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Decembrino D, Cannella D. The thin line between monooxygenases and peroxygenases. P450s, UPOs, MMOs, and LPMOs: A brick to bridge fields of expertise. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 72:108321. [PMID: 38336187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108321] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Many scientific fields, although driven by similar purposes and dealing with similar technologies, often appear so isolated and far from each other that even the vocabularies to describe the very same phenomenon might differ. Concerning the vast field of biocatalysis, a special role is played by those redox enzymes that employ oxygen-based chemistry to unlock transformations otherwise possible only with metal-based catalysts. As such, greener chemical synthesis methods and environmentally-driven biotechnological approaches were enabled over the last decades by the use of several enzymes and ultimately resulted in the first industrial applications. Among what can be called today the environmental biorefinery sector, biomass transformation, greenhouse gas reduction, bio-gas/fuels production, bioremediation, as well as bulk or fine chemicals and even pharmaceuticals manufacturing are all examples of fields in which successful prototypes have been demonstrated employing redox enzymes. In this review we decided to focus on the most prominent enzymes (MMOs, LPMO, P450 and UPO) capable of overcoming the ∼100 kcal mol-1 barrier of inactivated CH bonds for the oxyfunctionalization of organic compounds. Harnessing the enormous potential that lies within these enzymes is of extreme value to develop sustainable industrial schemes and it is still deeply coveted by many within the aforementioned fields of application. Hence, the ambitious scope of this account is to bridge the current cutting-edge knowledge gathered upon each enzyme. By creating a broad comparison, scientists belonging to the different fields may find inspiration and might overcome obstacles already solved by the others. This work is organised in three major parts: a first section will be serving as an introduction to each one of the enzymes regarding their structural and activity diversity, whereas a second one will be encompassing the mechanistic aspects of their catalysis. In this regard, the machineries that lead to analogous catalytic outcomes are depicted, highlighting the major differences and similarities. Finally, a third section will be focusing on the elements that allow the oxyfunctionalization chemistry to occur by delivering redox equivalents to the enzyme by the action of diverse redox partners. Redox partners are often overlooked in comparison to the catalytic counterparts, yet they represent fundamental elements to better understand and further develop practical applications based on mono- and peroxygenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Decembrino
- Photobiocatalysis Unit - Crop Production and Biostimulation Lab (CPBL), and Biomass Transformation Lab (BTL), École Interfacultaire de Bioingénieurs, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - David Cannella
- Photobiocatalysis Unit - Crop Production and Biostimulation Lab (CPBL), and Biomass Transformation Lab (BTL), École Interfacultaire de Bioingénieurs, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
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Liu H, Yu H, Gao R, Ge F, Zhao R, Lu X, Wang T, Liu H, Yang C, Xia Y, Xun L. A Zero-Valent Sulfur Transporter Helps Podophyllotoxin Uptake into Bacterial Cells in the Presence of CTAB. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:27. [PMID: 38247452 PMCID: PMC10812762 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Podophyllotoxin (PTOX) is naturally produced by the plant Podophyllum species. Some of its derivatives are anticancer drugs, which are produced mainly by using chemical semi-synthesis methods. Recombinant bacteria have great potential in large-scale production of the derivatives of PTOX. In addition to introducing the correct enzymes, the transportation of PTOX into the cells is an important factor, which limits its modification in the bacteria. Here, we improved the cellular uptake of PTOX into Escherichia coli with the help of the zero-valent sulfur transporter YedE1E2 in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB promoted the uptake of PTOX, but induced the production of reactive oxygen species. A protein complex (YedE1E2) of YedE1 and YedE2 enabled E. coli cells to resist CTAB by reducing reactive oxygen species, and YedE1E2 was a hypothetical transporter. Further investigation showed that YedE1E2 facilitated the uptake of extracellular zero-valent sulfur across the cytoplasmic membrane and the formation of glutathione persulfide (GSSH) inside the cells. The increased GSSH minimized oxidative stress. Our results indicate that YedE1E2 is a zero-valent sulfur transporter and it also facilitates CTAB-assisted uptake of PTOX by recombinant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Huiyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Rui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Fulin Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Rui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Xia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Tianqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Huaiwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Chunyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Yongzhen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Luying Xun
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; (H.L.); (H.Y.); (R.G.); (F.G.); (R.Z.); (X.L.); (T.W.); (H.L.); (C.Y.)
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7520, USA
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Huang SC, Zhang YK, Geng Q, Huang QK, Xu JH, Chen YF, Yu HL. Improving the Enantioselectivity of CHMO Brevi1 for Asymmetric Synthesis of Podophyllotoxin Precursor. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300582. [PMID: 37728423 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300582] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
(R)-β-piperonyl-γ-butyrolactones are key building blocks for the synthesis of podophyllotoxin, which have demonstrated remarkable potential in cancer treatment. Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs)-mediated asymmetric oxidation is a green approach to produce chiral lactones. While several BVMOs were able to oxidize the corresponding cyclobutanone, most BVMOs gave the (S) enantiomer while Cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMO) from Brevibacterium sp. HCU1 gave (R) enantiomer, but with a low enantioselectivity (75 % ee). In this study, we use a strategy called "focused rational iterative site-specific mutagenesis" (FRISM) at residues ranging from 6 Å from substrate. The mutations by using a restricted set of rationally chosen amino acids allow the formation of a small mutant library. By generating and screening less than 60 variants, we achieved a high ee of 96.8 %. Coupled with the cofactor regeneration system, 9.3 mM substrate was converted completely in a 100-mL scale reaction. Therefore, our work reveals a promising synthetic method for (R)-β-piperonyl-γ-butyrolactone with the highest enantioselectivity, and provides a new opportunity for the chem-enzymatic synthesis of podophyllotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Cheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yi-Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Qiang Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Qi-Kang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jian-He Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yi-Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hui-Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
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Abstract
The P450 superfamily comprises some of the most powerful and versatile enzymes for the site-selective oxidation of small molecules. One of the main drawbacks for the applications of the P450s in biotechnology is that the majority of these enzymes is multicomponent in nature and requires the presence of suitable redox partners to support their functions. Nevertheless, the discovery of several self-sufficient P450s, namely those from Classes VII and VIII, has served as an inspiration for fusion approaches to generate chimeric P450 systems that are self-sufficient. In this Perspective, we highlight the domain organizations of the Class VII and Class VIII P450 systems, summarize recent case studies in the engineering of catalytically self-sufficient P450s based on these systems, and outline outstanding challenges in the field, along with several emerging technologies as potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Renata
- Department of Chemistry, BioScience Research Collaborative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005
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Shi X, Geng J, Feng J, Yang Y, Ma X, Chen W, Xiao Y. Identification and investigation of a novel NADP +-dependent secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase from Isatis indigotica. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1035121. [PMID: 36407599 PMCID: PMC9666873 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1035121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cofactors are crucial for the biosynthesis of natural compounds, and cofactor engineering is a useful strategy for enzyme optimization due to its potential to enhance enzyme efficiency. Secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase (SIRD) was reported to convert secoisolariciresinol into matairesinol in an NAD+-dependent reaction. Here, a SIRD designated as IiSIRD2 identified from Isatis indigotica was found to utilize NADP+ as the cofactor. To explore the structural basis for this unique cofactor preference, model-based structural analysis was carried out, and it was postulated that a variation at the GXGGXG glycine-rich motif of IiSIRD2 alters its cofactor preference. This study paves way for future investigations on SIRD cofactor specificity and cofactor engineering to improve SIRD's catalytic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Shi
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaran Geng
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxian Feng
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingbo Yang
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Lianyungang, China
| | - Xueqi Ma
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wansheng Chen
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, The Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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A targeted metabolomics method for extra- and intracellular metabolite quantification covering the complete monolignol and lignan synthesis pathway. Metab Eng Commun 2022; 15:e00205. [PMID: 36119807 PMCID: PMC9474286 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2022.e00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial synthesis of monolignols and lignans from simple substrates is a promising alternative to plant extraction. Bottlenecks and byproduct formation during heterologous production require targeted metabolomics tools for pathway optimization. In contrast to available fractional methods, we established a comprehensive targeted metabolomics method. It enables the quantification of 17 extra- and intracellular metabolites of the monolignol and lignan pathway, ranging from amino acids to pluviatolide. Several cell disruption methods were compared. Hot water extraction was best suited regarding monolignol and lignan stability as well as extraction efficacy. The method was applied to compare enzymes for alleviating bottlenecks during heterologous monolignol and lignan production in E. coli. Variants of tyrosine ammonia-lyase had a considerable influence on titers of subsequent metabolites. The choice of multicopper oxidase greatly affected the accumulation of lignans. Metabolite titers were monitored during batch fermentation of either monolignol or lignan-producing recombinant E. coli strains, demonstrating the dynamic accumulation of metabolites. The new method enables efficient time-resolved targeted metabolomics of monolignol- and lignan-producing E. coli. It facilitates bottleneck identification and byproduct quantification, making it a valuable tool for further pathway engineering studies. This method will benefit the bioprocess development of biotransformation or fermentation approaches for microbial lignan production. Monolignols and lignans were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli A targeted metabolomics method was developed covering 17 out of 20 metabolites. Hot water extraction is well suited for intracellular monolignol & lignan analysis. Metabolite accumulation identifies bottlenecks and dynamic activity. Assessment of pathway activity enables efficient cell factory engineering.
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Shen S, Tong Y, Luo Y, Huang L, Gao W. Biosynthesis, total synthesis, and pharmacological activities of aryltetralin-type lignan podophyllotoxin and its derivatives. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1856-1875. [PMID: 35913409 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00028h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2022Podophyllotoxin (PTOX, 1), a kind of aryltetralin-type lignan, was first discovered in the plant Podophyllum peltatum and its structure was clarified by W. Borsche and J. Niemann in 1932. Due to its potent anti-cancer and anti-viral activities, it is considered one of the molecules most likely to be developed into modern drugs. With the increasing market demand and insufficient storage of natural resources, it is crucial to expand the sources of PTOXs. The original extraction method from plants has gradually failed to meet the requirements, and the biosynthesis and total synthesis have become the forward-looking alternatives. As key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of PTOXs and their catalytic mechanisms being constantly revealed, it is possible to realize the heterogeneous biosynthesis of PTOXs in the future. Chemical and chemoenzymatic synthesis also provide schemes for strictly controlling the asymmetric configuration of the tetracyclic core. Currently, the pharmacological activities of some PTOX derivatives have been extensively studied, laying the foundation for clinical candidate drugs. This review focuses primarily on the latest research progress in the biosynthesis, total synthesis, and pharmacological activities of PTOX and its derivatives, providing a more comprehensive understanding of these widely used compounds and supporting the future search for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Shen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China. .,Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yuru Tong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yunfeng Luo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China. .,Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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Decembrino D, Raffaele A, Knöfel R, Girhard M, Urlacher VB. Synthesis of (-)-deoxypodophyllotoxin and (-)-epipodophyllotoxin via a multi-enzyme cascade in E. coli. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:183. [PMID: 34544406 PMCID: PMC8454061 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01673-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aryltetralin lignan (−)−podophyllotoxin is a potent antiviral and anti-neoplastic compound that is mainly found in Podophyllum plant species. Over the years, the commercial demand for this compound rose notably because of the high clinical importance of its semi-synthetic chemotherapeutic derivatives etoposide and teniposide. To satisfy this demand, (−)−podophyllotoxin is conventionally isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, which can only grow in few regions and is now endangered by overexploitation and environmental damage. For these reasons, targeting the biosynthesis of (−)−podophyllotoxin precursors or analogues is fundamental for the development of novel, more sustainable supply routes. Results We recently established a four-step multi-enzyme cascade to convert (+)−pinoresinol into (−)−matairesinol in E. coli. Herein, a five-step multi-enzyme biotransformation of (−)−matairesinol to (−)−deoxypodophyllotoxin was proven effective with 98 % yield at a concentration of 78 mg/L. Furthermore, the extension of this cascade to a sixth step leading to (−)−epipodophyllotoxin was evaluated. To this end, seven enzymes were combined in the reconstituted pathway involving inter alia three plant cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, with two of them being functionally expressed in E. coli for the first time. Conclusions Both, (−)−deoxypodophyllotoxin and (−)−epipodophyllotoxin, are direct precursors to etoposide and teniposide. Thus, the reconstitution of biosynthetic reactions of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum as an effective multi-enzyme cascade in E. coli represents a solid step forward towards a more sustainable production of these essential pharmaceuticals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01673-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Decembrino
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandra Raffaele
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ronja Knöfel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marco Girhard
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vlada B Urlacher
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Grandel NE, Reyes Gamas K, Bennett MR. Control of synthetic microbial consortia in time, space, and composition. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:1095-1105. [PMID: 33966922 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While synthetic microbial systems are becoming increasingly complicated, single-strain systems cannot match the complexity of their multicellular counterparts. Such complexity, however, is much more difficult to control. Recent advances have increased our ability to control temporal, spatial, and community compositional organization, including modular adhesive systems, strain growth relationships, and asymmetric cell division. While these systems generally work independently, combining them into unified systems has proven difficult. Once such unification is proven successful we will unlock a new frontier of synthetic biology and open the door to the creation of synthetic biological systems with true multicellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas E Grandel
- Graduate Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kiara Reyes Gamas
- Graduate Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew R Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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