Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Lienemann
Summary: Recent advancements in enzymatic electrosynthesis using renewable energy sources and specific catalysts have generated interest. However, the development of these processes is hindered by a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. Studying non-electrosynthetic electron transferring proteins can provide insight into how redox proteins control and transfer electrons efficiently. This understanding can lay the foundation for further studies on the structural biology of enzymatic electrosynthesis.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Felix Neumann, Holger Dobbek
Summary: This study investigated the ATP-dependent electron transfer between the metallo-ATPase reductive activator and its partner protein. It was found that rapid electron transfer is conformationally gated and requires potassium or ammonium ions. Slow ATP hydrolysis delays the final reaction step, allowing a unidirectional electron transfer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
H. Diessel Duan, Sharique A. Khan, Anne-Frances Miller
Summary: Electron transfer bifurcation redistributes energy to produce a strongly reducing carrier at the expense of a weaker one. Accumulation of anionic flavin semiquinone during light excitation in bifurcating electron transfer demonstrates the system's ability to transfer electrons from a high-energy donor to a low-energy acceptor.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yasunori Okamoto, Takuya Mabuchi, Keita Nakane, Akiko Ueno, Shinichi Sato
Summary: By incorporating a DNA photo-switch metal complex, researchers have developed a photo-driven artificial metalloenzyme. This artificial metalloenzyme can switch between two potential competing photocatalytic reaction pathways by the photo-switch complex or when working together. This finding has been utilized for selective protein labeling.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesca A. Vaccaro, David A. Born, Catherine L. Drennan
Summary: G-protein metallochaperone MeaB facilitates the delivery of AdoCbl to MCM and genetic defects in MMAA lead to methylmalonic aciduria. The crystal structure of MeaB bound to a GTP analog GMPPCP with the Cbl-binding domain of MeMCMcbl reveals the activation mechanism of MeaB by target protein binding and the rearrangement of switch III region. These results provide insights into the molecular basis of AdoCbl delivery and the role of GTP hydrolysis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Zhuang, Marten H. Vos
Summary: An unprecedented photoswitching phenomenon of flavin-inhibitor complexes in a flavoenzyme was revealed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the charge transfer interactions in the complex vanish upon excitation and re-form in a thermally activated way after a few nanoseconds.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kanwal Kayastha, Stella Vitt, Wolfgang Buckel, Ulrich Ermler
Summary: The discovery of flavin-based electron bifurcation (FBEB) in 2008 opened up a new field of application for flavins in biology, utilizing bifurcating flavins with strongly inverted reduction potentials to drive endergonic with exergonic reduction reactions. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism efficiency of obligate anaerobic microorganisms by utilizing low-potential electron acceptors to power endergonic processes.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Zongqiang Li, Shuaijiabin Chen, Liang Zhao, Guoqiang Huang, Xiong Pi, Shan Sun, Peiyi Wang, Sen-Fang Sui
Summary: The structure of the inner ring of nuclear pore complexes (IR) consists of a Z-shaped Nup188-Nup192 complex in the middle layer and two approximately parallel rhomboidal structures in the inner and outer layers. The intact IR is assembled through loose and unstable interactions between IR monomers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shujun Cai, Yumei Wu, Andres Guillen-Samander, William Hancock-Cerutti, Jun Liu, Pietro De Camilli
Summary: Researchers have found in situ evidence for the bridge-like lipid transport mechanism of VPS13 at membrane contact sites using AlphaFold predictions and cryo-electron tomography.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pu Qian, Tristan I. Croll, Andrew Hitchcock, Philip J. Jackson, Jack H. Salisbury, Pablo Castro-Hartmann, Kasim Sader, David J. K. Swainsbury, C. Neil Hunter
Summary: The dimeric reaction centre light-harvesting 1 (RC-LH1) core complex of Rhodobacter sphaeroides converts absorbed light energy to a charge separation, and then it reduces a quinone electron and proton acceptor to a quinol. The interaction between the two monomers influences the curvature of the membrane vesicles where photosynthetic reactions occur. The dimerisation interface of two RC-LH1 monomers is crucial for quinones to enter and leave the complex, and for energy migration across the dimer interface.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiqiang Zhang, Qiao Wu, Shilin Xu, Zhongyuan Yue, Haoli Zhou, Wanqin Jin
Summary: This article introduces the enhancement of membrane stability in microporous polymer membranes by constructing a fully aromatic polymer structure. Four triptycene-based microporous polyamides were synthesized and characterized. The fully aromatic polyamide membrane displayed good stability for the molecular sieving of nitrogen over cyclohexane, making it a promising candidate for industrial membrane-based gas separation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suman Mallick, Yuli Zhou, Xiaoli Chen, Ying Ning Tan, Miao Meng, Lijiu Cao, Yi Qin, Zi Cong He, Tao Cheng, Guang Yuan Zhu, Chun Y. Liu
Summary: In this study, the authors examine the characterization of covalency of intermolecular interactions in the van der Waals distance limit by analyzing the electronic states and intermolecular interactions in supramolecular mixed-valence systems. They demonstrate the influence of the solvating C6H6 molecule on the chemical properties and the breakdown of the dielectric solvation theory. This work provides new insights into accurately characterizing van der Waals interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pu Qian, David J. K. Swainsbury, Tristan Croll, Jack H. Salisbury, Elizabeth C. Martin, Philip J. Jackson, Andrew Hitchcock, Pablo Castro-Hartmann, Kasim Sader, C. Neil Hunter
