Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dini Hu, Simon Ming-Yuen Lee, Kai Li, Kai Meng Mok
Summary: The study aimed to explore the secondary metabolite production potential of Actinobacteria from mangrove environments, focusing on Streptomyces olivaceus sp. The analysis revealed that this strain had the capability to produce 53 known secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, which indicates the unknown potential of Actinobacteria from mangrove environments to produce bioactive secondary metabolites.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Paolo Giaccio, Despoina Charou, Dafni-Ioanna Diakaki, Anna Chita, Achille Gravanis, Ioannis Charalampopoulos, Vassilios Roussis, Efstathia Ioannou
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable and debilitating conditions. Currently, effective therapies for most neurodegenerative disorders are lacking. A study evaluated the activity of various extracts on TrkB-expressing cells and found that a certain strain of actinobacteria called Streptomyces sp. BI0788 exhibited neuroprotective activity. Further chemical analysis resulted in the identification of new and previously known compounds, some of which showed protective effects on cells through the activation of TrkB.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Khaled A. El-Tarabily, Gaber A. Ramadan, Alaa A. Elbadawi, Amira H. Hassan, Saeed Tariq, Eman W. Ghazal, Mohammad I. Abo Gamar, Synan F. AbuQamar
Summary: The study showed that secretion of polyamines by S. mutabilis can enhance the growth of Avicennia marina and improve plant growth parameters. This research is the first to use endophytic actinobacteria to promote mangrove growth, suggesting new avenues for sustainable agricultural management practices.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Vanessa M. M. Nepomuceno, Kaitlyn M. M. Tylor, Skylar Carlson, Michael J. J. Federle, Brian T. T. Murphy, Tiara Perez Morales
Summary: Streptococcus pyogenes, a human pathogen, uses quorum sensing to regulate social responses in its environment. Previous studies focused on disrupting quorum sensing to control bacterial signaling outcomes. This study identified a naturally derived compound that inhibits quorum sensing in S. pyogenes.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richa Salwan, Randhir Kaur, Vivek Sharma
Summary: The genus Streptomyces has significant industrial potential due to its ability to produce various beneficial enzymes and traits for plants, as revealed by its genome sequences. This could lead to wide applications in industrial and agricultural sectors.
MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Soohyun Um, Jaeyoun Lee, Seung Hyun Kim
Summary: This study focused on the endophytes of Maesa japonica and their interaction with the host plant at the metabolite level. Among the isolated endophytes, Streptomyces olivaceus JB1 was investigated for its antibacterial activities. Spectroscopic techniques confirmed the production of lobophorin analogs by JB1, and both reported and unreported analogs were detected. The presence of lobophorin A in the dried residues of M. japonica suggests that JB1 resides in the host and accumulates its secondary metabolites through interaction with the plant. Antimicrobial activity tests supported the mutualistic relationship between the host plant and the microbe. Additionally, lobophorin-producing Streptomyces spp. were also isolated from marine environments, and a saline water stress tolerance test showed that JB1 does not accelerate its growth in a saline medium.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ixchel Campos-Avelar, Alexandre Colas de la Noue, Noel Durand, Guillaume Cazals, Veronique Martinez, Caroline Strub, Angelique Fontana, Sabine Schorr-Galindo
Summary: The study found that Streptomyces can effectively inhibit Aspergillus flavus growth and decrease aflatoxin production, with most isolates capable of degrading Aflatoxin B-1 in both solid and liquid cultures. Bacterial cells and cell-free extracts showed varying effectiveness in degradation and detoxification of the mycotoxin.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nurul Hidayah Adenan, Yau Yan Lim, Adeline Su Yien Ting
Summary: This study demonstrated that Streptomyces bacillaris efficiently removed triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes through biosorption and biodegradation, resulting in lower toxicity of the treated dyes compared to untreated ones.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nurul Hidayah Adenan, Yau Yan Lim, Adeline Su Yien Ting
Summary: This study found that Streptomyces bacillaris is an efficient biological agent for the removal of triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes, using both biosorption and biodegradation mechanisms to effectively decolorize various dyes and reduce their toxicity. The research also indicated the potential for further exploration of lesser-known actinobacteria like Streptomyces sp. for dye removal applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Heng, Lee Ling Tan, Mingzi M. Zhang, Fong Tian Wong
