-
Journal of Dairy Science Dec 2023β-galactosidase (enzymatic class 3.2.1.23) is one of the dairy industry's most important and widely used enzymes. The enzyme is part of a large family known to catalyze... (Review)
Review
β-galactosidase (enzymatic class 3.2.1.23) is one of the dairy industry's most important and widely used enzymes. The enzyme is part of a large family known to catalyze hydrolysis and transglycosylation reactions. Its hydrolytic activity is commonly used to decrease lactose content in dairy products, while its transglycosylase activity has recently been used to synthesize galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). During the past couple of years, researchers have focused on studying β-galactosidase isolated and purified from lactic acid bacteria. This review will focus on β-galactosidase purified and characterized from what used to be the Lactobacillus genera. Furthermore, particular emphasis is given to its kinetics, biochemical characteristics, GOS production, market, and utilization by Lactobacilllaceae species.
Topics: Animals; Lactobacillaceae; Oligosaccharides; Lactose; Catalysis; beta-Galactosidase; Galactose
PubMed: 37678769
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23392 -
Allergy Jun 2024The recent recognition of a syndrome of tick-acquired mammalian meat allergy has transformed the previously held view that mammalian meat is an uncommon allergen. The... (Review)
Review
The recent recognition of a syndrome of tick-acquired mammalian meat allergy has transformed the previously held view that mammalian meat is an uncommon allergen. The syndrome, mediated by IgE antibodies against the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), can also involve reactions to visceral organs, dairy, gelatin and other products, including medications sourced from non-primate mammals. Thus, fittingly, this allergic disorder is now called the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). The syndrome is strikingly regional, reflecting the important role of tick bites in sensitization, and is more common in demographic groups at risk of tick exposure. Reactions in AGS are delayed, often by 2-6 h after ingestion of mammalian meat. In addition to classic allergic symptomatology such as urticaria and anaphylaxis, AGS is increasingly recognized as a cause of isolated gastrointestinal morbidity and alpha-gal sensitization has also been linked with cardiovascular disease. The unusual link with tick bites may be explained by the fact that allergic cells and mediators are mobilized to the site of tick bites and play a role in resistance against ticks and tick-borne infections. IgE directed to alpha-gal is likely an incidental consequence of what is otherwise an adaptive immune strategy for host defense against endo- and ectoparasites, including ticks.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Allergens; Anaphylaxis; Disaccharides; Food Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Mammals; Meat; Syndrome; Tick Bites; Ticks; Urticaria; Tick-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 38193233
DOI: 10.1111/all.16003 -
Bioengineered Dec 2023The versatility of a well-known fibrous crop, (kenaf) is still relatively new to many. Kenaf's potential applications, which can be extended even into critical...
The versatility of a well-known fibrous crop, (kenaf) is still relatively new to many. Kenaf's potential applications, which can be extended even into critical industries such as pharmaceutical and food industries, have always been overshadowed by its traditionally grown fiber. Therefore, this study aimed to venture into the biotechnological approach in reaping the benefits of kenaf through plant cell suspension culture to maximize the production of kenaf callus biomass (KCB) and exopolysaccharide (EPS), which is deemed to be more sustainable. A growth curve was established which indicates that cultivating kenaf callus in suspension culture for 22 days gives the highest KCB (9.09 ± 1.2 g/L) and EPS (1.1 ± 0.02 g/L). Using response surface methodology (RSM), it was found that sucrose concentration, agitation speed, and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) concentration can affect the production of KCB and EPS significantly ( < 0.05) while 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) was deemed insignificant. To maximize the final yield of KCB and EPS, the final optimized variables are 50 g/L sucrose, 147.02 rpm, and 2 mg/L of NAA. To conclude, the optimized parameters for the cell suspension culture of kenaf callus serve as the blueprint for any sustainable large-scale production in the future and provide an alternative cultivating method to kenaf traditional farming.
Topics: Hibiscus; Biomass; Cell Culture Techniques; Sucrose; Acetates
PubMed: 37791464
DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2262203 -
ACS Applied Bio Materials Oct 2023A formate (HCOO) bioanode was developed by utilizing a phenothiazine-based electropolymerized layer deposited on sucrose-derived carbon. The electrode modified with...
A formate (HCOO) bioanode was developed by utilizing a phenothiazine-based electropolymerized layer deposited on sucrose-derived carbon. The electrode modified with NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase and the electropolymerized layer synergistically catalyzed the oxidation of the coenzyme (NADH) and fuel (HCOO) to achieve efficient electron transfer. Further, the replacement of carbon nanotubes with water-dispersible sucrose-derived carbon used as the electrode base allowed the fabrication of a surfactant-free bioanode delivering a maximum current density of 1.96 mA cm in the fuel solution. Finally, a separator- and surfactant-free HCOO/O biofuel cell featuring the above bioanode and a gas-diffusion biocathode modified with bilirubin oxidase and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) was fabricated, delivering a maximum power density of 70 μW cm (at 0.24 V) and an open-circuit voltage of 0.59 V. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of formic acid as a fuel and possibilities for the application of carbon materials in bioanodes.
Topics: Surface-Active Agents; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Nanotubes, Carbon; Formates; Phenothiazines; Sucrose
PubMed: 37750824
DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00502 -
ELife Aug 2023Head-fixed behavioral experiments in rodents permit unparalleled experimental control, precise measurement of behavior, and concurrent modulation and measurement of...
Head-fixed behavioral experiments in rodents permit unparalleled experimental control, precise measurement of behavior, and concurrent modulation and measurement of neural activity. Here, we present OHRBETS (Open-Source Head-fixed Rodent Behavioral Experimental Training System; pronounced 'Orbitz'), a low-cost, open-source platform of hardware and software to flexibly pursue the neural basis of a variety of motivated behaviors. Head-fixed mice tested with OHRBETS displayed operant conditioning for caloric reward that replicates core behavioral phenotypes observed during freely moving conditions. OHRBETS also permits optogenetic intracranial self-stimulation under positive or negative operant conditioning procedures and real-time place preference behavior, like that observed in freely moving assays. In a multi-spout brief-access consumption task, mice displayed licking as a function of concentration of sucrose, quinine, and sodium chloride, with licking modulated by homeostatic or circadian influences. Finally, to highlight the functionality of OHRBETS, we measured mesolimbic dopamine signals during the multi-spout brief-access task that display strong correlations with relative solution value and magnitude of consumption. All designs, programs, and instructions are provided freely online. This customizable platform enables replicable operant and consummatory behaviors and can be incorporated with methods to perturb and record neural dynamics in vivo.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Reward; Behavior, Animal; Sucrose; Consummatory Behavior
PubMed: 37555578
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.86183 -
Microbiological Research May 2024Bacterial control promoted by bacteriophages (phages) is an attractive tool in the face of the antibiotic crisis triggered by the exacerbated use of these drugs. Despite... (Review)
Review
Bacterial control promoted by bacteriophages (phages) is an attractive tool in the face of the antibiotic crisis triggered by the exacerbated use of these drugs. Despite the growing interest in using these viruses, some gaps still need answers, such as the protection and delivery of phages. Some limitation points involve the degradation of phage proteins by enzymes or inactivation in low-pH environments. In this review, a literature search using keywords related to the field of virus delivery formulations was done to understand the current scenario of using delivery techniques and phage formulations. A total of 2096 raw results were obtained, which resulted in 140 publications after refinement. These studies were analyzed for main application techniques and areas, keywords, and countries. Of the total, 57% of the publications occurred in the last five years, and the encapsulation technique was the most used among the articles analyzed. As excipient agents, lactose, trehalose, mannitol, PEG, and Leucine stand out. The development of phage formulations, protection approaches, their delivery routes, and the knowledge about the best application strategy enables the use of these organisms in several sectors. It can act as a powerful tool against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Topics: Bacteriophages; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Lactose
PubMed: 38447457
DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127662 -
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine Mar 2024Sepsis-associated destruction of the pulmonary microvascular endothelial glycocalyx (EGCX) creates a vulnerable endothelial surface, contributing to the development of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Sepsis-associated destruction of the pulmonary microvascular endothelial glycocalyx (EGCX) creates a vulnerable endothelial surface, contributing to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Constituents of the EGCX shed into circulation, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, may serve as biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. We sought to define the patterns of plasma EGCX degradation products in children with sepsis-associated pediatric ARDS (PARDS), and test their association with clinical outcomes.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort (2018-2020) of children (≥1 month to <18 years of age) receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure for ≥72 h. Children with and without sepsis-associated PARDS were selected from the parent cohort and compared. Blood was collected at time of enrollment. Plasma glycosaminoglycan disaccharide class (heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronan) and sulfation subtypes (heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate) were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma proteoglycans (syndecan-1) were measured through an immunoassay.
RESULTS
Among the 39 mechanically ventilated children (29 with and 10 without sepsis-associated PARDS), sepsis-associated PARDS patients demonstrated higher levels of heparan sulfate (median 639 ng/mL [interquartile range, IQR 421-902] vs 311 [IQR 228-461]) and syndecan-1 (median 146 ng/mL [IQR 32-315] vs 8 [IQR 8-50]), both = 0.01. Heparan sulfate subtype analysis demonstrated greater proportions of -sulfated disaccharide levels among children with sepsis-associated PARDS (0.01). Increasing sulfated disaccharide levels by quartile were associated with severe PARDS (n = 9/29) with the highest quartile including >60% of the severe PARDS patients (test for trend, = 0.04). Higher total heparan sulfate and sulfated disaccharide levels were independently associated with fewer 28-day ventilator-free days in children with sepsis-associated PARDS (all 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Children with sepsis-associated PARDS exhibited higher plasma levels of heparan sulfate disaccharides and syndecan-1, suggesting that EGCX degradation biomarkers may provide insights into endothelial dysfunction and PARDS pathobiology.
