxime Versluys, Jaime Ricardo Porras-Dominguez, Tibo De Coninck, Els J. M. Van Damme, Wim Van den Ende
Summary: A novel chicory fructanase with high affinity for levan has been characterized, suggesting a widespread presence of such enzymes in higher plants and a potential role in trimming microbial fructans in the extracellular environment. The enzyme displays positive cooperativity, multiple substrate binding sites, and levan-mediated enzyme dimerization, indicating its specificity and functional significance in fructan metabolism.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jianfeng Wu, Simin Chen, Lydivine Nyiransabimana, Els J. M. Van Damme, Bruno De Meulenaer, Paul Van der Meeren
Summary: This study found that Maillard conjugation of whey proteins was faster at higher pH values during wet heat treatment, affecting the heat stability of emulsions. Significant improvement in heat stability of the emulsions was observed under appropriate incubation conditions, but prolonged incubation negatively impacted the heat stability.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gernot Beihammer, Andrea Romero-Perez, Daniel Maresch, Rudolf Figl, Reka Mocsai, Clemens Gruenwald-Gruber, Friedrich Altmann, Els J. M. Van Damme, Richard Strasser
Summary: The study reveals that infection of plants by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 leads to changes in N-glycan composition, including increased oligomannosidic N-glycans and the appearance of different N-glycan isomers. This indicates the accumulation of misfolded glycoproteins and alterations in starch metabolism in the infected plants. These findings shed light on the important response and adaptive regulation of plants in defending against pathogen attack.
GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vinicius J. S. Osterne, Messias Oliveira, Kristof De Schutter, Sonia Serna, Niels-Christian Reichardt, Guy Smagghe, Benildo S. Cavada, Els J. M. Van Damme, Kyria Santiago Nascimento
Summary: This study reports the purification and characterization of a GalNAc/Gal-specific lectin from the seeds of Vataireopsis araroba. The lectin shows specificity towards N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-galactose and related sugars, and exhibits biostatic effects on certain insect cell lines.
GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mathias Simplicien, Pierre Perio, Jan Sudor, Annick Barre, Herve Benoist, Els J. M. Van Damme, Pierre Rouge
Summary: This article explores the interaction between plant lectins and the spike proteins and receptors of coronaviruses, as well as the potential of using plant lectins as a treatment for COVID-19.
GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Els J. M. Van Damme, Pierre Rouge
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lukas Eidenberger, Florian Eminger, Alexandra Castilho, Herta Steinkellner
Summary: This study investigated the capability of three commonly used transient expression vectors to express a multi-component protein with controlled and modified N-glycosylation. The results showed that all three expression vectors produced similar quantities of targeted N-glycosylation, demonstrating the universal application of plant-based glycoengineering.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shiva Izadi, Vinny Kunnummel, Herta Steinkellner, Stefan Werner, Alexandra Castilho
Summary: There is a demand to increase manufacturing capacities for recombinant protein-based drugs. Novel expression systems such as plants are being explored for faster and more flexible production. In this study, we discuss the technical issues and solutions for achieving efficient protein sialylation in plants. We also evaluate different strategies for delivering the sialylation pathway genes and demonstrate the scalability of protein sialylation for large-scale production.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xinyu Wang, Lisanne Terrie, Guanghui Wu, Els J. M. Van Damme, Lieven Thorrez, Anthony R. Fooks, Ashley C. Banyard, Dirk Jochmans, Johan Neyts
Summary: Infection with the rabies virus is a deadly neurological disease, but post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with vaccination and anti-rabies immunoglobulins (RIGs) is 100% effective if administered early. This study found that Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA), a specific lectin, can prevent the entry of the virus into host cells and effectively stop virus replication in a muscle model. UDA holds promise as a cheap and simple alternative for RIGs in PEP.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia F. Lossio, Vinicius J. S. Osterne, Vanir R. Pinto-Junior, Simin Chen, Messias V. Oliveira, Joost Verduijn, Isabel Verbeke, Sonia Serna, Niels C. Reichardt, Andre Skirtach, Benildo S. Cavada, Els J. M. Van Damme, Kyria S. Nascimento
Summary: This study investigated the structural properties and anticancer potential of a mannose-specific lectin from Canavalia villosa seeds. The lectin showed specific binding activity to carbohydrates and inhibited cancer cell proliferation by activating autophagic and apoptotic pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katharina Aigner-Radakovics, Annika De Sousa Linhares, Benjamin Salzer, Manfred Lehner, Shiva Izadi, Alexandra Castilho, Winfried F. Pickl, Judith Leitner, Peter Steinberger
Summary: This study investigated the function of LAG3 using a fluorescent human T cell reporter system. It was found that LAG3 reduced the response to T cell receptor stimulation in the presence of MHC class II molecules, and the RRFSALE motif in the cytoplasmic tail of LAG3 was necessary and sufficient for LAG3-mediated inhibition. FGL1 was identified as a weak ligand for LAG3.