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Journal of Natural Products Apr 2024Penicilloneines A () and B () are the first reported quinolone-citrinin hybrids. They were isolated from the starfish-derived fungus sp. GGF16-1-2, and their structures...
Penicilloneines A () and B () are the first reported quinolone-citrinin hybrids. They were isolated from the starfish-derived fungus sp. GGF16-1-2, and their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic, chemical, computational, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Penicilloneines A () and B () share a common 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1)-quinolone unit; however, they differ in terms of citrinin moieties, and these two units are linked via a methylene bridge. Penicilloneines A () and B () exhibited antifungal activities against , with lethal concentration 50 values of 0.02 and 1.51 μg/mL, respectively. A mechanistic study revealed that could inhibit cell growth and promote cell vacuolization and consequent disruption of the fungal cell walls via upregulating nutrient-related hydrolase genes, including putative hydrolase, acetylcholinesterase, glycosyl hydrolase, leucine aminopeptidase, lipase, and beta-galactosidase, and downregulating their synthase genes 3-carboxymuconate cyclase, pyruvate decarboxylase, phosphoketolase, and oxalate decarboxylase.
Topics: Penicillium; Colletotrichum; Quinolones; Molecular Structure; Animals; Citrinin; Antifungal Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 38547118
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00765 -
Tree Physiology Apr 2024Although Taxodium hybrid 'Zhongshanshan' 406 (Taxodium mucronatum Tenore × Taxodium distichum; Taxodium 406) is an extremely flooding-tolerant woody plant, the...
Although Taxodium hybrid 'Zhongshanshan' 406 (Taxodium mucronatum Tenore × Taxodium distichum; Taxodium 406) is an extremely flooding-tolerant woody plant, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying acclimation of its roots to long-term flooding remain largely unknown. Thus, we exposed saplings of Taxodium 406 to either non-flooding (control) or flooding for 2 months. Flooding resulted in reduced root biomass, which is in line with lower concentrations of citrate, α-ketoglutaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in Taxodium 406 roots. Flooding led to elevated activities of pyruvate decarboxylase, alcohol dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, which is consistent with higher lactate concentration in the roots of Taxodium 406. Flooding brought about stimulated activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and elevated reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and GSH/oxidized glutathione, which is in agreement with reduced concentrations of O2- and H2O2 in Taxodium 406 roots. The levels of starch, soluble protein, indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellin A4 and jasmonate were decreased, whereas the concentrations of glucose, total non-structural carbohydrates, most amino acids and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) were improved in the roots of flooding-treated Taxodium 406. Underlying these changes in growth and physiological characteristics, 12,420 mRNAs and 42 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, and 886 miRNA-mRNA pairs were identified in the roots of flooding-exposed Taxodium 406. For instance, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 8 (ACS8) was a target of Th-miR162-3p and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase 4 (ACO4) was a target of Th-miR166i, and the downregulation of Th-miR162-3p and Th-miR166i results in the upregulation of ACS8 and ACO4, probably bringing about higher ACC content in flooding-treated roots. Overall, these results indicate that differentially expressed mRNA and miRNAs are involved in regulating tricarboxylic acid cycle, ATP production, fermentation, and metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and phytohormones, as well as reactive oxygen species detoxification of Taxodium 406 roots. These processes play pivotal roles in acclimation to flooding stress. These results will improve our understanding of the molecular and physiological bases underlying woody plant flooding acclimation and provide valuable insights into breeding-flooding tolerant trees.
Topics: Transcriptome; Taxodium; Hydrogen Peroxide; Acclimatization; MicroRNAs; RNA, Messenger; Carbohydrates; Adenosine Triphosphate; Amino Acids
PubMed: 38498333
DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpae031 -
Polish Journal of Microbiology Mar 2024Hydrocarbon constituents of petroleum are persistent, bioaccumulated, and bio-magnified in living tissues, transported to longer distances, and exert hazardous effects...
