Production of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) from Gluconate and Glucose by Recombinant Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida

Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 and Pseudomonas putida GPp104 were genetically engineered to synthesize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) using gluconate and glucose rather than fatty acids. A truncated tesA gene, encoding cytosolic thioesterase I of Escherichia coli which catalyzes the conversion of acyl-ACP into free fatty acids, was introduced into A. hydrophila 4AK4. When grown in gluconate, the recombinant A. hydrophila 4AK4 synthesized 10% (w/w) PHBHHx containing 14% (mol/mol) 3-hydroxyhexanoate. If additional PHBHHx synthesis genes, phaPCJ, were over-expressed with the truncated tesA in A. hydrophila 4AK4, the PHBHHx content increased to 15% (w/w) and contained 19% (mol/mol) 3-hydroxyhexanoate. Recombinant P. putida GPp104 harboring phaC encoding PHBHHx synthase of A. hydrophila, phaB encoding acetoacetyl-CoA reductase of Wautersia eutropha and phaG encoding 3-hydroxyacyl-ACP-CoA transferase of P. putida, synthesized 19% (w/w) PHBHHx containing 5% (mol/mol) 3-hydroxyhexanoate from glucose. The results suggest that the engineered pathways were applicable to synthesize PHBHHx from unrelated carbon sources such as gluconate and glucose.     

不动杆菌Acinetobacter sp. TAC-1利用聚(3-羟基丁酸酯-co-3-羟基戊酸酯)的碳代谢机理

为阐明异养硝化-好氧反硝化(heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification, HN-AD)菌株不动杆菌(Acinetobactersp.)TAC-1利用聚(3-羟基丁酸酯-co-3-羟基戊酸酯)[poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV]的碳代谢途径,以乙酸钠(sodium acetate, SOA)为对照,考察TAC-1菌株基因水平上存在的碳水化合物代谢通路。全基因组测序结果表明,TAC-1菌株中存在gltA、icd、sucAB、acs和pckA等碳水化合物代谢酶编码基因;KEGG通路数据库注释进一步证实TAC-1菌株存在糖酵解途径(glycolyticpathway,EMP)、磷酸戊糖途径(pentosephosphate pathway, PPP)、乙醛酸循环(glyoxylate cycle, GAC)和三羧酸循环(tricarboxylic acid cycle, TCA cycle)等碳水化合物代谢通路;不同碳源的代谢物差异表达,进一步证实TAC-1菌利用PH...     

A mild and environmentally friendly scandium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate-catalyzed synthesis of bis(3'-indolyl)alkanes and bis(3'-indolyl)-1-deoxyalditols

Bis(3'-indolyl)alkanes and bis(3'-indolyl) derivatives containing a 1-deoxyalditol moiety were synthesized in the presence of 5 mol% of scandium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate [Sc(OTf)3] in CH3CN or EtOH-H2O mixture as a solvent from room temperature to 70 degrees C in good yields (78-97%).     

C-25 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is catalyzed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1): metabolism studies with human keratinocytes and rat recombinant CYP24A1

Recently, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) has been shown to catalyze not only hydroxylation at C-24 but also hydroxylations at C-23 and C-26 of the secosteroid hormone 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3). It remains to be determined whether CYP24A1 has the ability to hydroxylate vitamin D3 compounds at C-25. 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3) is a non-25-hydroxylated synthetic vitamin D3 analog that is presently being used as an antipsoriatic drug. In the present study, we investigated the metabolism of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes in order to examine the ability of CYP24A1 to hydroxylate 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 at C-25. The results indicated that keratinocytes metabolize 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 into several previously known both 25-hydroxylated and non-25-hydroxylated metabolites along with two new metabolites, namely 1alpha,23,24(OH)3D3 and 1alpha,24(OH)2-23-oxo-D3. Production of the metabolites including the 25-hydroxylated ones was detectable only when CYP24A1 activity was induced in keratinocytes 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. This finding provided indirect evidence to indicate that CYP24A1 catalyzes C-25 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3. The final proof for this finding was obtained through our metabolism studies using highly purified recombinant rat CYP24A1 in a reconstituted system. Incubation of this system with 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 resulted in the production of both 25-hydroxylated and non-25-hydroxylated metabolites. Thus, in our present study, we identified CYP24A1 as the main enzyme responsible for the metabolism of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes, and provided unequivocal evidence to indicate that the multicatalytic enzyme CYP24A1 has the ability to hydroxylate 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 at C-25.     

