Antifungal Peptides and Proteins to Control Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis

The global challenge to prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination on food and feed requires the development of new antifungal strategies. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) with antifungal activity are gaining much interest as natural antifungal compounds due to their properties such as structure diversity and function, antifungal spectrum, mechanism of action, high stability and the availability of biotechnological production methods. Given their multistep mode of action, the development of fungal resistance to AMPs is presumed to be slow or delayed compared to conventional fungicides. Interestingly, AMPs also accomplish important biological functions other than antifungal activity, including anti-mycotoxin biosynthesis activity, which opens novel aspects for their future use in agriculture and food industry to fight mycotoxin contamination. AMPs can reach intracellular targets and exert their activity by mechanisms other than membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms through which AMPs affect mycotoxin production are varied and complex, ranging from oxidative stress to specific inhibition of enzymatic components of mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. This review presents natural and synthetic antifungal AMPs from different origins which are effective against mycotoxin-producing fungi, and aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning their additional effects on mycotoxin biosynthesis. Antifungal AMPs properties and mechanisms of action are also discussed.

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Characteristics and Function of the Chitin Binding Protein from Xenorhabdus nematophila

Protein and Peptide Letters ◽

10.2174/0929866526666190327143335 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 414-422

Author(s):

Jia Liu ◽

Ping Song ◽

Jie Zhang ◽

Ziyan Nangong ◽

Xiaobei Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antifungal Activity ◽

Growth Inhibition ◽

Insecticidal Activity ◽

Spore Germination ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Colloidal Chitin ◽

Inhibition Rate ◽

Xenorhabdus Nematophila ◽

Chitin Binding Protein ◽

And Function

Background: Genome sequence analysis (GenBank access No.: FN667742.1) shows that Xenorhabdus nematophila ATCC19061 contains one gene (Xn-cbp) encoding chitin binding protein (Xn-CBP). Objective: The present work aims to clarify the characteristics and function of Xn-CBP from X. nematophila HB310. Methods: In this study, the Xn-cbp gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Substrate binding assays were performed to explain the ability of Xn-CBP combined with the polysaccharide. The insecticidal toxicity of Xn-CBP against the second-instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera was determined by feeding method. Besides, the antifungal activity of Xn-CBP against Coniothyrium diplodiella, Verticillium dahlia, and Fusarium oxysporum was tested by spore germination assay and hyphal extension assay. Results: Xn-CBP encoded 199 amino acids with a calculated mass of 28 kDa, which contained a signal peptide and a chitin binding domain. The Bmax and Kd values of Xn-CBP to colloidal chitin were 2.46 and 4.08, respectively. Xn-CBP had insecticidal activity against the H. armigera with a growth inhibition rate of 84.08%. Xn-CBP had the highest spore germination inhibitory effect on C. diplodiella with the inhibition rate of 83.11%. The hyphal growth inhibition rate of Xn-CBP to F. oxysporum, 41.52%, was higher than the other two fungi. Conclusion: The Xn-CBP had the highest binding ability to colloidal chitin and it showed insecticidal activity and antifungal activity. The present study laid a foundation for further exploitation and utilization of X. nematophila.

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Effects of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Placenta: Current Knowledge and Targets for Therapeutic Interventions

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1570161118666200616144512 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 176-192

Author(s):

Samantha Bedell ◽

Janine Hutson ◽

Barbra de Vrijer ◽

Genevieve Eastabrook

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Maternal Obesity ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Placental Development ◽

Exchange Site ◽

And Function

: Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development as well as metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in the offspring. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of obesity and GDM on placental development and function. Understanding these processes is key in developing therapeutic interventions with the goal of mitigating these effects and preventing future cardiovascular and metabolic pathology in subsequent generations.

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The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190849061.001.0001 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Auditory Pathway ◽

Auditory Brainstem ◽

Auditory Midbrain ◽

Current State ◽

Neuronal Mechanisms ◽

Maladaptive Plasticity ◽

And Function ◽

Auditory Field

The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem provides an in-depth reference to the organization and function of ascending and descending auditory pathways in the mammalian brainstem. Individual chapters are organized along the auditory pathway, beginning with the cochlea and ending with the auditory midbrain. Each chapter provides an introduction to the respective area and summarizes our current knowledge before discussing the disputes and challenges that the field currently faces.The handbook emphasizes the numerous forms of plasticity that are increasingly observed in many areas of the auditory brainstem. Several chapters focus on neuronal modulation of function and plasticity on the synaptic, neuronal, and circuit level, especially during development, aging, and following peripheral hearing loss. In addition, the book addresses the role of trauma-induced maladaptive plasticity with respect to its contribution in generating central hearing dysfunction, such as hyperacusis and tinnitus.The book is intended for students and postdoctoral fellows starting in the auditory field and for researchers of related fields who wish to get an authoritative and up-to-date summary of the current state of auditory brainstem research. For clinical practitioners in audiology, otolaryngology, and neurology, the book is a valuable resource of information about the neuronal mechanisms that are currently discussed as major candidates for the generation of central hearing dysfunction.

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The Cross-Talk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immune Cells in Tissue Repair and Regeneration

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052472 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2472

Author(s):

Carl Randall Harrell ◽

Valentin Djonov ◽

Vladislav Volarevic

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Tissue Repair ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Multipotent Stem Cells ◽

Tissue Repair And Regeneration ◽

Almost All ◽

And Function

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, rapidly proliferating, multipotent stem cells which reside in almost all post-natal tissues. MSCs possess potent immunoregulatory properties and, in juxtacrine and paracrine manner, modulate phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, MSCs produce various pro-angiogenic factors and promote neo-vascularization in healing tissues, contributing to their enhanced repair and regeneration. In this review article, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms that regulate the crosstalk between MSCs and immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration.

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Antioxidant and Signaling Role of Plastid-Derived Isoprenoid Quinones and Chromanols

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22062950 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 2950

Author(s):

Beatrycze Nowicka ◽

Agnieszka Trela-Makowej ◽

Dariusz Latowski ◽

Kazimierz Strzalka ◽

Renata Szymańska

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Oxygenic Photosynthesis ◽

Ros Generation ◽

Main Site ◽

Storage Lipids ◽

Abiotic Stress Factors ◽

Cell Components ◽

And Function

Plant prenyllipids, especially isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, are very efficient low-molecular-weight lipophilic antioxidants, protecting membranes and storage lipids from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are byproducts of aerobic metabolism that can damage cell components, they are also known to play a role in signaling. Plants are particularly prone to oxidative damage because oxygenic photosynthesis results in O2 formation in their green tissues. In addition, the photosynthetic electron transfer chain is an important source of ROS. Therefore, chloroplasts are the main site of ROS generation in plant cells during the light reactions of photosynthesis, and plastidic antioxidants are crucial to prevent oxidative stress, which occurs when plants are exposed to various types of stress factors, both biotic and abiotic. The increase in antioxidant content during stress acclimation is a common phenomenon. In the present review, we describe the mechanisms of ROS (singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical) production in chloroplasts in general and during exposure to abiotic stress factors, such as high light, low temperature, drought and salinity. We highlight the dual role of their presence: negative (i.e., lipid peroxidation, pigment and protein oxidation) and positive (i.e., contribution in redox-based physiological processes). Then we provide a summary of current knowledge concerning plastidic prenyllipid antioxidants belonging to isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, as well as their structure, occurrence, biosynthesis and function both in ROS detoxification and signaling.

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Food waste bioconversion into new food: A mini-review on nutrients circularity in the production of mushrooms, microalgae and insects

Waste Management & Research ◽

10.1177/0734242x211038189 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0734242X2110381

Author(s):

Francesca Girotto ◽

Laura Piazza

Keyword(s):

Food Waste ◽

Optimal Growth ◽

World Population ◽

Cultivation Conditions ◽

Health Security ◽

Global Challenge ◽

Factors Analysis ◽

Growing Medium ◽

The World ◽

Food And Feed

The global challenge of feeding an ever-increasing world population is leading scientists’ attention towards nutritious and sustainable foods whose production should have low impacts on environment, economy and society. In case the input feedstock can be waste nutrients, the label of such productions becomes even greener. Nutrients circularity is nowadays an important circular economy practice. This mini-review focuses on the valorisation of food waste as precious biomass to grow new food and feed. In particular, three functional edibles are discussed in the present paper: mushrooms, microalgae and insects. These foods are part of people diets since ages in certain areas of the world and the original aspect of their cultivation and breeding found on waste nutrients recovery is here reviewed. Proofs of such food waste biorefinery viability are already given by several researches featuring the main traits of a suitable growing medium: optimal pool of nutrients and optimal pH. However, lot of work still needs to be done in order to assess the optimal growth and cultivation conditions and the health security of the harvested/bred edibles. A SWOT factors analysis was performed.

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Updates on food and feed mycotoxin contamination and safety in Africa with special reference to Nigeria

Mycology&#58 An International Journal on Fungal Biology ◽

10.1080/21501203.2021.1941371 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Francis Imade ◽

Edgar Mugizi Ankwasa ◽

Hairong Geng ◽

Sana Ullah ◽

Tanvir Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Special Reference ◽

Mycotoxin Contamination ◽

Food And Feed

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Sporulation in solventogenic and acetogenic clostridia

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ◽

10.1007/s00253-021-11289-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mamou Diallo ◽

Servé W. M. Kengen ◽

Ana M. López-Contreras

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Carbon Sources ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Biotechnological Production ◽

Key Points ◽

Wide Range ◽

Potential Applications ◽

A Cell ◽

Sporulation Initiation ◽

Solventogenic Clostridia

AbstractThe Clostridium genus harbors compelling organisms for biotechnological production processes; while acetogenic clostridia can fix C1-compounds to produce acetate and ethanol, solventogenic clostridia can utilize a wide range of carbon sources to produce commercially valuable carboxylic acids, alcohols, and ketones by fermentation. Despite their potential, the conversion by these bacteria of carbohydrates or C1 compounds to alcohols is not cost-effective enough to result in economically viable processes. Engineering solventogenic clostridia by impairing sporulation is one of the investigated approaches to improve solvent productivity. Sporulation is a cell differentiation process triggered in bacteria in response to exposure to environmental stressors. The generated spores are metabolically inactive but resistant to harsh conditions (UV, chemicals, heat, oxygen). In Firmicutes, sporulation has been mainly studied in bacilli and pathogenic clostridia, and our knowledge of sporulation in solvent-producing or acetogenic clostridia is limited. Still, sporulation is an integral part of the cellular physiology of clostridia; thus, understanding the regulation of sporulation and its connection to solvent production may give clues to improve the performance of solventogenic clostridia. This review aims to provide an overview of the triggers, characteristics, and regulatory mechanism of sporulation in solventogenic clostridia. Those are further compared to the current knowledge on sporulation in the industrially relevant acetogenic clostridia. Finally, the potential applications of spores for process improvement are discussed.Key Points• The regulatory network governing sporulation initiation varies in solventogenic clostridia.• Media composition and cell density are the main triggers of sporulation.• Spores can be used to improve the fermentation process.

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Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19020113 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 113

Author(s):

Marine Remize ◽

Yves Brunel ◽

Joana L. Silva ◽

Jean-Yves Berthon ◽

Edith Filaire

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Global Warming ◽

Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽

Human Health ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Epa And Dha ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Food And Feed

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future.

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Neurons interact with the microbiome: an evolutionary-informed perspective

Neuroforum ◽

10.1515/nf-2021-0003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Christoph Giez ◽

Alexander Klimovich ◽

Thomas C. G. Bosch

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Neural Circuits ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

System Development ◽

Nervous System Development ◽

Comprehensive Understanding ◽

Strategic Model ◽

Microbe Interactions ◽

Host Microbe Interactions ◽

And Function

Abstract Animals have evolved within the framework of microbes and are constantly exposed to diverse microbiota. Microbes colonize most, if not all, animal epithelia and influence the activity of many organs, including the nervous system. Therefore, any consideration on nervous system development and function in the absence of the recognition of microbes will be incomplete. Here, we review the current knowledge on the nervous systems of Hydra and its role in the host–microbiome communication. We show that recent advances in molecular and imaging methods are allowing a comprehensive understanding of the capacity of such a seemingly simple nervous system in the context of the metaorganism. We propose that the development, function and evolution of neural circuits must be considered in the context of host–microbe interactions and present Hydra as a strategic model system with great basic and translational relevance for neuroscience.

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