Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lige Tong, Jie Zheng, Xiao Wang, Xiaolu Wang, Huoqing Huang, Haomeng Yang, Tao Tu, Yuan Wang, Yingguo Bai, Bin Yao, Huiying Luo, Xing Qin
Summary: A novel glucoamylase-encoding gene was cloned and expressed from a thermophilic fungus, leading to mutants with improved thermostability and catalytic efficiency. The mutants showed similar performance to commercial glucoamylase during saccharification, making them promising candidates for industrial applications.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiuya Gu, Yu Lu, Jianli Zhou, Wenhua Yang, Ke Wang, Xiaobo Liu, Xiaobin Yu
Summary: Combinational mutagenesis was used to improve the catalytic efficiency and adaptability of alginate lyase from Pseudoalteromonas sp. Alg6B, which showed significant potential for the production of AOS from marine alginate.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Huabiao Miao, Xia Xiang, Nanyu Han, Qian Wu, Zunxi Huang
Summary: This study aimed to improve the thermostability of the serine protease PB92 from Bacillus alcalophilus to meet the high-temperature requirements of biotechnological treatments. Mutations were introduced at eight sites, and 21 mutants were constructed, among which 15 mutants showed increased half-life values at 65 degrees C. Six complex mutants with improved thermal stability were identified based on enzyme activity and thermostability scores, and structural analysis suggested that the increased stability might be due to additional hydrophobic interactions and reduced flexibility. Overall, the N18L/R143L/S97A, N18L/R143L/S99L, and N18L/R143L/G100A mutants showed 4-fold increase in thermal stability, indicating potential industrial applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Li-Qun Jin, Yi-Ting Jin, Jing-Wei Zhang, Zhi-Qiang Liu, Yu-Guo Zheng
Summary: Glucose isomerase mutant TEGI-M2 showed optimal activity at high temperature and neutral pH, with structural differences compared to the original enzyme investigated through molecular docking. TEGI-M2 exhibited increased enzyme activity and decreased Km, resulting in higher D-fructose yield in one-step biosynthesis of HFCS. This improved catalytic performance of TEGI-M2 is significant for industrial production of D-fructose.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satoru Watanabe, Masahiro Ito, Takanori Kigawa
Summary: DiRect is a novel PCR-based mutagenesis method that achieves high quality product (>99% substitution) without the use of recombinant DNA technology. It has been successfully applied in the study of an industrially relevant enzyme, showing simplicity, efficiency, and potential scalability in site-directed mutagenesis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Cheng-Hua Wang, Wu-Ping Xiong, Cheng Huang, Xiao-Ming Li, Qing-Yan Wang, Ri-Bo Huang
Summary: This study successfully increased the catalytic activity and efficiency of an exoinulinase under acidic conditions through rational site-directed mutagenesis. The mutants showed improved substrate preference for inulin and may serve as promising candidates for industrial inulin hydrolysis. The study demonstrates the potential of mutating non-conserved substrate recognition residues for industrial enzyme improvements.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enheng Zhu, Xia Xiang, Sidi Wan, Huabiao Miao, Nanyu Han, Zunxi Huang
Summary: Lipases are versatile biocatalysts widely used in various industries. This study demonstrates that engineering the residue R209 can enhance the thermal stability of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL). Molecular dynamics simulation analysis reveals the underlying mechanism of R209 and the 250-loop in modulating the thermostability of TLL.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kemin Lv, Wenyu Shao, Marcelo Monteiro Pedroso, Jiayu Peng, Bin Wu, Jiahuang Li, Bingfang He, Gerhard Schenk
Summary: In this study, the processive endoglucanase EG5C-1 from Bacillus subtilis was used as the basis for enzyme engineering, resulting in the discovery of variants D70Q and S235W, as well as the double mutant D70Q/S235W, which showed significantly improved activity towards substrates CMC and Avicel. Kinetic measurements demonstrated that the double mutant had higher substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sachin Kumar, Vijay Kumar Bhardwaj, Shweta Guleria, Rituraj Purohit, Sanjay Kumar
Summary: This study utilized a structure-guided consensus approach to improve the enzymatic properties of Cu,Zn SOD from the high-altitude plant Potentilla atrosanguinea. The T97D substitution in SOD led to improved dimer stability and catalytic efficiency compared to the wild-type (WT), as validated by computational and experimental tools. This mutation not only enhanced enzyme thermostability but also laid the groundwork for designing SODs with improved kinetics by exploring interface residues as potential targets.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xia Xiang, Enheng Zhu, Diao Xiong, Yin Wen, Yu Xing, Lirong Yue, Shuang He, Nanyu Han, Zunxi Huang
Summary: This study constructed five variants of lipase through site-directed mutagenesis and found that substituting residues from the 25-loop could enhance the stability of both the N-terminus and C-terminus, resulting in improved thermostability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yan-Ni Xing, Jie Tan, Yonghua Wang, Jiaqi Wang
Summary: A lipase from Malassizia globose, named SMG1, was mutated to improve thermostability, with mutations on the protein surface resulting in significant enhancements. Specific mutations, such as D245N and L270P, showed the most significant increase in T50, with the double mutant exhibiting a 5-degree Celsius increase. The double mutant displayed a 100-fold increase in half-life at 45 degrees Celsius and higher enzymatic activities at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius compared to the wild-type.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zehua Zhang, Mengfei Long, Nan Zheng, Xiang Lu, Cailin Zhu, Tolbert Osire, Xiaole Xia
