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Yue S, Wang NK, Chen JP, Su C, Li H, Gong JS, Xu ZH, Shi JS. Enhanced Biosynthesis of 6'-Sialyllactose in Escherichia coli via Systematic Metabolic Engineering. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2025; 73:12383-12391. [PMID: 40327450 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c02238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2025]
Abstract
6'-Sialyllactose (6'-SL), a sialylated oligosaccharide belonging to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), finds extensive applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and particularly in infant nutrition and dietary supplements. In this study, Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 was subjected to metabolic engineering to enhance 6'-SL biosynthesis. Initial pathway optimization involved the deletion of competing metabolic pathway genes (nanATEK, nagAB, and lacZ). Following overexpression of NmCSS and Pd2,6ST, an initial titer of 0.98 g/L was achieved. Subsequent combinatorial expression of heterologous enzymes from diverse microbial sources increased the yield to 1.26 g/L. Through systematic optimization of promoter strength and ribosome binding site (RBS) elements, the 6'-SL titer was further elevated to 2.41 g/L. Implementation of structure-guided mutagenesis on both key enzymes resulted in a significant yield improvement to 4.27 g/L. Final engineering strategies included overexpression of rate-limiting enzymes in the CTP biosynthesis pathway. The engineered strain demonstrated a production capacity of 4.92 g/L in shake-flask cultures. We transferred the strain to a 5-L fermenter and achieved a final 6'-SL production of 12.82 g/L after 76 h of cultivation, demonstrating a 13-fold enhancement compared to the initial shake-flask culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Yue
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
| | - Jin-Ping Chen
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Chang Su
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Jin-Song Gong
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Zheng-Hong Xu
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Jin-Song Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
- Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
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Yang J, Mund NK, Yang L, Fang H. Engineering glycolytic pathway for improved Lacto-N-neotetraose production in pichia pastoris. Enzyme Microb Technol 2025; 184:110576. [PMID: 39742835 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2024.110576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
Abstract
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) is a primary solid component of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) with various promising health effects for infants. LNnT production by GRAS (generally recognized as safe) microorganisms has attracted considerable attention. However, few studies have emphasized Pichia Pastoris as a cell factory for LNnT's production. Here, we have reported the first-ever synthesis of LNnT employing P. pastoris as the host. Initially, LNnT biosynthetic pathway genes β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (lgtA) and β-1,4-galactostltransferase (lgtB) along with lactose permease (lac12) and galactose epimerase (gal10) were integrated into the genome of P. pastoris, but only 0.139 g/L LNnT was obtained. Second, the titer of LNnT was improved to 0.162 g/L via up-regulating genes to strengthen the supply of precursors, UDP-GlcNAc (Uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine) and UDP-Gal (Uridine diphosphate galactose), for LNnT biosynthesis. Third, by knocking out critical mediator pfk (6-phosphofructokinase) genes in glycolysis, the major glucose metabolic flux was rewired to the LNnT biosynthesis pathway. As a result, the strain accumulated 0.867 g/L LNnT in YPG medium supplemented with glucose and lactose. Finally, LNnT production was increased to 1.24 g/L in a 3 L bioreactor. The work aimed to explore the potential of P. pastoris as a for LNnT production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Nitesh Kumar Mund
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Lirong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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Tao M, Yang L, Zhao C, Huang Z, Zhao M, Zhang W, Zhu Y, Mu W. Rational modification of Neisseria meningitidis β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase for lacto-N-neotetraose synthesis with reduced long-chain derivatives. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 345:122543. [PMID: 39227090 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), as a neutral core structure within human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), has garnered widespread attention due to its exceptional physiological functions. In the process of LNnT synthesis using cellular factory approaches, substrate promiscuity of glycosyltransferases leads to the production of longer oligosaccharide derivatives. Here, rational modification of β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase from Neisseria meningitidis (LgtA) effectively decreased the concentration of long-chain LNnT derivatives. Specifically, the optimal β1,4-galactosyltransferase (β1,4-GalT) was selected from seven known candidates, enabling the efficient synthesis of LNnT in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Furthermore, the influence of lactose concentration on the distribution patterns of LNnT and its longer derivatives was investigated. The modification of LgtA was conducted with computational assistance, involving alanine scanning based on molecular docking to identify the substrate binding pocket and implementing large steric hindrance on crucial amino acids to obstruct LNnT entry. The implementation of saturation mutagenesis at positions 223 and 228 of LgtA yielded advantageous mutant variants that did not affect LNnT synthesis while significantly reducing the production of longer oligosaccharide derivatives. The most effective mutant, N223I, reduced the molar ratio of long derivatives by nearly 70 %, showcasing promising prospects for LNnT production with diminished byproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Longhao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Bloomature Biotechnology Corporation, Limited, Beijing 102629, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaolin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China..
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People's Republic of China
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Guang C, Du Z, Meng J, Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Mu W. Recent Progress in Physiological Significance and Biosynthesis of Lacto- N-triose II: Insights into a Crucial Biomolecule. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:19539-19548. [PMID: 39188079 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-triose II (LNTri II), an important precursor for human milk oligosaccharide (HMOs) synthesis, has garnered significant attention due to its structural features and physiological properties. Composed of galactose (Gal), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), and glucose (Glc), with the chemical structure GlcNAcβ1,3Galβ1,4Glc, the distinctive structure of LNTri II confers various physiological functions such as promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, regulating the infant immune system, and preventing certain gastrointestinal diseases. Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to elucidating efficient enzymatic synthesis pathways for LNTri II production, with particular emphasis on the transglycosylation activity of β-N-acetylhexosaminidases and the action of β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases. Additionally, metabolic engineering and cell factory approaches have been explored, harnessing the potential of engineered microbial hosts for the large-scale biosynthesis of LNTri II. This review summarizes the structure, derivatives, physiological effects, and biosynthesis of LNTri II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuie Guang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Du
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
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Wang L, Zhu Y, Zhao C, Zhao M, Li Z, Xu W, Mu W. Engineering Escherichia coli for Highly Efficient Biosynthesis of Lacto- N-difucohexaose II through De Novo GDP-l-fucose Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10469-10476. [PMID: 38659344 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II) is a typical fucosylated human milk oligosaccharide and can be enzymatically produced from lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) by a specific α1,3/4-fucosyltransferase from Helicobacter pylori DMS 6709, referred to as FucT14. Previously, we constructed an engineered Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) with a single plasmid for highly efficient biosynthesis of LNT. In this study, two additional plasmids harboring the de novo GDP-L-fucose pathway module and FucT14, respectively, were further introduced to construct the strain for successful biosynthesis of LNDFH II. FucT14 was actively expressed, and the engineered strain produced LNDFH II as the major product, lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP) V as the minor product, and a trace amount of LNFP II and 3-fucosyllactose as very minor products. Additional expression of the α1,3-fucosyltransferase FutM1 from a Bacteroidaceae bacterium from the gut metagenome could obviously enhance the LNDFH II biosynthesis. After optimization of induction conditions, the maximum titer reached 3.011 g/L by shake-flask cultivation. During the fed-batch cultivation, LNDFH II was highly efficiently produced with the highest titer of 18.062 g/L and the productivity yield of 0.301 g/L·h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Bloomature Biotechnology Corporation, Limited, Beijing 102629, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
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Lin TH, Cheng SY, Lin YF, Chen PT. Development of the Low-Temperature Inducible System for Recombinant Protein Production in Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7318-7325. [PMID: 38506339 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The pET system is commonly used for producing foreign proteins in Escherichia coli, but its reliance on the costly and metabolically demanding inducer IPTG limits its industrial use. This study engineered a low-temperature inducible system (LTIS) in E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) by combining the T7 expression system with the thermal inducible mechanism CI857-λPRPL to generate the new LTIS strain, ENL7P. The strain ENL7P-sfGFP-Km underwent overnight culture at 37 °C for 14-16 h, followed by subculturing at 30 °C for 24 h. This resulted in a notable 5.53-fold increase in the sfGFP induction rate when the strain was cultivated under 37-30 °C conditions. Moreover, gene expression was induced using a two-stage strategy. Initially, the strain was cultured overnight at 39 °C for 14-16 h, followed by a subculture at 30 °C for 6 h, and finally, another subculture at 30 °C for 24 h. This cultivation strategy led to an impressive 158.37-fold induction rate for sfGFP. Similar effects could be achieved through utilization of the LTIS system for inducing the production of thermophilic trehalose synthase from Thermus antranikianii (TaTS). The results of this study proved that the LTIS system has the potential for industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Han Lin