Summary: RC-LH1 complexes are essential components of bacterial photosynthesis, consisting of light-absorbing LH1 and reaction center RC, which conserve energy as quinol and export it to the cytochrome bc1 complex. Some RC-LH1 complexes have a 14-subunit LH1 ring enclosing the RC, binding two bacteriochlorophylls and two carotenoids. Two transmembrane proteins, PufX and protein-Y, stabilize the open ring structure and ensure unhindered quinone diffusion.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Pedraza-Gonzalez, Edoardo Cignoni, Jacopo D'Ascenzi, Lorenzo Cupellini, Benedetta Mennucci
Summary: In response to varying light conditions, light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) undergo conformational changes to protect the photosynthetic organism from excessive light irradiation. Activation of the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanism is triggered by the acidification of the thylakoid lumen, resulting in a switch from a light-harvesting state to a quenched state. The pH sensitivity of the complex is driven by protonation of specific residues, and the quenching mechanism is controlled by a charge-transfer process controlled by the protein conformation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhan Song, Cancan Wei, Chao Li, Xin Gao, Shuhong Mao, Fuping Lu, Hui-Min Qin
Summary: The study demonstrated the importance of [2Fe-2S] clusters of ferredoxin-oxidoreductase in electron transfer in steroidal conversion, adding an independent plant-type Fdx significantly improved the conversion rate of AD, offering new insights for the development of efficient exogenous Fdx as an electron carrier.
BIORESOURCES AND BIOPROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alon Kaplan, Hila Zelicha, Anat Yaskolka Meir, Ehud Rinott, Gal Tsaban, Gidon Levakov, Ofer Prager, Moti Salti, Yoram Yovell, Jonathan Ofer, Sebastian Huhn, Frauke Beyer, Veronica Witte, Arno Villringer, Nachshon Meiran, Tamar B. Emesh, Peter Kovacs, Martin von Bergen, Uta Ceglarek, Matthias Bluher, Michael Stumvoll, Frank B. Hu, Meir J. Stampfer, Alon Friedman, Ilan Shelef, Galia Avidan, Iris Shai
Summary: The study found that following a high-polyphenol, low red/processed meat (Green-MED) diet can slow down age-related brain atrophy, with more significant effects in participants over 50 years old. Results suggest that improving insulin sensitivity, increasing intake of Mankai, green tea, and walnuts, and reducing intake of red and processed meat are beneficial for reducing brain atrophy rate.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Christian Jacoby, Christa Ebenau-Jehle, Katharina Saum, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Thomas Bruls, Matthias Boll
Summary: This study investigated the degradation pathway of the quaternary carbon-containing model compound pivalate in the denitrifying bacterium Thauera humireducens strain PIV-1, providing insights into the activation and carbon skeleton rearrangement processes. The results highlight the potential for biodegradation of similar quaternary carbon-containing compounds based on the identified gene clusters and enzymatic activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristin M. Junge, Lisa Buchenauer, Sandra Strunz, Bettina Seiwert, Loreen Thuermann, Ulrike E. Rolle-Kampczyk, Stefan Roeder, Michael Borte, Wieland Kiess, Martin von Bergen, Jan C. Simon, Ana C. Zenclussen, Torsten Schoeneberg, Gabriele I. Stangl, Gunda Herberth, Irina Lehmann, Thorsten Reemtsma, Tobias Polte
Summary: This article explores the importance of parents, especially in the development of a baby. Mothers play a crucial role in meeting the baby's basic needs, such as feeding and diaper changing. Fathers, on the other hand, serve as playmates and educators, engaging with the baby and teaching them new things. The support system provided by both parents is vital to the baby's development.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon A. Schroeter, Damien Eveillard, Samuel Chaffron, Johanna Zoppi, Bernd Kampe, Patrick Lohmann, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Carlos Sanchez-Arcos, Georg Pohnert, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Kuesel, Gerd Gleixner
Summary: The study reveals that functions within decomposer communities are redundantly distributed under different types of litter sources, but their relative expressions are rapidly optimized to address specific litter properties. Furthermore, the decomposer community may be influenced by DOM containing natural antibiotics, leading to specialization towards specific litter sources and decomposition states.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Priyadarshini Dey, Anushree Malik, Dileep Kumar Singh, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Martin von Bergen, Nico Jehmlich
Summary: This study investigated the cellular response of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus PD-18 to multimetal stress using proteomics, revealing the inherent intracellular and extracellular metal resistance mechanisms of the fungus. The study identified a large number of proteins exclusively expressed in response to multimetal stress, providing insights into metal microbe interactions in the presence of multiple metals.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Melanie Brede, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Susanne Riede, Beatrice Engelmann, Nico Jehmlich, Ulrike Rolle-Kampzczyk, Karl Rohn, Dirk von Soosten, Martin von Bergen, Gerhard Breves
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of glyphosate and its formulations on the fermentation pattern, community composition, and metabolic activity of the rumen microbiota. The results showed that the compounds did not have a significant impact on the rumen bacterial communities.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte M. Fries, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Andreas Till, Mathis Lammert, Linda Grasser, Evelyn Medawar, Arne Dietrich, Annette Horstmann, Martin von Bergen, Wiebke K. Fenske
