Alternative Biosynthetic Starter Units Enhance the Structural Diversity of Cyanobacterial Lipopeptides.

Puwainaphycins (PUWs) and minutissamides (MINs) are structurally analogous cyclic lipopeptides possessing cytotoxic activity. Both types of compound exhibit high structural variability, particularly in the fatty acid (FA) moiety. Although a biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for synthesis of several PUW variants has been proposed in a cyanobacterial strain, the genetic background for MINs remains unexplored. Herein, we report PUW/MIN biosynthetic gene clusters and structural variants from six cyanobacterial strains. Comparison of biosynthetic gene clusters indicates a common origin of the PUW/MIN hybrid nonribosomal peptide synthetase and polyketide synthase. Surprisingly, the biosynthetic gene clusters encode two alternative biosynthetic starter modules, and analysis of structural variants suggests that initiation by each of the starter modules results in lipopeptides of differing lengths and FA substitutions. Among additional modifications of the FA chain, chlorination of minutissamide D was explained by the presence of a putative halogenase gene in the PUW/MIN gene cluster of Anabaena minutissima strain UTEX B 1613. We detected PUW variants bearing an acetyl substitution in Symplocastrum muelleri strain NIVA-CYA 644, consistent with an O-acetyltransferase gene in its biosynthetic gene cluster. The major lipopeptide variants did not exhibit any significant antibacterial activity, and only the PUW F variant was moderately active against yeast, consistent with previously published data suggesting that PUWs/MINs interact preferentially with eukaryotic plasma membranes.IMPORTANCE Herein, we deciphered the most important biosynthetic traits of a prominent group of bioactive lipopeptides. We reveal evidence for initiation of biosynthesis by two alternative starter units hardwired directly in the same gene cluster, eventually resulting in the production of a remarkable range of lipopeptide variants. We identified several unusual tailoring genes potentially involved in modifying the fatty acid chain. Careful characterization of these biosynthetic gene clusters and their diverse products could provide important insight into lipopeptide biosynthesis in prokaryotes. Some of the variants identified exhibit cytotoxic and antifungal properties, and some are associated with a toxigenic biofilm-forming strain. The findings may prove valuable to researchers in the fields of natural product discovery and toxicology.

Metabolite interactions in the bacterial Calvin cycle and implications for flux regulation.

Metabolite-level regulation of enzyme activity is important for microbes to cope with environmental shifts. Knowledge of such regulations can also guide strain engineering for biotechnology. Here we apply limited proteolysis-small molecule mapping (LiP-SMap) to identify and compare metabolite-protein interactions in the proteomes of two cyanobacteria and two lithoautotrophic bacteria that fix CO2 using the Calvin cycle. Clustering analysis of the hundreds of detected interactions shows that some metabolites interact in a species-specific manner. We estimate that approximately 35% of interacting metabolites affect enzyme activity in vitro, and the effect is often minor. Using LiP-SMap data as a guide, we find that the Calvin cycle intermediate glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate enhances activity of fructose-1,6/sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (F/SBPase) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Cupriavidus necator in reducing conditions, suggesting a convergent feed-forward activation of the cycle. In oxidizing conditions, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate inhibits Synechocystis F/SBPase by promoting enzyme aggregation. In contrast, the glycolytic intermediate glucose-6-phosphate activates F/SBPase from Cupriavidus necator but not F/SBPase from Synechocystis. Thus, metabolite-level regulation of the Calvin cycle is more prevalent than previously appreciated.

A waste of time: the problem of common morality in Principles of Biomedical Ethics.

From the 5th edition of Beauchamp and Childress' Principles of Biomedical Ethics, the problem of common morality has been given a more prominent role and emphasis. With the publication of the 6th and latest edition, the authors not only attempt to ground their theory in common morality, but there is also an increased tendency to identify the former with the latter. While this stratagem may give the impression of a more robust, and hence stable, foundation for their theoretical construct, we fear that it comes with a cost, namely the need to keep any theory in medical ethics open to, and thereby aware of, the challenges arising from biomedical research and clinical practice, as well as healthcare systems. By too readily identifying the moral life of common morality with rule-following behaviour, Beauchamp and Childress may even be wrong about the nature of common morality as such, thereby founding their, by now, classic theory on quicksand instead of solid rock.

Oxidative Stability of Polyunsaturated Edible Oils Mixed With Microcrystalline Cellulose.

The oxidative stability of mixtures of edible oils containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was investigated. The mixtures studied consisted of oils of either camelina (CAM), cod liver (CLO), or salmon (SO) mixed with either colloidal or powdered MCC. A 50:50 (w/w) ratio of oil:MCC resulted in an applicable mixture containing high levels of PUFA edible oil and dietary fiber. The oxidative stability of the formulated mixtures and the pure oils was investigated over a period of 28 days. The peroxide value (PV) was assessed as a parameter for primary oxidation products and dynamic headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze secondary volatile organic compounds (VOC). CAM and the respective mixtures were oxidatively stable at both 4 and 22 °C during the storage period. The marine oils and the respective mixtures were stable at 4 °C. At 22 °C, an increase in hydroperoxides was found, but no increase in VOC was detected during the time-frame investigated. At 42 °C, prominent increases in PV and VOC were found for all oils and mixtures. Hexanal, a common marker for the degradation of n-6 fatty acids, propanal and 2,4-heptadienal (E,E), common indicators for the degradation of n-3 fatty acids, were among the volatiles detected in the headspace of oils and mixtures. This study showed that a mixture containing a 50:50 ratio of oil:MCC can be obtained by a low-tech procedure that does not induce oxidation when stored at low temperatures during a period of 1 month.

Slow Protein Turnover Explains Limited Protein-Level Response to Diurnal Transcriptional Oscillations in Cyanobacteria.

Metabolically engineered cyanobacteria have the potential to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions by converting CO2 into renewable fuels and chemicals. Yet, better understanding of metabolic regulation in cyanobacteria is required to develop more productive strains that can make industrial scale-up economically feasible. The aim of this study was to find the cause for the previously reported inconsistency between oscillating transcription and constant protein levels under day-night growth conditions. To determine whether translational regulation counteracts transcriptional changes, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was cultivated in an artificial day-night setting and the level of transcription, translation and protein was measured across the genome at different time points using mRNA sequencing, ribosome profiling and quantitative proteomics. Furthermore, the effect of protein turnover on the amplitude of protein oscillations was investigated through in silico simulations using a protein mass balance model. Our experimental analysis revealed that protein oscillations were not dampened by translational regulation, as evidenced by high correlation between translational and transcriptional oscillations (r = 0.88) and unchanged protein levels. Instead, model simulations showed that these observations can be attributed to a slow protein turnover, which reduces the effect of protein synthesis oscillations on the protein level. In conclusion, these results suggest that cyanobacteria have evolved to govern diurnal metabolic shifts through allosteric regulatory mechanisms in order to avoid the energy burden of replacing the proteome on a daily basis. Identification and manipulation of such mechanisms could be part of a metabolic engineering strategy for overproduction of chemicals.

Growth of Cyanobacteria Is Constrained by the Abundance of Light and Carbon Assimilation Proteins.

Cyanobacteria must balance separate demands for energy generation, carbon assimilation, and biomass synthesis. We used shotgun proteomics to investigate proteome allocation strategies in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as it adapted to light and inorganic carbon (Ci) limitation. When partitioning the proteome into seven functional sectors, we find that sector sizes change linearly with growth rate. The sector encompassing ribosomes is significantly smaller than in E. coli, which may explain the lower maximum growth rate in Synechocystis. Limitation of light dramatically affects multiple proteome sectors, whereas the effect of Ci limitation is weak. Carbon assimilation proteins respond more strongly to changes in light intensity than to Ci. A coarse-grained cell economy model generally explains proteome trends. However, deviations from model predictions suggest that the large proteome sectors for carbon and light assimilation are not optimally utilized under some growth conditions and may constrain the proteome space available to ribosomes.

Localized internal radiotherapy with 90Y particles embedded in a new thermosetting alginate gel: a feasibility study in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Internal radiotherapy requires the localization of the radionuclide to the site of action. A new injectable alginate gel formulation intended to undergo immediate gelation in tissues and capable of encapsulating radioactive particles containing 90Y was investigated. METHODS: The formulation was injected intramuscularly, into the bone marrow compartment of the femur and intravenously, respectively, in pigs. The distribution of radioactivity in various tissues was determined. RESULTS: Following intramuscular injection, more than 90% of the radioactivity was found at the site of injection. Following injection into bone marrow, 30-40% of the radioactivity was retained at the site of injection, but a considerable amount of radioactivity was also detected in the lungs (35-45%) and the liver (5-18%). Following intravenous injection, 80-90% of the radioactivity was found in the lungs. CONCLUSION: The present formulation appears suitable for localized radiotherapy in organs and tissues having low perfusion.

Sustained release of water-soluble drug from directly compressed alginate tablets.

The release of acetyl salicylic acid from directly compressed alginate tablets was investigated. The effect of the amount and type of alginate on the drug release rate was evaluated in different formulations. Four different grades of alginate were used. The in vitro release studies were carried out using the apparatus II (paddle) equipment as described in the USP 23/NF dissolution monograph. Dissolution medium was 0.1 M HCl for 2 h followed by phosphate buffer pH 6.8; both at 37 degrees C. Sustained drug release up to 16 h was achieved using sodium alginate in combination with dibasic calcium phosphate.

Identification of singlet oxygen photosensitizes in lambs drinking water in an alveld risk area in West Norway.

Alveld is a hepatogenous photosensitivity disorder in lambs. Although alveld has been known in Norway for more than 100years, there are still questions related to the cause of the disease. Phytoporphyrin has long been incriminated as the photosensitizer in hepatogenous photosensitivity diseases but previous findings suggest that the photosensitizing mechanism in alveld is more complex, possibly involving other co-factors. The current work investigates the presence of non-hepatogenous photosensitizers originating in lamb's drinking water from various sources. In addition samples of two of the predominent cyanobacteria found in a representative biofilm (i.e. aggregates of microbes) were identified and isolated in axenic (i.e. pure) cultures. Information from the absorption-, fluorescence emission-, and -excitation spectra and the action spectrum for the formation of singlet oxygen was combined in order to identify the chromophores responsible for the formation of singlet oxygen, e.g. phycocyanins from the cyanobacteria. The highest level of singlet oxygen formation was detected in lotic (i.e. flowing) water in the period consistent with the outbreak of the alveld disease in the area. Meteorological data indicate a warm and wet May with a high radiation exposure leading up to a colder and wet June with an even higher solar irradiance. The seasonal variation in the amount of photosensitizers in lamb's drinking water combined meteorological data can be important to predict the outbreak of alveld.

Impaired secondary oxidant deactivation capacity and enhanced oxidative stress in serum from alveld affected lambs.

Alveld is a hepatogenous photosensitivity disorder in lambs. The aim of the study was to investigate if alveld affected lambs had a reduced capacity to handle oxidative stress induced from either endogenous and/or exogenous photosensitizers. Serum samples from alveld lambs (n=33) were compared to serum samples from control lambs (n=31) and exposed to a controlled amount of singlet oxygen ((1)O2). The sera from alveld lambs were found to have an impaired ability to deactivate reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to control sera. A higher degree of initial hemolysis and a higher concentration of the exogenous photosensitizer phytoporphyrin (PP) were detected in alveld sera compared to the controls. The action spectrum for the formation of (1)O2 indicated that PP as well as the endogenous compound protoporphyrin IX (PP IX) may act as in vivo photosensitizers. A relatively high level of iron was detected in pooled serum from alveld lambs that showed a high degree of hemolysis. It was concluded that alveld photosensitivity is likely to be initiated by a photodynamic reaction involving PP and possibly also PP IX followed by a light-independent reaction involving hemoglobin-related products and catalysis by the Fenton reaction.

Effect of chitosan malate on viability and cytoskeletal structures morphology of Caco-2 cells.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the treatment with chitosan malate (CM) on viability of Caco-2 cells and on the morphology and the integrity of their cytoskeletal structures (microtubules, microfilaments). Cytotoxicity of CM, both as a solution and as microparticles obtained by spray drying, was evaluated by using the reduction of MTT reagent; microtubule and microfilaments organization of Caco-2 cells treated with CM solution was examined with immunofluorescence techniques in monolayers fixed with the glutaraldehyde-borohydride method. CM as a solution displayed a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity towards Caco-2 cells, with viability percentages of 5 ± 2%, 7 ± 3% and 31 ± 15% at 15, 10 and 5mg/mL, respectively, while at 2.5mg/mL or less cell viability was 90% or higher. CM microparticles also produced a remarkable cytotoxic effect (cell viability 84 ± 17%, 16 ± 8% and 5 ± 6% after treatment with 1, 5 and 10mg CM per well, respectively), resulting more toxic than CM solution. Microtubules pattern of Caco-2 cells, which is a network regularly arranged around the nucleus, appeared deeply modified by CM treatment in a concentration-dependent way, with progressive microtubule changes in length and spatial disposition and deposition of fluorescent aggregates at the periphery of the cells. Furthermore, after treatment with 5-15mg/mL CM, remarkable alterations of actin organization were observed, with a progressive disruption of the network of stress fibers and the appearance of actin aggregates inside the cell cytoplasm. In conclusion, viability and the cytoskeletal pattern of Caco-2 cells are modified by treatment with CM at high concentrations, which might be locally reached in vivo after application of drug-loaded chitosan microparticles onto mucosal cells.

Detection of singlet oxygen in blood serum samples of clinically healthy lambs and lambs suffering from alveld disease.

Alveld is a disease in lambs of domestic sheep (Ovis aries L.), characterized by a combination of photosensitivity and liver damage. Generation of singlet oxygen play a major role in phototoxicity reactions. The compound phylloerythrin (phytoporphyrin) is so far assumed to be the main photodynamic agent in hepatogenous photosensitivity diseases in sheep. Phylloerythrin is a potent photosensitizer and an efficient source of singlet oxygen. The compound accumulates in the peripheral circualtion upon liver damage. Liver dysfunction is also likely to cause an increase in the blood level of bilirubin. Formation of singlet oxygen by bilirubin is reported. In the present work the photosensitizing potential of serum has been measured and related to the bilirubin- and phylloerythrin levels in lambs suffering from alveld and in clinically healthy controls. The singlet oxygen level of the serum was taken as a measure of the photosensitizing potential. The observed singlet oxygen values in serum from alveld lambs were significantly higher than the corresponding values observed in clinically healthy control lambs. This indicates that the serum of the alveld lambs contains an elevated concentration of photosensitizer. The singlet oxygen level was not correlated to the concentration of bilirubin or phylloerythrin. The results indicate that the photosensitizing mechanism is quite complex and may involve other sensitizer(s) than phylloerythrin.

Microwave drying of granules containing a moisture-sensitive drug: a promising alternative to fluid bed and hot air oven drying.

The impact of microwave drying and binders (copolyvidone and povidone) on the degradation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and physical properties of granules were compared with conventional drying methods. Moist granules containing ASA were prepared using a high shear granulator and dried with hot air oven, fluid bed or microwave (static or dynamic bed) dryers. Percent ASA degradation, size and size distribution, friability and flow properties of the granules were determined. Granules dried with the dynamic bed microwave dryer showed the least amount of ASA degradation, followed by fluid bed dryer, static bed microwave oven and hot air oven. The use of microwave drying with a static granular bed adversely affected ASA degradation and drying capability. Dynamic bed microwave dryer had the highest drying capability followed by fluid bed, static bed microwave dryer and conventional hot air oven. The intensity of microwave did not affect ASA degradation, size distribution, friability and flow properties of the granules. Mixing/agitating of granules during drying affected the granular physical properties studied. Copolyvidone resulted in lower amount of granular residual moisture content and ASA degradation on storage than povidone, especially for static bed microwave drying. In conclusion, microwave drying technology has been shown to be a promising alternative for drying granules containing a moisture-sensitive drug.

Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) containing juniper oil as anti-acne topical carriers: preliminary studies.

Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) were used as carriers of juniper oil and proposed for the topical treatment of acne vulgare. The formulations were obtained by the o/w emulsification method. Compritol and Precirol were employed as lipidic materials. Emulsions containing 1.5% (w/w) of lipophilic phase (lipid and oil) and two different lipid to oil ratios (1:1 and 2:1) were prepared. Blank particles were also prepared, as a comparison. The SLM were characterized in terms of encapsulation efficiency, size, and morphology. The particle size stability in aqueous dispersions was monitored over one month. Evaporation of volatile compounds of oil from microparticles by weight loss was investigated. The qualitative composition of Juniper oil before and after the encapsulation process was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrum (GC/MS) analyses. The antimicrobial activity of the oil encapsulated into the lipid microparticles against P. acnes was studied as contact time assay and compared to the activity of the oil not encapsulated. The emulsification method here described was a good technique for the encapsulation of essential oils. Percentage yields of production and encapsulation efficiencies were higher for Compritol preparations than for these prepared using Precirol. All preparations were characterized by similar particle size distributions (dvs about 3-4 microm) regardless of lipid type and lipid to oil ratios. Microscopy observations showed that the microparticles in aqueous dispersions had almost spherical shape, independently from their composition. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that when the particles were dried, they had an irregular shape and a rough surface. The SLM dispersions based on Compritol revealed particle size stability over the investigated period of 30 days. In contrast, an increase of the mean dimensions in the preparations containing Precirol was observed. A low loss of volatile oil compounds owing to evaporation from dry particles was found in all preparations. This indicated that the microparticles were able to substantially maintain the oil loaded inside their lipidic structure, reducing its volatility. Some modifications of composition were found in the oil encapsulated in SLM with respect to the juniper oil raw material, but these modifications did not decrease the antibacterial activity of the oil. The SLM here described are promising carriers for the development of anti-acne topical formulations containing Juniper oil.

Alginate in drug delivery systems.

Alginates are established among the most versatile biopolymers, used in a wide range of applications. The conventional use of alginate as an excipient in drug products generally depends on the thickening, gel-forming, and stabilizing properties. A need for prolonged and better control of drug administration has increased the demand for tailor-made polymers. Hydrocolloids like alginate can play a significant role in the design of a controlled-release product. At low pH hydration of alginic acid leads to the formation of a high-viscosity "acid gel." Alginate is also easily gelled in the presence of a divalent cation as the calcium ion. Dried sodium alginate beads reswell, creating a diffusion barrier decreasing the migration of small molecules (e.g., drugs). The ability of alginate to form two types of gel dependent on pH, i.e., an acid gel and an ionotropic gel, gives the polymer unique properties compared to neutral macromolecules. The molecule can be tailor-made for a number of applications. So far more than 200 different alginate grades and a number of alginate salts are manufactured. The potential use of the various qualities as pharmaceutical excipients has not been evaluated fully, but alginate is likely to make an important contribution in the development of polymeric delivery systems. This natural polymer is adopted by Ph.Eur. It can be obtained in an ultrapure form suitable for implants. This review discusses the present use and future possibilities of alginate as a tool in drug formulation.

Riboflavin-photosensitized changes in aqueous solutions of alginate. Rheological studies.

Interactions between photoexcited riboflavin (RF), promoted by irradiation in the range of 310-800 nm, and alginate have been studied in air equilibrated aqueous solutions with the aid of rheological methods. Light irradiation of RF causes under aerobic conditions fragmentation of alginate and a decrease in the shear viscosity and other rheological parameters of its solutions. The decrease is most pronounced in concentrated polymer solutions. The photochemical degradation of alginate is inhibited in the presence of the quenchers/scavengers d-mannitol, glutathione, potassium iodide, and sodium azide and in excess oxygen. The addition of thiourea to alginate-RF solutions leads to enhanced degradation of the polymer. Significant shear-thinning effects and deviations from the Cox-Merz rule are observed at higher polymer concentrations.