Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damian Neubauer, Maciej Jaskiewicz, Marta Bauer, Agata Olejniczak-Keder, Emilia Sikorska, Karol Sikora, Wojciech Kamysz
Summary: This study found that adding branches fatty acid chains and N-terminal hydrophobic amino acid residues in gemini cationic surfactants can enhance their selectivity towards pathogens, with relatively low hemolytic and cytotoxic activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Abdelrahman M. Sedeek, Maha M. Ismail, Tarek R. Elsayed, Mohamed A. Ramadan
Summary: This study evaluated the biosynthetic capacity of the bacterial population in the Great Bitter Lake ecosystem as a potential source of novel antimicrobials. Through sample collection and selection, the bacterial population in the oxic sediment was found to have the highest biosynthetic capacity. Four active Bacillus isolates were identified, which are expected to produce probable bioactive metabolites. The under-explored bacterial community of the lake shows promise as a source of novel antibiotics.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aya Yoshimura, Rio Saeki, Ryusuke Nakada, Shota Tomimoto, Takahiro Jomori, Keisuke Suganuma, Toshiyuki Wakimoto
Summary: Most bacterial biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are silent under normal culture conditions but can be conditionally expressed in response to external stimuli. Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) have been found to mimic exogenous stimulants and can activate silent BGCs. In this study, Burkholderia multivorans MVs were used to induce silent metabolites in various bacteria, and the mechanism was found to involve quorum sensing inhibition and interspecies communication through MV exchange.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonh A. M. Santos, Claudia L. A. A. Santos, Joao R. Freitas Filho, Paulo H. Menezes, Juliano C. R. Freitas
Summary: Polyacetylene glycosides (PAGs) are a small class of secondary metabolites characterized by the presence of a sugar unit connected to a polyacetylene. These compounds are found in fungi, seaweed, and plants, and exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, leading to exponential growth in literature on these compounds in recent years.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Diana Gimenez, Aoife Phelan, Cormac D. Murphy, Steven L. Cobb
Summary: The synthesis of fengycin A analogues with enhanced antifungal properties and chemical stability under acidic and basic conditions is reported. The analogues show that the fengycin core structure can be modified and simplified without loss of antifungal activity.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xia Yan, Jing Liu, Xue Leng, Han Ouyang
Summary: Sinularia is a widely distributed soft coral species with diverse secondary metabolites that exhibit potent biological activities. A review of compounds isolated from Sinularia from 2013 to March 2021 shows their vital role in drug development and innovation of lead compounds. The structures, names, and pharmacological activities of these compounds have been summarized in this review.
Article
Microbiology
Heiko T. Kiesewalter, Carlos N. Lozano-Andrade, Mario Wibowo, Mikael L. Strube, Gergely Maroti, Dan Snyder, Tue Sparholt Jorgensen, Thomas O. Larsen, Vaughn S. Cooper, Tilmann Weber, Akos T. Kovacs
Summary: The study isolated Bacillus subtilis strains from multiple sampling sites, compared their nonribosomal peptide production, and found variations in production among strains from the same soil sample. It also revealed the varying biocontrol properties of B. subtilis isolates in inhibiting plant pathogenic fungi.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sojeong Kim, Eun-Young Lee, Prima F. Hillman, Jaeyoung Ko, Inho Yang, Sang-Jip Nam
Summary: Salicornia europaea L. is a salt-tolerant plant that is used as both traditional medicine and an edible vegetable, containing diverse secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. This review summarizes the chemical structure and biological activities of these secondary metabolites isolated from Salicornia europaea L.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Meng-Jun Wu, Baofu Xu, Yue-Wei Guo
Summary: Mangrove ecosystems contain abundant secondary metabolites with diverse bioactivities and chemical structures. Studying these metabolites helps to understand the importance and potential applications of mangrove ecosystems.