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yun Cheng
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fen Lin
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ting Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan
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Tao M, Yang L, Zhao C, Zhao M, Zhang W, Zhu Y, Mu W. Implementation of a Quorum-Sensing System for Highly Efficient Biosynthesis of Lacto- N-neotetraose in Engineered Escherichia coli MG1655. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7179-7186. [PMID: 38520358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), a prominent neutral human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), serves as a pivotal structural element in complex HMO biosynthesis. Given its promising health effects for infants, the biosynthesis of LNnT is garnering greater interest. Using a previously engineered strain as a chassis, a highly effective LNnT producer was constructed. First, LNnT synthesis in Escherichia coli MG1655 was achieved by introducing β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase LgtA and β1,4-galactosyltransferase CpsIaJ, coupled with the optimization of enzyme expression levels using various promoters. Subsequently, ugd underwent disruption, and the galE gene was enhanced by replacing its promoter with PJ23119 or Ptac. Then, a lux-type quorum sensing (QS) system was applied to achieve varied metabolic regulation. Additionally, systematic optimization of the QS promoters was conducted to further improve the LNnT titer in the shake flask. Finally, the extracellular titer of LNnT was 20.33 g/L, accompanied by a productivity of 0.41 g/L/h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Longhao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Bloomature Biotechnology Corporation, Limited, Beijing 102629, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
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Liao Y, Lao C, Wu J, Yuan L, Xu Y, Jin W, Sun J, Zhang Q, Chen X, Yao J. High-Yield Synthesis of Lacto- N-Neotetraose from Glycerol and Glucose in Engineered Escherichia coli. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:5325-5338. [PMID: 38275134 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) is a neutral human milk oligosaccharide with important biological functions. However, the low LNnT productivity and the incomplete conversion of the intermediate lacto-N-tetraose II (LNT II) currently limited the sustainable biosynthesis of LNnT. First, the LNnT biosynthetic module was integrated in Escherichia coli. Next, the LNnT export system was optimized to alleviate the inhibition of intracellular LNnT synthesis. Furthermore, by utilizing rate-limiting enzyme diagnosis, the expressions of LNnT synthesis pathway genes were finely regulated to further enhance the production yield of LNnT. Subsequently, a strategy of cofermentation using a glucose/glycerol (4:6, g/g) mixed feed was employed to regulate carbon flux distribution. Finally, by overexpressing key transferases, LNnT and LNT II titers reached 112.47 and 7.42 g/L, respectively, in a 5 L fermenter, and 107.4 and 2.08 g/L, respectively, in a 1000 L fermenter. These are the highest reported titers of LNnT to date, indicating its significant potential for industrial production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Liao
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Caiwen Lao
- Hefei CAS Health Bio-Industrial Technology Institute Co., Ltd., Hefei 230031, China
| | - Jinyong Wu
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Lixia Yuan
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yanyi Xu
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Weijian Jin
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Hefei CAS Health Bio-Industrial Technology Institute Co., Ltd., Hefei 230031, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Hefei CAS Health Bio-Industrial Technology Institute Co., Ltd., Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xiangsong Chen
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Jianming Yao
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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