Review
Plant Sciences
Asem Mipeshwaree Devi, Khomdram Khedashwori Devi, Pukhrambam Premi Devi, Moirangthem Lakshmipriyari Devi, Sudripta Das
Summary: Plants produce secondary metabolites that are important for their primary functions. Some of these metabolites have benefits for human health. The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system has been widely used for genome editing and functional genomics, but it also faces challenges in plant applications.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chiara Guidi, Xevi Biarnes, Antoni Planas, Marjan De Mey
Summary: Glycosyltransferases (GT) catalyze the biosynthesis of complex carbohydrates, playing important roles in many cellular mechanisms. Understanding the mechanism of GTs is valuable for studying the structure-function relationships and improving enzyme engineering for various applications. This review focuses on the recent advances in understanding processive enzymes and their engineering strategies, as well as the chain length-controlling mechanisms in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic enzymes.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mingkai Li, Mengyu Ma, Zhenke Wu, Xiqin Liang, Qiusheng Zheng, Defang Li, Tianyue An, Guoli Wang
Summary: Rare ginsenosides, which are deglycosylated derivatives of major ginsenosides, have better absorption and biological activity. Traditional preparation methods hindered their potential applications. Recent advances in understanding ginsenoside biosynthetic pathways and the use of synthetic biology techniques have allowed for large-scale production of rare ginsenosides. This review summarizes the identification of key enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and the construction of microbial chassis for their production, highlighting the importance of discovering more enzymes and improving their catalytic efficiencies for metabolic engineering of rare ginsenosides.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Huan Han, Caini Wang, Xiaoyan Yang, Lina Wang, Jiabao Ye, Feng Xu, Yongling Liao, Weiwei Zhang
Summary: This study provides an overview of the structure, classification, regulatory mechanisms, and biological functions of basic leucine zipper transcription factors (bZIPs) and their molecular mechanisms in the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. bZIPs are highly conserved transcription factors in eukaryotic organisms and play crucial roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolism. The paper elaborates on the structure, classification, biological function, and regulatory mechanisms of bZIPs, as well as their molecular mechanisms in regulating the biosynthesis of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and lignin. This review is significant for understanding the molecular mechanisms of bZIPs in secondary metabolite synthesis and plant molecular breeding.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xuan Zhou, Mengyue Gong, Xueqin Lv, Yanfeng Liu, Jianghua Li, Guocheng Du, Long Liu
Summary: Steviol glycosides (SGs) are a popular natural non-calorie sweetener synthesized from steviol, with unique sensory properties due to differences in glycosylation. Extracting high-quality SGs from plants is complex, leading to extensive research on synthesizing SGs using engineered microorganisms, where different glycosyltransferases play a key role.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Diksha Bagal, Aksar Ali Chowdhary, Shakti Mehrotra, Sonal Mishra, Sonica Rathore, Vikas Srivastava
Summary: Plants are important sources of secondary metabolites, but natural plant populations cannot meet the commercial demand due to low accumulation volume. Hairy root cultures induced by plant interaction with Rhizobium rhizogenes are a practical solution for producing valuable secondary metabolites at low cost and without seasonal variations. Metabolic engineering in hairy roots, including overexpression and silencing of genes and transcription factor overexpression, can enhance metabolite production. This review focuses on alkaloids and discusses future prospects for meeting production demands through metabolic engineering in hairy roots.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Han Bao, Jinhui Zhao, Xinjie Zhao, Chunxia Zhao, Xin Lu, Guowang Xu
Summary: In this study, we proposed a transfer learning approach using a pre-trained hybrid deep learning architecture, GTC, which combines Graph Transformer and convolutional neural network, to predict plant metabolic pathways. GTC provides comprehensive molecular representation and outperforms other machine learning models on the KEGG dataset. It achieves high accuracy in classifying KEGG metabolic pathways and predicting plant secondary metabolic pathways. Furthermore, GTC demonstrates its generalization ability by accurately classifying natural products.
BMC BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuhao He, Xiangpeng Chen, Yunchao Lei, Yongqi Liu, Longlu Wang
Summary: This article summarizes the latest research progress on the catalytic hydrogen production of MoS2 and emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanism of MoS2 catalytic hydrogen production.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yumeng Yang, Yingying Liang, Fengjie Cui, Yongli Wang, Lei Sun, Xinyi Zan, Wenjing Sun
Summary: UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are extensively studied enzymes that play key roles in antibiotic synthesis, development of bacterial glycosyltransferase inhibitors, and animal inflammation. They transfer glycosyl groups from nucleotide UDP-sugars to acceptors including saccharides, proteins, lipids, and secondary metabolites.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bo He, Xue Bai, Yumeng Tan, Wentao Xie, Yan Feng, Guang-Yu Yang
Summary: UDP-Glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of natural product glycosides. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phylogenetic distribution and catalytic diversity of plant GTs. It also discusses the recent advancements in identifying novel GT candidates and engineering strategies for improved GT functions. Additionally, it highlights the application of GTs in microbial biosynthesis of various glycosylated natural products.