Summary: CRISPR-Cas technology has driven advances in genomics, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics, leading to a new era of genome-guided natural product discovery and engineering. This versatile tool is increasingly used to accelerate host and pathway engineering of actinomycetes, particularly for the production of bioactive natural products. The expanding CRISPR-Cas toolboxes provide new opportunities for genome editing of non-Streptomyces actinomycetes.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emre Gezer, Goklem Uner, Melis Kucuksolak, Mustafa Unver Kurt, Gamze Dogan, Petek Ballar Kirmizibayrak, Erdal Bedir
Summary: Polyether ionophores are a group of naturally occurring compounds mainly produced by Streptomyces species with various bioactivities. In this study, four undescribed and nine known polyether compounds were identified from Streptomyces cacaoi. The antimicrobial activity assays showed strong inhibitory effects of these compounds, including an undescribed compound, on the growth of Bacillus subtilis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, two compounds displayed significant cytotoxicity, with the C15-demethoxy derivative showing higher selectivity towards cancer cells than K41-A. Mechanistic experiments revealed that the uninvestigated compound acts as a multitarget compound, inhibiting autophagic flux, inducing reactive oxygen species formation, abolishing proteasome activity, and stimulating ER stress.
Article
Horticulture
Yassine Aallam, Driss Dhiba, Taoufik El Rasafi, Younes Abbas, Abdelmajid Haddioui, Mika Tarkka, Hanane Hamdali
Summary: Biocontrol agents and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have potential as environmentally friendly biopesticides and fertilizers. This study evaluated the performance of rock phosphate solubilizing Streptomyces bacteria in promoting sugar beet growth under rock phosphate fertilization at field scale. The results showed that SB stimulated root elongation and SS enhanced shoot elongation. Chlorophyll levels in the leaves were higher with SS. The highest root yield was recorded with SS, and root diameter increased with both bacteria. Soil available phosphorus and potassium levels increased particularly with SB, but also with SS inoculation. The activities observed in the field suggest the need for improving formulation and optimizing application strategy.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dina H. Amin, Hayam A. E. Sayed, Ahmed M. Elissawy, Dina E. EL-Ghwas, Abdel Nasser B. Singab
Summary: The research explored desert Actinobacteria from the Sinai Peninsula, showing high inhibitory effects against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Compounds with potential antibacterial activities were isolated and purified, including actinomycin D analogues previously not reported from natural sources. This study highlights the potential of Sinai desert ecosystems as rich sources of antibiotic-producing Actinobacteria.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Yang, Lili Xia, Xuanxuan Ye, Jiayi Xu, Tianfeng Liu, Linping Wang, Shuai Zhang, Wei Feng, Dongshu Du, Yu Chen
Summary: In this study, a specific nanozyme based on ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) niobium carbide (Nb2C) MXene, called Nb2C MXenzyme, was developed to combat hypertension by efficiently eliminating reactive oxygen species and inhibiting inflammatory factors. The biocompatible Nb2C MXenzyme exhibited multiple enzyme-mimicking activities and displayed cytoprotective effects by resisting oxidative stress, thereby alleviating inflammatory response and reducing blood pressure. The efficacy of this strategy was demonstrated in a stress-induced hypertension rat model, highlighting the potential of nanozymes in hypertension treatment and the biomedical applications of 2D MXene nanosystems.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chaobo Zhang, Youbao Zhao, Zilong Li, Weishan Wang, Ying Huang, Guohui Pan, Keqiang Fan
Summary: In this study, it was found that GylR regulates glycerol metabolism in Actinobacteria by directly binding to the promoter regions of glp operon and gylR. Glycerol-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate induce the dissociation of GylR from its binding sequences, and a minimal essential operator site for GylR-like regulators in Streptomyces was identified.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Omar Belmehdia, Naoual El Menyiy, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Aicha El Baaboua, Nasreddine El Omari, Monica Gallo, Domenico Montesano, Daniele Naviglio, Gokhan Zengin, Nadia Skali Senhaji, Bey Hing Goh, Jamal Abrini
Summary: This review discusses the recent advances in the chemical composition and biological activities of propolis. It highlights the various important bioactive properties of propolis, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Data shows that propolis has low toxicity even at high doses, making it a promising source of bioactive compounds for drug development.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Kar-Yan Su, Jie-Yi Koh Kok, Yie-Wei Chua, Shearn-Dior Ong, Hooi Leng Ser, Priyia Pusparajah, Pui San Saw, Bey Hing Goh, Wai-Leng Lee
