Articles tagged with Biosynthesis
Scientists have devised a method to pinpoint active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine formulations, revealing 4 analytes with significant anti-inflammatory activity. This breakthrough could improve quality control standards and lead to better herbal remedies.
Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a method to boost KODA production in plants, utilizing biotechnology. This technique involves introducing key genes into two plant species and optimizing their localization to improve yield. The findings may lead to mass-producing diverse oxylipins for fertilizers and pesticides.
The study found that all 86 tridomain homologues of NDP-heptose synthetases are conserved in Actinobacteria, with three types of gene clusters encoding different natural products. The kinase domains of four selected proteins were found to be dysfunctional.
Researchers developed a combined approach to amplify the large-scale biosynthetic gene cluster, resulting in a 9.59-fold increase in bleomycin production. The method uses a ZouA-dependent DNA amplification system and double-reporters-guided recombinant selection.
Researchers at UC Berkeley engineered bacteria to produce an unnatural molecule through a combination of synthetic chemistry and biology. This breakthrough enables the creation of previously impossible chemicals, paving the way for sustainable materials and innovative products.
Scientists have developed a method to produce strigolactones, a group of plant hormones that prevent excessive budding and branching. By combining yeast and bacteria, researchers can synthesize these hormones from microbes, providing a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers from Institut Pasteur and CNRS discover the biosynthesis pathway of 2-aminoadenine, a new base in DNA, using crystallography platform. The discovery increases coding bases in DNA, enabling synthetic genetic biopolymers.
Cholestenone inhibits H. pylori cell wall biosynthesis by suppressing CGL production, effective against clarithromycin-resistant strains and eradicating bacteria in mice fed with cholestenone-containing diets.
By identifying key residues that affect extender unit selection, scientists can create molecules with improved efficacy against antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough enables precise reprogramming of the biosynthetic assembly line, paving the way for the design and testing of new drug compounds.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals how plants produce defensive toxins, such as diterpene glycosides, without harming themselves. These plant chemicals attack specific parts of the cell membrane, and plants store them in a non-toxic form to prevent self-harm.
Researchers have identified biosynthetic genes involved in producing usnic acid in lichens, a compound showing antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The study reveals why some lichens lack this compound and identifies new biosynthetic genes with unknown functions.
A comprehensive review of biosynthesis methods for diverse inorganic nanomaterials produced under mild conditions by microorganisms and bacteriophages, highlights strategies for improving producibility and crystallinity.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers discovered a new biosynthetic pathway for allicin, the compound responsible for garlic's unique flavor and aroma. This finding enables farmers to predict and control the strength of their crops, leading to more consistent production and greater flavor profiles.
Researchers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in the development of new glycopeptide antibiotics, which could provide a vital advantage in the fight against resistant bacteria. By combining natural enzymes with synthetic chemistry, scientists can now explore new antibiotics that have never been made before.
A new enzyme, HypX, has been discovered to produce carbon monoxide essential for the maturation of NiFe-hydrogenase. The enzyme's unique reaction process involves coenzyme A, revealing a novel physiological function of CoA.
An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has unraveled the mechanism for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid in plants. The study reveals that isochorismate-derived compounds accumulate when a specific gene is removed, leading to the formation of salicylic acid.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Oxford reveal the mechanism behind activating hydrogenases, complex enzymes that produce hydrogen efficiently. The discovery sheds light on the process of introducing a chemical cofactor into the enzyme's active center.
Researchers have discovered a novel biosynthesis pathway for aryl polyene pigments in bacteria, produced via a unique complex of proteins. These pigments exhibit anti-oxidative properties similar to carotenoids but are formed differently.
Synthetic fibers from polyester and nylon release microplastics into the environment, contaminating plants and animals in oceans. Biosynthetic fibers, derived from natural proteins, can replace synthetic fibers and provide recyclable and biodegradable alternatives.
Magnetic nanoparticles break down within stem cells, releasing iron that's stored in non-magnetic form or used to create new magnetic particles. This phenomenon may help explain the presence of natural magnetism in human cells.
Researchers create scalable method to grow cellulose nanofibrils and co-deposit nanoscale building blocks, resulting in bulk nanocomposites with high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. This breakthrough enables potential industrial applications for functional bulk nanocomposites.
Researchers have solved a 20-year riddle of how crucial step in antibiotic biosynthesis occurs, opening way to potentially redesigning antibiotics. The team structurally characterised the peptide bond forming domain in Ebony enzyme, revealing its novel types of condensation domain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters.
Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.
Kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites are targeted by inhibiting thymidylate biosynthesis, leading to decreased dTTP levels and cell death. Novel inhibitors with anti-parasitic activity have been identified in the review.
Researchers have discovered a new central enzyme in the steroid biosynthesis pathway, challenging long-held evolutionary views. The finding has potential applications for controlling toxic algae and parasitic infections in aquaculture.
KAIST chemists have synthesized seven different iboga and post-iboga natural products from catharanthine, mirroring nature's biosynthetic post-modification of the iboga skeleton. The novel strategy involves selective oxidation and rearrangement reactions, offering a stepping stone for developing therapeutic medications against cancer a...
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis engineer bacteria to produce biosynthetic spider silk with improved tensile strength and toughness, exceeding previous records. The new silk's molecular weight positively correlates with its strength, suggesting potential for further increases.
Scientists have identified a promising plant compound, montbretin A, that inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase activity and reduces blood glucose levels. The discovery of the biosynthetic pathway for this compound lays the groundwork for its potential use as an anti-diabetes drug.
A recombinant E. coli strain has been developed to biosynthesize 60 different nanomaterials covering 35 elements on the periodic table. The team successfully synthesized 33 novel nanomaterials for the first time, advancing the design of nanomaterials through biosynthesis.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding how Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is produced and functioned within cells. Research published in Cell Systems, Molecular Cell, and Cell Chemical Biology reveals new clues to CoQ biosynthesis and function.
Researchers sequenced the genome of wild olive trees, uncovering insights into oil biosynthesis and the evolution of olive oil production. The study found that ancient gene duplication events led to increased expression of genes involved in oleic acid production.
Researchers found that testosterone reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs in men, increasing prostaglandins and promoting inflammatory reactions. This discovery supports the need for gender-specific medicine, suggesting that treatment may require separate 'his' and 'hers' medicine cabinets.
The KAIST team discovered a new molecular signal triggered by IPMK enzyme in mediating innate immune response to sepsis. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic target for treating serious medical conditions like neuroinflammation and polymicrobial sepsis.
Melanin, a natural compound found in mammals, has been successfully synthesized using a novel route that enables its use in sensors and other applications. This breakthrough material is promising for developing miniaturized implantable devices capable of altering and controlling electrical signals in the human body.
Researchers used a new approach to measure metabolic diversity in various plant tissues, revealing distinct profiles for each tissue. The study identified specific genes regulating the biosynthesis of ecologically-important secondary metabolites, shedding light on how plants modulate their metabolite accumulation at the organ level.
A new 'Ouija Board' protein in Drosophila melanogaster flies plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of a single gene required for biosynthesis of insect steroid hormones. This study provides new insights into animal steroid hormone biosynthesis and its evolution.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a novel pre-purification system to enhance the production of yersiniabactin, a metal-binding compound with potential applications in wastewater treatment and physiological metal imbalance. The new method improves the recovered levels of the final compound, paving the way for its use i...
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München develop efficient synthesis of epicolactone, a complex natural product produced by the endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum. The 8-step pathway reveals how the molecule is assembled and provides insight into its biochemical significance.
Guillardia theta's unique phycobiliproteins have distinct biosynthesis and assembly processes compared to cyanobacteria and red algae. Researchers gained insight into the complex transport mechanism of these pigments using docking enzyme GtCPES.
The field trial with genetically modified poplar trees demonstrates that lignin modification can improve sugar conversion and increase ethanol production. The results also show mixed suppression of the lignin biosynthesis in the trees, leading to variable coloration and growth rates.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's journal refutes the long-held belief that a protein is necessary for producing steroid hormones like testosterone. Researchers found that male mice with a specific protein deficiency produced normal levels of testosterone, challenging the existing scientific understanding.
Scientists at NC State University have discovered the first example of a micro-RNA controlling lignin biosynthesis, which gives wood its strength. The research found that reducing lignin content by over 20% can increase the efficiency of paper and biofuels production.
Researchers at TUM discovered a new compound responsible for strawberry aroma, involving a previously unknown biocatalytic process. The study reveals the biochemical pathways that produce this flavor compound, which could lead to new applications in industrial biotechnology.
Biologists at UC San Diego have unraveled the complete chain of biochemical reactions that controls auxin synthesis, a hormone regulating plant growth. The discovery enables agricultural scientists to develop new ways to enhance or manipulate auxin production for improved crop yields.
Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.
Researchers have developed biosynthetic corneas that can regenerate and repair damaged eye tissue, improving vision in humans. The results of an early-phase clinical trial show promising outcomes, including improved vision and reduced rejection reactions.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a new mechanism for DNA biosynthesis in certain organisms, which may be targeted by new antibiotics. The discovery has the potential to combat multiple drug-resistant diseases such as tuberculosis.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung used computer models to identify genetic changes that increase biosynthetics production in Pseudomonas putida bacteria. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, aims to develop targeted methods for producing natural materials efficiently.
Researchers found a new pathway for building neurotransmitter lipids using enzyme Abh4, which could lead to more selective treatment options for metabolic and central nervous system disorders.
A team of researchers at the University of Georgia has discovered a gene that encodes one of the proteins responsible for pectin synthesis, a major component in plant cell walls. This breakthrough discovery could lead to advances in plant disease resistance and potentially manipulate pectins to fight cancer.
Scientists have discovered a way to bio-synthesize an anti-cancer compound using a microbe found in sea squirts. The study, published in PNAS, reveals that the Prochloron microbe produces two patellamide compounds, which can be produced through biosynthesis without destroying large numbers of sea squirts.
Researchers have discovered that statins can help alleviate symptoms of cardiac hypertrophy without affecting cholesterol levels. The findings suggest that statins may modulate signaling pathways involved in hypertrophic growth, leading to improved cardiovascular outcomes.