Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gregory Gauthier-Coles, Angelika Broer, Malcolm Donald McLeod, Amee J. George, Ross D. Hannan, Stefan Broer
Summary: SNAT2 is an important amino acid transporter involved in amino acid accumulation, cellular osmolarity, and cell growth. A potent inhibitor of SNAT2 has been identified through high-throughput screening, with selectivity against other transporters. Combined with a glucose transport inhibitor, this compound can halt the proliferative growth of cancer cells.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrey A. Khozov, Dmitrii M. Bubnov, Eugeny D. Plisov, Tatiana V. Vybornaya, Tigran V. Yuzbashev, Gennaro Agrimi, Eugenia Messina, Agnessa A. Stepanova, Maxim D. Kudina, Natalia V. Alekseeva, Alexander I. Netrusov, Sergey P. Sineoky
Summary: We identified and characterized the yifK gene product as a novel amino acid carrier in E. coli K-12 cells. YifK acts as a permease specific to L-threonine and, to a lesser extent, L-serine. We also found that BrnQ is involved in threonine uptake as a low-affinity but high-flux transporter and that it becomes the main entry point when threonine reaches toxic levels. LIV-I contributes significantly to threonine uptake but has minor involvement in serine uptake.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Julien Besnard, Unnati Sonawala, Bal Maharjan, Eva Collakova, Scott A. Finlayson, Guillaume Pilot, John McDowell, Sakiko Okumoto
Summary: Amino acids play important roles in biosynthesis and signaling, affecting plant development and immune responses. Changes in amino acid levels can trigger stress phenotypes and pathogen resistance through various pathways, indicating a link between amino acid transport and stress responses.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lin Feng, Yongchao Yu, Shijia Lin, Tianyuan Yang, Qi Chen, Linlin Liu, Jun Sun, Pengcheng Zheng, Zhaoliang Zhang, Xiaochun Wan
Summary: Theanine, an important component in tea, is stored in the root of tea plants during winter and transported to the new shoots in spring. The protein CsCAT2 has been identified as an H+-dependent theanine transporter localized in the tonoplast, which is highly expressed in the root during theanine storage and negatively modulates theanine transport from root to shoot.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mariaurea Matias Sarandy, Silvania Mol Pelinsari, Lorena Miranda de Souza, Romulo Dias Novaes, Virginia Vinha Zanuncio, Reggiani Vilela Goncalves
Summary: We evaluated the healing of cutaneous wounds in male wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice (iNOS) after supplementation with L-citrulline (CIT) and L-arginine (ARG). The wound area was smaller and the contraction rate was higher with ARG and CIT in WT and KO. ARG and CIT accelerated healing and tissue repair at morphological, histological and biochemical levels.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chinami Kaku, Satoshi Suganuma, Kiyotaka Nakajima, Etsushi Tsuji, Naonobu Katada
Summary: The selective hydrogenation of L-proline into L-prolinol using M MoOx/Al2O3 catalysts was investigated in this study. Pt-MoOx/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited higher activity and selectivity in the reaction. The Mo species, highly dispersed on both Pt nanoparticles and Al2O3 support, participated in the hydrogenation process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiao Han, Jiongqin Liu, Yutong Wu, Yuhan Yang, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Summary: In this study, Bacillus licheniformis was developed as an efficient L-alanine microbial cell factory capable of high-temperature fermentation. The engineered B. licheniformis strain BLA3 produced 93.7 g/L optically pure L-alanine at 50°C by enhancing the glycolytic pathway, knocking out the by-product pathways, and overexpressing thermostable alanine dehydrogenase. Adaptive laboratory evolution relieved the D-alanine dependence of an alanine racemase-deficient strain, indicating activation of a dormant alternative pathway for D-alanine synthesis in the evolved strain. The key enzyme in the dormant alternative pathway was identified as D-amino acid aminotransferase Dat1. Mutational analysis revealed the molecular mechanism of D-alanine dependence. This study demonstrates a novel technology for high-temperature L-alanine production and highlights the effectiveness of activating dormant metabolic pathway(s) in metabolic engineering.