Topics: Humans; Child; Retrospective Studies; Syndecan-1; Chondroitin Sulfates; Prospective Studies; Glycocalyx; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Sepsis; Heparitin Sulfate; Biomarkers; Proteoglycans; Disaccharides
PubMed: 37670670
DOI: 10.1177/08850666231200162 -
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Aug 2023Determining carbohydrate structures, such as their compositions, linkage positions, and in particular the anomers and stereoisomers, is a great challenge. Isomers of...
Determining carbohydrate structures, such as their compositions, linkage positions, and in particular the anomers and stereoisomers, is a great challenge. Isomers of different anomers or stereoisomers have the same sequences of chemical bonds, but have different orientations of some chemical bonds which are difficult to be distinguished by mass spectrometry. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectroscopy (MS/MS) is a widely used technique for characterizing carbohydrate structures. Understanding the carbohydrate dissociation mechanism is important for obtaining the structural information from MS/MS. In this work, we studied the CID mechanism of galactose--acetylgalactosamine (Gal-GalNAc) and glucose--acetylglucosamine (Glc-GlcNAc) disaccharides with 1→3 and 1→4 linkages. For Gal-GalNAc disaccharides, the CID mass spectra of sodium ion adducts show significant difference between the α- and β-anomers of GalNAc at the reducing end, while no difference in the CID mass spectra between two anomers of Glc-GlcNAc disaccharides was found. Quantum chemistry calculations show that for Gal-GalNAc disaccharides, the difference of the dissociation barriers between dehydration and glycosidic bond cleavage is significantly small in the β-anomer compared to that in the α-anomer; while these differences are similar between the α- and β-anomers of Glc-GlcNAc disaccharides. These differences can be attributed to the different orientations of hydroxyl and -acetyl groups located at GalNAc and GlcNAc. The calculation results are consistent with the CID spectra of isotope labelled disaccharides. Our study provides an insight into the CID of 1→3 and 1→4 linked Gal-GalNAc and Glc-GlcNAc disaccharides. This information is useful for determining the anomeric configurations of GalNAc in oligosaccharides.
Topics: Disaccharides; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Oligosaccharides; Carbohydrates; Glucose
PubMed: 37565323
DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02530f -
Nature Communications Nov 2023Constructing a synthetic community system helps scientist understand the complex interactions among species in a community and its environment. Herein, a two-species...
Constructing a synthetic community system helps scientist understand the complex interactions among species in a community and its environment. Herein, a two-species community is constructed with species A (artificial cells encapsulating pH-responsive molecules and sucrose) and species B (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which causes the environment to exhibit pH oscillation behaviour due to the generation and dissipation of CO. In addition, a three-species community is constructed with species A' (artificial cells containing sucrose and G6P), species B, and species C (artificial cells containing NAD and G6PDH). The solution pH oscillation regulates the periodical release of G6P from species A'; G6P then enters species C to promote the metabolic reaction that converts NAD to NADH. The location of species A' and B determines the metabolism behaviour in species C in the spatially coded three-species communities with CA'B, CBA', and A'CB patterns. The proposed synthetic community system provides a foundation to construct a more complicated microecosystem.
Topics: NAD; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Sucrose
PubMed: 37980410
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43398-6 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Aug 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is now the third cause of death worldwide, and COVID-19 infection has been...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is now the third cause of death worldwide, and COVID-19 infection has been reported as an exacerbation factor of them. In this study, we report that the intratracheal administration of the keratan sulfate-based disaccharide L4 mitigates the symptoms of elastase-induced emphysema in a mouse model. To know the molecular mechanisms, we performed a functional analysis of a C-type lectin receptor, langerin, a molecule that binds L4. Using mouse BMDCs (bone marrow-derived dendritic cells) as langerin-expressing cells, we observed the downregulation of IL-6 and TNFa and the upregulation of IL-10 after incubation with L4. We also identified CapG (a macrophage-capping protein) as a possible molecule that binds langerin by immunoprecipitation combined with a mass spectrometry analysis. We identified a portion of the CapG that was localized in the nucleus and binds to the promoter region of IL-6 and the TNFa gene in BMDCs, suggesting that CapG suppresses the gene expression of IL-6 and TNFa as an inhibitory transcriptional factor. To examine the effects of L4 in vivo, we also generated langerin-knockout mice by means of genome editing technology. In an emphysema mouse model, the administration of L4 did not mitigate the symptoms of emphysema as well as the inflammatory state of the lung in the langerin-knockout mice. These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of L4 through the langerin-CapG axis represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of emphysema and COPD.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Disaccharides; Disease Models, Animal; Interleukin-6; Keratan Sulfate; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Emphysema; Lectins, C-Type
PubMed: 37454739
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105052