Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Boaz Orel, Marco Giovine, Micha Ilan
Summary: The study found that the collagen-rich sponge species Chondrosia reniformis showed different growth rates and abilities in different temperature and marine growth environments, with the optimal growth temperature being 25 degrees Celsius.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eleonora Tassara, Caterina Oliveri, Luigi Vezzulli, Carlo Cerrano, Lian Xiao, Marco Giovine, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: This study evaluated the in vitro application of 2D collagen membranes derived from a marine sponge as a possible tool for wound healing. The results showed that the collagen membranes had good performance in terms of preventing liquid and protein loss, inhibiting bacterial infiltration, and promoting fibronectin production. Further studies and development of this marine-derived biomaterial are therefore important.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eleonora Tassara, Boaz Orel, Micha Ilan, Dario Cavallo, Andrea Dodero, Maila Castellano, Silvia Vicini, Marco Giovine, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: This study investigates the molecular and chemical-physical properties of collagen extracted from Chondrosia reniformis sponges collected in different seasons to evaluate the potential impact of sea temperature. The results show that collagen fibrils extracted from samples at 17 degrees C have lower lysyl-hydroxylation level, thermal stability, and protein glycosylation level compared to those extracted from samples at 27 degrees C. Membranes made from 17 degrees C fibrils exhibit higher stiffness than those made from 27 degrees C fibrils. The differences in collagen properties are important in guiding the use of the biomaterial.
Article
Fisheries
Mert Gokalp, Tim Wijgerde, Albertinka Murk, Ronald Osinga
Summary: Through three consecutive culture trials, a successful method for culturing collagen-rich demosponges was developed. The optimal culture combination was determined based on the results of the trials, leading to consistent growth rates and high survival rates over the course of one year.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philip Nemoy, Ehud Spanier, Dror L. Angel
Summary: This study found that the oxidizing ability of the sponge C. reniformis is not necessarily related to the concentration of ammonium in the surrounding seawater, suggesting that the nitrification activity of sponge-associated microbes may not be correlated with the concentration of ammonium in the seawater.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Amaroli, Eleonora Tassara, Sara Ferrando, Stefano Aicardi, Claudio Pasquale, Marco Giovine, Marco Bertolino, Angelina Zekiy, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: The study investigates the effects of photo-biomodulation (PBM) on the regeneration of Chondrosia reniformis. The results show that PBM can accelerate the regeneration process, as evidenced by the upregulation of TGF3, TGF6, and TGF5 genes. The findings suggest that PBM's interaction with cell targets has been conserved throughout the evolution of life forms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lingling Ma, Xiaolin Liang, Shiqin Yu, Jingwen Zhou
Summary: Collagen is a versatile biofunctional protein with wide applications, and recombinant collagen shows great potential as an alternative. In this study, recombinant human-like collagen was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris, with high purity and various potential applications.
BIORESOURCES AND BIOPROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khadijah A. Altammar, Jonathan Guyang Ling, Hussein M. Al-Bajalan, Iuan-Sheau Chin, Mukram Mohamed Mackeen, Nor Muhammad Mahadi, Abdul Munir Abdul Murad, Farah Diba Abu Bakar
Summary: Cutinases are hydrolytic enzymes that can degrade plant cutin. A new cutinase homolog, AnCUT3, has been identified and characterized in this study. The recombinant AnCUT3 exhibited optimal temperature and pH, as well as high catalytic efficiency. It also showed potential for degrading and modifying the surface of certain polymers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xue Zhang, Chunyue Zhang, Mian Zhou, Quanming Xia, Liqiang Fan, Liming Zhao
Summary: Chitin and its derivatives have diverse applications, and this research achieved increased chitin content in yeast cell walls through gene overexpression and culture condition optimization. This is the first report of chitin production in engineered Pichia pastoris via biosynthetic pathway enhancement.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mengting Deng, Xueqin Lv, Long Liu, Jianghua Li, Guocheng Du, Jian Chen, Yanfeng Liu
Summary: This study successfully expressed human alpha-LA in K. phaffii and achieved high production by using appropriate signal peptides and promoters, as well as coexpressing a specific protein. This lays the foundation for simulating human milk and further developing bioengineered milk.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Minjie Gao, Yuchen Zhou, Jiajun Yan, Li Zhu, Zhitao Li, Xiuyu Hu, Xiaobei Zhan
Summary: Rhodium is widely used in catalysis, but its adsorption by microorganisms is not well studied. In this work, waste P. pastoris and recombinant P. pastoris GS-R were used as novel adsorbents for Rh(III) adsorption, showing high adsorption capacity and selectivity. The study developed an environmentally-friendly strategy for recovering Rh(III) and other precious metals using P. pastoris.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nicholas J. MacDonald, Kavita Singh, Karine Reiter, Nguyen Vu, Richard Shimp, Apostolos G. Gittis, Beth Chen, Martin Burkhardt, Baoshan Zhang, Zhixiong Wang, Raul Herrera, Mackenzie Moler, Duck-Yeon Lee, Sachy Orr-Gonzalez, Jessica Herrod, Lynn E. Lambert, Kelly M. Rausch, Olga Muratova, David S. Jones, Yimin Wu, Albert J. Jin, David N. Garboczi, Patrick E. Duffy, David L. Narum
Summary: The development of a malaria vaccine that can block transmission of the parasite from mosquitoes to humans is crucial for malaria elimination efforts. The use of Pfs25, a protein on the surface of the parasite, is being investigated as a transmission-blocking vaccine. Two recombinant forms of Pfs25, Pfs25H and Pfs25M, have been studied for their structural and immunological differences.