Review
Immunology
Rebecca R. Crowther, Joseph E. Qualls
Summary: This article provides a summary of the current knowledge on anti-Mtb immunity, focusing on immune cell amino acid metabolism, specifically discussing the roles of L-arginine and L-tryptophan in TB patients. By uncovering the immune cell contribution during Mtb infection and how amino acid utilization regulates their functions, novel host-directed therapies may be developed and refined to help eradicate TB.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peng Xu, Jing Guo, Yaling Jin, Shao Chin Lee, Zhilang Li, Lingyu Kong, Ming Liu, Xiaomin Niu, Yun Liu, Guoqiang Bai, Lu Ren, Bei Ren, Linxiao Fan, Meirong Zhao, Lan Wang
Summary: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 10% of all pregnancies worldwide and maternal cadmium (Cd) exposure is a risk factor for FGR. This study used Cd-treated mice to investigate the mechanisms involved. Results showed that Cd treatment led to reduced levels of total amino acids in the circulation and fetal livers, and increased expression of amino acid transport genes in maternal livers. Metabolic profiling revealed an activation of various metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that Cd exposure activates amino acid metabolism and reduces the supply of amino acids to the fetus, potentially leading to FGR.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego del Alamo, Lillian DeSousa, Rahul M. Nair, Suhaila Rahman, Jens Meiler, Hassane S. Mchaourab
Summary: The APC transporter GadC plays a role in the survival of pathogenic bacteria under extreme acid stress. Through studying its conformational dynamics using DEER spectroscopy, researchers discovered acid-induced conformational changes in GadC, enabling isomerization between inward- and outward-facing states. The substrate glutamate modulates the dynamics of an extracellular gate. This study provides insights into the conformational cycle of GadC and highlights the divergence in dynamics among different families in the LeuT-fold.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Robert A. Griffin, Chris N. Glover, Jenelle D. McCuaig, Tamzin A. Blewett
Summary: Dissolved organic matter, including amino acids, is an important component in freshwater and marine environments. There are pathways for the direct uptake of amino acids from water in various marine phyla, and these absorbed amino acids play important roles in metabolism and adaptation of aquatic animals.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Adam Janotik, Katerina Dadakova, Jan Lochman, Martina Zapletalova
Summary: The study described the molecular processes involved in BABA-induced resistance in tomatoes by analyzing changes in selected metabolites and transcript data induced by BABA, as well as highlighting the impact of BABA on pathogenesis-related proteins and jasmonic acid signaling in Arabidopsis. Additionally, the research found that amino acids L-Asp and L-Gln significantly reduced resistance levels, with the inhibition of BABA-IR due to the rapid metabolization of L-Asp to L-Gln.
Article
Microbiology
Stephanie J. Ruiz, Joury S. van't Klooster, Frans Bianchi, Bert Poolman
Summary: Amino acids are essential for metabolism but can be toxic at high levels intracellularly. Downregulation of amino acid transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a mechanism to avoid toxicity. Overexpression of certain amino acid transporters can induce growth defects, and various amino acids are growth inhibitory to yeast cells when transported into the cell at high levels.
Article
Microbiology
Lei Zhang, Jiajia Yu, Jing Zheng, Liqing Wu, Xinyi Zhou, Yali Ban, Yuanhao Sun, Haotian Zhang, Yongjun Feng
Summary: Pantoea ananatis YJ76, a diazotrophic endophyte isolated from rice, produces indole to regulate various behaviors. A new orphan substrate-binding protein (SerBP) was found to be involved in indole synthesis and influenced the resistance of YJ76 to antibiotics, alkali, heavy metals, and starvation.
