Harnessing Microbial Peptides for Drug Discovery

Harnessing Microbial Peptides for Drug Discovery PDF Author: Conor Pulliam
Publisher: American Chemical Society
ISBN: 0841296332
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 151

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Book Description
Harnessing Microbial Peptides for Drug Discovery offers a concise introduction for researchers new to antimicrobial peptides. This primer provides essential information to navigate the current scientific literature on bacterial peptide discovery. Chapter 1 surveys foundational background information on microbes’ biosynthetic potentials and two major superfamilies of bioactive peptides: ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs). Chapter 2 gives a brief history of traditional methods of discovery of bioactive peptides, followed by an in-depth explanation of several current and emerging methods. These current and emerging methods are bioinformatic tools applied to genome-transcriptome sequences, molecular cloning of gene constructs into plasmids for expression in heterologous hosts, and isolation and characterization of peptides via HPLC, MS, and NMR. The final chapter, Chapter 3, uses several examples of bioactive peptides to explore the diverse chemistry and biosynthesis microbes employed to produce these versatile biomolecules. In addition, this primer contains useful pedagogical features to enhance the reading experience: a pop-up glossary for seamless learning, "Insider Q&A" video interviews with expert insights, "That's a Wrap" summaries at the end of each chapter, and "Read These Next" references to aid in transitioning into the literature. Readers will gain valuable insight into peptide therapeutic discovery and avoid the major headaches that usually occur when starting a new field.

Harnessing Microbial Peptides for Drug Discovery

Harnessing Microbial Peptides for Drug Discovery PDF Author: Conor Pulliam
Publisher: American Chemical Society
ISBN: 0841296332
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 151

Get Book Here

Book Description
Harnessing Microbial Peptides for Drug Discovery offers a concise introduction for researchers new to antimicrobial peptides. This primer provides essential information to navigate the current scientific literature on bacterial peptide discovery. Chapter 1 surveys foundational background information on microbes’ biosynthetic potentials and two major superfamilies of bioactive peptides: ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs). Chapter 2 gives a brief history of traditional methods of discovery of bioactive peptides, followed by an in-depth explanation of several current and emerging methods. These current and emerging methods are bioinformatic tools applied to genome-transcriptome sequences, molecular cloning of gene constructs into plasmids for expression in heterologous hosts, and isolation and characterization of peptides via HPLC, MS, and NMR. The final chapter, Chapter 3, uses several examples of bioactive peptides to explore the diverse chemistry and biosynthesis microbes employed to produce these versatile biomolecules. In addition, this primer contains useful pedagogical features to enhance the reading experience: a pop-up glossary for seamless learning, "Insider Q&A" video interviews with expert insights, "That's a Wrap" summaries at the end of each chapter, and "Read These Next" references to aid in transitioning into the literature. Readers will gain valuable insight into peptide therapeutic discovery and avoid the major headaches that usually occur when starting a new field.

Lasso Peptides

Lasso Peptides PDF Author: Yanyan Li
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1493910108
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book Description
Lasso peptides form a growing family of fascinating ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides produced by bacteria. They contain 15 to 24 residues and share a unique interlocked topology that involves an N-terminal 7 to 9-residue macrolactam ring where the C-terminal tail is threaded and irreversibly trapped. The ring results from the condensation of the N-terminal amino group with a side-chain carboxylate of a glutamate at position 8 or 9, or an aspartate at position 7, 8 or 9. The trapping of the tail involves bulky amino acids located in the tail below and above the ring and/or disulfide bridges connecting the ring and the tail. Lasso peptides are subdivided into three subtypes depending on the absence (class II) or presence of one (class III) or two (class I) disulfide bridges. The lasso topology results in highly compact structures that give to lasso peptides an extraordinary stability towards both protease degradation and denaturing conditions. Lasso peptides are generally receptor antagonists, enzyme inhibitors and/or antibacterial or antiviral (anti-HIV) agents. The lasso scaffold and the associated biological activities shown by lasso peptides on different key targets make them promising molecules with high therapeutic potential. Their application in drug design has been exemplified by the development of an integrin antagonist based on a lasso peptide scaffold. The biosynthesis machinery of lasso peptides is therefore of high biotechnological interest, especially since such highly compact and stable structures have to date revealed inaccessible by peptide synthesis. Lasso peptides are produced from a linear precursor LasA, which undergoes a maturation process involving several steps, in particular cleavage of the leader peptide and cyclization. The post-translational modifications are ensured by a dedicated enzymatic machinery, which is composed of an ATP-dependent cysteine protease (LasB) and a lactam synthetase (LasC) that form an enzymatic complex called lasso synthetase. Microcin J25, produced by Escherichia coli AY25, is the archetype of lasso peptides and the most extensively studied. To date only around forty lasso peptides have been isolated, but genome mining approaches have revealed that they are widely distributed among Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, particularly in Streptomyces, making available a rich resource of novel lasso peptides and enzyme machineries towards lasso topologies.

