Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yubo Fang, Han Xiao
Summary: Efficient secretion of triterpenoids can be achieved by overexpressing YPS3 and SCW10 genes in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, resulting in increased production of GA-HLDOA and changes in cell permeability and outer mannan layer.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shuo Yang, Junfeng Shen, Jiliang Deng, Hongxing Li, Jianzhi Zhao, Hongting Tang, Xiaoming Bao
Summary: This study focuses on improving the production of recombinant proteins in yeast cell factories by modifying cell polarization. Overexpression of genes related to cell polarization can enhance the surface display and secretion of recombinant proteins. Combinatorial modification of gene expression can increase protein production in a dose-dependent manner.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bronwyn Jean Chetty, Kentaro Inokuma, Tomohisa Hasunuma, Willem Heber van Zyl, Riaan den Haan
Summary: Enhanced cellulase activity on the cell surface of engineered strains for CBP was achieved through overexpression of cellulase secretion genes. The improved strains showed significant increases in cellulolytic activity and ethanol yields, making them more efficient for 2G biofuel production.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yanyan Wang, Xiaowei Li, Xin Chen, Jens Nielsen, Dina Petranovic, Verena Siewers
Summary: Monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, and fusion proteins have revolutionized medicine, but challenges in the biopharmaceutical industry include high production costs and low productivity in mammalian cell lines. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used as a secretion host for various products, but due to incompatible surface glycosylation, non-glycosylated antibody fragments need to be chosen. The secretion level of antibody fragments in yeast strains is correlated with their secretory capacity and unique physiological needs.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nanzhu Chen, Shuo Yang, Dawei You, Junfeng Shen, Banlai Ruan, Mei Wu, Jianzhi Zhang, Xiaozhou Luo, Hongting Tang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of engineering cell wall biosynthesis on the activity of cellulolytic enzymes and found that the inactivation of certain genes significantly improved the secretion and surface-display of β-glucosidase. Furthermore, combinatorial modifications of these genes, along with the use of rich medium, greatly increased the activity of the enzymes. Proteomic analysis also revealed the involvement of translation processes in improving enzyme activity through cell wall biosynthesis engineering.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Beatriz Garcia-Bejar, Rebecca A. Owens, Ana Briones, Maria Arevalo-Villena
Summary: The study on Aflatoxin B-1 elimination using microorganisms showed that cell wall proteins constituted less than 10% of the total proteome, indicating a potential protective role of intact cell walls against mycotoxins. It also identified enzymes related to cell wall polysaccharides biosynthesis and proteins associated with cell wall organization and regulation.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ramakanth Neeli-Venkata, Celia Municio Diaz, Ruben Celador, Yolanda Sanchez, Nicolas Minc
Summary: The study on the conserved CW sensor Wsc1 in fission yeast revealed the formation of micrometer-sized clusters at sites of force application onto the CW, which assembled within minutes of CW compression and disassembled upon relaxation. Wsc1 accumulates to sites of enhanced mechanical stress through reduced lateral diffusivity, mediated by the binding of its extracellular WSC domain to CW polysaccharides, independently of canonical polarity, trafficking, and downstream CW regulatory pathways. Wsc1 may represent an autonomous module to detect and transduce local surface forces onto the CW.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jie Li, Yu Zeng, Wei-Bin Wang, Qing-Qing Wan, Chen-Guang Liu, Riaan den Haan, Willem H. van Zyl, Xin-Qing Zhao
Summary: Sustainable bioproduction using carbon neutral feedstocks, especially lignocellulosic biomass, has attracted increasing attention. Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass using recombinant yeast has shown promise, but low enzyme secretion levels restrict its economic viability. In this study, overexpression of MIG1 spsc01, a glucose repression regulator derivative, was used to increase extracellular cellobiohydrolase (CBH) activity. Disruption of other genes related to MIG1 spsc01, such as CWP2, YGP1, and UTH1, also enhanced CBH secretion. By simultaneously disrupting YGP1 and overexpressing SED5, cellulase production was significantly improved.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yeping Lin, Yunzi Feng, Lin Zheng, Mouming Zhao, Mingtao Huang
Summary: This study focuses on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its potential for increased protein production through genetic engineering. By targeting genes related to protein synthesis and using transcriptome analysis and physiological characterizations, key regulatory and metabolic network changes were identified. It was found that manipulating genes relevant to stress response in protein synthesis significantly increased protein secretion. The genetic modifications identified in this study provide valuable targets for constructing efficient yeast cell factories for protein production.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sofia F. Reis, Susana Messias, Rita Bastos, Vitor J. Martins, Viviana G. Correia, Benedita A. Pinheiro, Lisete M. Silva, Angelina S. Palma, Manuel A. Coimbra, Elisabete Coelho
Summary: Brewing practice involves reusing the same yeast for subsequent fermentations. The yeast used for Lager beer (Saccharomyces pastorianus) is widely reused without changes in fermentation performance. However, the yeast used for Ale beer (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is either partially or not reused due to poor performance. The study found that cells modulate their wall polysaccharides to increase cell wall strength.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shou-Chen Lo, Chia-Yin Yang, Dony Chacko Mathew, Chieh-Chen Huang