Expression of poly-3-(R)-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymerase and acyl-CoA-transacylase in plastids of transgenic potato leads to the synthesis of a hydrophobic polymer,presumably medium-chain-length PHAs

Medium-chain-length poly-3-(R)-hydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs) belong to the group of microbial polyesters. The minimum gene-set for the accumulation of mcl-PHAs from de novo fatty acid biosynthesis has been identified in prokaryotes [B. Rehm et al. (1998) J. Biol Chem 273:24044–24051] as consisting of the Pha-C1 polymerase and the ACP-CoA-transacylase. In this paper, the synthesis of mcl-PHAs has been attempted in transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) using the same set of genes that were introduced into potato by particle bombardment. Polymer contents of transgenic lines were analysed by gas chromatography and by a new simple method employing a size-exclusion filter column. The expression of the Pha-C1 polymerase and the ACP-CoA-transacylase in the plastids of transgenic potato led to the synthesis of a hydrophobic polymer composed of mcl-hydroxy-fatty acids with carbon chain lengths ranging from C-6 to C-12 in leaves of the selected transgenic lines. We strongly suggest that the polymer observed consists of mcl-PHAs and that this report establishes for the first time a possible route for the production of mcl-PHAs from de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plants.     

Degradation of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) and its copolymer poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by a marine Streptomyces sp. SNG9

A marine Streptomyces sp. SNG9 was characterized by its ability to utilize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and its copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate P (3HB-co-HV). The bacterium grew efficiently in a simple mineral liquid medium enriched with 0.1% poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) powder as the sole carbon source. Cells excreted PHB depolymerase and degraded the polymer particles to complete clarity in 4 days. The degradation activity was detectable by the formation of a clear zone around the colony (petri plates) or a clear depth under the colony (test tubes). The expression of PHB depolymerase was repressed by the presence of simple soluble carbon sources. Bacterial degradation of the naturally occurring sheets of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and its copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological alterations of the polymers sheets were evidence for bacterial hydrolysis.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a 3-positon epimer of 1α,25-dihydroxy-2β-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D3 (ED-71)

1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D₃ (ED-71), an analog of active vitamin D₃, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃], possesses a hydroxypropoxy substituent at the 2β-position of 1,25(OH)₂D₃. ED-71 has potent biological effects on bone and is currently under phase III clinical studies for bone fracture prevention. It is well-known that the synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is regulated by 1,25(OH)₂D₃. Interestingly, during clinical development of ED-71, serum intact PTH in osteoporotic patients did not change significantly upon treatment with ED-71. The reason remains unclear, however. Brown et al. reported that 3-epi-1,25(OH)₂D₃, an epimer of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ at the 3-position, shows equipotent and prolonged activity compared to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ at suppressing PTH secretion. Since ED-71 has a bulky hydroxypropoxy substituent at the 2-position, epimerization at the adjacent and sterically hindered 3-position might be prevented, which may account for its weak potency in PTH suppression observed in clinical studies. We have significant interest in ED-71 epimerization at the 3-position and the biological potency of 3-epi-ED-71 in suppressing PTH secretion. In the present studies, synthesis of 3-epi-ED-71 and investigations of in vitro suppression of PTH using bovine parathyroid cells are described. The inhibitory potency of vitamin D₃ analogs were found to be 1,25(OH)₂D₃ > ED-71 ≥ 3-epi-1,25(OH)₂D₃  3-epi-ED-71. ED-71 and 3-epi-ED-71 showed weak activity towards PTH suppression in our assays.     

PTH(7-84) inhibits PTH(1-34)-induced 1,25-(OH)2D3 production in murine renal tubules

To elucidate whether PTH(7-84), a degradation product of PTH(1-84), which inhibits PTH(1-84)-induced bone resorption, also exerts an antagonistic effect on the kidney, we studied the effect of PTH(7-84) on PTH(1-34)-induced production of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in primary cultured murine renal tubules.Neonatal mouse renal tubules cultured in serum-free MEM for 7 days were treated with PTH(1-34) and/or PTH(7-84). Three hours after addition of 25-OHD₃ (10⁻⁶ M), 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ was determined. PTH(1-34) stimulated the conversion of 25-OHD₃ to 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, and PTH(7-84) dose-dependently inhibited this process. Real-time PCR revealed that PTH(1-34) increased the expression level of 1α-hydroxylase mRNA, whereas PTH(7-84) did not affect the expression level 1α or 24-hydroxylase mRNA.These in vitro data suggest that PTH(7-84) elicits an antagonistic effect in renal tubules through receptors different from the type I PTH/PTHrP receptor. This may at least partly account for the decreased serum level of 1,25-(OH)₂D in patients with severe primary hyperparathyroidism with renal failure.     

Toxicity and antineoplastic effect of (24R)-1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (PRI-2191)

Many efforts have been made to obtain active and less toxic Vitamin D analogs for new clinical applications. The results of previous studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of topical treatment of psoriasis with one of these analogs, 1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), tacalcitol (1,24-(OH)(2)D(3)). In the present study, we evaluated the toxicity and antitumor effect of this analog. Lethal toxicity of 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) after s.c. injection was significantly lower than that of calcitriol. No significant differences were observed in the toxicity of the analogs when administered p.o. Calcium levels in the serum of mice treated with calcitriol were significantly higher (111%) than those in mice treated with 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) (89%) at 5 day after the first s.c. (10 microg/kg/day) administration in comparison to the control (healthy, untreated animals). Oral administration increased the calcium level by 78% for calcitriol and only to 47% over the control for 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3). Parallel administration of clodronate prevented the calcitriol- and 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced lethal toxicity and also prevented increase in calcium levels. Single therapy with calcitriol did not affect tumor growth in the 16/C mouse mammary cancer model. In contrary, 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) alone reduced tumor volume to 41% of control. Cisplatin alone did not affect growth of 16/C tumor in these conditions. The growth of tumors in the presence of cisplatin was inhibited by 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) but not by calcitriol. Interestingly, the inhibition of tumor growth in cisplatin-treated mice by 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) was greater, than that observed in mice treated with this analog alone. In conclusion, 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) revealed higher antitumor and lower calcemic activity and toxicity than calcitriol. Application of biphosphonates along with Vitamin D analogs is sufficient to overcome the calcemic and toxic side effects of the proposed treatment.     

Poly[3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric Acid]: A New Biologically Active Polymer from Two Comfrey Species Symphytum asperumand S. caucasicum(Boraginaceae)

Two high-molecular water-soluble preparations with high anticomplementary and antioxidant activity were isolated from the roots of Symphytum asperum and S. caucasicum. Their main chemical constituent was found to be poly[oxy-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene] according to IR and NMR spectroscopy.     

1alpha,25(OH)2D3 causes a rapid increase in phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC-beta activity via phospholipase A2-dependent production of lysophospholipid

1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) activates protein kinase C (PKC) in rat growth plate chondrocytes via mechanisms involving phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)). The purpose of this study was to determine if 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) activates PI-PLC directly or through a PLA(2)-dependent mechanism. We determined which PLC isoforms are present in the growth plate chondrocytes, and determined which isoform(s) of PLC is(are) regulated by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). Inhibitors and activators of PLA(2) were used to assess the inter-relationship between these two phospholipid-signaling pathways. PI-PLC activity in lysates of prehypertrophic and upper hypertrophic zone (growth zone) cells that were incubated with 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), was increased within 30s with peak activity at 1-3 min. PI-PLC activity in resting zone cells was unaffected by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). 1beta,25(OH)(2)D(3), 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3), actinomycin D and cycloheximide had no effect on PLC in lysates of growth zone cells. Thus, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) regulation of PI-PLC enzyme activity is stereospecific, cell maturation-dependent, and nongenomic. PLA(2)-activation (mastoparan or melittin) increased PI-PLC activity to the same extent as 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3); PLA(2)-inhibition (quinacrine, oleyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (OEPC), or AACOCF(3)) reduced the effect of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). Neither arachidonic acid (AA) nor its metabolites affected PI-PLC. In contrast, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) activated PI-PLC (LPE>LPC). 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulated PI-PLC and PKC activities via Gq; GDPbetaS inhibited activity, but pertussis toxin did not. RT-PCR showed that the cells express PLC-beta1a, PLC-beta1b, PLC-beta3 and PLC-gamma1 mRNA. Antibodies to PLC-beta1 and PLC-beta3 blocked the 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) effect; antibodies to PLC-delta and PLC-gamma did not. Thus, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) regulates PLC-beta through PLA(2)-dependent production of lysophospholipid.     

New analogs of 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with conformationally restricted side chains: evaluation of biological activity and structural determination of VDR-bound conformations

We have successfully prepared E- and Z- isomers of 17-20 dehydro analogs of 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (2MD). Both isomers bind to the recombinant rat vitamin D receptor (VDR) with high affinity. The Z-isomer (Vit-III 17-20Z) displays activity in vivo and in vitro that is similar to 2MD. The in vitro activity of the E-isomer (Vit-III 17-20E) is comparable to the natural hormone, though in vivo this analog is significantly less calcemic. Crystal structures of the rat VDR ligand binding domain complexed with the analogs demonstrate that the Vit-III 17-20Z analog is oriented almost identically to 2MD, with only minor differences induced by the planar configuration around the C17-C20 double bond. The Vit-III 17-20E analog is oriented in a conformation distinct from both 2MD and the natural hormone. The structural comparisons suggest that the position of C21 in the ligand binding site may be an important determinant of biological activity.     

Design,synthesis and pharmacological screening of a series of N1-(substituted)aryl-5,7-dimethyl-2-(substituted)pyrido(2,3-d)pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones as potential histamine H1-receptor antagonists

A series of N₁-(substituted)aryl-5,7-dimethyl-2-(substituted)pyrido(2,3-d)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one was designed on the basis of the triangular pharmacophoric requirement of histamine H₁-receptor antagonists. The designed series was synthesized by cyclo-condensation of monoaryl thiourea with ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of dry HCl gas to give N₁-(substituted aryl)-2-mercaptopyrimidine-4(3H)-one, which on cyclo-condensation with acetylacetone gave the pyridopyrimidinone. Further methylation of the mercapto group at C-2 with methyl iodide followed by nucleophilic displacement of the methylmercapto group by various amines gave the targeted compounds. All the synthesized compounds were screened for histamine H₁-receptor antagonistic activity by the in vitro method of inhibition of the isotonic contraction induced by histamine on isolated guinea pig ileum using cetirizine as a standard drug. All the compounds exhibited potent histamine H₁-receptor antagonistic activity with pA₂ values from 7.30– 9.75 (cetirizine, pA₂ value 9.40). The potent compounds were screened for their in vivo antihistaminic activity by protection of animal from asphyxic shock. The sedative potential of potent compounds was checked on albino mice by photoactometer and they had comparative sedative potential to the standard drug cetirizine. None of the compound exhibited anticholinergic activity in the in vitro rat ileum model.     

Mutations induced by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in the lacZ and cII genes of Muta™ Mouse

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) found in chewing tobacco, snuff, cigarettes, and cigars is a tobacco-specific nitrosamine and classified as a possible human carcinogen (Class 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). NNK given intraperitoneally was seen to induce lung and liver adenomas.To evaluate the genotoxicity of NNK in vivo, NNK was intraperitoneally administered to Muta™ Mouse at two concentrations (125 and 250 mg/kg, once a week for 4 weeks) followed by the measurement of mutant frequencies in the lacZ and cII genes from lung and liver in the same mice. Characterization of the types of the mutation was determined by sequencing the cII genes from mutant plaques. The mutant frequencies in both target genes from both organs dose-dependently increased up to 10 times compared to those of the control group. For the types of mutations, the ratio of the G:C to A:T mutation in the total number of mutants was less than the ratio of A:T to T:A and A:T to C:G transversion, contrary to a previous report [Cancer Res, 49 (1989) 5305]. The A:T to T:A transversion was the most highly induced mutation both in the lung and liver cII genes. The increasing rate of mutant frequencies in lung and liver over the vehicle control was 55 and 56 times, respectively, while the increasing rate of G:C to A:T transition was only 1.9 and 2.8 times, respectively.These observations show that NNK predominantly induces DNA adducts leading to A:T to T:A and/or A:T to C:G mutations in the transgene.     

Reversible PEGylation of peptide YY3-36 prolongs its inhibition of food intake in mice

Administration of peptide YY(3-36) (PYY(3-36)) to fasting humans or mice shortly before re-feeding effectively reduced their food intake, but PYY(3-36) exhibited a functional half-life of only approximately 3 h. Attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) to proteins and peptides (PEGylation) prolongs their half-life in vivo, but completely inactivated PYY(3-36). We developed a reversibly PEGylated PYY(3-36) derivative by coupling it to a 40 kDa PEG through a spontaneously cleavable linker. The resulting conjugate (PEG(40)-FMS-PYY(3-36)) gradually released unmodified PYY(3-36) in vivo, exhibiting an eightfold increase in its functional half-life, to approximately 24h. This long-acting PYY(3-36) pro-drug may serve as an effective means for controlling food intake in humans.     

