Article
Chemistry, Organic
Bao Chen, Wang-Sheng Li, Yu-Cheng Gu, Hai-Yan Zhang, Hui Luo, Chang-Yun Wang, Yue-Wei Guo, Xu-Wen Li
Summary: Chemical study of a Hainan sponge Halichondria sp. led to the isolation of eight new formamidobisabolene-based sesquiterpenes, with compounds 3 and 7 demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tsuyoshi Wauke, Novriyandi Hanif, Sean Ohlinger, Nicole Joy de Voogd, Viqqi Kurnianda, Takahiro Jomori, Junichi Tanaka
Summary: A new diterpenoid endoperoxide named amitorin showing cytotoxicity was isolated from a sponge Halichondria sp. Its structure and stereochemistry were elucidated through spectral analysis and calculation studies. The molecule exhibited strong cytotoxicity against NBT-II cells (IC50 of 2.3 μM).
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Phan Van Kiem, Do Thi Trang, Bui Huu Tai, Nguyen Xuan Nhiem, Dan Thi Thuy Hang, Do Cong Thung, Do Thi Thao, Pham Hai Yen, Phan Thi Thanh Huong
Summary: A new sterol and 8 known compounds were isolated from the Vietnamese marine sponge Halichondria panicea. These compounds exhibited cytotoxic effects on several cancer cell lines.
NATURAL PRODUCT COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jikun Du, Yuanhua Li, Yali Huang, Dawei Zhang, Li Li
Summary: A novel oxygenase, named MoxA, was identified from a deep-sea sediment metagenomic library. The purified MoxA showed alkaline characteristics with maximal activity at pH 8.0 and good thermostability. It exhibited enhanced activity in the presence of certain metal ions and organic solvents. Moreover, MoxA was successfully used as a biocatalyst for the efficient biosynthesis of indigo.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Brian W. Strehlow, Astrid Schuster, Warren R. Francis, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This article presents the raw data of metagenome sequencing for the sponge Halichondria panicea and its microbiome, and compares the assembly results of different sequencing methods. Although the assembly results are incomplete, these data can provide reference for future studies and suggest possibilities for improving assembly methods and limitations of the applied methods.
BMC RESEARCH NOTES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yoshiko Okamura, Hirokazu Takahashi, Atsuyuki Shiida, Yuto Hirata, Haruko Takeyama, Katsuhiko Suzuki
Summary: Marine sponge-associated bacteria are known for producing bio-active compounds, and a metagenomic screening approach has been developed to identify novel genes and enzymes. Neutrophils play a crucial role in recognizing bacterial by-products which trigger the immune system response. The study focused on genes encoding amino acid ligase and peptide synthetase, with promising results in identifying molecules that engage the immune system against infection.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Carlos Ricardo Soccol, Brigitte Sthepani Orozco Colonia, Gilberto Vinicius de Melo Pereira, Luis Daniel Goyzueta Mamani, Susan Grace Karp, Vanete Thomaz Soccol, Rafaela de Oliveira Penha, Carlos Jose Dalmas Neto, Julio Cesar de Carvalho
Summary: This review discusses recent advancements in lipid producing microorganism bioprospecting, highlighting the transition from traditional cultivation techniques to state-of-the-art metagenomics approaches. The review also focuses on the biotechnological potential of three promising microorganisms for the production of important compounds. These microbial lipids offer alternative solutions for the development of food, feed, and biofuels.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jong-Eun Park, Geum-Seok Jeong, Hyun-Woo Lee, Hoon Kim
Summary: Two novel esterase genes, est8L and est13L, were identified from a compost metagenomic library. The encoded Est8L and Est13L showed different enzyme activities and substrate specificities, demonstrating distinct characteristics under varying conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhimao Mai, Lin Wang, Qi Zeng
Summary: A novel beta-glucosidase gene with high catalytic activity for soy isoflavone glycosides was cloned and overexpressed, showing glucose-tolerance characteristics. The enzyme has potential application in the enzymatic hydrolysis of soy isoflavone glycosides, highlighting the utility of metagenomic approach in discovering novel beta-glucosidase for this purpose.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Senhua Chen, Heng Guo, Zhenger Wu, Qilin Wu, Minghua Jiang, Hanxiang Li, Lan Liu
Summary: The effective identification and discovery of fungal pigments is crucial for understanding their role in life processes and for finding new bioactive and edible pigments. This study used a phenotype combined with metabolomic and genomic strategy to discover and characterize new sorbicillinoid pigments from a sponge-derived fungus. These compounds exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity and have potential applications in various fields such as medicine and food industries.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jian Yao, Lun Gui, Shaocheng Yin
Summary: A novel esterase gene was isolated from a soil metagenomic library, which exhibited high activity towards p-nitrophenyl esters with short acyl chains and p-nitrophenyl acetate. The enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 7.0 and 30 degrees C, and was stable in a broad pH range from 4.5 to 10.0 and temperature not exceeding 50 degrees C. The enzyme also demonstrated different substrate specificity from known esterases, showing activities towards a broad range of phenolic esters.
Article
Virology
Xiang Lu, Rong Zhu, Ziyuan Dai
Summary: A novel whale papillomavirus (wPV) was discovered in a whale pharyngeal metagenomic library. The complete genome of wPV has a typical papillomavirus organization pattern and shows similarities to Dyodeltapapillomavirus genus. This discovery contributes to our knowledge of viral ecology in marine mammals and offers insights into potential future infectious diseases.
Article
Plant Sciences
Bhuwan Khatri Chhetri, Riya Bhanushali, Yifan Liang, Marisa R. . Cepeda, Adi Kula Niradininoco, Katy Soapi, Baojie Wan, Mallique Qader, Scot t G. Franzblau, Julia Kubanek
Summary: Tuberculosis is a global health threat, and the development of novel antibiotics with unique mechanisms of action is crucial due to the limited treatment options and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. In this study, a compound called duryne was isolated from a marine sponge and showed potential antitubercular activity. Additionally, several new and known compounds were also characterized, providing insights into potential drug candidates for the treatment of tuberculosis.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Chun Wang, Li Zhang, Xuan Jiang, Wentai Ma, Hui Geng, Xue Wang, Mingkun Li
Summary: The study evaluates the performance of different library preparation methods for sub-nanogram microbial DNA and identifies suitable methods for different template amounts. It also highlights the impact of contamination introduced during library preparation on the quality of metagenomic data, particularly in human microbiome studies. Additionally, the study assesses various in silico decontamination methods and identifies the best approach for different levels of contamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhenzhen Yan, Liping Ding, Dandan Zou, Jiarong Qiu, Yuting Shao, Shengwei Sun, Longxiang Li, Zhihong Xin
Summary: A novel carboxylesterase gene egyz5 was identified from a soil metagenomic library, and the recombinant enzyme EstYZ5 showed activity towards di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which is rare for enzymes in the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) family. The high esterolytic activity and phthalate-degrading ability of EstYZ5 make it a promising candidate for biotechnological applications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)