Summary: The study found that Kluyveromyces marxianus grown with lactate as the sole carbon source showed optimal growth and released protein under different pH conditions. Lactate induced the autolysis of K. marxianus, leading to the release of proteins and peptides. These findings are crucial for future probiotic and kefir studies involving K. marxianus.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Davide Bertasini, Renato Leal Binati, David Bolzonella, Federico Battista
Summary: The increase in human population has led to a higher demand for protein, and Single Cell Proteins (SCPs) are a mixed protein source that can meet the food needs of animals and humans. This study explored the production of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as SCPs for animal feeding, using effluent from candy production and agricultural digestate as growth mediums. The results showed that aerobic conditions and a dilution rate of 0.50 d(-1) optimized both biomass productivity and protein content. The obtained SCPs were suitable as a feed supplement for fish and monogastric animals, but not for pets due to lower amino acid concentrations.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Riaan den Haan, Shaunita H. Rose, Rosemary A. Cripwell, Kim M. Trollope, Marthinus W. Myburgh, Marinda Viljoen-Bloom, Willem H. van Zyl
Summary: This review discusses the use of consolidated bioprocessing to address the high cost of exogenous enzymes in commercial bioethanol production, as well as strategies and lessons learned for improving recombinant protein production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae over the past forty years. Host strain selection and modification, as well as enzyme compatibility, are found to be crucial determinants for success.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Neil A. R. Cow, Megan D. Lenardon
Summary: The fungal cell wall is crucial for the growth and survival of fungi and is targeted by antifungal drugs and the immune system. The inner wall of most fungi is made up of chitin and beta-glucans, while the outer wall is composed of a variety of polymers and glycosylated proteins. Understanding the organization of fungal cell walls can lead to the development of diagnostics and drugs for combating fungal infections.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Prihardi Kahar, Akiho Itomi, Hikari Tsuboi, Miki Ishizaki, Misa Yasuda, Chie Kihira, Hiromi Otsuka, Nurlina Binti Azmi, Hana Matsumoto, Chiaki Ogino, Akihiko Kondo
Summary: This study explores the resistance of Saccharomyces yeast strains to inhibitory chemical compounds (ICCs) released from lignocellulosic biomass. The F118 strain of S. cerevisiae shows robustness and unique flocculation trait under ICC stress. Gene expression analysis reveals that the Mot3p gene plays a key role in the response to ICC concentration. Swapping the Mot3p gene enhances cell wall hydrophobicity and response to ICC stress, resulting in faster fermentation and higher ethanol production.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ilhan Yaylim, Ammad Ahmad Farooqi, Pelin Telkoparan-Akillilar, Luciano Saso
Summary: Cancer is a multifactorial disease, and the dysregulation of spatio-temporally controlled transduction pathways, particularly NRF2-driven signaling, plays a central role in cancer progression. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediated regulation of NRF2 and the interplay between NRF2 and ncRNAs add complexity to NRF2 signaling. The interplay between circular RNAs and NRF2 in different cancers remains unknown. Future studies should focus on characterizing the functional roles of important ncRNAs and circular RNAs in NRF2-driven signaling and cancer progression.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emiliano Panieri, Pelin Telkoparan-Akillilar, Luciano Saso
Summary: The skin acts as a barrier between the organism and the environment, protecting against various insults. NRF2 plays a crucial role in skin homeostasis, differentiation, and metabolism. This review summarizes the role of NRF2 in skin pathophysiology and discusses the therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds in skin protection against diseases.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Salman Ahmed, Waqas Alam, Khalaf F. Alsharif, Michael Aschner, Fuad M. Alzahrani, Luciano Saso, Haroon Khan
Summary: Malignant melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, is becoming more common and resistant to treatment. Natural substances, particularly marine peptides, are being researched as alternative and safe treatments for melanoma.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Kostic, Jasmina Brboric, Giovanna Delogu, Milena R. Simic, Stevan Samardzic, Zoran Maksimovic, Maria Antonietta Dettori, Davide Fabbri, Jelena Kotur-Stevuljevic, Luciano Saso
Summary: A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential of natural phenols (zingerone, curcumin, raspberry ketone, magnolol) and their synthesized derivatives. The study measured the antioxidant efficiency in blood serum obtained from healthy individuals, before and after adding the pro-oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH). It was found that curcumin, raspberry ketone, magnolol, and the synthesized derivative of zingerone demonstrated remarkable antioxidant effects in the blood serum of healthy individuals. Moreover, a combination of zingerone and curcumin exhibited synergistic antioxidant effects.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarmistha Saha, Luciano Saso, Guliz Armagan
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarmistha Saha, Luciano Saso, Aleksei V. V. Trofimov, Olga I. I. Yablonskaya
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriel Mendez-Valdes, Francisca Gomez-Hevia, Jose Lillo-Moya, Tommy Gonzalez-Fernandez, Joaquin Abelli, Antonia Cereceda-Cornejo, Maria Chiara Bragato, Luciano Saso, Ramon Rodrigo