SYNTHETIC AND SYSTEMS BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Panchsheela Nogia, Pratap Kumar Pati
Summary: The study focuses on the important roles of secondary metabolites (SMs) in plant growth, defense, development, and survival, as well as explores the transport mechanisms of SMs and the potential of engineering transporters to enhance metabolite production.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yihui Ruan, Xin Fang, Tingyue Guo, Yiting Liu, Yu Hu, Xuening Wang, Yuxin Hu, Lanyue Gao, Yongfang Li, Jingbo Pi, Yuanyuan Xu
Summary: Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with various cancers, with metabolic reprogramming being a key mechanism. Research has primarily focused on glucose reprogramming induced by arsenic exposure. Apart from enhanced glycolysis, arsenic may also disrupt lipid deposition and induce one-carbon metabolism pathway.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yue Lu, Qing Bu, Mingli Chuan, Xiaoyun Cui, Yu Zhao, Dao-Xiu Zhou
Summary: Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in shaping the epigenome and regulating gene expression during plant development and adaptation to environmental changes. The activities of chromatin modification enzymes are influenced by cellular metabolites, such as S-adenosyl-methionine, acetyl-CoA, alpha-ketoglutarate, and NAD(+). On the other hand, changes in the plant epigenome and activity of epigenetic regulators can impact cellular metabolism through regulation of metabolic enzymes. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the metabolic control of plant chromatin regulators and epigenomes, which contribute to plant adaptation to environmental stresses.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng Zheng, Jieyu Ge, Jiayi Ji, Jingling Zhong, Hongyu Chen, Daren Luo, Wei Li, Bo Bi, Yongjun Ma, Wanghui Tong, Leiqin Han, Siqi Ma, Yuqi Zhang, Jianping Wu, Yanqiu Zhao, Ronghui Pan, Pengxiang Fan, Mengzhu Lu, Hao Du
Summary: We identified a C3'H1 gene from Brassica napus that efficiently enhances the fungal bioluminescence pathway. By expressing BnC3' H1 and NPGA simultaneously, we created highly luminescent plants that provide sustainable and bio-renewable illumination and respond to environmental conditions via caffeic acid biosynthesis pathway.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengya Wang, Qiushuang Ji, Bin Lai, Yirong Liu, Kunrong Mei
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of plant UGTs in natural product synthesis and their research progress in catalytic mechanisms and substrate recognition. It also summarizes and evaluates protein engineering strategies used to improve the catalytic activities of plant UGTs, with a particular focus on high-throughput screening methods.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manisha Sharma, Rajender S. Sangwan, Bhupender S. Khatkar, Sudhir P. Singh
Summary: In this study, sucrose in sweet sorghum stalk juice was converted into oligosaccharides using microbial and enzymatic methods, with a yield of 10-14 g L-1. The modified sweet sorghum juice enriched with oligosaccharides exhibited noteworthy growth profile for probiotic bacteria, without altering antioxidative properties or sensory properties. The oligosaccharides in the juice also showed tolerance to heat exposure, making them feasible for food processing applications.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sandeep K. Singh, Guru R. Valicherla, Anil K. Bikkasani, Srikanth H. Cheruvu, Zakir Hossain, Isha Taneja, Hafsa Ahmad, Kanumuri S. R. Raju, Neelam S. Sangwan, Shio K. Singh, Anil K. Dwivedi, Mohammad Wahajuddin, Jiaur R. Gayen
Summary: The study aimed to develop a precise method for analyzing Withanone (WN) in rat plasma, and investigate its in-vitro ADME behavior. Results showed that WN exhibited stability and high permeability in simulated gastric and intestinal environments, with high plasma protein binding. CYP phenotyping indicated extensive metabolism by CYP 3A4 and 1A2, though it did not potently inhibit any CYP isoenzymes in rat and human liver microsomes. The findings suggest that WN could be a promising phytochemical for neurological disorders based on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lokesh Kumar Narnoliya, Neelam Sangwan, Jyoti Singh Jadaun, Shilpi Bansal, Rajender Singh Sangwan
Summary: This study cloned and characterized the recombinant caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase gene from Neem, demonstrating its crucial role in ferulic acid biosynthesis. The heterologous expression of the gene in different plant species provided insights into its biological function in plants, highlighting potential applications in metabolic engineering for the biosynthesis of therapeutically important phytomolecules.
Article
Oncology
Deepti Diwan, Lei Cheng, Zeba Usmani, Minaxi Sharma, Nicola Holden, Nicholas Willoughby, Neelam Sangwan, Rama Raju Baadhe, Chenchen Liu, Vijai Kumar Gupta
Summary: The success of conventional cancer therapeutics is limited by antibiotic resistance and lack of specificity in anti-tumor drugs. Microbial-derived bioactive molecules are offering a new strategic solution by selectively targeting cancer cells. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the anti-carcinogenic properties of these molecules and discusses effective therapeutic applications to minimize systemic side effects.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gisha Singla, Parmjit S. Panesar, Rajender S. Sangwan, Meena Krishania
Summary: The study focused on the effect of different packaging materials on the quality and storage stability of vermicelli supplemented with debittered kinnow pulp residue. LDPE pouches showed greater changes in moisture content and hardness during storage, with lower overall acceptability compared to BOPP pouches. BOPP demonstrated potential for commercial packaging of antioxidant-rich extruded food products without adversely impacting their physiochemical and sensory properties.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Muktesh Chandra, Shiwani Kushwaha, Bhawana Mishra, Neelam Sangwan
Summary: The essential oil of Ocimum species has been widely used in traditional medicine in India for its pharmacological importance. Recent studies have focused on defining the major genes of phenylpropanoid and terpenoid pathways in Ocimum species. Structural studies revealed significant differences in enzymes of the MVA pathway in two major species of Ocimum, with implications for the regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis.
PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Niharika Kaushal, Minni Singh, Rajender Singh Sangwan
Summary: Flavonoids have therapeutic potential and nutraceutical properties, and are associated with different foods. This review discusses the mechanisms and limitations of imparting nutraceutical properties to flavonoids, and explores the use of nanoformulations to overcome these limitations.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shama Afroz, Zafar Iqbal Warsi, Kahkashan Khatoon, Neelam S. Sangwan, Feroz Khan, Laiq Ur Rahman
Summary: In this study, a key gene CaHMGS in Centella asiatica was successfully isolated and characterized. The gene showed the highest expression level in the roots and the lowest expression level in the node of the plant. Functional complementation experiment confirmed the functionality of the CaHMGS gene. This study contributes to the enhancement of secondary metabolite production in the plant.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yashdeep Srivastava, Sandhya Tripathi, Bhawana Mishra, Neelam S. Sangwan
Summary: This study cloned and characterized a key enzyme, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (WsGGPPS), involved in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway in Withania somnifera. Overexpression of WsGGPPS resulted in increased levels of gibberellic acid. These findings provide important insights into the regulation of major metabolite biosynthesis in Withania somnifera.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nisha Yadav, Deependra Singh, Manju Rawat, Neelam Sangwan
Summary: This paper discusses the global incidence and prevalence of various types of cancer and explores the potential of natural drugs and nanocarrier systems in cancer treatment. It highlights the promising alternatives offered by specialized metabolites from medicinal plants and emphasizes the importance of phytochemicals in preventing and treating cancer. The paper also suggests that nanoparticles can enhance the stability, solubility, bioavailability, and target specificity of plant products, making them more effective and safe for drug delivery.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jyoti Sangwan, Sandhya Tripathi, Nisha Yadav, Yogesh Kumar, Neelam Sangwan
Summary: SARS-nCoV, a rapidly spreading coronavirus, has affected millions of people worldwide. Understanding the genomic information is crucial for controlling its spread. Comparative sequence analysis revealed variations in the sequences coding for different proteins between SARS CoV and SARS nCoV. The S protein coding sequences of SARS CoV showed deletions, insertions, and substitutions in SARS nCoV sequence. The binding interaction pattern of ACE2 receptor protein with SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron variant indicated potential impacts on virulence.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL SCIENCE ACADEMY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhi-Min Zhao, Zhi-Hua Liu, Tongtong Zhang, Rongqian Meng, Zhiqun Gong, Yibing Li, Jing Hu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Bing-Zhi Li, Ying-Jin Yuan
Summary: Bioconversion of bioresources/wastes using Rhodococcus is a promising approach for producing lipid-derived bioproducts. However, bioconversion involves living cells and is a complex system that requires further understanding. This review highlights the potential of Rhodococcus for producing lipids from various wastes and presents genetic modifications using emerging tools for promoting bioconversion. Additionally, strategies for enhancing the bioaccessibility of lignin and its derived aromatics and synthesizing biodiesel and aviation fuels from lignin and lipids are discussed. The synergistic modification of microbial strains, substrates, and fermentation processes is proposed for sustainable biological lignin valorization.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maddy L. Newby, Joel D. Allen, Max Crispin
Summary: A key aspect of successful viral vaccine design is the elicitation of neutralizing antibodies targeting viral attachment and fusion glycoproteins. Glycosylation can influence the antigenicity and immunogenicity of vaccines, with native-like glycosylation potentially enhancing immunogenicity. Understanding viral glycosylation can guide the development of future vaccines in various enveloped viruses.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Uganeeswary Suparmaniam, Man Kee Lam, Jun Wei Lim, Inn Shi Tan, Bridgid Lai Fui Chin, Siew Hoong Shuit, Steven Lim, Yean Ling Pang, Peck Loo Kiew
Summary: Microalgae have the ability to synthesize high-value phytochemicals, and subjecting them to abiotic stress can enhance the accumulation of valuable metabolites within their cells. This study explores the effects of manipulating abiotic stress on microalgae yields and discusses approaches to increase HVPCs production using abiotic stress.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pei Zhou, Cong Gao, Wei Song, Wanqing Wei, Jing Wu, Liming Liu, Xiulai Chen
Summary: The engineering status of protein is crucial for the efficient bioproduction in microbial cell factories. Strategies such as protein engineering, protein modification, and protein assembly can effectively modify the protein status and enhance production efficiency.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)