Article
Microbiology
Rebeca Dominguez-Santos, Katarina Kosalkova, Isabel-Clara Sanchez-Orejas, Carlos Barreiro, Yolanda Perez-Pertejo, Rosa M. Reguera, Rafael Balana-Fouce, Carlos Garcia-Estrada
Summary: This article describes the use of the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum in the industrial production of penicillin and highlights the role of AdoMet synthetase in both primary and secondary metabolism in this process.
Article
Cell Biology
Takafumi Ogawa, Koji Masumura, Yuki Kohara, Muneyoshi Kanai, Tomoyoshi Soga, Yoshikazu Ohya, T. Keith Blackwell, Masaki Mizunuma
Summary: Methionine restriction can extend lifespan and delay aging-associated pathologies. Supplementation with S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) can mimic the effects of methionine restriction by reducing methionine levels and activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby extending lifespan.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mangal S. Kadam, V. L. S. Prasad Burra
Summary: Methylation plays a significant role in various diseases, and methyltransferases are important targets for drug development. However, the function of methyltransferases relies on the presence of SAM. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of SAM-receptor interactions and reveals crucial insights into the structure and function of SAM.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mervi T. Hyvonen, Maxim Khomutov, Jouko Vepsalainen, Alex R. Khomutov, Tuomo A. Keinanen
Summary: Polyamine spermidine is essential for cell proliferation, and DFMO-induced cytostasis can be reversed by spermidine or (S)-1-methylspermidine, but thymidine only shows specific effects on certain cell lines.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryuichi Iwasaki, Tomohiro Bito, Atsushi Ishihara, Fumio Watanabe, Yukinori Yabuta
Summary: SAM and SAH are important biochemical intermediates, with SAM being the major methyl donor in vivo. The SAM to SAH ratio is a marker of methylation capacity. Stable isotope-labeled SAM and SAH are used to measure this ratio with high sensitivity. We focused on the SAHH of Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 and prepared recombinant P. horikoshii SAHH to efficiently produce labeled SAH.
BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhong-Ce Hu, Chui-Mu Zheng, Yun-Chao Tao, Shu-Nan Wang, Yuan-Shan Wang, Zhi-Qiang Liu, Yu-Guo Zheng
Summary: This study aimed to increase the accumulation of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by promoting ATP availability. The results showed that the lack of gene sod1 benefited ATP generation and positively regulated SAM synthesis. Additionally, improving substrate assimilation further enhanced SAM production. The SAM concentration of strain Delta SOD1 was increased from 7.3 g L-1 to 10.1 g L-1 in a 5-L fermenter.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chang Dong, J. Carl Schultz, Wei Liu, Jiazhang Lian, Lei Huang, Zhinan Xu, Huimin Zhao
Summary: This study identified novel targets for enhancing SAM production through genome-scale engineering (GSE) and validated their effects in industrial yeast strains, leading to significant increases in SAM productivity. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms for enhanced SAM accumulation.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Renata Orlowska, Jacek Zebrowski, Janusz Zimny, Piotr Androsiuk, Piotr Tomasz Bednarek
Summary: This study used a structural equation modeling approach to analyze the effects of Cu(II) and Ag(I) ions, DNA methylation, and S-adenosyl-L-methionine on the regeneration efficiency of triticale through in vitro culture. The results revealed the relationships between these factors and provided a theoretical model for the biological phenomena associated with green plant regeneration efficiency.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Siyu Ren, Xinkuan Cheng, Long Ma
Summary: Natural fluorinated products are rare and of great interest. The biosynthetic pathway of de novo fluorometabolites in microbes has been studied, revealing the key roles of fluorinase (FLA) and a novel methionine adenosyltransferase from Streptomyces xinghaiensis (SxMAT) in the synthesis of 5'-fluoro-deoxy-adenosine.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hailong Chen, Xiaoqin Chai, Yan Wang, Jing Liu, Guohai Zhou, Pinghe Wei, Yuhe Song, Lingman Ma
Summary: Background: Saccharomyces cerevisiae is commonly used for the production of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM), but glucose repression negatively affects its production. This study shows that deleting REG1 and overexpressing SNF1 can improve SAM production in S. cerevisiae by enhancing glucose utilization and glycolysis, promoting ethanol conversion, enhancing precursor amino acid biosynthesis, and extending yeast lifespan.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Francioso, Sergio Fanelli, Maria D'Erme, Eugenio Lendaro, Niccolo Miraglia, Mario Fontana, Rosaria A. Cavallaro, Luciana Mosca
Summary: This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic properties of a new form of SAM, the phytate salt, in rats and found that the phytate anion can protect SAM from degradation, leading to improved pharmacokinetic parameters compared to the SAM tosylated form. These results suggest the potential use of new salts of SAM with better pharmacokinetic properties.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jiaojiao Li, Chunxiao Sun, Wenwen Cai, Jing Li, Barry P. Rosen, Jian Chen
Summary: This review systematically discusses eight types of SAM-dependent methyltransferases associated with human diseases, covering their physiological function, substrate specificity, genetic variants, and correlations with disease susceptibility.
MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hammad Ullah, Ayesha Khan, Kannan R. R. Rengasamy, Alessandro Di Minno, Roberto Sacchi, Maria Daglia
Summary: Depression is a prevalent and serious health issue globally, and current treatment options are limited. SAMe and probiotics have shown potential therapeutic roles in depression by regulating microbial imbalance and reducing inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda J. Sales, Izaque S. Maciel, Carlos C. Crestani, Francisco S. Guimara, Samia R. L. Joca
Summary: SAMe exerts antidepressant effects by regulating serotonin synthesis and 5-HT1A receptor activation, reducing immobility time in the forced swimming test in mice.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hailong Chen, Nianqing Zhu, Yan Wang, Xinxin Gao, Yuhe Song, Jia Zheng, Jiaping Peng, Xin Zhang
Summary: This study successfully increased the production of SAM in yeast by enhancing glycolysis through deletion of specific genes kcs1 and arg82. The strategy proved to be effective in improving SAM yield, demonstrating the potential for enhancing production of specific metabolites through metabolic engineering.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hilde von Gruning, Mariel Coradin, Mariel R. Mendoza, Janette Reader, Simone Sidoli, Benjamin A. Garcia, Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
Summary: This study comprehensively identified and quantified histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The results revealed the diversity and abundance of PTMs in different stages of the parasite's life cycle, and identified a specific histone code associated with gene expression regulation in mature gametocytes.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Lyn-Marie Birkholtz, Pietro Alano, Didier Leroy
Summary: Preventing human-to-mosquito transmission of malaria parasites is a possible solution to interrupt the malaria parasite life cycle for malaria elimination. The development of validated routine assays enabled the discovery of transmission-blocking compounds. Currently, the development priority lies in finding combinations of dual-active compounds that have equipotent activity against both disease-causing asexual and transmissible erythrocytic stages, as well as compounds that target gametocyte-specific biology. Preventing transmission reduces the risk of reinfection and can help curb the spread of drug resistance.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria De Luca, Daniela Lucchesi, Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets, Antonio Vassallo, Giuseppe Martelli, Anna Maria Fadda, Laura Pucci, Carla Caddeo
Summary: Many substances derived from plant extracts have been recognized for their biological activities, particularly in providing overall protection against various diseases, including skin disorders. However, the health benefits of plant extracts are often restricted by their low bioavailability. To overcome this limitation, drug delivery systems can be utilized. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant power of an ethanolic extract from myrtle berries and formulated it into phospholipid vesicles to enhance its bioavailability and applicability. The results suggest that these myrtle liposomes are compatible with cells and improve the antioxidant activity of the extract in fibroblasts, suggesting their potential use in skincare applications. This study confirms the potential use of nanotechnologies in enhancing the effectiveness of plant extracts.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Matteo Perra, Maria Letizia Manca, Carlo I. G. Tuberoso, Carla Caddeo, Francesca Marongiu, Jose Esteban Peris, Germano Orru, Antonella Ibba, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets, Sami Fattouch, Gianluigi Bacchetta, Maria Manconi
Summary: Wine-making by-products, containing polyphenols, can be used for the development of nanotechnological health-promoting products. In this study, polyphenols were extracted from grape pomace using ethanol maceration and incorporated into phospholipid vesicles for intestinal delivery. The vesicles effectively protected intestinal cells from oxidative stress and promoted biofilm formation by probiotic bacteria.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Arnau Biosca, Miriam Ramirez, Alex Gomez-Gomez, Aritz Lafuente, Valentin Iglesias, Oscar J. Pozo, Santiago Imperial, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets
Summary: Resistance of the malaria parasite to artemisinin calls for the identification of new fast-acting antimalarials. In this study, the compound domiphen bromide (DB) is characterized as a rapid inhibitor of the malaria parasite, potentially useful for future antimalarial treatments.
Article
Biology
Ines Bouzon-Arnaiz, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Arnau Biosca, Omar Cano-Prades, Lucia Roman-Alamo, Javier Valle, David Andreu, Diana Moita, Miguel Prudencio, Elsa M. Arce, Diego Munoz-Torrero, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets
Summary: This study found that inhibiting protein aggregation significantly reduces the viability of the malaria parasite in vitro. A compound called YAT2150 demonstrated powerful anti-malarial activity, inhibiting the growth of the parasite in different developmental stages by affecting its protein composition. Due to its novel structure and potential targeting of multiple gene products, the evolution of resistance to YAT2150 is unlikely, making it a promising compound for the post-artemisinin era.
Article
Biology
Justine Chee, Louise Lanoue, Dave L. Clary, Kendall Higgins, Lynette Bower, Ann Flenniken, Ruolin Guo, David Adams, Fatima Bosch, Robert E. Braun, Steve D. M. Brown, H. -J. Genie Chin, Mary Dickinson, Chih-Wei Hsu, Michael Dobbie, Xiang Gao, Sanjeev Galande, Anne Grobler, Jason Heaney, Yann Herault, Martin Hrabe de Angelis, Fabio Mammano, Lauryl M. J. Nutter, Helen Parkinson, Chuan Qin, Toshi Shiroishi, Radislav Sedlacek, J-K Seong, Ying Xu, Brian Brooks, Colin McKerlie, K. C. Kent Lloyd, Henrik Westerberg, Ala Moshiri
Summary: This study identified new genes and pathways associated with eye development through screening of mouse genes. These findings provide insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of eye development and could potentially contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of congenital blinding diseases.
Article
Immunology
Boitumelo Moetlhoa, Mabotse Tjale, Alri Pretorius, Rose Hayeshi, Anne Grobler, Nobalanda B. Mokoena
Summary: This study evaluated lactose and sucrose-based stabilizers combined with lyophilization to enhance the stability of the RVF Clone 13 vaccine strain. The sucrose-based formulation of the vaccine had a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 97.0 degrees C with residual moisture below 2%. The lactose formulation had a Tg of 83.5 degrees C and residual moisture above 2%. The sucrose-based formulation maintained higher antigen titers during lyophilization compared to the lactose-formulated vaccine. Cellular-mediated and humoral immunity were evaluated and compared for the two newly formulated vaccines. Pheroid (R) technology was also investigated as a potential adjuvant.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kendall Higgins, Bret A. Moore, Zorana Berberovic, Hibret A. Adissu, Mohammad Eskandarian, Ann M. Flenniken, Andy Shao, Denise M. Imai, Dave Clary, Louise Lanoue, Susan Newbigging, Lauryl M. J. Nutter, David J. Adams, Fatima Bosch, Robert E. Braun, Steve D. M. Brown, Mary E. Dickinson, Michael Dobbie, Paul Flicek, Xiang Gao, Sanjeev Galande, Anne Grobler, Jason D. Heaney, Yann Herault, Martin Hrabe de Angelis, Hsian-Jean Genie Chin, Fabio Mammano, Chuan Qin, Toshihiko Shiroishi, Radislav Sedlacek, J-K Seong, Ying Xu, K. C. Kent Lloyd, Colin McKerlie, Ala Moshiri
Summary: In this study, the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium database was used to identify candidate ciliopathy genes. Protein interaction analysis revealed 32 potential genes involved in ciliary pathobiology, with 25 of them having no previously described roles in this field. Histological and morphological evidence supported the association between these genes and ciliopathy-related phenotypes in knockout mouse models. These findings are valuable for mechanistic studies, rare disease diagnosis, and therapeutic development.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Naomi M. Hamelmann, Jan-Willem D. Paats, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Elena Lantero, Inga Siden-Kiamos, Lefteris Spanos, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets, Jos M. J. Paulusse
