Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaoxing Chen, Siqi Sun, Rui Wang, Hongli Feng, Hua Xiang
Summary: Halolysin R4 from Haloferax mediterranei provides its host antagonistic and defensive activities against other haloarchaea, expanding our knowledge of the traditional function of haloarchaeal extracellular proteases. This protein may be secreted independently of growth phase, lysing competing cells in the same environment and utilizing cell debris as nutrients, potentially playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling in extremely hypersaline environments.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sagorika Nag, Priya DasSarma, David J. Crowley, Rafael Hamawi, Samantha Tepper, Brian P. Anton, Daniel Guzman, Shiladitya DasSarma
Summary: This study compared the ultraviolet (UV) radiation responses of extremophilic and archaeal microorganisms isolated from different environments. The results showed that Haloarchaea from high solar irradiance environments exhibited the highest UV tolerance, while those from subsurface halite deposits had the least UV tolerance due to deviations in key amino acid residues in the DNA photolyase enzyme or the absence of the photolyase gene. This study provides insights into the UV tolerance and survival strategies of Haloarchaea in their respective environments, including ancient halite deposits and potentially on the surface of Mars.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ricardo L. Couto-Rodriguez, Jin Koh, Sixue Chen, Julie A. Maupin-Furlow
Summary: Oxidative stress adaptation strategies are important for cell function and are associated with cardiac, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. The halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii is used as a model organism due to its extreme tolerance to oxidants and close evolutionary relationship with eukaryotes. A study on H. volcanii reveals the association of lysine acetylation with oxidative stress responses, and the dynamic changes in the lysine acetylome in response to hypochlorite. These findings provide insights into the role of lysine acetylation in key biological processes and PTM crosstalk in Archaea.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shenao Zhang, Feilong Chen, Juntao Ke, Yuling Hao, Ruru Pan, Tao Hong, Yongpei Dai, Shaoxing Chen
Summary: Extracellular proteases of haloarchaea have the ability to adapt to high salt concentrations and can be utilized in industrial or biotechnology applications under hypersaline conditions. However, the diversity of these proteases is largely unknown despite the availability of many sequenced genomes. In this study, the gene encoding the extracellular protease Hly176B from Haloarchaeobius sp. FL176 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, revealing its catalytic triad and unique properties. This research enhances our understanding of extracellular proteases and broadens their potential industrial uses.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Daniel Wasser, Andreas Borst, Mathias Hammelmann, Katharina Ludt, Jorg Soppa
Summary: Research has shown that unselected intermolecular gene conversion is highly efficient in archaea, with longer conversion tracts compared to bacteria. Gene conversion frequency is independent of genome differences, and even a single nucleotide difference can trigger conversion.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhao Chen, Ying Liu, Yixuan Wang, Xincheng Du, Xiaoyuan Deng, Jialin Xiang, Yangyang Wang, Jiao Wang, Mart Krupovic, Shishen Du, Xiangdong Chen
Summary: A three-gene module was discovered in a haloarchaeal virus SNJ2, which regulates the switch between lysogeny and replicative cycle. Orf4 represses the expression of the viral integrase gene int(SNJ2) to maintain lysogeny, while Orf7 and Orf8 are required for the switch to the induced state. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that the three-gene module is common in haloarchaeal genomes, always present in the context of integrated proviruses.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Claudia Leoni, Caterina Manzari, Hai Tran, Peter N. Golyshin, Graziano Pesole, Mariateresa Volpicella, Luigi R. Ceci
Summary: In this study, an amylomaltase gene from the halophilic archaeon Haloquadratum walsbyi was identified through functional metagenomics screening of crystallization waters. The gene has unique insertions and its function is currently unknown. Sequence analysis and 3D modelling showed that the H. walsbyi amylomaltase has a similar structure to enzymes found in other bacteria. The recombinant H. walsbyi enzyme demonstrated starch transglycosylation activity over a wide range of NaCl concentrations.
