Review
Oncology
Pengxiang Zhao, Zichen Zhao, Ziwei Yu, Lupeng Chen, Yi Jin, Jian Wu, Zhuqing Ren
Summary: The study and synthesis of membrane organelles, particularly lipid droplets (LDs), are important for understanding molecular and metabolic processes and for applications in synthetic biology and drug delivery. LDs play a central role in cellular lipid metabolism and have been linked to metabolic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LD functions are not fully understood. Synthetic biology offers new approaches to investigate LDs and has provided significant advancements in protein binding, lipid function, membrane dynamics, and enzymatic reactions.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Andres Seoane, Jose Luis Mascarenas
Summary: The possibility of performing designed transition-metal catalyzed reactions in biological and living contexts can offer unprecedented opportunities for research and intervention in biology. Despite the challenges posed by the presumed incompatibility between organometallic chemistry and complex aqueous environments, there has been significant progress in this field over the past decade, resulting in the development of various transition-metal (TM)-catalyzed bioorthogonal reactions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdel-Rahim S. Ibrahim, Mai K. Mansour, Mohammed M. A. Ahmed, Roland Ulber, Ahmed Zayed
Summary: Investigation of xenobiotic metabolism is crucial in drug discovery. Predicting the structure of toxic metabolites during preliminary clinical studies is necessary to avoid harmful effects. Cunninghamella organisms are potential candidates for simulating human metabolism and producing diverse and bioactive metabolites. This review provides a comprehensive literature overview on the use of Cunninghamella as biocatalysts for simulating mammalian metabolism of natural and synthetic compounds.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuval Elani
Summary: The construction of artificial cells is a major challenge today, with potential applications in clinical and industrial settings. Artificial cells currently cannot match the complexity of biological cells, leading researchers to explore hybrid living/synthetic systems that combine the advantages of both.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Camila Guindani, Lucas Caire da Silva, Shoupeng Cao, Tsvetomir Ivanov, Katharina Landfester
Summary: Bottom-up synthetic biology is the scientific approach of building systems that imitate the structure and function of living cells from the ground up. Recent developments have allowed scientists to engineer synthetic cells and organelles that mimic the essential functions and behaviors of natural cells.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Chang Liu, Zhong-Liu Wu, Jan Deska
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to implement non-natural enzyme modules in vivo by following a synthetic chemistry blueprint for the valorization of lignocellulosic platform chemicals. The researchers incorporated two purely abiotic transformations into a recombinant bacterial host, enabling it to produce complex lactone building blocks with high stereoselectivity from bio-based furan substrates. This whole cell system streamlined the synthetic cascade and eliminated isolation and purification steps, providing a breakthrough in chemical methodology.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hehe He, Youran Li, Liang Zhang, Zhongyang Ding, Guiyang Shi
Summary: This article aims to provide a systematic introduction to nitrogen metabolism in Bacillus, an important industrial microorganism, and apply its regulatory logic to synthetic biology to improve biosynthesis competitiveness. Understanding the meticulous regulation process of nitrogen metabolism not only facilitates metabolic engineering research but also provides constructive insights and inspiration for studies of other microorganisms.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Isabel Pardo, David Bednar, Patricia Calero, Daniel C. Volke, Jiri Damborsky, Pablo I. Nikel
Summary: This study discovered a highly efficient nonconventional fluorinase and demonstrated its potential in increasing the production of fluoronucleotides in a bacterial host, paving the way for efficient biohalogenation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Craig Venter, John I. Glass, Clyde A. Hutchison, Sanjay Vashee
Summary: Synthetic genomics involves synthesizing complete genomes or chromosomes to create viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells. This field has revolutionized viral reverse genetics, vaccine design, and bacterial resistance. Future advances in DNA synthesis will open up extraordinary opportunities in medicine, industry, agriculture, and research.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningning Zhang, Zhiyong Sun, Changzhu Wu
Summary: The polymeric approach of combining proteins with organocatalytic polymers to generate artificial enzymes expands the applications of asymmetric organocatalysis and provides new avenues for combining proteins/enzymes with well-designed organocatalytic polymers for useful synthetic reactions.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Konrad Teodor Sawicki, Adam De Jesus, Hossein Ardehali