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived lipid bilayers released by cells. Bacterial EVs (BEVs) have attracted interest as potential diagnostic markers due to their differential bacterial composition in biofluids between patients and healthy controls. This review outlines the commonly used approach for investigating BEVs in biofluids, including 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, and discusses the potential of BEVs as biomarkers for various diseases.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Kok Keng Tee, Po Qhuan Chan, Alson Mun-Khin Loh, Sarbhan Singh, Chee How Teo, Thevambiga Iyadorai, Jack Bee Chook, Kim Tien Ng, Yutaka Takebe, Kok Gan Chan, I-Ching Sam, Kenny Voon
Summary: Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV), a bat-borne virus, is associated with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in humans. Among 632 urban outpatients, 2.2% tested positive for PRV. Symptoms included cough, sore throat, and muscle ache, with minimal fever. Genetic analysis revealed the continuous evolution of PRV through reassortment among human, bat, and non-human primate hosts, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its prevalence and diversity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurora Garcia-Berro, Venkat Talla, Roger Vila, Hong Kar Wai, Daria Shipilina, Kok Gan Chan, Naomi E. Pierce, Niclas Backstrom, Gerard Talavera
Summary: This study investigates the heterozygosity and population size dynamics of migratory insects using genomic data. The findings show that migratory species have higher levels of genome-wide heterozygosity than nonmigratory species. The study also reveals that migratory Lepidoptera maintain overall genetic diversity and demographic stability despite the risks associated with migration and local environmental fluctuations.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Le-Wei Wong, Siow-Hui Mak, Bey-Hing Goh, Wai-Leng Lee
Summary: In conjunction with imaging analysis, pathology-based assessments of biopsied tissue are the gold standard for diagnosing solid tumors. However, the disadvantages of tissue biopsies have led to the development of liquid biopsy, which involves sampling and clinical assessment of bodily fluids for cancer diagnosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), carrying molecular profiles of their cell or tissue origins, have emerged as one of the most promising biomarkers for cancer, allowing for non-invasive and rapid diagnosis with the help of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bingpeng Lin, Hooi Leng Ser, Lijing Wang, Jiang Li, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Loh Teng-Hern Tan
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of MMP12 in various oral diseases, including periodontitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, orthodontic tooth movement, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have shown the association of MMP12 expression with the pathogenesis of these oral diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatemeh Shahdadi, Maliheh Faryabi, Haroon Khan, Ali Salehi Sardoei, Bahman Fazeli-Nasab, Bey Hing Goh, Khang Wen Goh, Ching Siang Tan
Summary: This study examined the antibacterial effects of Mentha longifolia essential oil and pulegone in edible coatings on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli in cheese. The results showed that the addition of these compounds significantly reduced bacterial growth during storage. Increasing the concentration of chitosan, M. longifolia, and pulegone in the coatings further decreased the bacterial population, with pulegone exhibiting a stronger effect. Overall, the findings suggest that M. longifolia essential oil and pulegone, combined with alginate and chitosan coatings, have antibacterial effects against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli in cheese.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Najwa Hazwani Muhammad Haskani, Long Chiau Ming, Jagjit Singh Dhaliwal, Daniel Vui Teck Wee, Bey Hing Goh, Majid Ali, Shazwani Shaharuddin, Khang Wen Goh, Hui Poh Goh
Summary: This study aimed to identify and review research related to the practice of patients with DM in Brunei Darussalam in order to identify associated factors influencing diabetic medication knowledge and adherence. The results revealed relatively poor medication knowledge and inappropriate diabetes-related practices in studies conducted in Brunei Darussalam. However, no study has directly measured both medication awareness and compliance among Brunei Darussalam T2DM patients. Future studies can focus on the relation between these two factors in different geographical locations characterized by different diabetes-related practices and culture.