Article
Fisheries
Zixuan Wu, Yujie Liu, Jiaqi Zheng, Yongzhao Zhou, Kefan Xing, Yuying Sun, Jiquan Zhang
Summary: Arginine kinase is crucial for organisms with high energy demands, and in Exopalaemon carinicauda, it may play a similar role as in other crustaceans. Its expression is predominantly in muscle and can change in response to bacterial challenges. Recombinant expression and purification of EcAK showed similar enzymatic characteristics to AK from Euphausia superba.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shuo-Fu Yuan, Sierra M. Brooks, Annalee W. Nguyen, Wen-Ling Lin, Trevor G. Johnston, Jennifer A. Maynard, Alshakim Nelson, Hal S. Alper
Summary: Traditional production of industrial and therapeutic proteins by eukaryotic cells typically requires large-scale fermentation capacity, which is not easily portable or reusable for on-demand protein production applications. In this study, a hydrogel-based technique was used to immobilize engineered Pichia pastoris for preservable, on-demand production and secretion of medium- and high-molecular weight proteins. This platform shows potential for establishing a cost-effective bioprocessing strategy for on-demand protein production.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zuzana Rosenbergova, Kristina Kantorova, Martin Simkovic, Albert Breier, Martin Rebros
Summary: The study successfully upscaled the production of Myrosinase to a 3 L laboratory fermenter, optimizing fermentation conditions resulted in a threefold increase in Myrosinase productivity and 1.5-fold increase in dry cell weight.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Susanna Alloisio, Marco Clericuzio, Mario Nobile, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte, Claudia Canali, Ana Paula Fortuna-Perez, Laura Cornara, Bruno Burlando
Summary: This study investigates the psychoactive properties of Zornia latifolia, a plant marketed as a marijuana substitute. The results show that certain fractions obtained from the plant extract have inhibitory effects on neuronal activity, similar to high-THC hashish. The findings suggest that Z. latifolia should be subject to control measures despite being sold as a free herbal product. Additionally, a compound called syzalterin is identified with distinctive pharmacological properties, indicating its potential use as a neuroactive drug.
DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Vallarino, Annalisa Salis, Elena Lucarini, Federica Turrini, Guendalina Olivero, Alessandra Roggeri, Gianluca Damonte, Raffaella Boggia, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Carla Ghelardini, Anna Pittaluga
Summary: A new formulation of a pomegranate-peel extract obtained by PUAE was evaluated for its potential health properties in mice suffering from EAE. The results showed that the formulation significantly improved the clinical symptoms and restored cellular functions in the spinal cord of EAE mice.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dario Di Giuseppe, Sonia Scarfi, Andrea Alessandrini, Anna Maria Bassi, Serena Mirata, Vanessa Almonti, Gregorio Ragazzini, Andrea Mescola, Monica Filaferro, Rossella Avallone, Giovanni Vitale, Valentina Scognamiglio, Alessandro F. Gualtieri
Summary: This study compared the early cytotoxicity mechanisms of three carcinogenic mineral fibres (chrysotile, crocidolite, and fibrous erionite) using time-lapse video microscopy and in vitro assays. The results showed that fibrous erionite exhibited the earliest toxic effects, while the toxicity of chrysotile and crocidolite increased gradually over time. Chrysotile and crocidolite mainly induced cell death through apoptosis, while erionite exposure may also be associated with a necrotic-like effect.