Summary: In this study, the effects of internal cavities on the thermostability and catalytic activity of enzymes were explored using molecular dynamics simulations and site-directed mutations. The results showed that altering the volume and spatial distribution of cavities can enhance the stability and activity of enzymes. This study provides important insights into the impact of internal cavities on enzymatic properties.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hisashi Hashimoto, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kiyosei Takasu, Takeo Kawabata
Summary: Catalyst-controlled substrate-selective silylation of alcohols is achieved independently of the reactivity of hydroxy group based on steric environment. The reaction shows high selectivity towards 1,5-amino alcohol derivatives and discriminating ability towards remote functionality at C(5) from reacting hydroxy groups in the silylation of pentanol analogues.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chongyang Wang, Changshui Liu, Xiaochuan Zhu, Quancai Peng, Qingjun Ma
Summary: This study reveals the structural flexibility of Vibrio dual lipases/transferases and proposes a mechanism for tuning the catalytic site to explain enzyme promiscuity. Enzyme promiscuity, the ability to catalyze multiple substrates and reactions, is widely observed but poorly understood. The researchers discovered a flexible catalytic triad machinery in Vibrio dual lipase/transferase that can undergo conformational changes to facilitate substrate and catalytic promiscuity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hua Li, Qianqian Bao, Jianfeng Zhao, Yinbiao Xu, Shengyu Yang, Weishi Xue, Yang Sun, Yupeng Liu
Summary: This study analyzes the interactions between eight GDH mutants and NADP(+) using AlphaFold2 and Discovery Studio 3.0 and verifies the catalytic efficiency of one mutant (P45A) through site-directed mutagenesis. The study also reveals a positive correlation between the enzyme activity of GDH and its pocket hydrophobicity. In addition, mutant P45A exhibits improved catalytic ability in organic solvents, albeit with altered substrate affinity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siva Santhiya Arul, Brinda Balakrishnan, Savithri S. Handanahal, Sangita Venkataraman
Summary: Viral nanoparticles are self-assembling delivery systems used for vaccines and therapeutic agents. They have improved biocompatibility and are widely used in various biomedical applications. However, large-scale production of VNPs still faces challenges.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wisely Chua, Carl O. Marsh, Si En Poh, Winston LC. Koh, Melody Li Ying Lee, Li Fang Koh, Xin-Zi Emily Tang, Peter See, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Thomas L. Dawson Jr, Yik Weng Yew, Steven Thng, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Hazel H. Oon, John E. Common, Hao Li
Summary: In this study, the gene expression of enzymes secreted by Malassezia globosa in the skin was investigated using targeted RNA sequencing. The study found that the expression of these enzymes is regulated by the fungus's environment and differs significantly from healthy skin sites. Additionally, a pseudoprotease MGL_3331 was identified to elicit an immune reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis. This highlights the importance of studying fungal proteins in physiologically relevant environments and their role in host immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belisa Parmeggiani, Marian Flores Signori, Cristiane Cecatto, Marina Rocha Frusciante, Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo, Debora Guerini Souza, Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro, Bianca Seminotti, Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza, Cesar Augusto Joa o Ribeiro, Moacir Wajner, Guilhian Leipnitz
Summary: Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins, leading to severe neurodegeneration and white matter alterations. The study found that glycine affects myelin structure, glutamatergic system, and induces oxidative stress in neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Rose Ndella Thiaw, Pascal Gantet
Summary: Mini zinc fingers play important roles in plant development, including control of cell division and expansion, meristem state transition, and growth and organ development. They have diverse modes of action, such as direct gene activation, interaction with specific transcription factors, and aggregation of protein complexes for chromatin remodeling. Further research is needed to explore their wider range of biological functions and their involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shao-Jui Lai, Takahiro Kameda, Maasa Morita, Yuka Yamagata, Kaoruko Nishizaka, Yuna Horiuchi, Yukihiro Kobayashi, Yoko Usami, Jun-Jen Liu, Takeshi Kasama, Minoru Tozuka, Ryunosuke Ohkawa
Summary: In this study, the co-modification and impact of chymase and MPO on HDL were investigated. Sequential treatment with MPO and chymase generated two novel apoA-I fragments from HDL, one of which has a specific immunological property and can be used to predict patients with normal HDL-C levels and cardiovascular diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Mi Sun, Asami Yoshida, Takuya Ishii, Yan-Rong Jiang, Yi-Li Gao, Mikinori Ueno, Katsuya Hirasaka, Kiyoshi Osatomi
Summary: This study found that infection with the causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis, Edwardsiella tarda NUF251, leads to the production of superoxide radicals, causing oxidative stress. The research on the Jfsod1 gene suggests that the transcription factor NF-IL6 plays a significant role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of the gene in response to oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shane M. Carey, Sean P. Kearns, Matthew E. Millington, Gregory S. Buechner, Beda E. Alvarez Jr, Leily Daneshian, Brendan Abiskaroon, Maksymilian Chruszcz, Edward L. D'Antonio
