Article
Ecology
Christina S. Kang-Yun, Xujun Liang, Philip Dershwitz, Wenyu Gu, Aloys Schepers, Andrew Flatley, Josef Lichtmannegger, Hans Zischka, Lijie Zhang, Xia Lu, Baohua Gu, Joshua C. Ledesma, Daly J. Pelger, Alan A. DiSpirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: Aerobic methanotrophy is strongly regulated by copper, with different methanotrophs utilizing various mechanisms for copper uptake, including secreting methanobactin or utilizing proteins like MopE. Certain methanotrophs are able to steal methanobactin from others, enhancing their ability to degrade methylmercury. Understanding these strategies may help manipulate methanotrophic communities to reduce methane emissions and enhance mercury detoxification.
Article
Microbiology
Ashwini Ashok Bedekar, Anshu Deewan, Sujit S. Jagtap, David A. Parker, Ping Liu, Roderick I. Mackie, Christopher V. Rao
Summary: This study investigates the response of the methane-oxidizing bacterium M. capsulatus Bath to nitrogen source and temperature. It reveals complex transcriptional changes, differential expression of nitrogen metabolism pathways, and alterations in intracellular metabolites under different conditions. The findings enhance our understanding of microbial adaptation strategies and have potential applications in biotechnology and environmental contexts.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sichong Pei, Ping Liu, David A. Parker, Roderick Ian Mackie, Christopher Rao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of hydrogen sulfide on the growth and physiology of Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, a model methanotrophic bacteria. The results showed that hydrogen sulfide inhibits the growth of M. capsulatus Bath when the concentration exceeds 0.5% (v/v). Further analysis revealed that hydrogen sulfide affects cellular respiration and triggers specific responses in the bacteria. These findings contribute to our understanding of how methanotrophs respond to sulfide stress and have potential implications for engineering hydrogen sulfide-resistant strains.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yan-Yu Chen, Yuki Soma, Masahito Ishikawa, Masatomo Takahashi, Yoshihiro Izumi, Takeshi Bamba, Katsutoshi Hori
Summary: This study compared the metabolic alterations of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) in gas-phase reactions and aqueous phase reactions, showing significant changes in cell metabolism in the gas-phase reaction. The findings suggest that cells adjust their metabolism to adapt to different substrate conditions, which could facilitate the development of low-energy methane-based bioproduction processes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Fang Tsai, Thiyagarajan Natarajan, Zhi-Han Lin, I-Kuen Tsai, Damodar Janmanchi, Sunney I. Chan, Steve S. -F. Yu
Summary: This study presents a strategy for the electrocatalysis of selective methane oxidation by immobilizing tricopper catalysts on the cathodic surface. The technology achieves significant enhancements in performance of the catalysts toward methane oxidation, leading to high product throughputs and turnover frequencies. It is of great importance for the on-site direct conversion of methane into methanol.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jin Chang, Peng Peng, Muhammad Farhan Ul-Haque, Abid Hira, Alan A. DiSpirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: Copper plays a critical role in controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and methanobactin (MB) secreted by methanotrophs can limit the ability of other microbes to gather copper, thereby impacting microbial community composition. This study shows that different forms of MB increased nitrous oxide (N2O) production and caused significant shifts in microbial community composition in forest soils. The effects of MB were strongest in low-copper soils, and MB-SB2 had a stronger effect due to its higher affinity for copper. The presence of MB also inhibited nitrite reduction and altered the presence of specific genes involved in denitrification.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Luiza Caldas Nogueira, Anthony J. Pastore, Victor L. Davidson
Summary: Oxo-bridged diiron proteins are a unique class of non-heme iron proteins with active sites composed of two iron atoms and a bridging oxygen. They share a four alpha-helix bundle structure and exhibit a wide range of structures and functions, including hemerythrin and rubrerythrin-like proteins. These proteins also include oxo-bridged irons in enzymes such as flavodiiron proteins and ferritins.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Man-han Yu, Xue-shan Li, Jia Wang, Matt Longshaw, Kai Song, Ling Wang, Chun-xiao Zhang, Kang-le Lu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting fish meal with methanotroph bacteria meal on the growth performance, non-specific immunity and gut health of Lateolabrax maculatus. The results showed that replacing 30% fish meal with 14% methanotroph bacteria meal did not have a negative effect on the growth performance of spotted seabass, while substituting 3.5% methanotroph bacteria meal enhanced the growth and immune function of the fish. Additionally, substituting 20-30% fish meal with 7-10.5% methanotroph bacteria meal increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the fish intestine.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yasuyoshi Sakai, Hiroya Yurimoto, Seigo Shima