PATIENT PREFERENCE AND ADHERENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kooi Yeong Khaw, Michael R. R. Whittaker, Sanjaya Kuruppu, Kok Gan Chan, Siew Hua Gan, Bey Hing Goh
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nasreddine El Omari, Saad Bakrim, Asaad Khalid, Mohammed Albratty, Ashraf N. Abdalla, Learn-Han Lee, Khang Wen Goh, Long Chiau Ming, Abdelhakim Bouyahya
Summary: Cancer progression is influenced by epigenetic events, with histone modification playing a key role in gene expression. Belinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor, has shown effectiveness in the treatment of T-cell lymphoma and solid malignancies. By indirectly promoting acetylated histone accumulation and restoring normal gene expressions, belinostat exhibits potential anti-cancer therapeutic effects through various pathways. Additionally, it has been found to increase p21WAF1, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Investigative trials have supported belinostat's potential as a valuable anti-cancer drug.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Hsum Yap, Bey Hing Goh
Review
Food Science & Technology
Wei-Shan Ang, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Kar Wai Hong, Sunny Hei Wong, Nurul Syakima Ab Mutalib, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Loh Teng-Hern Tan
Summary: A new probiotic, Christensenella minuta, was discovered in 2012 from healthy human stool. It is a subdominant commensal bacterium with highly heritable properties and has mutual interactions with other heritable microbiomes. Its relative abundance is positively correlated with the lean host phenotype. Various studies have shown its potential in managing metabolic diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli, Naoufal El Hachlafi, Emad M. Abdallah, Mohamed Jeddi, Hamza Assaggaf, Ahmed Qasem, Sulaiman Mohammed Alnasser, Ammar Attar, Mommen Adnan Naem, Learn-Han Lee, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti
Summary: In this study, the chemical constituents and antibacterial mechanism of action of Syzygium aromaticum essential oils extracted from leaves (CEOL) and floral buds (CEOB) were investigated. The results showed that eugenol was the major component in both CEOL and CEOB. The essential oils exhibited potent antibacterial activity against various bacteria, with low minimum inhibitory concentrations and bactericidal nature. They also affected the cell membrane permeability and cell integrity, leading to disruption of bacterial growth and viability. Additionally, CEOB showed stronger antimicrobial effects and anti-biofilm activity, suggesting its potential use as a natural alternative in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ying Cui, Kai Song, Zi-Jing Jin, Learn-Han Lee, Chitti Thawai, Ya-Wen He
Summary: This study found that minimum medium favored the synthesis of biocontrol strain Pseudomonas PA1201's antimicrobial secondary metabolite, pyoluteorin (Plt). Fructose, mannitol, and glycerol promoted Plt biosynthesis, with fructose being the most effective carbon source. Fructose acted through activation of the pltLABCDEFG (pltL) operon, while glucose or succinic acid antagonized fructose-dependent synthesis of Plt.
SYNTHETIC AND SYSTEMS BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