Hydrocarbon constituents of petroleum are persistent, bioaccumulated, and bio-magnified in living tissues, transported to longer distances, and exert hazardous effects on human health and the ecosystem. Bioaugmentation with microorganisms like bacteria is an emerging approach that can mitigate the toxins from environmental sources. The present study was initiated to target the petroleum-contaminated soil of gasoline stations situated in Lahore. Petroleum degrading bacteria were isolated by serial dilution method followed by growth analysis, biochemical and molecular characterization, removal efficiency estimation, metabolites extraction, and GC-MS of the metabolites. Molecular analysis identified the bacterium as Bacillus cereus, which exhibited maximum growth at 72 hours and removed 75% petroleum. Biochemical characterization via the Remel RapID ONE panel system showed positive results for arginine dehydrolase (ADH), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), lysine decarboxylase (LDC), -nitrophenyl-β-D-galactosidase (ONPG), -nitrophenyl-β-D-glucosidase (βGLU), -nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), malonate (MAL), adonitol fermentation (ADON), and tryptophane utilization (IND). GC-MS-based metabolic profiling identified alcohols (methyl alcohol, -, - and -cresols, catechol, and 3-methyl catechol), aldehydes (methanone, acetaldehyde, and -tolualdehyde), carboxylic acid (methanoic acid, -muconic acid, cyclohexane carboxylic acid and benzoic acid), conjugate bases of carboxylic acids (benzoate, -muconate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, and pyruvate) and cycloalkane (cyclohexene). It suggested the presence of methane, methylcyclohexane, toluene, xylene, and benzene degradation pathways in .
Topics: Humans; Bacillus cereus; Ecosystem; Hydrocarbons; Methane; Carboxylic Acids
PubMed: 38437466
DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2024-012 -
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB Mar 2024'Zaosu' pear fruit is prone to yellowing of the surface and softening of the flesh after harvest. This work was performed to assess the influences of L-glutamate...
'Zaosu' pear fruit is prone to yellowing of the surface and softening of the flesh after harvest. This work was performed to assess the influences of L-glutamate treatment on the quality of 'Zaosu' pears and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. Results demonstrated that L-glutamate immersion reduced ethylene release, respiratory intensity, weight loss, brightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and total coloration difference (ΔE); enhanced ascorbic acid, soluble solids, and soluble sugar contents; maintained chlorophyll content and flesh firmness of pears. L-glutamate also restrained the activities of neutral invertase and acid invertase, while enhancing sucrose phosphate synthetase and sucrose synthase activities to facilitate sucrose accumulation. The transcriptions of PbSGR1, PbSGR2, PbCHL, PbPPH, PbRCCR, and PbNYC were suppressed by L-glutamate, resulting in a deceleration of chlorophyll degradation. L-glutamate concurrently suppressed the transcription levels and enzymatic activities of polygalacturonases, pectin methylesterases, cellulase, and β-glucosidase. It restrained polygalacturonic acid trans-eliminase and pectin methyl-trans-eliminase activities as well as inhibited the transcription levels of PbPL and Pbβ-gal. Moreover, the gene transcriptions and enzymatic activities of arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosine methionine decarboxylase, glutamate decarboxylase, γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase, glutamine synthetase along with the PbSPDS transcription was promoted by L-glutamate. L-glutamate also resulted in the down-regulation of PbPAO, PbDAO, PbSSADH, PbGDH, and PbGOGAT transcription levels, while enhancing γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and pyruvate acid contents in pears. These findings suggest that L-glutamate immersion can effectively maintain the storage quality of 'Zaosu' pears via modulating key enzyme activities and gene transcriptions involved in sucrose, chlorophyll, cell wall, and polyamine metabolism.
Topics: Pyrus; Sucrose; Glutamic Acid; Fruit; Chlorophyll; Cell Wall; Pectins; Carboxy-Lyases; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Polyamines
PubMed: 38428157
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108455 -
Biology Feb 2024Ammonium (NH) toxicity is ubiquitous in plants. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of this toxicity and bicarbonate (HCO)-dependent alleviation, wheat plants were...
Ammonium (NH) toxicity is ubiquitous in plants. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of this toxicity and bicarbonate (HCO)-dependent alleviation, wheat plants were hydroponically cultivated in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution containing 7.5 mM NO (CK), 7.5 mM NH (SA), or 7.5 mM NH + 3 mM HCO (AC). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that compared to CK, SA treatment at 48 h significantly upregulated the expression of genes encoding fermentation enzymes (pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) and oxygen consumption enzymes (respiratory burst oxidase homologs, dioxygenases, and alternative oxidases), downregulated the expression of genes encoding oxygen transporters (PIP-type aquaporins, non-symbiotic hemoglobins), and those involved in energy metabolism, including tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes and ATP synthases, but upregulated the glycolytic enzymes in the roots and downregulated the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and elongation. The physiological assay showed that SA treatment significantly increased PDC, ADH, and LDH activity by 36.69%, 43.66%, and 61.60%, respectively; root ethanol concentration by 62.95%; and lactate efflux by 23.20%, and significantly decreased the concentrations of pyruvate and most TCA cycle intermediates, the complex V activity, ATP content, and ATP/ADP ratio. As a consequence, SA significantly inhibited root growth. AC treatment reversed the changes caused by SA and alleviated the inhibition of root growth. In conclusion, NH treatment alone may cause hypoxic stress in the roots, inhibit energy generation, suppress cell division and elongation, and ultimately inhibit root growth, and adding HCO remarkably alleviates the NH-induced inhibitory effects on root growth largely by attenuating the hypoxic stress.