Radical SAM Enzymes

Radical SAM Enzymes PDF Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 9780128127940
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Radical SAM Enzymes, Volume 606, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on the Characterization of the glycyl radical enzyme choline trimethylamine-lyase and its radical S-adenosylmethionine activating enzyme, Diphathimide biosynthesis, Radical SAM glycyl radical activating enzymes, Radical SAM enzyme BioB in the biosynthesis of biotin, Biogenesis of the PQQ cofactor, Role of MoaAC in the biogenesis of the molybdenum cofactor, Biosynthesis of the nitrogenase cofactor, Bioinformatics of the radical SAM superfamily, The involvement of SAM radical enzymes in the biosynthesis of methanogenic coenzymes, methanopterin and coenzyme F420, and more.

Streptomyces in Nature and Medicine

Streptomyces in Nature and Medicine PDF Author: D. A. Hopwood
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 019515066X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 261

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Book Description
This is an insiders account of 50 years of genetic studies of the soil-inhabiting microbes that produce most of the antibiotics used to treat infections, as well as anti-cancer, anti-parasitic and immunosuppressant drugs. The book begins by describing how these microbes the actinomycetes were discovered in the latter part of the nineteenth century, but remained a Cinderella group until, in the 1940s, they shot to prominence with the discovery of streptomycin, the first effective treatment for tuberculosis and only the second antibiotic, after penicillin, to become a medical marvel. There followed a massive effort over several decades to find further treatments for infectious diseases and cancer, tempered by the rise of antibiotic resistance consequent on antibiotic misuse and over-use. The book goes on to describe the discovery of gene exchange in the actinomycetes in the context of the rise of microbial genetics in the mid-20th century, leading to determination of the complete DNA sequence of a model member of the group at the turn of the millennium. There follow chapters in which the intricate molecular machinery that adapts the organisms metabolism and development to life in the soil, including antibiotic production, is illuminated by the DNA blueprint. Then come an up-to-the minute account of the use of genetic engineering to make novel, hybrid, antibiotics, and a topical description of techniques to learn the roles of the thousands of genes in a genome sequence, throwing a powerful light on the biology of the organisms and their harnessing for increasing antibiotic productivity. In the final chapter we return to the mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy, the first actinomycetes to be discovered, and how methodology, in part derived from the study of the streptomycetes, is being applied to understand and control these still deadly pathogens.

Natural Products

Natural Products PDF Author: Anne Osbourn
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118794605
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 601

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Book Description
Natural Products: Discourse, Diversity and Design provides an informative and accessible overview of discoveries in the area of natural products in the genomic era, bringing together advances across the kingdoms. As genomics data makes it increasingly clear that the genomes of microbes and plants contain far more genes for natural product synthesis than had been predicted from the numbers of previously identified metabolites, the potential of these organisms to synthesize diverse natural products is likely to be far greater than previously envisaged. Natural Products addresses not only the philosophical questions of the natural role of these metabolites, but also the evolution of single and multiple pathways, and how these pathways and products may be harnessed to aid discovery of new bioactives and modes of action. Edited by recognized leaders in the fields of plant and microbial biology, bioorganic chemistry and natural products chemistry, and with contributions from researchers at top labs around the world, Natural Products is unprecedented in its combination of disciplines and the breadth of its coverage. Natural Produces: Discourse, Diversity and Design will appeal to advanced students and experienced researchers, from academia to industry, in diverse areas including ecology, industrial biotechnology, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, agronomy, crop improvement, and natural product chemistry.

Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, and Human Wellbeing

Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, and Human Wellbeing PDF Author: Shahid Naeem
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199547955
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 387

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Book Description
The book starts by summarizing the development of the basic science and provides a meta-analysis that quantitatively tests several biodiversity and ecosystem functioning hypotheses.

Plant-derived Natural Products

Plant-derived Natural Products PDF Author: Anne E. Osbourn
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387854983
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 588

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Book Description
Plants produce a huge array of natural products (secondary metabolites). These compounds have important ecological functions, providing protection against attack by herbivores and microbes and serving as attractants for pollinators and seed-dispersing agents. They may also contribute to competition and invasiveness by suppressing the growth of neighboring plant species (a phenomenon known as allelopathy). Humans exploit natural products as sources of drugs, flavoring agents, fragrances and for a wide range of other applications. Rapid progress has been made in recent years in understanding natural product synthesis, regulation and function and the evolution of metabolic diversity. It is timely to bring this information together with contemporary advances in chemistry, plant biology, ecology, agronomy and human health to provide a comprehensive guide to plant-derived natural products. Plant-derived natural products: synthesis, function and application provides an informative and accessible overview of the different facets of the field, ranging from an introduction to the different classes of natural products through developments in natural product chemistry and biology to ecological interactions and the significance of plant-derived natural products for humans. In the final section of the book a series of chapters on new trends covers metabolic engineering, genome-wide approaches, the metabolic consequences of genetic modification, developments in traditional medicines and nutraceuticals, natural products as leads for drug discovery and novel non-food crops.

The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology

The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309219396
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 570

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Book Description
Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.

Bioreaction Engineering Principles

Bioreaction Engineering Principles PDF Author: Jens Nielsen
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1461507677
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 537

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Book Description
This is the second edition of the text "Bioreaction Engineering Principles" by Jens Nielsen and John Villadsen, originally published in 1994 by Plenum Press (now part of Kluwer). Time runs fast in Biotechnology, and when Kluwer Plenum stopped reprinting the first edition and asked us to make a second, revised edition we happily accepted. A text on bioreactions written in the early 1990's will not reflect the enormous development of experimental as well as theoretical aspects of cellular reactions during the past decade. In the preface to the first edition we admitted to be newcomers in the field. One of us (JV) has had 10 more years of job training in biotechnology, and the younger author (IN) has now received international recognition for his work with the hottest topics of "modem" biotechnology. Furthermore we are happy to have induced Gunnar Liden, professor of chemical reaction engineering at our sister university in Lund, Sweden to join us as co-author of the second edition. His contribution, especially on the chemical engineering aspects of "real" bioreactors has been of the greatest value. Chapter 8 of the present edition is largely unchanged from the first edition. We wish to thank professor Martin Hjortso from LSU for his substantial help with this chapter.

Marine Biotechnology in the Twenty-First Century

Marine Biotechnology in the Twenty-First Century PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309169712
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 130

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Book Description
Dramatic developments in understanding the fundamental underpinnings of life have provided exciting opportunities to make marine bioproducts an important part of the U.S. economy. Several marine based pharmaceuticals are under active commercial development, ecosystem health is high on the public's list of concerns, and aquaculture is providing an ever greater proportion of the seafood on our tables. Nevertheless, marine biotechnology has not yet caught the public's, or investor's, attention. Two workshops, held in October 1999 and November 2001 at the National Academies, were successful in highlighting new developments and opportunities in environmental and biomedical applications of marine biotechnology, and also in identifying factors that are impeding commercial exploitation of these products. This report includes a synthesis of the 2001 sessions addressing drug discovery and development, applications of genomics and proteomics to marine biotechnology, biomaterials and bioengineering, and public policy and essays contributed by the workshop speakers.