Summary: Methane-utilizing bacteria have the ability to convert methane to methanol, making them potential biocatalysts for industrial methanol production. Methane monooxygenases (MMOs) play a crucial role in this process, with two distinct types, copper-containing membrane-bound enzyme (pMMO) and iron-containing soluble enzyme (sMMO). While the catalytic mechanism of sMMO is relatively well understood, there is still ongoing research on pMMO and debates on the true active sites. In this review, the authors summarize recent studies on the structure and biochemistry of pMMO and discuss future directions for developing efficient and robust biocatalysts.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Kai Chen, Gladstone Sagada, Bingying Xu, Yuechong Liu, Lu Zheng, Arnaud Fabrice Tegomo, Yifei Yang, Yuxiao Sun, Jia Wang, Matt Longshaw, Qingjun Shao
Summary: Replacing fishmeal with Methylococcus capsulatus bacteria protein (MBP) at levels between 28.40% to 43.46% in the diet significantly improved the growth of Pacific white shrimp with appropriate supplementation of essential amino acids, without adverse effects on feed utilization, digestive enzyme activities, physiological condition, and antioxidant status.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarvesh S. Harmalkar, Vishnu R. Chari, Rohan K. Kunkalekar, Sunder N. Dhuri
Summary: Mononuclear nonheme copper(ii) compounds were synthesized and characterized. These compounds exhibited phenoxazinone synthase activity in the aerial oxidation of 2-aminophenol to 2-amino-phenoxazine-3-one.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. A. Wood, R. M. Goldblatt, R. P. Anderson, L. C. L. Hollenberg, R. E. Scholten, A. M. Martin
Summary: The interaction between central qubit spin and surrounding bath of spins is crucial for quantum sensing and quantum information processing. By rotating a diamond at speeds up to 300,000 rpm, researchers have found that the interaction between electron spins of nitrogen-vacancy centers and a bath of C-13 nuclear spins introduces decoherence into the system. These findings offer new insights into using physical rotation for quantum control in systems with motional and rotational degrees of freedom.
Article
Microbiology
Kangli Guo, Anna Hakobyan, Timo Glatter, Nicole Paczia, Werner Liesack
Summary: High NH4+ load inhibits bacterial methane oxidation by competing with CH4 for the active site of pMMO. Methylocystis sp. strain SC2 shows cellular acclimatization response to high NH4+ levels involving stress-responsive proteins, synthesis of compatible solutes, and induction of glutathione metabolism pathway. Increased NH4+ load leads to increased pMMO-based oxidation of NH3 to toxic hydroxylamine, resulting in accumulation of NO2- and N2O.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yulu Wang, Chun-Yu Lai, Mengxiong Wu, Xuanyu Lu, Shihu Hu, Zhiguo Yuan, Jianhua Guo
Summary: This study showed that increasing copper concentration significantly enhanced the perchlorate reduction rate in a methane-based membrane biofilm reactor, as well as promoted methane oxidation and perchlorate reduction rates through adjusting the abundance of functional genes. A higher copper concentration also increased microbial community diversity and facilitated the synergistic association between methanotrophs and perchlorate reducers.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Heng Yu, Hualiang Liang, Matt Longshaw, Jia Wang, Xianping Ge, Mingchun Ren, Lu Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates that replacing soybean meal with Methylococcus capsulatus meal can significantly improve the growth performance and feed digestibility of juvenile Jian carp. It also has positive effects on intestinal tissue and serum biochemical indices.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sunney I. Chan, Phimonphan Chuankhayan, Pavan Kumar Reddy Nareddy, I-Kuen Tsai, Yi-Fang Tsai, Kelvin H. -C. Chen, Steve S. -F. Yu, Chun-Jung Chen
Summary: The active site of methanol dehydrogenase contains a rare disulfide bridge that may work together with the PQQ prosthetic group and Ca2+ ion during catalysis. Studies show that the disulfide bridge undergoes redox reactions within the protein, producing a disulfide radical anion and a companion PQQ radical. These findings suggest a mechanism for controlled electron redistribution during alcohol oxidation, avoiding the formation of reduced PQQ ethenediol and allowing for possible recovery of the hydride for multiple catalytic turnovers.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Bo-Rong Peng, Kuei-Hung Lai, Gene-Hsiang Lee, Steve Sheng-Fa Yu, Chang-Yih Duh, Jui-Hsin Su, Li-Guo Zheng, Tsong-Long Hwang, Ping-Jyun Sung