PubMed: 38392319
DOI: 10.3390/biology13020101 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Mar 2024is a safe lactic acid bacterium widely used in dairy fermentations. Normally, its main fermentation product is lactic acid; however, can be persuaded into producing...
is a safe lactic acid bacterium widely used in dairy fermentations. Normally, its main fermentation product is lactic acid; however, can be persuaded into producing other compounds, e.g., through genetic engineering. Here, we have explored the possibility of rewiring the metabolism of into producing pyruvate without using genetic tools. Depriving the thiamine-auxotrophic and lactate dehydrogenase-deficient strain RD1M5 of thiamine efficiently shut down two enzymes at the pyruvate branch, the thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) dependent pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHc) and α-acetolactate synthase (ALS). After eliminating the remaining enzyme acting on pyruvate, the highly oxygen-sensitive pyruvate formate lyase (PFL), by simple aeration, the outcome was pyruvate production. Pyruvate could be generated by nongrowing cells and cells growing in a substrate low in thiamine, e.g., Florisil-treated milk. Pyruvate is a precursor for the butter aroma compound diacetyl. Using an α-acetolactate decarboxylase deficient strain, pyruvate could be converted to α-acetolactate and diacetyl. Summing up, by starving for thiamine, secretion of pyruvate could be attained. The food-grade pyruvate produced has many applications, e.g., as an antioxidant or be used to make butter aroma.
Topics: Pyruvic Acid; Lactococcus lactis; Thiamine; Diacetyl; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lactic Acid; Butter; Lactates
PubMed: 38377583
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09216 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Apr 2024Skatole of gut origin has garnered significant attention as a malodorous pollutant due to its escalating emissions, recalcitrance to biodegradation and harm to animal...
Skatole of gut origin has garnered significant attention as a malodorous pollutant due to its escalating emissions, recalcitrance to biodegradation and harm to animal and human health. Magnolol is a health-promoting polyphenol with potential to considerably mitigate the skatole production in the intestines. To investigate the impact of magnolol and its underlying mechanism on the skatole formation, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted in pigs. Our results revealed that skatole concentrations in the cecum, colon, and faeces decreased by 58.24% (P = 0.088), 44.98% (P < 0.05) and 43.52% (P < 0.05), respectively, following magnolol supplementation. Magnolol supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Lachnospira, Faecalibacterium, Paramuribaculum, Faecalimonas, Desulfovibrio, Bariatricus, and Mogibacterium within the colon (P < 0.05). Moreover, a strong positive correlation (P < 0.05) between skatole concentration and Desulfovibrio abundance was observed. Subsequent in silico studies showed that magnolol could dock well with indolepyruvate decarboxylase (IPDC) within Desulfovibrio. Further in vitro investigation unveiled that magnolol addition led to less indole-3-pyruvate diverted towards the oxidative skatole pathway by the potential docking of magnolol towards IPDC, thereby diminishing the conversion of substrate into skatole. Our findings offer novel targets and strategies for mitigating skatole emission from the source.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Humans; Skatole; Tryptophan; Biphenyl Compounds; Microbiota; Lignans
PubMed: 38359760
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133423 -
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB Feb 2024Strawberry is one of the most popular fruits in the world, because their high fruit quality, especially with respect to the combination of aroma, flavor, color, and...