Summary: Angiogenesis is a process involving the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones, which plays important roles in physiological processes and tumor growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main mediator of angiogenesis and is overexpressed in certain cancers, leading to the development of anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies as cancer therapies. However, these antibodies have shown adverse events, while endostatin, an endogenous protein that inhibits VEGF expression and angiogenesis, has a better safety profile and promising results on small scale clinical studies. Therefore, endostatin is proposed as a replacement for anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Darinka Gjorgieva Ackova, Viktorija Maksimova, Katarina Smilkov, Brigitta Buttari, Marzia Arese, Luciano Saso
Summary: The transcription factor NRF2 plays a crucial role in regulating various genes to protect cells from stress-induced damage. While it is important for maintaining cellular redox balance, excessive activation of NRF2 in cancer cells can contribute to their survival and resistance to therapy. Alkaloids derived from natural sources have been found to inhibit NRF2 activity and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments. Further research is necessary to explore the potential of these alkaloids as promising targets for anticancer therapy.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lozan Todorov, Luciano Saso, Irena Kostova
Summary: Coumarins, as a class of phenolic compounds widely found in plants, have diverse applications in various fields, such as everyday life, organic synthesis, and medicine. Their unique structure with excellent charge and electron transport properties makes them well-known for their broad spectrum of physiological effects. In recent years, research efforts have been focused on synthesizing and examining synthetic coumarin derivatives to develop potential drugs with enhanced or novel effects. This review aims to summarize the prominent findings from investigations into the antioxidant properties of novel coumarin compounds over the past five years.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masoumeh Divar, Najmeh Edraki, Tahereh Damghani, Fatemeh Moosavi, Maryam Mohabbati, Alireza Alipour, Somayeh Pirhadi, Luciano Saso, Soghra Khabnadideh, Omidreza Firuzi
Summary: Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, cancer remains a leading cause of death. This study synthesized a new series of spiro[indoline-3,2'-quinazoline]-2,4'(3'H)-dione derivatives and evaluated their potential as kinase inhibitors with anti-cancer effects. The most promising compounds exhibited anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cell lines and altered the distribution of cells in the cell cycle. FLT3 kinase was identified as the primary target of these compounds. Compound 5f showed potent inhibitory activity against wild-type FLT3 and its mutant, D835Y. Docking and simulation studies revealed the important interactions of compound 5f with FLT3. These findings suggest that these spiroindoline quinazolinedione compounds could be promising candidates for novel anticancer drugs.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarmistha Saha, Luciano Saso
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sara Ranjbar, Faramak Faramin Lashkarian, Mehdi Khoshneviszadeh, Fatemeh Moosavi, Amirhossein Sakhteman, Farshid Zargari, Luciano Saso, Omidreza Firuzi, Najmeh Edraki
Summary: In this study, novel 5-oxo-hexahydroquinoline derivatives were synthesized and tested for their ability to reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Most of the compounds showed enhanced intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123, a P-gp substrate, and some exhibited better results than the established P-gp inhibitor verapamil. Certain compounds also effectively reversed resistance to doxorubicin and showed cytotoxic effects against leukemia and colon cancer cells. Molecular simulation analysis confirmed the interaction of selected compounds with the drug-substrate binding site of P-gp.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena N. Leseva, Brigitta Buttari, Luciano Saso, Petya A. Dimitrova
Summary: The significance of internal mRNA modifications in regulating transcript stability, nuclear export, translation efficiency, and innate immunity suppression has been well established. Recent research has uncovered the role of internal mRNA modifications in immune cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function. Investigations into modifications of host/pathogen RNA, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), during infection have revealed its importance in disease pathogenesis and shaping host immune responses. Targeting RNA-modifying enzymes with low molecular weight compounds shows promise in cancer research and could lead to the development of broad-spectrum therapeutic agents for infectious diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Orellana-Urzua, Camilo Briones-Valdivieso, Silvia Chichiarelli, Luciano Saso, Ramon Rodrigo
Summary: Stroke and acute myocardial infarction are major causes of death worldwide, with ischemic stroke also contributing to adult physical disability. Oxidative stress is a primary cause of tissue injury, and natural antioxidants can counteract this process. However, the effects of different antioxidants vary, and combination therapy may have synergistic effects.
Review
Neurosciences
Ilker Ates, Ayse Didem Yilmaz, Brigitta Buttari, Marzia Arese, Luciano Saso, Sibel Suzen
Summary: Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of protecting them, and inflammation and oxidative stress are key processes related to this. The transcription factor Nrf2 plays an important role in defense against oxidative stress and regulating anti-inflammatory activities. The Nrf2 signaling pathway is deregulated in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders.