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Plant Biotechnology Journal Nov 2019
Highly efficient transgene-free targeted mutagenesis and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide-mediated precise knock-in in the industrial microalga Euglena gracilis using Cas9 ribonucleoproteins.
Topics: CRISPR-Cas Systems; Euglena gracilis; Gene Editing; Gene Knock-In Techniques; Microalgae; Mutagenesis; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Ribonucleoproteins
PubMed: 31131534
DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13174 -
RNA Biology Oct 2021The ribonucleoprotein RNase MRP is responsible for the processing of ribosomal RNA precursors. It is found in virtually all eukaryotes that have been examined. In the...
The ribonucleoprotein RNase MRP is responsible for the processing of ribosomal RNA precursors. It is found in virtually all eukaryotes that have been examined. In the Euglenozoa, including the genera Euglena, Diplonema and kinetoplastids, MRP RNA and protein subunits have so far escaped detection using bioinformatic methods. However, we now demonstrate that the RNA component is widespread among the Euglenozoa and that these RNAs have secondary structures that conform to the structure of all other phylogenetic groups. In Euglena, we identified the same set of P/MRP protein subunits as in many other protists. However, we failed to identify any of these proteins in the kinetoplastids. This finding poses interesting questions regarding the structure and function of RNase MRP in these species.
Topics: Base Pairing; Base Sequence; DNA, Kinetoplast; Endoribonucleases; Euglena; Kinetoplastida; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Phylogeny; Protozoan Proteins; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; RNA, Protozoan
PubMed: 34308760
DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1952758 -
Microbiology (Reading, England) Sep 2022is a unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotic flagellate of the Discoba supergroup, which also encompasses Kinetoplastida and Diplonema. Plastids have green algal origin...
is a unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotic flagellate of the Discoba supergroup, which also encompasses Kinetoplastida and Diplonema. Plastids have green algal origin and are secondarily acquired. The nuclear genome is extremely large and many genes suggest multiple endosymbiotic/gene transfer events, i.e. derivation from prokaryotes of various lineages. is remarkably robust and can proliferate in environments contaminated with heavy metals and acids. Extraordinary metabolic plasticity and a mixotrophic lifestyle confers an ability to thrive in a broad range of environments, as well as facilitating production of many novel metabolites, making of considerable biotechnological importance.
Topics: Chlorophyta; Euglena gracilis; Photosynthesis; Plastids; Symbiosis
PubMed: 36178464
DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001241 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2023Algae (macro- and micro-algae) can be defined as light-driven cell factories that synthesize bioactive compounds consisting of primary metabolites (i [...].
Algae (macro- and micro-algae) can be defined as light-driven cell factories that synthesize bioactive compounds consisting of primary metabolites (i [...].
Topics: Euglena gracilis; Glucans
PubMed: 36982916
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065844 -
The New Phytologist Feb 2020Euglena spp. are phototrophic flagellates with considerable ecological presence and impact. Euglena gracilis harbours secondary green plastids, but an incompletely...
Euglena spp. are phototrophic flagellates with considerable ecological presence and impact. Euglena gracilis harbours secondary green plastids, but an incompletely characterised proteome precludes accurate understanding of both plastid function and evolutionary history. Using subcellular fractionation, an improved sequence database and MS we determined the composition, evolutionary relationships and hence predicted functions of the E. gracilis plastid proteome. We confidently identified 1345 distinct plastid protein groups and found that at least 100 proteins represent horizontal acquisitions from organisms other than green algae or prokaryotes. Metabolic reconstruction confirmed previously studied/predicted enzymes/pathways and provided evidence for multiple unusual features, including uncoupling of carotenoid and phytol metabolism, a limited role in amino acid metabolism, and dual sets of the SUF pathway for FeS cluster assembly, one of which was acquired by lateral gene transfer from Chlamydiae. Plastid paralogues of trafficking-associated proteins potentially mediating fusion of transport vesicles with the outermost plastid membrane were identified, together with derlin-related proteins, potential translocases across the middle membrane, and an extremely simplified TIC complex. The Euglena plastid, as the product of many genomes, combines novel and conserved features of metabolism and transport.
Topics: Biological Evolution; Euglena gracilis; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Plastids; Proteins; Proteome
PubMed: 31580486
DOI: 10.1111/nph.16237 -
Acta Biochimica Et Biophysica Sinica Nov 2023Diverse splicing types in nuclear and chloroplast genes of protist have been recognized for decades. However, the splicing machinery responsible for processing nuclear...
Diverse splicing types in nuclear and chloroplast genes of protist have been recognized for decades. However, the splicing machinery responsible for processing nuclear precursor messenger RNA introns, including -splicing of the 5' terminal outron and spliced leader (SL) RNA, remains elusive. Here, we identify 166 spliceosomal protein genes and two snRNA genes from . by performing bioinformatics analysis from a combination of next-generation and full-length transcriptomic RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data as well as draft genomic data. With the spliceosomal proteins we identified in hand, the insensitivity of . to some splicing modulators is revealed at the sequence level. The prevalence of SL RNA-mediated -splicing is estimated to be more than 70% from our full-length RNAseq data. Finally, the splicing proteomes between . and its three evolutionary cousins within the same Excavata group are compared. In conclusion, our study characterizes the spliceosomal components in . and provides the molecular basis for further exploration of underlying splicing mechanisms.
Topics: Euglena gracilis; Transcriptome; Base Sequence; Spliceosomes; Genomics
PubMed: 37705346
DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023143 -
Nutrients Oct 2020While the human body maintains homeostasis by altering the balance in the autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, a prolonged imbalance in these systems can... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
While the human body maintains homeostasis by altering the balance in the autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, a prolonged imbalance in these systems can result in physical and mental symptoms, including a decline in sleep quality and work efficiency. () is a single-celled microalga with the properties of both plants and animals and contains abundant nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, which have various beneficial health effects. This study evaluated the effects of intake on the mood states and stress coping under mental workload tasks, and subjective sleep quality. We assigned men and women aged 20 to 64 years to and placebo intake groups, and measured indices related to the autonomic nervous system, psychological states, and sleep quality together with the application of workload stress before food intake, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after commencing intake. intake regulated the autonomic nervous system under a workload and improved psychological parameters and sleep conditions. These results indicate that the consumption of may regulate the balance of the autonomic nervous system during stress and may have a favorable effect on psychological status and sleep quality.
Topics: Adult; Affect; Autonomic Nervous System; Double-Blind Method; Euglena gracilis; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Powders; Sleep; Stress, Psychological; Young Adult
PubMed: 33113956
DOI: 10.3390/nu12113243 -
Nutrients Oct 2021It is difficult to match annual vaccines against the exact influenza strain that is spreading in any given flu season. Owing to the emergence of drug-resistant viral...
It is difficult to match annual vaccines against the exact influenza strain that is spreading in any given flu season. Owing to the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, new approaches for treating influenza are needed. (hereinafter Euglena), microalga, used as functional foods and supplements, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of influenza virus infection in mice. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of microalgae against the influenza virus is unknown. Here, we aimed to study the antiviral activity of Euglena extract against the influenza virus and the underlying action mechanism using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Euglena extract strongly inhibited infection by all influenza virus strains examined, including those resistant to the anti-influenza drugs oseltamivir and amantadine. A time-of-addition assay revealed that Euglena extract did not affect the cycle of virus replication, and cell pretreatment or prolonged treatment of infected cells reduced the virus titer. Thus, Euglena extract may activate the host cell defense mechanisms, rather than directly acting on the influenza virus. Moreover, various minerals, mainly zinc, in Euglena extract were found to be involved in the antiviral activity of the extract. In conclusion, Euglena extract could be a potent agent for preventing and treating influenza.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Complex Mixtures; Dogs; Euglena; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A virus; Influenza B virus; Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells; Virus Replication; Zinc; Zinc Acetate
PubMed: 34836165
DOI: 10.3390/nu13113911 -
Marine Drugs Aug 2022, a flagellated unicellular protist, has recently received widespread attention for various high-value metabolites, especially paramylon, which was only found in...
, a flagellated unicellular protist, has recently received widespread attention for various high-value metabolites, especially paramylon, which was only found in Euglenophyta. The limited species and low biomass of has impeded paramylon exploitation and utilization. This study established an optimal cultivation method of AEW501 for paramylon production under mixotrophic cultivation. The results showed that the optimum mixotrophic conditions were 20 °C, pH 7.0, and 63 μmol photons m∙s, and the concentrations of sodium acetate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate were 0.98 g L and 0.79 g L, respectively. The maximal biomass and paramylon content were 0.72 g L and 71.39% of dry weight. The algal powder contained more than 16 amino acids, 6 vitamins, and 10 unsaturated fatty acids under the optimal cultivation. paramylon was pure β-1,3-glucan-type polysaccharide (the purity was up to 99.13 ± 0.61%) composed of linear glucose chains linked together by β-1,3-glycosidic bonds. These findings present a valuable basis for the industrial exploitation of paramylon with AEW501.
Topics: Euglena; Euglena gracilis; Glucans; Microalgae
PubMed: 36005522
DOI: 10.3390/md20080518 -
STAR Protocols Mar 2022is a source of high-value natural products. A major factor affecting consistent production of biomass is strain stability. Cryopreservation is a leading strategy for...
is a source of high-value natural products. A major factor affecting consistent production of biomass is strain stability. Cryopreservation is a leading strategy for cell-line storage that helps ensure process reproducibility. We developed a simple cryopreservation protocol for heterotrophically cultured that enables the recovery of cells after 1 year with a cell viability of ≅80%. This protocol is suitable for labs interested in the long-term preservation of heterotrophic cultures of and related species.
Topics: Biomass; Cryopreservation; Euglena; Euglena gracilis; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34977684
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.101043