早产儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征血清1,25-(OH)2D3、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3水平与炎症反应和预后的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨不同病情严重程度早产儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）血清1,25-二羟维生素D₃（1,25-(OH) ₂D₃）、颗粒体蛋白前体（PGRN）、沉默信息调节因子2相关酶1（SIRT1）、C1q/肿瘤坏死因子相关蛋白3（CTRP3）的变化，分析其与炎症反应和预后的关系。方法：选择2018年10月至2019年12月安徽省妇幼保健院收治的ARDS早产儿100例作为ARDS组，另选取同期在我院出生的健康新生儿60例作为对照组。根据《"新生儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征"蒙特勒标准（2017年版）》的病情判定标准将ARDS早产儿分为轻度组（n=40）、中度组（n=32）、重度组（n=28），比较不同病情严重程度ARDS早产儿血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3、炎症反应指标肿瘤坏死子因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）水平变化，采用Pearson法分析ARDS早产儿血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3与炎症反应指标的相关性。另根据ARDS组患儿预后情况分为预后良好组（n=65）和预后不良组（n=35），采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析影响ARDS早产儿预后不良的危险因素。结果：ARDS组血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、SIRT1、CTRP3、PGRN水平明显低于对照组（P<0.05），ARDS组血清TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β水平明显高于对照组（P<0.05）。不同病情严重程度ARDS早产儿血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3、炎症反应指标比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。ARDS早产儿血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3水平与TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β水平呈负相关（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示，低出生体重、肺表面活性物质（PS）使用次数≥3次、出现低白蛋白血症是影响ARDS早产儿预后不良的危险因素（P<0.05），血清1,25-(OH)2D3（较高）、PGRN（较高）、SIRT1（较高）、CTRP3（较高）是ARDS早产儿预后不良的保护因素（P<0.05）。结论：血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3可能参与ARDS早产儿的炎症反应过程，与ARDS早产儿的病情进展及预后密切相关，检测血清1,25-(OH) ₂D₃、PGRN、SIRT1、CTRP3有助于评估ARDS早产儿的预后。     

A novel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus</Emphasis> sp. accumulating poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) from a single carbon substrate

The objective of this paper was to report a bacterium designated as 88D, capable of producing poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P (3HB-co-3HV)] copolymer from a single carbon source, which was isolated from a municipal sewage treatment plant in Hyderabad, India. This microorganism, based on the phenotypical features and genotypic investigations, was identified as Bacillus sp. The optimal growth of Bacillus sp. 88D occurred between 28 and 30°C and at pH 7. The strain yielded a maximum of 64.62% dry cell weight (DCW) polymer in the medium containing glucose as carbon source, which was followed by 60.46% DCW polymer in glycerol containing medium. Bacillus sp. 88D produced P (3HB-co-3HV) from glucose or glycerol, when they were used as a single carbon substrate. This bacterium produced polyhydrxybutyrate (PHB) when sodium acetate was used as sole carbon substrate. The viscosity average molecular mass (Mv) of the copolymers ranged from 523 to 627 kDa. The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the biopolymers were characterized.     

Involvement of the AtoS-AtoC signal transduction system in poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis in Escherichia coli

The AtoS–AtoC signal transduction system in E. coli, which induces the atoDAEB operon for the growth of E. coli in short-chain fatty acids, can positively modulate the levels of poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (cPHB) biosynthesis, a biopolymer with many physiological roles in E. coli. Increased amounts of cPHB were synthesized in E. coli upon exposure of the cells to acetoacetate, the inducer of the AtoS–AtoC two-component system. While E. coli that overproduce both components of the signal transduction system synthesize higher quantities of cPHB (1.5–4.5 fold), those that overproduce either AtoS or AtoC alone do not display such a phenotype. Lack of enhanced cPHB production was also observed in cells overexpressing AtoS and phosphorylation-impaired AtoC mutants. The results were not affected by the nature of the carbon source used, i.e., glucose, acetate or acetoacetate. An E. coli strain with a deletion in the atoS–atoC locus (ΔatoSC) synthesized lower amounts of cPHB compared to wild-type cells. When the ΔatoSC strain was transformed with a plasmid carrying a 6.4-kb fragment encoding the AtoS–AtoC system, cPHB biosynthesis was restored to the level of the atoSC⁺ cells. Introduction of a multicopy plasmid carrying a functional atoDAEB operon, but not one with a promoterless operon, resulted in increased cPHB synthesis only in atoSC⁺ cells in the presence of acetoacetate. These results indicate that the presence of both a functional AtoS–AtoC two-component signal transduction system and a functional atoDAEB operon is critical for the enhanced cPHB biosynthesis in E. coli.