Summary: The cardiovascular system relies on iron for its high energy demands and metabolic activity. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, mitochondrial function, and enzyme activity. However, excessive iron can be toxic to the heart due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species and cause oxidative damage. Iron levels are tightly regulated in the cardiovascular system, but dysregulation can occur in various cardiovascular diseases. Intravenous iron therapy has been proposed as a treatment option for heart failure patients with iron deficiency. This article provides an overview of iron homeostasis, its dysregulation in cardiovascular diseases, current therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Becker, Aleksandra Zieminska-Stolarska, Dorota Markowska, Stephan Luetz, Katrin Rosenthal
Summary: Life cycle assessments can provide insights into the environmental impact of production processes. This study compared the environmental impact of biocatalytic and chemical synthesis of 2'3'-cGAMP and found that biocatalytic synthesis is superior in all considered categories. Early assessment is crucial for making informed decisions about synthesis routes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinlei Wei, Qiangzi Li, Congcong Hu, Chun You
Summary: A novel approach for stoichiometric synthesis of mannitol through an in vitro synthetic enzymatic biosystem using low-cost starch as substrate is proposed in this study. The overall reaction pathway is divided into three modules which could be executed sequentially in one pot. High product yields of around 95-98% were achieved under optimized conditions.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shreyans Chordia, Siddarth Narasimhan, Alessandra Lucini Paioni, Marc Baldus, Gerard Roelfes
Summary: The study demonstrates the supramolecular assembly of ArMs in E. coli cells and their application in enzyme catalysis. Improved mutants were obtained through directed evolution, and the whole-cell ArM system showed catalytic activity without the need for engineering.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mirco Plante
Summary: Synthetic biology is an emerging research field that aims to understand, modify, and create new biological entities by adopting a modular and systemic approach. This discipline has generated diverse approaches, bringing together practices and conceptualizations from various disciplines, which can lead to confusion within the field. This manuscript provides an epistemological analysis of synthetic biology to better define its objects of study and specific objectives.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Rosini, Loredano Pollegioni
Summary: This article presents an optimized workflow for the expression and purification of various human proteins using Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO). The workflow allows for high yield and high quality protein production, and can be completed within 2 weeks. The platform has also been successfully adapted for the production of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the SARS-CoV-2 S protein, which is crucial for COVID-19 research.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Pirillo, Marco Orlando, Caren Battaglia, Loredano Pollegioni, Gianluca Molla
Summary: Improved variants of PET-hydrolysing enzymes were generated by protein engineering. The F243T variant partially depolymerized PET film, while the S101N/F243T double variant showed higher activity. The highest conversion yield for both variants was obtained at 55°C. The S101N/F243T variant is capable of fully depolymerizing untreated postconsumer PET waste within 3 days at 55°C, making it a more ecofriendly and sustainable process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Allegretti, Paola D'Arrigo, Francesco G. Gatti, Letizia A. M. Rossato, Eleonora Ruffini
Summary: H-1-NMR spin lattice relaxation times (T-1) measured by inversion recovery technique were used to determine the stoichiometric coefficient of trimethylglycine betaine/diol based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) including ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and 1,3-propandiol as H-bond donors. The maximum water content tolerated by the DESs before complete hydration was also determined. Furthermore, the method was validated by comparing the eutectic composition of the betaine/glycol system with that determined by differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and the stoichiometric coefficients were found to be identical.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filippo Molinari, Loredano Pollegioni, Elena Rosini
Summary: In this study, an efficient and green process was developed to produce valuable compounds from renewable feedstocks through extraction optimization and genetic engineering of E. coli strain. The optimized whole-cell system demonstrated a sustainable and cost-competitive approach for producing high value-added products from renewable resources.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Rabattoni, Francesco Marchesani, Giulia Murtas, Silvia Sacchi, Andrea Mozzarelli, Stefano Bruno, Alessio Peracchi, Loredano Pollegioni, Barbara Campanini
Summary: De novo L-serine biosynthesis in mammalian astrocytes involves a linear, three-step pathway that is catalyzed by PHGDH, PSAT, and PSP. The formation of a complex between these enzymes has been observed in human astrocytes and in in vitro experiments.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Murtas, Loredano Pollegioni
Summary: D-amino acids have been found to play important roles in specific cancer types, including cancer cell proliferation, cell protection during therapy, and as potential biomarkers. More research is needed on the relationship between D-amino acids, their nutritional value, and cancer cell proliferation and survival.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filippo Molinari, Loredano Pollegioni, Elena Rosini
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisabetta Brenna, Valeria De Fabritiis, Fabio Parmeggiani, Francesca Tentori, Davide Tessaro
Summary: This work presents the synthesis of oleoyl ethanolamide, an FDA-approved dietary supplement for weight loss, using lipase-mediated conversion of oleic acid. The process utilizes a packed-bed reactor with commercial lipase Lipozyme 435 in continuous flow mode, which improves reaction yield and catalyst productivity. The nontoxic and renewable solvent limonene is used, and the biocatalyst demonstrates stability and efficiency after more than 157 hours of continuous operation. The target compound is selectively obtained by simple filtration, showing high purity and isolation yield, while the reaction byproducts remain in the solution.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heather E. Wray, Stefania Luzzi, Paola D'Arrigo, Gianmarco Griffini
Summary: This study investigates the environmental impacts of incorporating biobased components into polyurethane coatings using life cycle assessment methodology. The use of biobased chemical building blocks can potentially reduce the environmental impact of polyurethane coating production. The study develops three processes that incorporate biobased elements and compares their environmental impacts with fossil-based versions, finding that coatings with biobased elements have lower environmental impacts. However, further research is needed for the development of biobased cross-linkers and end-of-life scenarios to further reduce the environmental impacts of biobased polyurethane coating production.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elena Rosini, Loredano Pollegioni, Gianluca Molla
Summary: In this review, the enantiospecific interaction between proteins and chiral amino acids is explored. The molecular basis of the ability of certain enzymes to discriminate opposite enantiomers is described. The analysis showcases the importance of natural evolution in shaping biological processes.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Rosini, Filippo Molinari, Davide Miani, Loredano Pollegioni
Summary: Lignin, the second most abundant polymer in nature, has the potential to be a valuable feedstock for the production of value-added chemicals, rather than simply being burnt for energy supply. Recent advancements in systems metabolic engineering have allowed for the design of microbial cell factories that efficiently degrade lignin and transform its products into useful compounds. This review focuses on successful case studies, conducted at the laboratory/pilot scale, that demonstrate the generation of value-added and specialty chemicals, with a particular emphasis on the production of cis,cis-muconic acid, an important building block for plastic materials synthesis. The transformation of this waste stream into a sustainable product portfolio awaits the resolution of economic challenges related to process scale-up.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elena Rosini, Marta Boreggio, Matteo Verga, Laura Caldinelli, Loredano Pollegioni, Elisa Fasoli
Summary: The study explores a new cancer treatment strategy by using an external enzyme to convert prodrugs into active anticancer compounds directly in tumor sites. It is found that a D-amino acid oxidase variant with five aminoacidic substitutions (mDAAO) has better therapeutic efficacy than the wild-type DAAO (wtDAAO) in catalyzing the oxidative deamination of D-amino acids. Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) enhance the activity and cytotoxicity of DAAO, with mDAAO showing higher cytotoxicity at low O-2 concentration.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara Tengattini, Davide Rubes, Massimo Serra, Luciano Piubelli, Loredano Pollegioni, Enrica Calleri, Teodora Bavaro, Gabriella Massolini, Marco Terreni, Caterina Temporini
Summary: Conjugation via disuccinimidyl homobifunctional linkers is a convenient approach for the synthesis of glycoconjugate vaccines. However, the hydrolysis of these linkers makes their purification challenging, resulting in side reactions and impure glycoconjugates. In this study, the conjugation of 3-aminopropyl saccharides via disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG) was utilized to synthesize glycoconjugates. Through optimization of purification protocols and conjugation conditions, high sugar-loaded and pure glycoconjugates were obtained, making this approach valuable for the production of well-defined glycovaccines.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Letizia Anna Maria Rossato, Mohammad Morsali, Eleonora Ruffini, Pietro Bertuzzi, Stefano Serra, Paola D'Arrigo, Mika Sipponen
Summary: Immobilization of phospholipase D (PLD) on lignin nanoparticles by direct adsorption has been used for the preparation of high-value polar head-modified phospholipids. This method is characterized by high stability and recyclability, making it an environmentally friendly biocatalyst.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Marchesani, Annalisa Michielon, Elisabetta Viale, Annalisa Bianchera, Davide Cavazzini, Loredano Pollegioni, Giulia Murtas, Andrea Mozzarelli, Stefano Bettati, Alessio Peracchi, Barbara Campanini, Stefano Bruno
Summary: The phosphorylated pathway (PP) in humans converts D-3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) into L-serine through several enzymes. Genetic defects of these enzymes are associated with serine deficiency disorders (SDDs). This study characterizes different PSAT variants associated with SDDs and non-SDDs and shows that the pathogenetic mechanisms in SDDs are diverse. These findings confirm the importance of PSAT dysfunctions as a cause of SSDs.