Article
Microbiology
Roshali T. de Silva, Mohd F. Abdul-Halim, Dorothea A. Pittrich, Hannah J. Brown, Mechthild Pohlschroder, Iain G. Duggin
Summary: Haloferax volcanii displays remarkable morphological plasticity in response to different culture conditions, with the supplementation of trace elements affecting the cell shapes. The cells can develop into various forms, such as plate cells, uniform rods, and pleomorphic rods and tubules, depending on the culture medium used.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bing-Bing Liu, Nimaichand Salam, Shuang Cheng, Wen-qing Zhang, Yong-qing Zhou, Shu-xian Guo, Wen-Jun Li
Summary: Two extremely halophilic archaea isolates, SYSU A00711(T) and SYSU A00630, were obtained from sediment soil sample collected from Aiding lake in China. They are closely related to Halegenticoccus soli based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties. The isolates are proposed to represent a novel species in the genus Halegenticoccus, named as Halegenticoccus tardaugens sp. nov.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alka Rani, Khem Chand Saini, Felix Bast, Sunita Varjani, Sanjeet Mehariya, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Neeta Sharma, Christiane Funk
Summary: This review summarizes the research on antimicrobial molecules from microorganisms, briefly describing potential antimicrobial compounds from different types of microorganisms and highlighting the possibility of using microorganisms as a resource for antimicrobial applications. However, it also points out the need for further investigation to isolate, purify, and characterize these bioactive compounds in order to develop clinically approved antibiotics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Imene Ikram Hassani, Ines Quadri, Archana Yadav, Sonia Bouchard, Didier Raoult, Hocine Hacene, Christelle Desnues
Summary: This study analyzed and compared the diversity of halophilic archaea in Zehrez-Chergui (Saharian chott), Algeria, using both PCR amplification and cultivation approaches. A total of 45 distinct strains were characterized, indicating their membership in the class Halobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 23 strains were related to 6 genera of halophilic archaea, including Halopiger which was dominant in this hypersaline environment. The molecular analysis identified a diverse range of archaeological species, highlighting the importance of combining both methods to obtain comprehensive information.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Atanu Naskar, Kwang-sun Kim
Summary: Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides or proteinacious materials produced by bacteria to combat pathogens, with potential applications in food and biomedical fields. However, they have limitations like high cost, narrow activity spectrum, and low stability that need to be addressed for optimal use. Nanomaterials show promise in enhancing the effectiveness of bacteriocins and mitigating their drawbacks in biomedical applications, making them potentially valuable in future therapeutic strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ismene Serino, Giuseppe Squillaci, Sara Errichiello, Virginia Carbone, Lidia Baraldi, Francesco La Cara, Alessandra Morana
Summary: This study reports on the production, characterization, and antioxidant power assessment of carotenoids from the haloarchaeon Halorhabdus utahensis. The microorganism produced carotenoids under different growth conditions, with the highest yield observed in fructose medium. Bacterioruberin was identified as the main carotenoid, showing superior antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase activities. This research provides valuable resources for the search of natural antioxidants in the food and cosmetic industries.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
William D. McIntyre, Reza Nemati, Mehraveh Salehi, Colin C. Aldrich, Molly FitzGibbon, Limin Deng, Manuel A. Pazos, Rebecca E. Rose, Botros Toro, Rachel E. Netzband, Cara T. Pager, Ingrid P. Robinson, Sean M. Bialosuknia, Alexander T. Ciota, Daniele Fabris
Summary: The study introduces a novel approach for building a classification/identification framework based on RNA post-transcriptional modifications, which successfully distinguishes different classes and provides insights into the roles of rPTMs in regulatory networks. Machine learning algorithms were used to train on sample profiles of rPTMs, achieving high accuracy and resolving power even with an increased number of classes.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yixing Sui, Laura Mazzucchi, Parag Acharya, Yanan Xu, Geraint Morgan, Patricia J. Harvey
Summary: Strains of Dunaliella salina microalgae are of interest due to their ability to accumulate beta-carotene and produce high-quality protein. However, the protein quality in terms of essential amino acids could be improved, and the strain demonstrates a higher umami compound concentration under red light.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Oana Emilia Constantin, Nicoleta Stanciuc, Yinzhuo Yan, Ioana Otilia Ghinea, Claudia Ungureanu, Adrian Circiumaru, Deliang Wang, Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Gabriela Rapeanu
Summary: Anthocyanins extracted from grape skins were microencapsulated in vesicles with different polymers, and the stability and behavior of the vesicles were characterized. The vesicles showed stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and were successful in obtaining new light enriched mayonnaises.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zala Gombac, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Crnivec, Mihaela Skrt, Katja Istenic, Andreja Knez Knafelj, Igor Pravst, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: The study focused on preparing stable encapsulates of lutein and lutein esters using feasible techniques. Fine suspensions and lecithin emulsions showed high encapsulation efficiencies and superior stability over the course of 250 days of storage under specific conditions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Varineja Drasler, Jasna Bertoncelj, Mojca Korosec, Tanja Pajk Zontar, Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Blaz Cigic
Summary: The study reveals that the main advantages of WFH include saving time and improving quality of life, while the main issues are high stress levels, low efficiency, and poor home working environment; Online education compared to traditional education lacks traditional laboratory work, social interactions, and has limitations in online knowledge assessment.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Gordana Kocic, Andrej Veljkovic, Dusan Sokolovic, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Iztok Prislan, Tomaz Urbic, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: G-quadruplexes are DNA sequences rich in guanines that can form four-stranded structures. Due to their potential role in important biological processes, they have attracted the interest of researchers. This study investigates the complex polymorphism of d(G(4)T(4)G(3)) quadruplexes at different K+ concentrations and shows that the population size of different conformations can be manipulated by cooling rate and/or K+ concentration. A kinetic model is used to describe the observed conformational transitions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dino Jordanoski, Damjana Drobne, Neza Repar, Iztok Dogsa, Polona Mrak, Romana Cerc-Korosec, Andrijana Sever Skapin, Peter Nadrah, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: By using heulandite-calcium as a carrier material, the structure and stability of hemoglobin can be improved, and its loading capacity can be increased. Introducing a PEGylated lipid bilayer can decrease the premature release of hemoglobin and increase colloidal stability, while showing no cytotoxicity to cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Polona Megusar, David Stopar, Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Iztok Dogsa, Iztok Prislan
Summary: Understanding the effects of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and xanthan gum on gluten-free dough can contribute to the development of better quality gluten-free bread with optimized ingredients.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ana Todorovic, Luka Sturm, Ana Salevic-Jelic, Steva Levic, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Crnivec, Iztok Prislan, Mihaela Skrt, Ana Bjekovic, Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Viktor Nedovic
Summary: This study aimed to encapsulate anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract using freeze-drying and investigate the effects of different wall materials and extract contents on the properties of the encapsulates. The use of maltodextrin provided the best protection to the anthocyanins. The obtained encapsulates have potential for the development of food products with added nutritional benefits.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mihaela Skrt, Alen Albreht, Irena Vovk, Oana Emilia Constantin, Gabriela Rapeanu, Mija Sezun, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Crnivec, Uros Zalar, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: This study comprehensively examined the phenolic composition and antioxidative activity of a new pomegranate cultivar grown in the Northwest Istria region. The results showed that pomegranate peel extracts had the highest total phenolic content, while water peel extracts exhibited the highest antioxidative activity. Additionally, the degradation of anthocyanins in pomegranate juice increased after storage. Pomegranate peel was also found to be a sustainable inedible food source for papermaking.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rodrigo Gonzalez-Ortega, Carla Daniela Di Mattia, Paola Pittia, Poklar Ulrih Natasa
Summary: The study investigated the impact of isothermal treatment and pH on the degradation kinetics of phenolic compounds in olive leaf extract solutions and their radical scavenging activity. It was found that oleuropein, the major compound, degraded more rapidly at lower pH and higher temperatures. Hydroxytyrosol concentration increased at the same pH due to oleuropein hydrolysis. Verbascoside degradation only occurred at pH 6.0. Despite changes in individual compounds, the overall reducing capacity of the compounds remained relatively constant after thermal treatments. These findings provide insights for predicting and optimizing thermal treatments in foods enriched with olive leaf extracts.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luka Sturm, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Crnivec, Iztok Prislan, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: Propolis, a resinous compound made by bees, has well-known biological activity. This study compared the antibacterial activity, lipid phase transition effect, and inhibition of UV-induced lipid oxidation between encapsulated and non-encapsulated propolis. The results showed that non-encapsulated propolis had quicker effects, particularly in antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of propolis compounds on lipid membranes were studied, revealing complex interactions and the need for mathematical modeling.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikola Stamenkovic, Janez Cerkovnik, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: Antioxidants, which connect biology and chemistry, are now being studied theoretically with the advancement of theoretical and computational methods. This paper presents a novel method that aims to reduce the wall times for DFT calculations in the study of antioxidants. By applying the inversion of theory level to the universal chemical scavenger model, the accuracy and wall time obtained suggest that this methodology can be generally applied to antioxidant thermodynamics for some costly DFT methods.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jan Kejzar, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Crnivec, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: Archaeosomes, made from archaeal lipids, possess remarkable thermostability, resistance to enzymatic degradation, long-term stability, and immunomodulatory properties. This review focuses on the physicochemical properties and stability of total polar lipids from Aeropyrum pernix K1, specifically glycerol ether lipids with isoprenoid groups attached to glycerol via ether linkages. The effects of temperature and pH on the stability, structure, fluidity, and permeability of pure C-25,C-25 archaeosomes were examined using various techniques. The potential use of archaeal lipids as a targeted drug delivery system is also discussed.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Spela Gruden, Jernej Oberckal, Bojana Bogovic, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: Lactoperoxidase, a glycoprotein with potential as a natural biopreservative, exhibits antimicrobial activity. Its structural stability and enzymatic activity rely on factors such as pH, buffer concentration, and ions. Depletion of iron and calcium ions can lower thermal stability and enzymatic activity.
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Poornima Budime Santhosh, Tihomir Tenev, Luka Sturm, Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Julia Genova
Summary: Gold nanoparticles were used to assess their effects on the structure and fluidity of lipid membranes. The study found that the nanoparticles did not significantly alter the membrane structure and fluidity, suggesting their suitability for biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