Summary: In this study, the metabolomic profile of marine sponge Lendenfeldia sp. was constructed for the first time, revealing the rich chemical diversity of scalaranes. Further research led to the discovery of new homoscalaranes with potential anti-inflammatory activities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting-Yuan Tseng, Chiung-Lin Wang, Wei-Chun Huang, Ta-Chau Chang
Summary: In this study, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was used to detect and study the dynamics of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in live cells. The results showed that G4 structures were abundant in the lysosomes of live cells, but not in the cytoplasm. The photon counts of the fluorescence signals in FLIM images were used to analyze the formation and unfolding of G4 structures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei-Chun Kao, Claire Ortmann de Percin Northumberland, Tat Cheung Cheng, Julio Ortiz, Alexandre Durand, Ottilie von Loeffelholz, Oliver Schilling, Martin L. Biniossek, Bruno P. Klaholz, Carola Hunte
Summary: This study presents the cryo-EM structure of the cytochrome bcc-aa(3) (III2-IV2) supercomplex from Corynebacterium glutamicum, which provides insights into the controlled electron and proton transfer in respiratory supercomplexes. The structure resolution allowed the identification of substrate mimics, lycopene, unexpected Q(c) site, proton transfer routes, and conformational states of key protonable residues. The findings contribute to the understanding of safe and efficient energy conversion in respiratory supercomplexes and have implications for drug design against actinobacteria causing diphtheria and tuberculosis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ting-Yuan Tseng, Shyang-Rong Shih, Cheng-Ping Wang, Shang-Jyun Lin, I. -Shiow Jan, Chiung-Lin Wang, Shin-Ya Liu, Cheng-Chung Chang, Pei-Jen Lou, Ta-Chau Chang
Summary: Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy utilizing the fluorescence probe o-BMVC offers an objective way for preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules through counting o-BMVC foci in the nucleus. The o-BMVC test categorizes samples into nondiagnostic, benign, or malignant based on the number of foci, aiding in distinguishing between indeterminate cytology to improve clinical decision making. The combination of FNA cytology and the o-BMVC test shows promise in enhancing diagnostic efficacy and reducing healthcare costs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei-Chun Kao, Carola Hunte
Summary: This review summarizes structural information on native quinones and quinone-like inhibitors bound in cyt bc complexes, and discusses their impact on characterizing the Q cycle mechanism and their relevance for drug and agrochemical development.
BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu-Jhang Lu, Damodar Janmanchi, Thiyagarajan Natarajan, Zhi-Han Lin, Wondemagegn H. Wanna, I-Jui Hsu, Der-Lii M. Tzou, Tigist Ayalew Abay, Steve S-F Yu
Summary: We investigated the catalytic epoxidation of cyclohexene and styrene using AgCN powder as a catalyst in CH3CN. The reaction mixtures separated into organic and aqueous layers easily. We achieved high selectivity in the production of cyclohexene oxide and styrene oxide. The AgCN particles could be recycled and reused through various analytical techniques.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Fang Tsai, Thiyagarajan Natarajan, Zhi-Han Lin, I-Kuen Tsai, Damodar Janmanchi, Sunney I. Chan, Steve S. -F. Yu
Summary: This study presents a strategy for the electrocatalysis of selective methane oxidation by immobilizing tricopper catalysts on the cathodic surface. The technology achieves significant enhancements in performance of the catalysts toward methane oxidation, leading to high product throughputs and turnover frequencies. It is of great importance for the on-site direct conversion of methane into methanol.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sunney Chan, Vincent C-C Wang, Peter P-Y Chen, Steve S-F Yu
Summary: The particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a copper enzyme that efficiently converts methane into methanol. Recent research has revealed the complex structure of the catalytic site in pMMO, a tricopper cluster, which can react with oxygen and insert highly reactive oxene into the C-H bonds of methane. This study is of great importance for understanding the chemistry of methane oxidation.
JOURNAL OF THE CHINESE CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tigist Ayalew Abay, Wondemagegn H. Wanna, Thiyagarajan Natarajan, Yi-Fang Tsai, Damodar Janmanchi, Jyh-Chiang Jiang, Raed Abu-Reziq, Steve S. -F. Yu
Summary: Direct benzene hydroxylation using hydrogen peroxide can produce phenol under mild conditions. A new iron oxide-carbonaceous nanocatalyst has been successfully developed and shown efficient catalytic activity for the oxidation of benzene to phenol. The study also provides evidence for the crucial role of reactive oxygen species activated by H2O2 in aromatic oxidation.