Article
Microbiology
Bin Wang, Xuejie Li, Jioji Tabudravu, Shan Wang, Hai Deng, Li Pan
Summary: In this study, overexpression of LaeA in A. niger FGSC A1279 variant activated 14 secondary metabolites, leading to the identification of three pure compounds. Through genetic and chemical analysis, the biosynthetic pathways of these secondary metabolites were further elucidated, and a biosynthetic model for fungal flaviolin was proposed.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Shiqin Zhao, Juan Li, Jinping Liu, Shaoyujia Xiao, Sumei Yang, Jiahui Mei, Mengyao Ren, Shuzhe Wu, Hongyuan Zhang, Xiliang Yang
Summary: Fungi, especially Alternaria species, are rich sources of bio-metabolites with diverse pharmacological activities. These secondary metabolites have the potential for applications in pharmaceutical, industrial, biotechnological, and medicinal fields. A comprehensive catalog of 216 newly described metabolites from Alternaria fungi is provided, including their chemical structures, pharmacological activities, and possible biosynthetic pathways. Insights, avenues, and challenges for future research and development of Alternaria are also discussed.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cameron C. Hanna, Julia Kriegesmann, Luke J. Dowman, Christian F. W. Becker, Richard J. Payne
Summary: Lipidation is a common modification of peptides and proteins that can affect crucial biological activities. The use of synthetic techniques allows for the preparation of pure and homogeneously modified lipidated proteins, revealing the impact of these modifications on protein structure and function.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fauzia Izzati, Mega Ferdina Warsito, Asep Bayu, Anggia Prasetyoputri, Akhirta Atikana, Linda Sukmarini, Siti Irma Rahmawati, Masteria Yunovilsa Putra
Summary: Marine invertebrates from Indonesia are reported to have a high chemical diversity and broad spectrum of biological activities. This review summarizes the exploration of bioactive compounds from Indonesian marine invertebrates between 2007-2020, highlighting their antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and antiviral properties, and suggests further investigation of novel compounds.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Afrasa Mulatu, Negussie Megersa, Teshome Tolcha, Tesfaye Alemu, Ramesh R. Vetukuri
Summary: This study investigated the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma species against Fusarium xylarioides and the associated mechanisms, as well as their toxicity in Swiss albino mice. The results showed that the methanolic extracts from T. asperellum AU131 and T. longibrachiatum AU158 had effective inhibitory effects on Fusarium xylarioides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified various volatile organic metabolites in the extracts. In vivo toxicity evaluation in mice showed no significant signs of toxicity or changes in body weight. Overall, the tested Trichoderma species were found to be safe and non-pathogenic for use as biofungicides.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Azra Yasmin, Fozia Aslam, Anila Fariq
Summary: In this study, the genomic analysis of two biosurfactant-producing bacteria obtained from oil-contaminated soil was performed. The analysis revealed diverse functional genes in the genomes of these bacteria, including genes related to resistance, motility, and biosynthesis. Furthermore, both genomes possessed gene clusters for lipopeptide synthesis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Arata Yajima, Ryo Katsuta, Mikaho Shimura, Ayaka Yoshihara, Tatsuo Saito, Ken Ishigami, Kenji Kai
Summary: The study revisited the NMR data and proposed structures of bradyoxetin and HMCP, synthesized model compounds to validate the structural differences, and concluded that the proposed structures might be incorrect based on experimental results.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazuya Murata, Mayuna Suenaga, Kenji Kai
Summary: This study reports the isolation, structure elucidation, and biological characterization of a new class of bacterial polyynes called protegenins, which contribute to the antioomycete and plant-protective effects of Pseudomonas protegens.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jota Maki, Hikari Nakatou, Kazumasa Tani, Eriko Eto, Kei Hayata, Dan Yamamoto, Kenji Kai, Takashi Tamada, Kazuyo Akamatsu, Kunihiro Kawanishi, Keiichiro Nakamura, Hisashi Masuyama
Summary: This RCT aims to investigate whether Spiral-thread sutures are superior to conventional sutures for preventing uterine scar thinning following elective cesarean section. The study will assess 200 women undergoing cesarean sections in Japan and compare scar thinning, operative time, blood loss, and other outcomes between the two suture types. The results are expected to provide valuable evidence on the optimal suture for preventing hysterotomy wound thinning.
CONTEMPORARY CLINICAL TRIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Moeri Oshimo, Fumie Nakashima, Kenji Kai, Hirofumi Matsui, Takahiro Shibata, Mitsugu Akagawa
Summary: Sulfites, commonly used as preservatives and antioxidants in the food industry, have been shown to induce significant cytotoxicity in rat gastric mucosal cells through oxidative stress, forming protein carbonyls and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. This indicates potential gastric tissue injury via formation of sulfite-related free radicals.