Strawberry is one of the most popular fruits in the world, because their high fruit quality, especially with respect to the combination of aroma, flavor, color, and nutritional compounds. Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) is the first of two enzymes specifically required for ethanolic fermentation and catalyzes the decarboxylation of pyruvate to yield acetaldehyde and CO. The ethanol, an important alcohol which acts as a precursor for the ester and other alcohols formation in strawberry, is produced by the PDC. The objective was found all different PDCs genes present in the strawberry genome and investigate PDC gene expression and ligand-protein interactions in strawberry fruit. Volatile organic compounds were evaluated during the development of the fruit. After this, eight FaPDC were identified with four genes that increase the relative expression during fruit ripening process. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the behavior of Pyr and TPP ligands within the catalytic and regulatory sites of the PDC proteins. Results indicated that energy-restrained simulations exhibited minor fluctuations in ligand-protein interactions, while unrestrained simulations revealed crucial insights into ligand affinity. TPP consistently displayed strong interactions with the catalytic site, emphasizing its pivotal role in enzymatic activity. However, FaPDC6 and FaPDC9 exhibited decreased pyruvate affinity initially, suggesting unique binding characteristics requiring further investigation. Finally, the present study contributes significantly to understanding PDC gene expression and the intricate molecular dynamics underlying strawberry fruit ripening, shedding light on potential targets for further research in this critical biological pathway.
Topics: Pyruvate Decarboxylase; Fragaria; Fruit; Ligands; Plant Proteins; Ethanol; Pyruvates; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 38354527
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108417 -
Biotech (Basel (Switzerland)) Jan 2024Styrene is an important industrial chemical. Although several studies have reported microbial styrene production, the amount of styrene produced in batch cultures can be...
Styrene is an important industrial chemical. Although several studies have reported microbial styrene production, the amount of styrene produced in batch cultures can be increased. In this study, styrene was produced using genetically engineered . First, we evaluated five types of phenylalanine ammonia lyases (PALs) from (AtPAL) and (BdPAL) for their ability to produce -cinnamic acid (Cin), a styrene precursor. AtPAL2-expressing produced approximately 700 mg/L of Cin and we found that BdPALs could convert Cin into styrene. To assess styrene production, we constructed an strain that co-expressed AtPAL2 and ferulic acid decarboxylase from . After a biphasic culture with oleyl alcohol, styrene production and yield from glucose were 3.1 g/L and 26.7% (mol/mol), respectively, which, to the best of our knowledge, are the highest values obtained in batch cultivation. Thus, this strain can be applied to the large-scale industrial production of styrene.
PubMed: 38247732
DOI: 10.3390/biotech13010002 -
Environmental Research Apr 2024Improving anaerobic digestion of sugarcane vinasse - a high-strength wastewater from ethanol distillation - is a subject of great interest, in view of the reduction of...
Improving anaerobic digestion of sugarcane vinasse - a high-strength wastewater from ethanol distillation - is a subject of great interest, in view of the reduction of the pollutants and recovery of methane and valuable metabolites as byproducts. Through metatranscriptomic analysis, this study evaluated the active microbiome and metabolic pathways in a continuous acidogenic reactor: Stage 1S (control): 100% sucrose-based substrate (SBS); Stage 2SV (acclimation): 50% SBS and 50% vinasse; Stage 3V: 100% vinasse. Metatranscriptome obtained from each Stage was subjected to taxonomic and functional annotations. Under SBS feeding, pH dropped to pH 2.7 and biohydrogen production was observed. As vinasse was added, pH increased to 4.1-4.5, resulting in community structure and metabolite changes. In Stage 3V, biohydrogen production ceased, and propionate and acetate prevailed among the volatile fatty acids. Release of homoacetogenesis enzymes by Clostridium ljungdahlii and of uptake hydrogenase (EC 1.12.99.6) by Pectinatus frisingensis were linked to hydrogen consumption in Stages 2SV and 3V. Metabolic pathways of vinasse compounds, such as carbohydrates, malate, oxalate, glycerol, sulfate and phenol, were investigated in detail. In pyruvate metabolism, gene transcripts of oadA (oxaloacetate decarboxylase) and mdh (malate dehydrogenase), were upregulated in Stage 3V, being mostly attributed to P. frisingensis. Acetate formation from vinasse degradation was mainly attributed to Megasphaera and Clostridium, and propionate formation to P. frisingensis. Glycerol removal from vinasse exceeded 99%, and gene transcripts encoding for glpF (glycerol uptake facilitator protein), glpK (glycerol kinase) and glpABC (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) were expressed mostly by Pectinatus and Prevotella. mRNA profiling showed that active bacteria and gene expression greatly changed when vinasse replaced sucrose, and Pectinatus was the main active bacterium degrading the searched compounds from vinasse. The identification of the main metabolic routes and the associated microorganisms achieved in this work contributes with valuable information to support further optimization of fermentation towards the desired metabolites.
Topics: Fermentation; Saccharum; Propionates; Glycerol; Sucrose; Microbiota; Acetates; Bacteria; Bioreactors
PubMed: 38218518
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118150