MOLECULAR CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Shou-Ping Shih, Mei-Chin Lu, Mohamed El-Shazly, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Chun-Lin Chen, Steve Sheng-Fa Yu, Yi-Chang Liu
Summary: Aeroplysinin-1 exhibits cytotoxicity against leukemia and prostate cancer cells through multiple pathways.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting-Yuan Tseng, Chiung-Lin Wang, Ta-Chau Chang
Summary: Time-gated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy with the o-BMVC fluorescent probe provides a visual method for studying exogenous G-quadruplexes (G4s) in live cancer cells. The imaging results show that parallel G4s accumulate in the lysosomes of live cells, while nonparallel G4s are not detected. Additionally, the detection of G4 signals may involve a structural change from intramolecular nonparallel G4s to intermolecular parallel G4s in live cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kai Lu, Hsin-Chiao Wang, Yi-Chen Tu, Pei-Jen Lou, Ta-Chau Chang, Jing-Jer Lin
Summary: This study explored the efficacy of stabilizing the G-quadruplex structure in the promoter region of EGFR to suppress its expression and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The carbazole derivative BMVC-8C3O was found to effectively suppress EGFR expression and significantly inhibit the growth of NSCLC cells.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kai Lu, Hsin-Chiao Wang, Yi-Chen Tu, Cheng-Chung Chang, Pei-Jen Lou, Ta-Chau Chang, Jing-Jer Lin
Summary: In this study, the G-quadruplex ligand BMVC-8C3O was shown to suppress acquired resistance to osimertinib in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Combination treatment of BMVC-8C3O and osimertinib had a synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of resistant tumors both in vitro and in vivo.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hikaru Fukuda, Tingting Zou, Satoshi Fujii, Shinobu Sato, Daiki Wakahara, Sen Higashi, Ting-Yuan Tseng, Ta-Chau Chang, Naomi Yada, Kou Matsuo, Manabu Habu, Kazuhiro Tominaga, Hiroshi Takeuchi, Shigeori Takenaka
Summary: Cyclic anthraquinone derivatives (cAQs) have been developed as G-quartet (G4) DNA-specific ligands. Among them, cAQ-mBen, linked through the 1,3-position of benzene, showed the strongest affinity for G4 recognition and stabilization. It selectively inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Ramek, Jasmina Sabolovic
Summary: This paper investigates the geometries, energy landscapes, and magnetic parameters of copper(II) amino acid compounds using density functional theory calculations. The results show that certain conformers with histaminate-like and glycine-like modes have low Gibbs free energies and high metal-binding affinities. The predicted conformations reproduce the experimental electron paramagnetic resonance parameters.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Tian, Wen Zhong, Zengyan Yang, Ling Chen, Shijie Lin, Yanping Li, Yuxing Wang, Peilin Yang, Xing Long
Summary: A series of novel dibutyltin complexes based on salen-like ligands were synthesized and characterized. Complex S03 showed excellent in vitro anticancer activity and induced cancer cell death through multiple mechanisms. This study reveals new mechanisms of organotin complexes and provides new insights into the development of organotin metal complexes as anticancer drugs.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalie C. Korkola, Martin J. Stillman
Summary: Many proteins require a metal cofactor for their function, and these metals play a role in protein folding. The study found that the metallation rates of different metal binding pathways are influenced by pH, with the less cooperative pathway being more affected by low pH conditions. Specific mixtures of structures are formed in the initial steps of metallation, and unfolding the disordered apo-MT structure hinders the formation of these preliminary structures. The compact conformation of the native apo-MT allows for rapid formation of metal-thiolate structures with high affinity, providing protection from oxidation.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boxuan Yang, Xitong Song, Binju Wang
Summary: The diiron active site plays a crucial role in catalytic transformations in both biological and chemical systems. Recent advancements in the field include the synthesis of biomimetic diiron catalysts inspired by the active structure of soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO), which have been successfully applied to the dehydrogenation of indolines.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina N. Banti, Angeliki A. Piperoudi, Catherine P. Raptopoulou, Vassilis Psycharis, Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos, Sotiris K. Hadjikakou
Summary: Two copper(I) polymorphs with mitochondria-targeting properties were successfully prepared via metal ion conjugation. These compounds showed promising activities in DNA binding, enzyme inhibition, and cancer cell inhibition. The molecular mechanisms of action were investigated.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
