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Abrahms ZN, Sen AK, Jones JA. Pathway engineering for the biosynthesis of psychedelics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2025; 94:103314. [PMID: 40381450 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2025.103314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2025] [Accepted: 04/26/2025] [Indexed: 05/20/2025]
Abstract
Naturally occurring psychoactive compounds have been used for cultural and ethnomedical purposes for centuries. Several more such molecules continue to be chemically synthesized, exhibiting a wide range of potency, therapeutic, and hallucinogenic effects. Promising clinical data and a renewed interest in understanding the cellular mechanisms of action have inspired synthetic biology efforts to develop alternative production routes for psychedelic compounds. Here, we highlight the latest biosynthetic accomplishments for indolamines (psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and bufotenine), ergolines (lysergic acid), and phenethylamines (mescaline) in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic production hosts. We further curate a list of relevant biosynthetic enzymes that have reports of successful in vivo heterologous activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary N Abrahms
- Miami University, Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Abhishek K Sen
- Miami University, Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - J Andrew Jones
- Miami University, Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Oxford, OH, USA.
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2
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Hirasawa T, Satoh Y, Koma D. Production of aromatic amino acids and their derivatives by Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2025; 41:65. [PMID: 39915353 PMCID: PMC11802643 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-025-04264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/09/2025]
Abstract
Demand for aromatic amino acids (AAAs), such as L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan, has been increasing as they are used in animal feed and as precursors in the synthesis of industrial and pharmaceutical compounds. These AAAs are biosynthesized through the shikimate pathway in microorganisms and plants, and the reactions in the AAA biosynthesis pathways are strictly regulated at the levels of both gene expression and enzyme activity. Various attempts have been made to produce AAAs and their derivatives using microbial cells and to optimize production. In this review, we summarize the metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of AAAs and their regulation and review recent research on AAA production using industrial bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum. Studies on fermentative production of AAA derivatives, including L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, tyrosol, and 3-hydroxytyrosol, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hirasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8501, Japan.
| | - Yasuharu Satoh
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13 & W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koma
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 1-6-50 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka, 536-8553, Japan
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3
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Zimmermann P, Kurth S, Pugin B, Bokulich NA. Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:139. [PMID: 39604427 PMCID: PMC11603051 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00605-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/10/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine recognized primarily for its crucial role in regulating sleep through circadian rhythm modulation in humans and animals. Beyond its association with the pineal gland, it is synthesized in various tissues, functioning as a hormone, tissue factor, autocoid, paracoid, and antioxidant, impacting multiple organ systems, including the gut-brain axis. However, the mechanisms of extra-pineal MT production and its role in microbiota-host interactions remain less understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MT, including its production, actions sites, metabolic pathways, and implications for human health. The gastrointestinal tract is highlighted as an additional source of MT, with an examination of its effects on the intestinal microbiota. This review explores whether the microbiota contributes to MT in the intestine, its relationship to food intake, and the implications for human health. Due to its impacts on the intestinal microbiota, MT may be a valuable therapeutic agent for various dysbiosis-associated conditions. Moreover, due to its influence on intestinal MT levels, the microbiota may be a possible therapeutic target for treating health disorders related to circadian rhythm dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Zimmermann
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Department of Paediatrics, Fribourg Hospital, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Infectious Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Salome Kurth
- Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Pugin
- Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas A Bokulich
- Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Chen X, Zhang Z, Huang H, Deng Y, Xu Z, Chen S, Zhou R, Song J. The involvement of endogenous melatonin in LPS-induced M1-like macrophages and its underlying synthesis mechanism regulated by IRF3. Exp Cell Res 2024; 443:114314. [PMID: 39481795 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114314] [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: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 10/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) has been shown to induce polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibit polarization of macrophages towards M1-like phenotype through exogenous administration, which affects the development of many macrophage polarization-related diseases, such as infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases, and tumors. However, whether endogenous melatonin has similar influences on macrophage polarization as exogenous melatonin is still under investigation. This study revealed that the process of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inducing macrophages to polarize towards M1-like phenotype was accompanied by an increase in endogenous MLT secretion. To explore the role of increased endogenous MLT in the polarization process of macrophages, whether similar to the function of exogenous MLT in inhibiting polarization of macrophages towards M1-like phenotype, we established LPS-induced MLT deficiency models in vitro to investigate the effects of endogenous MLT on the secretion of cytokines, co-stimulatory molecules, ROS, and phagocytic function in LPS-induced M1-like macrophages. Additionally, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which LPS affects the secretion of endogenous MLT by macrophages. Our results confirm that LPS induces transcription of Aanat through the TLR4/TRIF pathway, consequently facilitating the secretion of MLT by macrophages. In this way, IRF3 is the main transcription factor that regulates Aanat transcription. Endogenous MLT plays a role in inhibiting the polarization of macrophages towards M1 phenotype and delaying cell apoptosis during LPS-induced polarization towards M1 phenotype. This phenomenon may be a form of self-protection that occurs when macrophages engulf pathogens while avoiding oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by LPS. This conclusion clarifies the role of endogenous MLT in the clearance of pathogens by macrophages, providing a theoretical basis for understanding its role in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzheng Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haobo Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yujie Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Siyan Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruixiang Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Jun Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.
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5
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Tang M, You J, Yang T, Sun Q, Jiang S, Xu M, Pan X, Rao Z. Application of modern synthetic biology technology in aromatic amino acids and derived compounds biosynthesis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 406:131050. [PMID: 38942210 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Aromatic amino acids (AAA) and derived compounds have enormous commercial value with extensive applications in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical fields. Microbial production of AAA and derived compounds is a promising prospect for its environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, low yield and production efficiency remain major challenges for realizing industrial production. With the advancement of synthetic biology, microbial production of AAA and derived compounds has been significantly facilitated. In this review, a comprehensive overview on the current progresses, challenges and corresponding solutions for AAA and derived compounds biosynthesis is provided. The most cutting-edge developments of synthetic biology technology in AAA and derived compounds biosynthesis, including CRISPR-based system, genetically encoded biosensors and synthetic genetic circuits, were highlighted. Finally, future prospects of modern strategies conducive to the biosynthesis of AAA and derived compounds are discussed. This review offers guidance on constructing microbial cell factory for aromatic compound using synthetic biology technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Jiajia You
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Tianjin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Qisheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Shuran Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Meijuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Xuewei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China.
| | - Zhiming Rao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Institute of Future Food Technology, JITRI, Yixing 214200, China.
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6
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Phaneuf PV, Kim SH, Rychel K, Rode C, Beulig F, Palsson BO, Yang L. Meta-analysis Driven Strain Design for Mitigating Oxidative Stresses Important in Biomanufacturing. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2045-2059. [PMID: 38934464 PMCID: PMC11264330 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
As the availability of data sets increases, meta-analysis leveraging aggregated and interoperable data types is proving valuable. This study leveraged a meta-analysis workflow to identify mutations that could improve robustness to reactive oxygen species (ROS) stresses using an industrially important melatonin production strain as an example. ROS stresses often occur during cultivation and negatively affect strain performance. Cellular response to ROS is also linked to the SOS response and resistance to pH fluctuations, which is important to strain robustness in large-scale biomanufacturing. This work integrated more than 7000 E. coli adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) mutations across 59 experiments to statistically associate mutated genes to 2 ROS tolerance ALE conditions from 72 unique conditions. Mutant oxyR, fur, iscR, and ygfZ were significantly associated and hypothesized to contribute fitness in ROS stress. Across these genes, 259 total mutations were inspected in conjunction with transcriptomics from 46 iModulon experiments. Ten mutations were chosen for reintroduction based on mutation clustering and coinciding transcriptional changes as evidence of fitness impact. Strains with mutations reintroduced into oxyR, fur, iscR, and ygfZ exhibited increased tolerance to H2O2 and acid stress and reduced SOS response, all of which are related to ROS. Additionally, new evidence was generated toward understanding the function of ygfZ, an uncharacterized gene. This meta-analysis approach utilized aggregated and interoperable multiomics data sets to identify mutations conferring industrially relevant phenotypes with the least drawbacks, describing an approach for data-driven strain engineering to optimize microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- PV Phaneuf
- Novo
Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220. Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - SH Kim
- Novo
Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220. Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - K Rychel
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California,
San Diego, La Jolla ,California92093-0412 ,United States
| | - C Rode
- Novo
Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220. Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - F Beulig
- Novo
Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220. Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - BO Palsson
- Novo
Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220. Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California,
San Diego, La Jolla ,California92093-0412 ,United States
- Bioinformatics
and Systems Biology Program, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla ,California92093-0021, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California,
San Diego, La Jolla ,California 92093-0412, United States
| | - L Yang
- Novo
Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220. Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
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7
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Wang Q, Li C, Yuan B, Yu A, Qu G, Sun Z. Engineering the Activity of a Newly Identified Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase in the Acetylation of 5-Hydroxytryptamine. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400069. [PMID: 38504591 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) serves as a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of melatonin by transforming 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (NAS), while its low activity may hinder melatonin yield. In this study, a novel AANAT derived from Sus scrofa (SsAANAT) was identified through data mining using 5-HT as a model substrate, and a rational design of SsAANAT was conducted in the quest to improving its activity. After four rounds of mutagenesis procedures, a triple combinatorial dominant mutant M3 was successfully obtained. Compared to the parent enzyme, the conversion of the whole-cell reaction bearing the best variant M3 exhibted an increase from 50 % to 99 % in the transformation of 5-HT into NAS. Additionally, its catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) was enhanced by 2-fold while retaining the thermostability (Tm>45 °C). In the up-scaled reaction with a substrate loading of 50 mM, the whole-cell system incorporating variant M3 achieved a 99 % conversion of 5-HT in 30 h with an 80 % yield. Molecular dynamics simulations were ultilized to shed light on the origin of improved activity. This study broadens the repertoire of AANAT for the efficient biosynthesis of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Congcong Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Aiqun Yu
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Ge Qu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhoutong Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
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Tan DX, Reiter RJ, Zimmerman S, Hardeland R. Melatonin: Both a Messenger of Darkness and a Participant in the Cellular Actions of Non-Visible Solar Radiation of Near Infrared Light. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:89. [PMID: 36671781 PMCID: PMC9855654 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the history of melatonin research, almost exclusive focus has been on nocturnally-generated pineal melatonin production, which accounts for its circadian rhythm in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid; these light/dark melatonin cycles drive the daily and seasonal photoperiodic alterations in organismal physiology. Because pineal melatonin is produced and secreted primarily at night, it is referred to as the chemical expression of darkness. The importance of the other sources of melatonin has almost been ignored. Based on current evidence, there are at least four sources of melatonin in vertebrates that contribute to the whole-body melatonin pool. These include melatonin produced by (1) the pineal gland; (2) extrapineal cells, tissues, and organs; (3) the microbiota of the skin, mouth, nose, digestive tract, and vagina as well as (4) melatonin present in the diet. These multiple sources of melatonin exhibit differentially regulated mechanisms for its synthesis. Visible light striking the retina or an intense physical stimulus can suppress nocturnal pineal melatonin levels; in contrast, there are examples where extrapineal melatonin levels are increased during heavy exercise in daylight, which contains the whole range of NIR radiation. The cumulative impact of all cells producing augmented extrapineal melatonin is sufficient to elevate sweat concentrations, and potentially, if the exposure is sustained, to also increasing the circulating values. The transient increases in sweat and plasma melatonin support the premise that extrapineal melatonin has a production capacity that exceeds by far what can be produced by the pineal gland, and is used to maintain intercellular homeostasis and responds to rapid changes in ROS density. The potential regulatory mechanisms of near infrared light (NIR) on melatonin synthesis are discussed in detail herein. Combined with the discovery of high levels of melanopsin in most fat cells and their response to light further calls into question pineal centric theories. While the regulatory processes related to microbiota-derived melatonin are currently unknown, there does seem to be crosstalk between melatonin derived from the host and that originating from microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | | | - Ruediger Hardeland
- Johann Friedric Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
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Arnao MB, Giraldo-Acosta M, Castejón-Castillejo A, Losada-Lorán M, Sánchez-Herrerías P, El Mihyaoui A, Cano A, Hernández-Ruiz J. Melatonin from Microorganisms, Algae, and Plants as Possible Alternatives to Synthetic Melatonin. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13010072. [PMID: 36676997 PMCID: PMC9862825 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin dietary supplements are widely consumed worldwide, with developed countries as the largest consumers, with an estimated annual growth rate of approximately 10% until 2027, mainly in developing countries. The wide use of melatonin against sleep disorders and particular problems, such as jet lag, has been added to other applications, such as anti-aging, anti-stress, immune system activation, anticancer, and others, which have triggered its use, normally without a prescription. The chemical industry currently covers 100% of the needs of the melatonin market. Motivated by sectors with more natural consumption habits, a few years ago, the possibility of obtaining melatonin from plants, called phytomelatonin, arose. More recently, the pharmaceutical industry has developed genetically modified microorganisms whose ability to produce biological melatonin in bioreactors has been enhanced. This paper reviews the aspects of the chemical and biological synthesis of melatonin for human consumption, mainly as dietary supplements. The pros and cons of obtaining melatonin from microorganisms and phytomelatonin from plants and algae are analyzed, as well as the advantages of natural melatonin, avoiding unwanted chemical by-products from the chemical synthesis of melatonin. Finally, the economic and quality aspects of these new products, some of which are already marketed, are analyzed.
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Xiao S, Wang Z, Wang B, Hou B, Cheng J, Bai T, Zhang Y, Wang W, Yan L, Zhang J. Expanding the application of tryptophan: Industrial biomanufacturing of tryptophan derivatives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1099098. [PMID: 37032885 PMCID: PMC10076799 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1099098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan derivatives are various aromatic compounds produced in the tryptophan metabolic pathway, such as 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine, melatonin, 7-chloro-tryptophan, 7-bromo-tryptophan, indigo, indirubin, indole-3-acetic acid, violamycin, and dexoyviolacein. They have high added value, widely used in chemical, food, polymer and pharmaceutical industry and play an important role in treating diseases and improving life. At present, most tryptophan derivatives are synthesized by biosynthesis. The biosynthesis method is to combine metabolic engineering with synthetic biology and system biology, and use the tryptophan biosynthesis pathway of Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum and other related microorganisms to reconstruct the artificial biosynthesis pathway, and then produce various tryptophan derivatives. In this paper, the characteristics, applications and specific biosynthetic pathways and methods of these derivatives were reviewed, and some strategies to increase the yield of derivatives and reduce the production cost on the basis of biosynthesis were introduced in order to make some contributions to the development of tryptophan derivatives biosynthesis industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujian Xiao
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, China
| | - Bangxu Wang
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Hou
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Cheng, ; Lixiu Yan, ; Jiamin Zhang,
| | - Ting Bai
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixiu Yan
- Chongqing Academy of Metrology and Quality Inspection, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Cheng, ; Lixiu Yan, ; Jiamin Zhang,
| | - Jiamin Zhang
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Cheng, ; Lixiu Yan, ; Jiamin Zhang,
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11
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Practical povidone iodine catalyzed transamidation from primary amides and amines. Tetrahedron Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2022.154312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Zhang Z, Yu Z, Wang J, Yu Y, Li L, Sun P, Fan X, Xu Q. Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for efficient production of L-5-hydroxytryptophan from glucose. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:198. [PMID: 36153615 PMCID: PMC9509612 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the direct biosynthetic precursor of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine, has been shown to have unique efficacy in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including depression, insomnia, and chronic headaches, and is one of the most commercially valuable amino acid derivatives. However, microbial fermentation for 5-HTP production continues to face many challenges, including low titer/yield and the presence of the intermediate L-tryptophan (L-Trp), owing to the complexity and low activity of heterologous expression in prokaryotes. Therefore, there is a need to construct an efficient microbial cell factory for 5-HTP production. Results We describe the systematic modular engineering of wild-type Escherichia coli for the efficient fermentation of 5-HTP from glucose. First, a xylose-induced T7 RNA polymerase-PT7 promoter system was constructed to ensure the efficient expression of each key heterologous pathway in E. coli. Next, a new tryptophan hydroxylase mutant was used to construct an efficient tryptophan hydroxylation module, and the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis and regeneration pathway was expressed in combination. The L-Trp synthesis module was constructed by modifying the key metabolic nodes of tryptophan biosynthesis, and the heterologous synthesis of 5-HTP was achieved. Finally, the NAD(P)H regeneration module was constructed by the moderate expression of the heterologous GDHesi pathway, which successfully reduced the surplus of the intermediate L-Trp. The final engineered strain HTP11 was able to produce 8.58 g/L 5-HTP in a 5-L bioreactor with a yield of 0.095 g/g glucose and a maximum real-time productivity of 0.48 g/L/h, the highest values reported by microbial fermentation. Conclusion In this study, we demonstrate the successful design of a cell factory for high-level 5-HTP production, combined with simple processes that have potential for use in industrial applications in the future. Thus, this study provides a reference for the production of high-value amino acid derivatives using a systematic modular engineering strategy and a basis for an efficient engineered strain development of 5-HTP high-value derivatives. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01920-3.
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13
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Yang D, Eun H, Prabowo CPS, Cho S, Lee SY. Metabolic and cellular engineering for the production of natural products. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 77:102760. [PMID: 35908315 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Increased awareness of the environmental and health concerns of consuming chemically synthesized products has led to a rising demand for natural products that are greener and more sustainable. Despite their importance, however, industrial-scale production of natural products has been challenging due to the low yield and high cost of the bioprocesses. To cope with this problem, systems metabolic engineering has been employed to efficiently produce natural products from renewable biomass. Here, we review the recent systems metabolic engineering strategies employed for enhanced production of value-added natural products, together with accompanying examples. Particular focus is set on systems-level engineering and cell physiology engineering strategies. Future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsoo Yang
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory and Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury and KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunmin Eun
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory and Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury and KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Cindy Pricilia Surya Prabowo
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory and Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury and KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Cho
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory and Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury and KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yup Lee
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory and Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury and KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Han SW, Shin JS. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylases: mechanistic features and microbial applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4445-4458. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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15
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Yang L, Malla S, Özdemir E, Kim SH, Lennen R, Christensen HB, Christensen U, Munro LJ, Herrgård MJ, Kell DB, Palsson BØ. Identification and Engineering of Transporters for Efficient Melatonin Production in Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:880847. [PMID: 35794920 PMCID: PMC9251470 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.880847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transporter discovery and engineering play an important role in cell factory development. Decreasing the intracellular concentration of the product reduces product inhibition and/or toxicity. Lowering intracellular concentrations is especially beneficial for achieving a robust strain at high titers. However, the identification of transporters for xenobiotic chemicals in the host strain is challenging. Here we present a high-throughput workflow to discover Escherichia coli transporters responsible for the efflux of the inhibitory xenobiotic compound melatonin. We took advantage of the Keio collection and screened about 400 transporter knockouts in the presence of a high concentration of melatonin. We found five transporters that when knocked out showed decreased tolerance to melatonin, indicating they are exporters of melatonin. We overexpressed these five genes individually in the production strain and found that one of them, yhjV, encoding a transporter with unknown substrates, resulted in a 27% titer increase in cultivation mimicking fed-batch fermentation. This study demonstrates how microbial cell factories can be improved through transporter identification and engineering. Further, these results lay the foundation for the scale-up of melatonin production in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang,
| | - Sailesh Malla
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Emre Özdemir
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Se Hyeuk Kim
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Lennen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanne B. Christensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulla Christensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lachlan J. Munro
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Markus J. Herrgård
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Douglas B. Kell,
| | - Bernhard Ø. Palsson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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16
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Gao T, Liu X, Tan K, Zhang D, Zhu B, Ma F, Li C. Introducing melatonin to the horticultural industry: physiological roles, potential applications, and challenges. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac094. [PMID: 35873728 PMCID: PMC9297156 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an emerging biomolecule that influences horticultural crop growth, flowering, fruit ripening, postharvest preservation, and stress protection. It functions as a plant growth regulator, preservative and antimicrobial agent to promote seed germination, regulate root system architecture, influence flowering and pollen germination, promote fruit production, ensure postharvest preservation, and increase resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we highlight the potential applications of melatonin in multiple aspects of horticulture, including molecular breeding, vegetative reproduction, production of virus-free plants, food safety, and horticultural crop processing. We also discuss its effects on parthenocarpy, autophagy, and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Together, these many features contribute to the promise of melatonin for improving horticultural crop production and food safety. Effective translation of melatonin to the horticultural industry requires an understanding of the challenges associated with its uses, including the development of economically viable sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengteng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kexin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danni Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bolin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Chao Li
- Corresponding authors. E-mail: ,
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17
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Wang Y, Chen X, Chen Q, Zhou N, Wang X, Zhang A, Chen K, Ouyang P. Construction of cell factory capable of efficiently converting L-tryptophan into 5-hydroxytryptamine. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:47. [PMID: 35331215 PMCID: PMC8944007 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-Tryptophan (L-Trp) derivatives such as 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), N-Acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine and melatonin are important molecules with pharmaceutical interest. Among, 5-HT is an inhibitory neurotransmitter with proven benefits for treating the symptoms of depression. At present, 5-HT depends on plant extraction and chemical synthesis, which limits its mass production and causes environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an efficient, green and sustainable biosynthesis method to produce 5-HT. RESULTS Here we propose a one-pot production of 5-HT from L-Trp via two enzyme cascades for the first time. First, a chassis cell that can convert L-Trp into 5-HTP was constructed by heterologous expression of tryptophan hydroxylase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmTPH) and an artificial endogenous tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) module. Then, dopa decarboxylase from Harminia axyridis (HaDDC), which can specifically catalyse 5-HTP to 5-HT, was used for 5-HT production. The cell factory, E. coli BL21(DE3)△tnaA/BH4/HaDDC-SmTPH, which contains SmTPH and HaDDC, was constructed for 5-HT synthesis. The highest concentration of 5-HT reached 414.5 ± 1.6 mg/L (with conversion rate of 25.9 mol%) at the optimal conditions (substrate concentration,2 g/L; induced temperature, 25℃; IPTG concentration, 0.5 mM; catalysis temperature, 30℃; catalysis time, 72 h). CONCLUSIONS This protocol provided an efficient one-pot method for converting. L-Trp into 5-HT production, which opens up possibilities for the practical biosynthesis of natural 5-HT at an industrial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xueman Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Qiaoyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Alei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Kequan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China. .,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Pingkai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.,College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
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18
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Xie X, Ding D, Bai D, Zhu Y, Sun W, Sun Y, Zhang D. Melatonin biosynthesis pathways in nature and its production in engineered microorganisms. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 7:544-553. [PMID: 35087957 PMCID: PMC8761603 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a biogenic amine that can be found in plants, animals and microorganism. The metabolic pathway of melatonin is different in various organisms, and biosynthetic endogenous melatonin acts as a molecular signal and antioxidant protection against external stress. Microbial synthesis pathways of melatonin are similar to those of animals but different from those of plants. At present, the method of using microorganism fermentation to produce melatonin is gradually prevailing, and exploring the biosynthetic pathway of melatonin to modify microorganism is becoming the mainstream, which has more advantages than traditional chemical synthesis. Here, we review recent advances in the synthesis, optimization of melatonin pathway. l-tryptophan is one of the two crucial precursors for the synthesis of melatonin, which can be produced through a four-step reaction. Enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis have low specificity and catalytic efficiency. Site-directed mutation, directed evolution or promotion of cofactor synthesis can enhance enzyme activity and increase the metabolic flow to promote microbial melatonin production. On the whole, the status and bottleneck of melatonin biosynthesis can be improved to a higher level, providing an effective reference for future microbial modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Xie
- Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116000, PR China
| | - Dongqin Ding
- Tianjin Institutes of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
- Biodesign Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
| | - Danyang Bai
- Tianjin Institutes of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
- Biodesign Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
| | - Yaru Zhu
- Tianjin Institutes of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
- Biodesign Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Tianjin University of science and technology, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
| | - Yumei Sun
- Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116000, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Tianjin Institutes of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
- Biodesign Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China
- Corresponding author. Tianjin Institutes of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, PR China.
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19
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Zhang Y, He Y, Zhang N, Gan J, Zhang S, Dong Z. Combining protein and metabolic engineering strategies for biosynthesis of melatonin in Escherichia coli. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:170. [PMID: 34454478 PMCID: PMC8403405 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin has attracted substantial attention because of its excellent prospects for both medical applications and crop improvement. The microbial production of melatonin is a safer and more promising alternative to chemical synthesis approaches. Researchers have failed to produce high yields of melatonin in common heterologous hosts due to either the insolubility or low enzyme activity of proteins encoded by gene clusters related to melatonin biosynthesis. RESULTS Here, a combinatorial gene pathway for melatonin production was successfully established in Escherichia coli by combining the physostigmine biosynthetic genes from Streptomyces albulus and gene encoding phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase (P4H) from Xanthomonas campestris and caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) from Oryza sativa. A threefold improvement of melatonin production was achieved by balancing the expression of heterologous proteins and adding 3% glycerol. Further protein engineering and metabolic engineering were conducted to improve the conversion of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) to melatonin. Construction of COMT variant containing C303F and V321T mutations increased the production of melatonin by fivefold. Moreover, the deletion of speD gene increased the supply of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), an indispensable cofactor of COMT, which doubled the yield of melatonin. In the final engineered strain EcMEL8, the production of NAS and melatonin reached 879.38 ± 71.42 mg/L and 136.17 ± 1.33 mg/L in a shake flask. Finally, in a 2-L bioreactor, EcMEL8 produced 1.06 ± 0.07 g/L NAS and 0.65 ± 0.11 g/L melatonin with tryptophan supplementation. CONCLUSIONS This study established a novel combinatorial pathway for melatonin biosynthesis in E. coli and provided alternative strategies for improvement of melatonin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhi He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - JiaJia Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Shenzhen Siyomicro Bio-Tech C., LTD, No. 39 Qingfeng Avenue, Baolong Community, Longgang District, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
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20
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He F, Wu X, Zhang Q, Li Y, Ye Y, Li P, Chen S, Peng Y, Hardeland R, Xia Y. Bacteriostatic Potential of Melatonin: Therapeutic Standing and Mechanistic Insights. Front Immunol 2021; 12:683879. [PMID: 34135911 PMCID: PMC8201398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.683879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria in animals (e.g., bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis) and plants (e.g., bacterial wilt, angular spot and canker) lead to high prevalence and mortality, and decomposition of plant leaves, respectively. Melatonin, an endogenous molecule, is highly pleiotropic, and accumulating evidence supports the notion that melatonin's actions in bacterial infection deserve particular attention. Here, we summarize the antibacterial effects of melatonin in vitro, in animals as well as plants, and discuss the potential mechanisms. Melatonin exerts antibacterial activities not only on classic gram-negative and -positive bacteria, but also on members of other bacterial groups, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Protective actions against bacterial infections can occur at different levels. Direct actions of melatonin may occur only at very high concentrations, which is at the borderline of practical applicability. However, various indirect functions comprise activation of hosts' defense mechanisms or, in sepsis, attenuation of bacterially induced inflammation. In plants, its antibacterial functions involve the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; in animals, protection by melatonin against bacterially induced damage is associated with inhibition or activation of various signaling pathways, including key regulators such as NF-κB, STAT-1, Nrf2, NLRP3 inflammasome, MAPK and TLR-2/4. Moreover, melatonin can reduce formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), promote detoxification and protect mitochondrial damage. Altogether, we propose that melatonin could be an effective approach against various pathogenic bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingzhuo Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yikun Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyi Ye
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyi Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yaoyao Xia
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Escherichia coli as a platform microbial host for systems metabolic engineering. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:225-246. [PMID: 33956149 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bio-based production of industrially important chemicals and materials from non-edible and renewable biomass has become increasingly important to resolve the urgent worldwide issues including climate change. Also, bio-based production, instead of chemical synthesis, of food ingredients and natural products has gained ever increasing interest for health benefits. Systems metabolic engineering allows more efficient development of microbial cell factories capable of sustainable, green, and human-friendly production of diverse chemicals and materials. Escherichia coli is unarguably the most widely employed host strain for the bio-based production of chemicals and materials. In the present paper, we review the tools and strategies employed for systems metabolic engineering of E. coli. Next, representative examples and strategies for the production of chemicals including biofuels, bulk and specialty chemicals, and natural products are discussed, followed by discussion on materials including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), proteins, and nanomaterials. Lastly, future perspectives and challenges remaining for systems metabolic engineering of E. coli are discussed.
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22
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Danilovich ME, Alberto MR, Juárez Tomás MS. Microbial production of beneficial indoleamines (serotonin and melatonin) with potential application to biotechnological products for human health. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:1668-1682. [PMID: 33484616 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Micro-organisms have showed the ability to produce biologically active compounds associated with neurotransmission in higher organisms. In particular, serotonin- and melatonin-producing microbes are valuable sources for the development of eco-friendly bioproducts. Serotonin and melatonin are indoleamines that have received special attention due to their positive effects on human health. These biomolecules exert a critical role in several physiological or pathological processes, including some mental and neurological disorders. This article includes a review of the microbial production of serotonin and melatonin, their functions in micro-organisms and their potential uses as therapeutic and/or preventive agents to improve human health. A description of the quantification methods employed to detect indoleamines and the evidence found concerning their microbial production at laboratory and industrial scale-for application in biotechnological products-is also provided. The microbial ability to synthesize beneficial indoleamines should be further studied and harnessed, to allow the development of sustainable bioprocesses to produce foods and pharmaceuticals for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Danilovich
- Instituto de Biotecnología Farmacéutica y Alimentaria (INBIOFAL)-CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - M R Alberto
- Instituto de Biotecnología Farmacéutica y Alimentaria (INBIOFAL)-CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - M S Juárez Tomás
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI)-CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
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Maffei ME. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E181. [PMID: 33375373 PMCID: PMC7796270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is both a drug and a natural component of some dietary supplements. 5-HTP is produced from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), which is present in two isoforms (TPH1 and TPH2). Decarboxylation of 5-HTP yields serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) that is further transformed to melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). 5-HTP plays a major role both in neurologic and metabolic diseases and its synthesis from tryptophan represents the limiting step in serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis. In this review, after an look at the main natural sources of 5-HTP, the chemical analysis and synthesis, biosynthesis and microbial production of 5-HTP by molecular engineering will be described. The physiological effects of 5-HTP are discussed in both animal studies and human clinical trials. The physiological role of 5-HTP in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, sleep disorders, obesity, myoclonus and serotonin syndrome are also discussed. 5-HTP toxicity and the occurrence of toxic impurities present in tryptophan and 5-HTP preparations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E Maffei
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
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