Article
Neurosciences
Enrico Adriano, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte, Enrico Millo, Maurizio Balestrino
Summary: The study suggests that acute administration of GAA does not have epileptogenic or neurotoxic effects on the brain. Additionally, diacetyl-GAAE improves tissue viability but not through an increase in creatine or phosphocreatine.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Carlo Cerrano, Marco Giovine, Laura Steindler
Summary: The microbial community of the marine sponge Petrosia ficiformis plays a fundamental role in the synthesis of natural bioactive compounds. With its unique horizontal transmission feature and ability to generate 3D cell cultures, P. ficiformis is an ideal model for studying the complexity of holobionts.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Amaroli, Eleonora Tassara, Sara Ferrando, Stefano Aicardi, Claudio Pasquale, Marco Giovine, Marco Bertolino, Angelina Zekiy, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: The study investigates the effects of photo-biomodulation (PBM) on the regeneration of Chondrosia reniformis. The results show that PBM can accelerate the regeneration process, as evidenced by the upregulation of TGF3, TGF6, and TGF5 genes. The findings suggest that PBM's interaction with cell targets has been conserved throughout the evolution of life forms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Fiore, Michele Mosconi, Francesco Boni, Alice Parodi, Annalisa Salis, Bruno Tasso, Eloise Mastrangelo, Enrico Millo, Federica Cossu
Summary: Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) are important targets for cancer therapy, but their activity regulation within the NF-kappa B pathway can cause chemoresistance. The molecule FC2 was found to modulate the NF-kappa B pathway in MDA-MB-231 adenocarcinoma cancer cells. FC2 combined with Smac-mimetics or TNF showed improved cytotoxic effects. The study also proposed 22 derivatives of FC2 with modified structures and evaluated their efficacy/potency in cells and binding affinity to the target proteins.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Serena Mirata, Valentina Asnaghi, Mariachiara Chiantore, Annalisa Salis, Mirko Benvenuti, Gianluca Damonte, Sonia Scarfi
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-aging and photoprotective properties of extracts from different portions of the brown seaweed, Ericaria amentacea. The extracts from the apices of the seaweed showed the highest pharmacological potential and can be used in skincare products to counteract sunburn symptoms and wrinkles.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eleonora Tassara, Boaz Orel, Micha Ilan, Dario Cavallo, Andrea Dodero, Maila Castellano, Silvia Vicini, Marco Giovine, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: This study investigates the molecular and chemical-physical properties of collagen extracted from Chondrosia reniformis sponges collected in different seasons to evaluate the potential impact of sea temperature. The results show that collagen fibrils extracted from samples at 17 degrees C have lower lysyl-hydroxylation level, thermal stability, and protein glycosylation level compared to those extracted from samples at 27 degrees C. Membranes made from 17 degrees C fibrils exhibit higher stiffness than those made from 27 degrees C fibrils. The differences in collagen properties are important in guiding the use of the biomaterial.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eleonora Tassara, Caterina Oliveri, Luigi Vezzulli, Carlo Cerrano, Lian Xiao, Marco Giovine, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: This study evaluated the in vitro application of 2D collagen membranes derived from a marine sponge as a possible tool for wound healing. The results showed that the collagen membranes had good performance in terms of preventing liquid and protein loss, inhibiting bacterial infiltration, and promoting fibronectin production. Further studies and development of this marine-derived biomaterial are therefore important.
Article
Polymer Science
Maila Castellano, Andrea Dodero, Sonia Scarfi, Serena Mirata, Marina Pozzolini, Eleonora Tassara, Alina Sionkowska, Katarzyna Adamiak, Marina Alloisio, Silvia Vicini
Summary: Composite chitosan-collagen nanofibrous mats embedded with curcumin were prepared by electrospinning and showed superior biological activity as wound-healing patches. A mild crosslinking protocol was developed to ensure stability without affecting biocompatibility. The composite patches had a porous nanostructure, thermal stability, mechanical features, and water-related properties suitable for wound healing. Curcumin release was sustained for 72 hours, providing prolonged bioactivity and antioxidant properties. The combination of chitosan, collagen, and curcumin promoted cell adhesion, proliferation, and antibacterial capabilities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Mirata, Vanessa Almonti, Dario Di Giuseppe, Laura Fornasini, Simona Raneri, Stefania Vernazza, Danilo Bersani, Alessandro F. Gualtieri, Anna Maria Bassi, Sonia Scarfi
Summary: This study compares the inflammatory response induced by different carcinogenic mineral fibers in three main macrophage phenotypes. The results reveal that different fibers exert toxic effects through different mechanisms. Furthermore, similar behavior in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators was observed among the three macrophage phenotypes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)