FREE RADICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Makoto Ihara, Keiji Tanaka, Kenji Kai, Hideo Hayashi, Kazuhiko Matsuda
Summary: The study has provided evidence that chrodrimanin B acts as a competitive antagonist on rat brain GABA(A) receptors, supporting previous observations on its action as a competitive antagonist on silkworm larval GABA receptors.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Natsumi Watanabe, Reina Hiura, Mai Kubota, Kousuke Furuta, Keiichiro Sugimoto, Kaeko Murota, Eri Nakamura, Toshiki Matsuura, Kenji Kai, Takashi Inui, Tomoya Kitakaze, Naoki Harada, Ryoichi Yamaji
Summary: This study provides insights into the transport form and pathway of oleamide, as well as its absorption and metabolism properties. Oleamide is primarily transported via the portal vein as a complex with albumin. It is taken up by CD36 in the small intestine and degraded intracellularly by FAAH.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kanako Inoue, Chika Takemura, Wakana Senuma, Hidefumi Maeda, Kenji Kai, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Masayuki Tsuzuki, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: In this study, the infection route of Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1-1 in tomato roots was investigated. The strain first attaches to the meristematic and elongation zones of tomato roots and then colonizes the intercellular spaces between the epidermis and cortex. It further invades the cortical cells and forms biofilms to progress through the cortex and endodermis, eventually infecting the pericycle cells and xylem vessels. The secretion of quorum sensing-inducible plant cell wall-degrading enzymes via the type II secretion system is essential for infection.
JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nao Matsukawa, Chiaki Tsumori, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai
Summary: Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) produce lipopeptides through the PKS-NRPS enzyme hybrid. Ralstonins have been found to be important in parasitism of RSSC to other hosts. This study discovered ralstopeptins A and B, cyclic lipopeptides with less amino acid residues than ralstonins, from strain MAFF 211519. The production of ralstopeptins was found to be dependent on the PKS-NRPS genes.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wakana Senuma, Masayuki Tsuzuki, Chika Takemura, Yuki Terazawa, Kanako Inoue, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: After infecting tomato plants, the bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain OE1-1 activates quorum sensing to induce the production of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes and invades xylem vessels to cause disease. A phcA-deletion mutant shows loss of virulence and inability to infect xylem vessels. A cbhA-deletion mutant also lacks the ability to infect xylem vessels and exhibits reduced virulence. Our study reveals that CbhA is involved in the full expression of phcA, contributing to the virulence of strain OE1-1.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Masayuki Tsuzuki, Kanako Inoue, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: The Gram-negative bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain OE1-1 attaches to tomato roots, activates quorum sensing, and forms biofilms to infect xylem vessels. Quorum sensing involves the induction and activation of the transcriptional regulator PhcA, and is associated with the production of secondary metabolites and exopolysaccharides. These components contribute to the positive feedback loop of quorum sensing.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mana Kitao, Ai Yamaguchi, Takuma Tomioka, Kenji Kai, Yuki Kamei, Kenji Sugimoto, Mitsugu Akagawa
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes vision loss in the elderly. Blue light irradiation can induce cell death and oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelium cells, but the antioxidant properties of astaxanthin can prevent this cell death. Therefore, astaxanthin may be a dietary strategy to prevent blue light-induced retinal degeneration, including AMD.
FREE RADICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chika Takemura, Wakana Senuma, Masayuki Tsuzuki, Yuki Terazawa, Kanako Inoue, Masanao Sato, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: Research shows that the protein ChpA regulates QS-dependent genes and affects the behavior in host plant roots and virulence of pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum OE1-1.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chiaki Tsumori, Shoma Matsuo, Yuta Murai, Kenji Kai
Summary: A study found that strains of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) invade the fungus Fusarium oxysporum by producing extracellular polysaccharide I (EPS I), biofilm, and the signal molecule ralstonins. This invasion process is regulated by the bacterial quorum sensing (QS) system, and is significant for the bacteria-fungus symbiosis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Mayuna Suenaga, Naoka Katayama, Kokoro Kitamura, Kenji Kai
Summary: Bacteria in the Pseudomonas protegens Cab57 strain have been found to produce bacterial polyynes, such as protegenin A, which can be converted into more complex polyynes, known as caryoynencins A-E, by introducing a cytochrome P450 gene from Burkholderia caryophylli. This study establishes a stable purification and structural determination method for various bacterial polyynes and highlights the potential of P. protegens Cab57 as an engineering host for producing biologically active polyynes.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Natsumi Watanabe, Tomoya Kitakaze, Keiichiro Sugimoto, Takeshi Izawa, Kenji Kai, Naoki Harada, Ryoichi Yamaji
Summary: The study showed that dietary oleamide can rescue skeletal muscle atrophy in mice, possibly by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and restoring autophagy flux.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
