Manipulating the expression of SARP family regulator BulZ and its target gene product to increase tacrolimus production

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - Tacrolimus (FK506), an effective immunosuppressant, is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we identified that BulZ, a...     

Enhanced bacterial cellulose production by Gluconacetobacter xylinus via expression of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin and oxygen tension regulation

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - Oxygen plays a key role during bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. In this study, the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb)-encoding...     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of novel human monoamine oxidase B inhibitors based on a fragment in an X-ray crystal structure

Herein we report our efforts of developing reversible selective hMAO-B inhibitors based on isatin, a fragment in an X-ray crystal structure. Five different scaffolds were designed and many compounds were synthesized. Among them, compound A3 demonstrated very high potency and isoform selectivity against hMAO-B, 11 and 13 times more potent (IC₅₀?=?3?nM) and 23.64 and 6.8 times more selective than the marked drugs, selegiline and safinamide. However, the endeavors to modify the polar 3-one group of isatin, that is in a hydrophobic environment in the binding site of hMAO-B, to small nonpolar hydrophobic groups did not bring about improved hMAO-B inhibitors, which may challenge our understanding of molecular interactions and molecular recognition in biological systems.     

Dietary choices are influenced by genotype,mating status,and sex in Drosophila melanogaster

Mating causes many changes in physiology, behavior, and gene expression in a wide range of organisms. These changes are predicted to be sex specific, influenced by the divergent reproductive roles of the sexes. In female insects, mating is associated with an increase in egg production which requires high levels of nutritional input with direct consequences for the physiological needs of individual females. Consequently, females alter their nutritional acquisition in line with the physiological demands imposed by mating. Although much is known about the female mating‐induced nutritional response, far less is known about changes in males. In addition, it is unknown whether variation between genotypes translates into variation in dietary behavioral responses. Here we examine mating‐induced shifts in male and female dietary preferences across genotypes of Drosophila melanogaster. We find sex‐ and genotype‐specific effects on both the quantity and quality of the chosen diet. These results contribute to our understanding of sex‐specific metabolism and reveal genotypic variation that influences responses to physiological demands.