Feature Channels: Biotech

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The development of versatile and efficient biocatalysts for the synthesis of α-hydroxyketones and Ephedra-type alkaloids represents a significant advancement in synthetic biology and medicinal chemistry. In this study, researchers explore the potential of acetolactate synthase (AlsS) from Bacillus subtilis (BsAlsS) for the production of phenylacetylcarbinol (PAC) and its derivatives. Additionally, the study investigates the use of intermediate reductive amination enzymes (introduction of amine group using enzymes) for functionalizing α-hydroxyketones to generate synthetic Ephedra-type alkaloids.

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Researchers from China have achieved a breakthrough in biofuel production with the development of Rhodococcus aetherivorans strain N1, a new species, and its enhanced variant, N1-S. The study highlights how N1-S excels at detoxifying toxic byproducts from lignocellulosic biomass, resulting in a remarkable 6.5-fold increase in succinic acid yields compared to traditional methods.

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Plant molecular farming (PMF) is an efficient strategy for producing recombinant protein. Tobacco plants, known for their short life cycle and large biomass production capacity, are excellent choices for PMF. In this review, researchers from institutes across China and Korea reviewed strategies for guiding recombinant proteins into different subcellular compartments of the cell. Findings reported in this review are extremely significant as optimized localization of recombinant proteins is crucial for pharmacological industries.

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Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein and is involved in important physiological processes. It is derived from milk and mucosal secretions. However, the separation and purification of a large amount of biologically active LF is very difficult. Therefore, technologies for synthetically manufacturing LF are urgently needed. In this review, researchers summarized the design and construction of high-expression LF synthetic biological systems. These systems are efficient and can maximize the LF production at large-scale industrial levels.

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Using genomics and early treatment response to guide risk-stratification and low-intensity therapy use for ETV6::RUNX1 and high-hyperdiploid B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia benefits patients.

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Scientists at ORNL used neutrons to end a decades-long debate about an enzyme cancer uses. Their findings can support the design of an inhibitor that can target aggressive cancers.

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In a recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers tested whether modern high-yielding soybeans benefit from nitrogen fertilizer, with results suggesting additions are largely unnecessary.

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A recent study has uncovered the genetic mechanism behind polyembryony in mango—a process where a single seed produces multiple embryos. By identifying the key reproductive wuschel-related protein (MiRWP) gene, researchers have unlocked how this natural cloning process occurs through changes in gene expression. The discovery has potential to transform agricultural practices, offering new methods for cultivating uniform plants and improving crop production efficiency across various fruit species.

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Scientists tested different methods of obtaining bacterial cellulose on the base of tea fungus. It turned out that when they grow on soybean molasses, microorganisms produce more by 57% of this product than on the base of tea with sugar. This method will make the production cheaper, because soybean molasses is a by-product of soybean processing, that is obtained in great amount at factories. Thanks to such cheap and accessible substrate it will be possible to produce bacterial cellulose, that is used in medicine for wound healing and neogenesis, industrially. Results of the research supported by the grant of Russian Scientific Foundation (RSF), are published in the magazine Food Science and Technology.

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Scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University analyzed scientific works dedicated to the role of proteins prohibitins in the development of obesity. It turned out that these proteins promote development of inflammation both in separate cells and the whole organism. This happens because prohibitins stimulate emission of anti-inflammatory substances by immune cells, and also participate in destruction of mitochondria damaged during oxidative stress. Obtained information points to the fact that prohibitins can become targets for medicine aimed at struggle with obesity consequences. Results of the research are published in the magazine Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.

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A pivotal study has uncovered the genetic blueprint behind grape berry texture, a key factor in the fruit’s commercial value. By mapping the genetic markers associated with firmness and brittleness, researchers have identified critical quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes that could revolutionize grape breeding, leading to superior varieties for both table grapes and wine production.

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Scientists have found that the naked mole-rat — an underground rodent that lives up to 40 years — has lost a number of CD1 functional genes. The CD1 gene family in mammals is responsible for protein synthesis that protects the body against infectious diseases. The findings indicate that the naked mole-rat’s immune system has significantly realigned and is using other — CD1-independent — molecular mechanisms. The results of the studies, supported by the Grants of Presidential program of the Russian Science Fund (RSF), were published in the Biology Direct magazine.

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Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists who arranged for 48 human bioengineered heart tissue samples to spend 30 days at the International Space Station report evidence that the low gravity conditions in space weakened the tissues and disrupted their normal rhythmic beats when compared to earth-bound samples from the same source.

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Irvine, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 — Recent medical and biotechnology advances have helped people suffering from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, but new treatments have not been distributed evenly or equitably throughout society, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine.

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With data from extensive genomic surveys of the syphilis bacterium – correlated with clinical information from patients – an international team of researchers and doctors are on the hunt for proteins on the surface of the microbe that don’t vary and could be good targets for a much-needed vaccine

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Scientists have discovered a novel defense mechanism in tea plants where the synthesis of anthocyanin-3-O-galactosides is triggered by infections, particularly anthracnose. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the plant's immune response and could lead to the development of more resilient tea varieties, offering a potential transformation in tea cultivation.

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A recent study has unveiled the pivotal roles of GRAS transcription factors, which act as master regulators in plant development and stress adaptation. The GRAS gene family is named after the first three genes that were identified: GIBBERELLIC ACID INSENSITIVE (GAI), REPRESSOR OF GA1 (RGA), and SCARECROW (SCR).The research sheds light on how these factors coordinate plant growth, fruit ripening, and resilience to environmental stressors, offering crucial insights that could drive future innovations in crop enhancement and global food security amid climate challenges.

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A research team reveals the nutraceutical potential of desugared sugarcane extract (DSE), a byproduct of sugar refining, as a rich source of bioactive compounds.

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UAlbany researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that allows antimicrobial resistance to spread among Klebsiella pneumoniae — the third leading cause of blood infections globally.