Summary: The importance of F337 in TcGlcK was investigated using the hole mutagenesis approach, revealing its key interactions with aromatic tail groups in inhibitor molecules. Mutants retaining activity and structural similarity were obtained, suggesting the possibility of TcHxK existing as a monomer lacking the F337 residue. Similar D-glucosamine inhibitors may bind less strongly to TcHxK due to the absence of van der Waals contacts from residue side chains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Barria, Diogo Athayde, Guillem Hernandez, Leonor Fonseca, Jorge Casinhas, Tiago N. Cordeiro, Margarida Archer, Cecilia M. Arraiano, Jose A. Brito, Rute G. Matos
Summary: Ribonucleases play a crucial role in RNA regulation by processing, degrading, and quality controlling cellular transcripts. Campylobacter jejuni, the main cause of human gastroenteritis, relies on the exoribonuclease PNPase (CjPNP) for low-temperature survival, virulence factor synthesis, and swimming, cell adhesion/invasion, and chick colonization abilities. The crystallographic structure of CjPNP, along with SAXS analysis, confirms its trimeric arrangement and provides insight into domain arrangement and flexibility. Mutations in highly conserved residues reveal unexpected RNA degradation activity even under conditions favoring polymerization. These findings have significant implications for the development of strategies to combat C. jejuni infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elvira R. Shaykhutdinova, Maria S. Severyukhina, Inna V. Kholoshenko, Elena A. Gondarenko, Irina V. Shelukhina, Elena V. Kryukova, Alina M. Ismailova, Elena S. Sadovnikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Arkady N. Murashev, Victor I. Tsetlin, Yuri N. Utkin
Summary: Evidence suggests that activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can reduce cardiac injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the expression of a4, a6, and a132 nAChR subunits in the rat heart's left ventricle was demonstrated. The nAChR agonists cytisine and varenicline, commonly used for nicotine addiction treatment, were found to significantly reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, with varenicline showing greater protection. The presence of a4132, a7, and/or a6132-containing receptors suggests that the protective effect of varenicline may be mediated by these subunits. These findings indicate a potential new use for cytisine and varenicline as cardioprotective agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinhai Xiong, Wenjie Chen, Cheng Chen, Qi Wu, Chaopeng He
Summary: This article summarizes the important roles of Cx43 in disease development from the perspective of subcellular localization and provides new ideas for Cx43 as a therapeutic target and the search for related pathological mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Bastos, Simone Pascoal, Kamila Lopes, Marcia Mortari, Helena Oliveira
Summary: Cancer, especially melanoma, is a major global health problem due to its metastatic capacity, treatment resistance, and high mortality rates. The Chartergellus-CP1 peptide isolated from Chartergellus communis wasp venom showed selective cytotoxicity towards melanoma cell lines, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle impairment, and intracellular ROS increase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Claeyssen, Nathan Bulangalire, Bruno Bastide, Onnik Agbulut, Caroline Cieniewski-Bernard
Summary: Maintenance of striated muscle tissue relies on a dynamic network of protein-protein interactions. Desmin intermediate filaments play a crucial role in heart and skeletal muscle by maintaining cell structure and contributing to various cellular processes. The assembly of desmin intermediate filaments requires aB-crystallin, which is involved in multiple cellular functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhritiman Dey, Adhiraj Dasgupta, Dipanjan Ghosh, Oindrila Bhattacharjee, Abhrajyoti Ghosh, Ayae Honda, Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay
Summary: This study successfully identified host factors that interact with Chandipura Virus (CHPV) and play a critical role in infection, including A2M, LRP1, and GRP78. Knocking out A2M has a severe effect on viral infection, indicating the potential role of these host proteins in viral entry into host cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Dotsenko, Igor Sinelnikov, Aleksandra Rozhkova, Ivan Zorov, Arkady Sinitsyn
Summary: Xylanases play important roles in various industrial applications, such as feed additives, pulp and paper bleaching, and the production of bread, food, and drinks. Xylanases from the GH10 family show high thermostability and resistance to protein inhibitors, making them promising candidates for these processes. This study successfully improved the thermostability and enzymatic activity of GH10 xylanase, which could enhance its effectiveness as a feed additive and during pulp and paper bleaching.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Jaquet, M. Bengue, K. Lambert, G. Carnac, D. Misse, C. Bisbal
Summary: Changes to our environment have led to the emergence of human pathogens such as chikungunya virus, which is now a major public health concern. In this study, the interconnection between skeletal muscle cells metabolism, their differentiation stage, and the infectivity of chikungunya virus was investigated. The results showed that chikungunya virus infectivity is dependent on cell differentiation and metabolism and that the virus interferes with cellular metabolism.