Articles tagged with Microbial Enzymology
Nitrogenases containing molybdenum are more efficient due to their ability to help nearby iron atoms bind to nitrogen. This is a critical step in breaking the nitrogen-nitrogen triple bond and converting nitrogen gas to ammonia. The findings could guide the design of synthetic catalysts that convert nitrogen gas to ammonia.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a specific gut bacterium, Bacteroides uniformis, and its metabolites that can positively impact the body's immune response to cancer. The study found that these metabolites can suppress tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity in mice.
The ORIGIN project aims to reduce development timelines for sustainable, fermentation-based ingredients from 5-7 years to 2-3 years. By combining AI, biotechnology, and fermentation, the project will address scientific and technological challenges to produce high-value natural ingredients.
A study has developed an integrated process to produce dissolving pulp from sugarcane bagasse using a carbonate-based oxygen-alkali pulping combined with enzymatic totally chlorine-free bleaching. The process resulted in high-quality pulp with improved properties, meeting industrial requirements.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown enzyme system in anaerobic bacteria that converts toxic chloromethane into non-toxic substances. The system, found in species Acetobacterium dehalogenans, has implications for environmental remediation and climate research.
Researchers discovered that Akkermansia bacteria, which aid human digestion, also thrive in the ocean by breaking down seaweed sugar. This finding highlights the importance of these bacteria in both human health and marine ecosystems.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Stanford University develop a new artificial metabolism that converts waste carbon dioxide into acetyl-CoA, a universal metabolite used by all living cells. The system, called Reductive Formate Pathway (ReForm), uses engineered enzymes to perform metabolic reactions never seen in nature.
A team of researchers found that ants produce multiple classes of antimicrobials and compounds targeted to specific microbes, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Ant extracts were highly effective against emerging human superbugs like Candida auris.
Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have created a novel synthetic enzyme that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid, opening up new possibilities for biotechnological production of valuable chemicals and fuels. The enzyme, FAR, tolerates high concentrations of formate and is stable in both living cells and cell-free systems.
A literature review of cheese fermentation and ripening identified five underused, evidence-based measures to improve efficiency and sustainability in cheese production. By exploiting whey and encapsulating lactic acid bacteria, dairies can reduce waste and optimize production processes.
Scientists have discovered how a tungsten-containing enzyme in a microbe converts toxic waste gases into ethanol, offering a promising solution for sustainable fuel production. The breakthrough reveals the mechanism behind this process, enabling the production of valuable chemicals and fuels.
Ancient bacteria can respire carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid to produce ATP. A new mechanism involving sodium ions is activated when acetic acid is produced, driving a molecular turbine that generates energy.
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
A new enzyme discovered in a gut bacterium has the potential to synthesize unique glycans with prebiotic properties, supporting gut health. The novel β-galactosidase could drive innovation in prebiotic products and contribute to developing new treatments for diseases like Chagas disease.
Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a new approach to map and engineer enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling. They employ landscape profiling to identify efficient biocatalysts for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), producing high-purity monomers under mild conditions.
Researchers at Durham University have made a breakthrough in understanding DNA gyrase, a vital bacterial enzyme and key antibiotic target. The study reveals unprecedented detail of the enzyme's action on DNA, potentially opening doors for new antibiotic therapies against resistant bacteria.
Researchers discovered a beneficial gut bacterium that produces an enzyme capable of metabolizing key molecules involved in regulating appetite, immune responses, and neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of gut microbes in human physiology and may lead to new strategies for maintaining health and treating diseases.
Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.
Microorganisms in the intestinal flora utilize beta-elimination to break down glycosides, enabling humans to absorb healthy plant natural products. The 'enzyme scissors' mechanism is a universal catalytic principle allowing for efficient cleavage of various glycosides.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that high-fat diets change gut bacteria and bile acids, leading to inflammation and affecting intestinal stem cell replenishment. The altered bile acids cause inflammation and increase cancer risk in mice.
Researchers discovered a methanogen that converts sulfate into a cellular building block, reassembling a metabolic pathway piece by piece. The microbe assembled the first sulfate assimilation pathway from a methanogen, using genetic tricks to overcome energetic costs and toxic intermediates.
The study reveals unexpected mechanisms that enable Aromatoleum aromaticum EbN1 T to adapt to changing environments. By analyzing its metabolic network, researchers developed a model to predict growth under diverse conditions.
Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.
Researchers have developed an interactive metabolic map of bio-based chemicals, providing a versatile tool for easy assessment and optimization of synthetic pathways. The map enables exploration and analysis of complex networks of biological and/or chemical reactions, facilitating the design and production of desired chemicals.
Researchers have deciphered the activity of B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes, which regulate methane production by archaea. The study's findings have implications for biotechnologies that control key enzymatic events and could help reduce global warming.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a soil microorganism that initiates the breakdown of carminic acid, a natural red dye extracted from insects. The discovery provides insight into the chemical reaction and its occurrence in nature.
The study highlights the potential of microbial enzymes in addressing global challenges such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular therapy and biofilm-related infections. Bacillary proteases have been shown to exhibit fibrinolytic and thrombolytic properties, making them promising alternatives to existing drugs.