Summary: Malaria control is hindered by drug resistance in the causing agent and mosquito resistance to insecticides. In this study, single-chain polymer nanoparticles were used to target the malaria parasite in mosquitos. The results demonstrate the potential of anionic SCNPs for the targeted delivery of drugs to malaria parasites in mosquitos.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carlota Roca, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Beatriz Prieto-Simon, Valentin Iglesias, Miriam Ramirez, Santiago Imperial, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets
Summary: The methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is crucial for malaria parasites and human pathogenic bacteria. A DNA aptamer (D10) has been developed to target the enzyme DXR in this pathway, showing high selectivity and specificity for the detection of bacterial and parasitized cells. This study suggests the potential of DNA aptamers as ligands for future therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria San Anselmo, Elena Lantero, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Ines Bouzon-Arnaiz, Miriam Ramirez, Alejandro Postigo, Jose Luis Serrano, Teresa Sierra, Silvia Hernandez-Ainsa, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets
Summary: The development of improved therapeutic compounds and targeted delivery strategies for antimalarial drugs is essential due to the increasing resistance of Plasmodium to existing medication. This study presents the use of dendronized hyperbranched polymers (DHPs) coated with heparin for specific targeting of Plasmodium-infected red blood cells. The resulting DHP-heparin complexes exhibit antimalarial activity and specific targeting capabilities.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucia Roman-Alamo, Mohamad Allaw, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Maria Letizia Manca, Maria Manconi, Federica Fulgheri, Jorge Fernandez-Lajo, Luis Rivas, Jose Antonio Vazquez, Jose Esteban Peris, Xavier Roca-Gerones, Srisupaph Poonlaphdecha, Maria Magdalena Alcover, Roser Fisa, Cristina Riera, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets
Summary: Phospholipid vesicles can enhance the effectiveness of pentamidine for the treatment of leishmaniasis and reduce its adverse effects. By delivering pentamidine-loaded liposomes through inhalation, the drug can be more effectively targeted to macrophages in the lung, improving its deposition in the lungs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria San Anselmo, Elena Lantero, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Ines Bouzon-Arnaiz, Miriam Ramirez, Alejandro Postigo, Jose Luis Serrano, Teresa Sierra, Silvia Hernandez-Ainsa, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets
Summary: Due to the increasing resistance of Plasmodium to current antimalarial drugs, it is necessary to develop improved therapeutic compounds and targeted delivery strategies. Loading antimalarials into nanocarriers specifically targeted to the parasite can result in lower overall doses and reduced side effects for patients, while increasing the lethality towards the pathogen by delivering higher local amounts to parasitized cells.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ruben Molina-Fernandez, Pol Picon-Pages, Alejandro Barranco-Almohalla, Giulia Crepin, Victor Herrera-Fernandez, Anna Garcia-Elias, Hugo Fanlo-Ucar, Xavier Fernandez-Busquets, Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo, Baldomero Oliva, Francisco J. Munoz
Summary: Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 diabetes are linked to aging, and there is a connection between Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance. The aggregation of amyloid beta-peptide into beta-sheets is the main characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, it was found that monomeric amyloid beta-peptide 1-40 shares a similar structure to insulin and can activate insulin receptor. However, the accumulation and oligomerization of amyloid beta-peptide can block the insulin receptor, leading to insulin resistance and compromising neuronal metabolism and protective pathways.
BRAIN COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