Summary: Extreme weight responders to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery exhibit differences in their metabolic outcomes and gut microbiota composition. Differences in weight loss did not reflect in metabolic outcome after RYGB. Fecal and circulating metabolite analyses showed variations in metabolite levels between different weight responders.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joo-Han Gwak, Samuel Imisi Awala, Ngoc-Loi Nguyen, Woon-Jong Yu, Hae-Young Yang, Martin von Bergen, Nico Jehmlich, K. Dimitri Kits, Alexander Loy, Peter F. Dunfield, Christiane Dahl, Jung-Ho Hyun, Sung-Keun Rhee
Summary: This study reports the isolation of a new aerobic methanotrophic bacterium capable of oxidizing both methane and reduced sulfur compounds for growth. Genomic and proteomic analyses revealed its metabolic pathways for methane and sulfur oxidation. The discovery of this versatile bacterium highlights the intimate interactions of methane and sulfur cycles in the oxic-anoxic interface environments.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Zhang, Marina Toplak, Raspudin Saleem-Batcha, Lars Hoeing, Roman Jakob, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Timm Maier, Robin Teufel
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to human health, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial. This study discovered and characterized oxidoreductases that inactivate the broad-spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol through dual oxidation of the C3-hydroxyl group. These enzymes also enable the inactivation of related compounds but not the fluorinated derivative. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that distinct isofunctional enzymes evolved independently in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Mechanistic and structural studies provide insights into the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes, which have both negative and positive impacts on antibiotic resistance and chloramphenicol bioremediation.
Article
Ecology
Nelson Khan, Edward Muge, Francis J. Mulaa, Benson Wamalwa, Martin von Bergen, Nico Jehmlich, Lukas Y. Wick
Summary: Fungi play a crucial role in the biodegradation of soil organochlorine pesticides by facilitating bacterial dispersal and nutrient release. Experimental results indicate that the transfer of nutrients from fungi to bacteria can enhance the degradation of organic pollutants, highlighting the importance of fungal-bacterial interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ibrahim E. Sallam, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Stephanie Serena Schaepe, Soumaya S. Zaghloul, Riham S. El-Dine, Ping Shao, Martin von Bergen, Mohamed A. Farag
Summary: This study assessed the effect of gut microbiota on the biotransformation of O. ficus-indica metabolites. The results showed that flavonoid glycosides were converted to two major metabolites, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid and phloroglucinol, in vitro at 24 h. In the ex vivo assay, flavonoid glycosides were completely absent in the treated sample, indicating their conversion. The antioxidant potential also declined after biotransformation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisa Buchenauer, Kristin M. Junge, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Jan C. Simon, Martin von Bergen, Anna-Lena Hoh, Gabriela Aust, Ana C. Zenclussen, Gabriele I. Stangl, Tobias Polte
Summary: Exposure to low-dose glyphosate in mothers has an immunosuppressive effect on their female offspring, which is not observed in the second generation. The altered microbiota composition might mediate this immune response modulation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carola S. Seelmann, Simona G. Huwiler, Martin Culka, Marc J. F. Strampraad, Till Biskup, Stefan Weber, G. Matthias Ullmann, Volker Schunemann, Peter-Leon Hagedoorn, Antonio J. Pierik, Matthias Boll
Summary: In anaerobic aromatic compound degrading microbes, class II benzoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) reductases (BCRs) reduce benzoyl-CoA to cyclohexa-1,5-diene-1-carboxyl-CoA (1,5-dienoyl-CoA) through a tungsten-bis-metallopterin (MPT) cofactor. This study provides experimental evidence for the Birch-like reduction mechanism via W(V)/radical intermediates and reveals the unique tetrahydro state of MPT cofactors essential for the reversibility of enzymatic Birch reduction.
Review
Microbiology
Ting F. Lai, Rhian M. Ford, Simona G. Huwiler
Summary: Since its discovery, the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus has attracted attention as a potential solution to antibiotic resistance. This review provides a comprehensive historical overview and discusses the advancements in microscopy and molecular mechanisms. Recent findings in cryo-electron tomography have revealed intricate molecular details of the predatory life cycle, and new imaging technologies and quantitative advances are expected to unravel remaining unanswered questions in the future.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Markus Krueger, Narendrakumar Chaudhari, Bo Thamdrup, Will A. Overholt, Laura A. Bristow, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Kuesel, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Martina Herrmann
Summary: The study reveals that complete ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (CMX) of the genus Nitrospira have a competitive advantage over ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers, due to their ecophysiological characteristics and wide occurrence in groundwater. However, their specific contribution to nitrification processes has been unclear. The research aimed to unravel the contribution of CMX, AOA, and AOB to nitrification and identify the environmental drivers of their niche differentiation in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers.