Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sierra J. Williams, Jordan A. Gewing-Mullins, Whitney K. Lieberman, Bethany Kolbaba-Kartchner, Reema Iqbal, Hana M. Burgess, Clair M. Colee, Marya Y. Ornelas, Edison S. Reid-McLaughlin, Jeremy H. Mills, Jennifer A. Prescher, Aaron M. Leconte
Summary: Through studying the structure-function relationship of bioluminescent probes, we have successfully optimized the selectivity and thermal stability of Cashew/d-luc and Pecan/4'-BrLuc, making them suitable for multicomponent imaging applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Afsaneh Nemati, Mohammad Javad Chaichi, Moslem Mansour Lakouraj, Saman Hosseinkhani, Bagher Seyedalipour
Summary: A sensitive and rapid method for detecting H2O2 based on luciferase mimetic was introduced in this research. The luciferase mimetic of bioluminescent earthworm was synthesized using a metal-organic framework (MOF). The loaded luminol in the chromium terephthalate MOF MIL-101(Cr) pores exhibited outstanding catalytic performance in the luciferin chemiluminescence system for H2O2 sensing. The enzyme mimetic showed high sensitivity with a linear range of 1 x 10- 2 - x 10-10 mol/L and a detection limit of 1.251 x 10-11 mol/L (R2 = 0.9944).
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pratchaya Watthaisong, Philaiwarong Kamutira, Chatchai Kesornpun, Vinutsada Pongsupasa, Jittima Phonbuppha, Ruchanok Tinikul, Somchart Maenpuen, Thanyaporn Wongnate, Ryo Nishihara, Yoshihiro Ohmiya, Pimchai Chaiyen
Summary: This study developed a new enzymatic method for the synthesis of D-Luciferin analogues and a fluorescence measurement technology for in situ detection of organophosphate pesticides. The method achieved high yields and could detect pesticides at extremely low concentrations without sample pretreatment.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yichi Su, Joel R. R. Walker, Mary P. P. Hall, Mark A. A. Klein, Xiang Wu, Lance P. P. Encell, Kerriann M. M. Casey, Lan Xiang Liu, Guosong Hong, Michael Z. Z. Lin, Thomas A. A. Kirkland
Summary: Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is an essential technique in biomedical research that allows non-invasive visualization of cells and biochemical events in living organisms. However, BLI in the central nervous system faces challenges due to the poor performance of luciferases and existing substrates. In this study, researchers discovered a NanoLuc substrate, cephalofurimazine (CFz), which improves the brain performance of BLI. CFz paired with Antares luciferase produces significantly higher signals in the brain compared to the standard combination of d-luciferin and firefly luciferase. This discovery enables high sensitivity imaging of the brain using NanoLuc-based indicators.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Zambito, Chintan Chawda, Laura Mezzanotte
Summary: Bioluminescence imaging relies on enzymatic reactions between luciferase, luciferin, and cofactors to study gene expression and cell fate in research models. Recent developments include improved luciferase-luciferin systems for enhanced imaging, and caged luciferins to report on enzymatic activity and intracellular functions. This review critically evaluates the emerging tools for bioluminescence imaging, providing an overview of the latest developments (2018-2020) and their significant applications.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Enya Li, Caroline K. Brennan, Aaron Ramirez, Jo A. Tucker, Nina Butkovich, Vijaykumar S. Meli, Anastasia A. Ionkina, Edward L. Nelson, Jennifer A. Prescher, Szu-Wen Wang
Summary: By assembling luciferases onto nanoparticles, advantageous properties for applications ranging from single-cell imaging to in vivo biodistribution can be achieved.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sung-Bae Kim, Ramasamy Paulmurugan
Summary: Bioluminescence (BL) serves as an excellent optical readout platform with potential for various bioassays and molecular imaging, offering advantages such as a long dynamic range, minimal background, high signal-to-noise ratios, and biocompatibility. However, the diversity and lack of defined standards may hinder successful utilization of BL in different bioassays.
ANALYTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Shimshon Belkin, Ji-Yen Cheng
Summary: Relying on living cells' biological responses and activity, bioluminescent whole-cell biosensors generate an optical signal in response to target compounds. The miniaturization of low-light detectors and their integration with microfluidics has enabled the development of portable devices for sensitive imaging and quantification of these signals. This review focuses on the integration of bioluminescence-based whole-cell biosensors with handheld optical detectors, particularly emphasizing the utilization of modern smartphones' low-light imaging capability. State-of-the-art miniaturization techniques applied to incorporating living cells into diverse hardware platforms and recording biologically generated photons are highlighted. The integration of sample introduction, host-cell activity maintenance, luminescence acquisition, data processing/presentation, and portability are also discussed.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shufeng Li, Zhiyang Ruan, Hang Zhang, Haiwei Xu
Summary: Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a newly developed noninvasive visual approach that utilizes the firefly luciferin-luciferase system to achieve high sensitivity imaging of various biological processes, with applications in tumor activity evaluation, disease detection, and therapy.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yiyi Jiang, Xiaorui Shi, Chu Tang, Fu Wang
Summary: This review describes the recent advances in modifying natural luciferase reporter systems to improve the sensitivity of in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and expand its biomedical applications.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xuexiang Lin, Jia Gu
Summary: This article presents a biochemiluminescent assay for influenza diagnosis and introduces an instrument designed specifically for this assay. The assay detects influenza based on the activity of the influenza viral neuraminidase and offers high sensitivity and specificity in clinical settings.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Colin M. Rathbun, Anastasia A. Ionkina, Zi Yao, Krysten A. Jones, William B. Porterfield, Jennifer A. Prescher
Summary: Studies of biological function require probes that can report on processes in real time. Bioluminescent tools are ideal for this purpose, offering sensitive imaging in cells and tissues without the need for excitation light. Recent advancements in engineered luciferases and luciferins have expanded the scope of bioluminescence imaging, but challenges remain in visualizing combinations of bioluminescent reporters using traditional methods.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yuichi Oba, Darrin T. Schultz
Summary: Fireflies, well-known bioluminescent organisms, have been extensively studied for their reaction mechanism and ecological functions. The genome assemblies of six species of bioluminescent beetles have recently been published, focusing on the evolution of novelties, luciferase, luciferin biosynthesis, and defensive chemicals. Candidate genes for critical roles in beetle bioluminescence have been identified, but functional analyses are ongoing. The establishment of a long-term mass-rearing system and strain will be crucial for post-genome research on bioluminescent beetles. Applying contemporary chromosome-scale genome assembly techniques to luminous beetles can help resolve outstanding evolutionary questions.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jie Yang, Carl Hirschie Johnson
Summary: Sensitive detection of biological events is crucial for the development of sensors. Bioluminescent GECIs offer advantages in avoiding tissue autofluorescence and phototoxicity, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio for detection.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shusei Kanie, Daisuke Miura, Naoto Jimi, Taro Hayashi, Koji Nakamura, Masahiko Sakata, Katsunori Ogoh, Yoshihiro Ohmiya, Yasuo Mitani
Summary: This study documented for the first time the violet-light-emitting behavior of an undescribed Japanese Terebellidae worm in its natural habitat, with an exceptionally short wavelength for bioluminescence. Analysis of gene expressions revealed specific genes related to innate immunity in the tentacles, and the presence of a Renilla luciferase homologous gene despite the absence of coelenterazine in the worm extract. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the ecology and luminescence mechanisms of luminous Polycirrus spp.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiz D. Ramos, Fernanda M. Prado, Cassius Stevani, Paolo Di Mascio, Etelvino J. H. Bechara
Summary: This study highlights the chemical reactions induced by triplet carbonyls generated by the IBAL/HRP system in amino acid residues. Quenching of triplet acetone by tryptophan resulted in enzyme damage and inactivation, with mass spectrometry revealing the structure of radical adducts. The findings underscore potential structural and functional changes in enzymes involved in electronic chemiexcitation.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wagner Goncalves Vieira Junior, Rossana Veviana Centeio Cardoso, Angela Fernandes, Isabel Cristina Fernandes Rodrigues Ferreira, Lillian Barros, Arturo Pardo-Gimenez, Douglas Moraes Mendel Soares, Cassius Vinicius Stevani, Diego Cunha Zied
Summary: Different cultivation systems in various countries significantly affect the agronomical parameters and chemical composition of Agaricus subrufescens mushrooms. The study evaluated the influence of cultivation process on ergosterol and vitamin D-2 content, with field cultivation showing better agronomic parameters for certain strains, and controlled environment cultivation providing higher biological efficiency values. Highest content of ergosterol and vitamin D-2 was observed in mushrooms obtained in the field from strain ABL 04/49.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Mycology
Lhais A. Caldas, Douglas M. M. Soares, Nelson Jr Jr Menolli, Cassius Stevani, Patricia Sartorelli
Summary: This study successfully dereplicated the extracts of wild mushroom Gymnopilus imperialis using the GNPS analysis tool, annotating 24 oligoisoprenoids. Additionally, other compounds were identified using high-resolution mass spectrometry. This is the first report on the annotation of a series of gymnopilins analogues based on GNPS molecular network.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Douglas M. M. Soares, Leticia C. P. Goncalves, Caroline O. Machado, Larissa C. Esteves, Cassius Stevani, Carla C. Oliveira, Felipe A. Dorr, Ernani Pinto, Flavia M. M. Adachi, Carlos T. Hotta, Erick L. Bastos
Summary: The study found that the previously inferred dodA coding sequence is not suitable for the heterologous expression of AmDODA from Amanita muscaria, but successfully expressed an active enzyme by reannotating the full-length coding sequence. Furthermore, deep learning algorithms were used to analyze AmDODA and other isozymes from bacteria, inferring their putative active sites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiz D. Ramos, Thiago M. V. Gomes, Samir A. P. Quintiliano, Sanjay Premi, Cassius Stevani, Etelvino J. H. Bechara
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiza S. Perin, Gabriela Moraes, Gabriela A. Galeazzo, Anderson G. Oliveira
Summary: The mechanism of dinoflagellates bioluminescence relies on a luciferin-luciferase reaction that emits blue light. Bioassays using luminous dinoflagellates can assess the toxicity of metals or organic compounds by observing changes in luminescence. This approach provides a valuable tool for detecting pollutants in marine sediment and seawater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Douglas M. M. Soares, Dielle P. Procopio, Caio K. Zamuner, Bianca B. Nobrega, Monalisa R. Bettim, Gustavo de Rezende, Pedro M. Lopes, Arthur B. D. Pereira, Etelvino J. H. Bechara, Anderson G. Oliveira, Renato S. Freire, Cassius Stevani
Summary: Environmental pollutants have a negative impact on fauna, flora, and human health. Fungi play a crucial role in decomposition and can be used for environmental monitoring.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Matheus Rodrigo Iossi, Isabela Arruda Palu, Douglas Moraes Soares, Wagner G. Vieira, Lucas Silva Alves, Cassius Stevani, Cinthia E. C. Caitano, Samir V. F. Atum, Renato S. Freire, Eustaquio S. Dias, Diego Cunha Zied
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of mushroom-colonized compost extract (MCCE) prepared with different soaking times on the cultivation of Agaricus subrufescens. It was found that longer soaking time led to a decrease in bacterial diversity in MCCE. The application of 24 h soaked MCCE resulted in increased biological efficiency, precociousness, number of mushrooms, and mushroom weight.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lhais A. Caldas, Patricia D. Santos, Elaine R. Carbonero, Marisa Ionta, Marta Miyazawa, Ester S. Caixeta, Antonio M. Fregnan, Bianca Barros Nobrega, Maria Carolina B. Di Medeiros, Nelson Menolli Jr, Douglas M. M. Soares, Cassius Stevani, Patricia Sartorelli
Summary: Gymnopilus is a widely distributed genus of basidiomycetes that produces interesting bioactive compounds. This study focuses on Gymnopilus imperialis and investigates the polysaccharide fractions obtained from its basidiomata. The results show that these fractions, particularly Gi-MRSW, exhibit potential immunomodulatory effects.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Leticia O. B. Cardoso, Dielle P. Procopio, Bruna B. Borrego, Louise H. Gracioso, Cassius Stevani, Renato S. Freire, Claudio A. O. do Nascimento, Elen A. Perpetuo
Summary: The transport sector is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and finding effective ways to capture and utilize carbon dioxide is crucial. Biological CO2 conversion using photosynthetic microorganisms shows promise in producing valuable products like third-generation bioethanol. However, the economic viability of 3G bioethanol production remains a challenge that requires further technical and scientific development.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiz Ramos, Thiago Gomes, Samir Quintiliano, Sanjay Premi, Cassius Stevani, Etelvino Jose Bechara
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiz D. Ramos, Thiago M. V. Gomes, Cassius V. Stevani, Etelvino J. H. Bechara
Summary: Aliphatic triplet carbonyls are short-lived radicals that share similar reactions with hydrogen atom abstraction, cyclization, addition, and isomerization. Enzyme-generated triplet carbonyls can excite triplet molecular oxygen to the reactive singlet state, which can react with proteins, lipids, and DNA. This paper presents a review of easy, fast, and inexpensive preliminary tests for detecting transient triplet carbonyls in chemical and biological systems using methods like chemiluminescence, photoproduct analysis, quenching of light emission, and enhancement of light emission by a sensitizer.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Renata I. Zagitova, Konstantin V. Purtov, Aleksandr S. Shcheglov, Konstantin S. Mineev, Maxim A. Dubinnyi, Ivan N. Myasnyanko, Olga A. Belozerova, Vera G. Pakhomova, Valentin N. Petushkov, Natalia S. Rodionova, Vladislav A. Lushpa, Elena B. Guglya, Sergey Kovalchuk, Valeri B. Kozhemyako, Jeremy D. Mirza, Anderson G. Oliveira, Ilia V. Yampolsky, Zinaida M. Kaskova, Aleksandra S. Tsarkova
Summary: In this study, three compounds were isolated and structurally elucidated from the Chaetomorpha linum algae. These compounds showed bioluminescence activity with Chaetopterus luciferase in the presence of Fe2+ ions. They are derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxides. The study also confirmed the broad substrate specificity of the luciferase by obtaining and demonstrating the activity of their structural analogues in the bioluminescence reaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alexandre G. S. Silva-Filho, Andgelo Mombert, Cristiano C. Nascimento, Bianca B. Nobrega, Douglas M. M. Soares, Ana G. S. Martins, Adao H. R. Domingos, Isaias Santos, Olavo H. P. Della-Torre, Brian A. Perry, Dennis E. Desjardin, Cassius V. Stevani, Nelson Menolli Jr
Summary: During nocturnal field expeditions in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a new genus of bioluminescent fungus with reduced form, named Eoscyphella, was discovered. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed its position in the Cyphellopsidaceae family and its relation to the genera Merismodes and Cyphellopsis.