JOURNAL OF BASIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Coen C. Paulusma, Wouter H. Lamers, Stefan Broer, Stan F. J. van de Graaf
Summary: The liver controls the exposure of amino acids entering via the gastrointestinal tract, but it is still unclear which transporters are involved in hepatocellular amino acid transport.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kathryn V. Dalrymple, Christina Vogel, Keith M. Godfrey, Janis Baird, Mark A. Hanson, Cyrus Cooper, Hazel M. Inskip, Sarah R. Crozier
Summary: There is a growing interest in modeling longitudinal dietary data to identify subgroups with similar trajectories. This paper compares two latent class methods, group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) and growth mixture modeling (GMM), to analyze dietary data from a longitudinal study. Both methods suggest that five classes are optimal, with strong correlation between class assignments. Results show stable dietary trajectories with varying levels of quality. GBTM is recommended as it is less computationally intensive, but results can be confirmed using GMM.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Kiran Meka, Chandni M. Jacob, Neena Modi, Flavia Bustreo, Gian Carlo Di Renzo, Ariadne Malamitsi-Puchner, Despina Briana, Domenico G. Iaia, Helga Fogstad, Jagannadha P. Tamvada, Ivan Ochoa Moreno, Mark Hanson
Summary: This study discusses the implications of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) on gross domestic product (GDP), and suggests that unremunerated work largely conducted by women should be included in GDP due to its positive impact on future health and prosperity, while industries that harm health should be excluded. In light of the current challenges from COVID, climate change, and conflict, there is a need to redefine economic progress with equitable models and metrics that consider the societal value of activities improving MNCAH in the short, medium, and long term.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Phillip E. E. Melton, M. A. Burton, K. A. Lillycrop, K. M. Godfrey, S. Rauschert, D. Anderson, G. C. Burdge, T. A. Mori, L. J. Beilin, O. T. Ayonrinde, J. M. Craig, J. K. Olynyk, J. D. Holbrook, C. E. Pennell, W. H. Oddy, E. K. Moses, L. A. Adams, R. C. Huang
Summary: Through DNA methylation epigenome-wide association study, we identified novel DNA methylation loci associated with NAFLD and serum liver biochemistry markers during adolescence, implicating putative dmCpG/gene regulatory pathways and providing insights for future mechanistic studies.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jian Huang, Ai Peng Tan, Evelyn Law, Keith M. Godfrey, Anqi Qiu, Lourdes Mary Daniel, Marielle Fortier, Kok Hian Tan, Jerry Kok Yen Chan, David Cameron-Smith, Yap Seng Chong, Shiao-Yng Chan, Johan G. Eriksson, Michael J. Meaney, Jonathan Huang
Summary: This study found that higher levels of certain nutrient-related biomarkers in maternal preconception blood were associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in infants. The study also found that an increase in preconception thiamine levels was associated with higher CBCL scores and a lower right subthalamic nucleus ODI.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Soo Min Han, Surabhi Devaraj, Jose G. B. Derraik, Mark H. Vickers, Fang Huang, Stephane Dubascoux, Keith M. Godfrey, Shiao-Yng Chan, Wei Wei Pang, Sagar K. Thakkar, Wayne S. Cutfield
Summary: During pregnancy and lactation, zinc supplementation can increase the zinc concentrations in human milk. This study found that a micronutrient-containing supplement including zinc increased the zinc concentrations in human milk, while having no effect on other mineral concentrations. Further studies are needed to understand the associations between zinc and other minerals in human milk and their impact on offspring outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
D. A. J. M. Schoenaker, J. Stephenson, H. Smith, K. Thurland, H. Duncan, K. M. Godfrey, M. Barker, C. Singh, N. A. Alwan
Summary: This study presents the first national-level report on the state of women's preconception health in England. It found that certain preconception health issues, such as smoking, lack of folic acid supplementation, and previous pregnancy loss, have a high prevalence among women in England. Inequalities in these health issues were observed based on age, ethnicity, and area-based deprivation level. The study suggests the need for improved strategies to address women's preconception health and reduce socio-demographic inequalities.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Emma M. Lofthouse, Jane Cleal, Rohan M. Lewis, Bram G. Sengers
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of metformin transfer across the human placental syncytiotrophoblast using placental perfusion experiments and computational modelling. The results showed bidirectional transfer of metformin and suggested that it is mainly achieved through paracellular diffusion. The study also demonstrated the role of OCT3 transporters in mediating fetal metformin release.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer M. Frost, Samuele M. Amante, Hiroaki Okae, Eleri M. Jones, Brogan Ashley, Rohan M. Lewis, Jane K. Cleal, Matthew P. Caley, Takahiro Arima, Tania Maffucci, Miguel R. Branco
Summary: In this study, the authors investigated the role of transposable elements in regulating gene expression in human trophoblasts. They identified several endogenous retrovirus families near trophoblast-specific genes, which were bound by transcription factors important for placental development. Using genetic editing, they demonstrated that some elements functioned as transcriptional enhancers of crucial placental genes and identified an LTR10A element that regulated ENG expression, potentially impacting preeclampsia.
NATURE STRUCTURAL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Allergy
Zhao Xiang Choa, Gaik Chin Yap, Ruochen Du, Evelyn Xiu Ling Loo, Anne Eng Neo Goh, Oon Hoe Teoh, Hugo P. S. Van Bever, Lynette Pei-Chi Shek, Bee Wah Lee, Kok Hian Tan, Keith M. Godfrey, Johan Gunnar Eriksson, Yap Seng Chong, Shiao Yng Chan, Elizabeth Huiwen Tham
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Hannah E. J. Yong, Oliver C. Watkins, Tania K. L. Mah, Victoria K. B. Cracknell-Hazra, Reshma Appukuttan Pillai, Preben Selvam, Mohammad O. Islam, Neha Sharma, Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot, Anne K. Bendt, Markus R. Wenk, Keith M. Godfrey, Rohan M. Lewis, Shiao-Yng Chan
Summary: Older pregnant women have increased risks of complications including gestational diabetes and stillbirth. This study investigates the decline in the expression of the enzyme CPT1B in the placenta with age and its association with placental acylcarnitine synthesis. The findings suggest that the age-related decline in CPT1B may contribute to pregnancy complications in older women, particularly if they are overweight.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Family Studies
Sharon James, Jessica E. Moulton, Anisa Assifi, Jessica Botfield, Kirsten Black, Mark Hanson, Danielle Mazza
Summary: Engaging in lifestyle risk reduction during the interconception period can help reduce adverse outcomes, but there are challenges such as information needs, managing competing priorities, physical and mental health, self-perception and motivation, access to services and professional support, and family and peer networks.
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Ariadne Malamitsi-Puchner, Laura Addati, Guony Bjork Eydal, Despina D. D. Briana, Flavia Bustreo, Gian Carlo Di Renzo, Margaret O'Brien, Mark Hanson, Neena Modi
Summary: Cohesive families and stimulating environments with caregiver attachment are crucial for a child's growth. Parental involvement in daily activities like breastfeeding, playing, reading, and storytelling supports early development. Universally accessible and equitable parental leave addresses the challenge of balancing child well-being, career, and gender equality for parents.
Article
Neurosciences
Oliver C. Watkins, Reshma Appukuttan Pillai, Preben Selvam, Hannah E. J. Yong, Victoria K. B. Cracknell-Hazra, Neha Sharma, Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot, Anne K. Bendt, Keith M. Godfrey, Rohan M. Lewis, Markus R. Wenk, Shiao-Yng Chan
Summary: The metabolism of placental palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) is crucial for optimal placental function and fetal development, but it becomes dysregulated in gestational diabetes. This study investigated the hypothesis that dysregulation may be caused by increased glucose, leptin, or insulin concentrations in gestational diabetes, and that myo-inositol could moderate the dysregulated lipid metabolism. The findings suggest that myo-inositol generally acts as a moderator by suppressing the perturbation of lipid metabolism induced by glucose, leptin, and insulin in the placenta in vitro.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Rohan M. Lewis
Summary: Volume electron microscopy (volume EM) is a promising technology that can enhance our understanding of placental ultrastructure. By visualizing the 3D structure of tissues, cells, and organelles, volume EM allows us to determine their spatial relationships. However, to fully exploit the potential of volume EM, it is important to combine it with other methods and conduct further research.
Review
Ecology
Davis Laundon, Neil J. Gostling, Bram G. Sengers, Pascale Chavatte-Palmer, Rohan M. Lewis
Summary: The placenta, which mediates exchange between the mother and the fetus, exhibits radical structural diversity. Traditionally, placental structures have been categorized qualitatively, but this may not accurately assess their relative efficiency. To quantitatively determine the evolutionary questions behind the enormous structural diversity, it is necessary to consider the placenta as a three-dimensional biological structure integrated across scales.
