Journal of microbiology and biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Enzyme-Derived Deer Velvet Extract Supplementation on Adults with Chronic Fatigue: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial.","authors":"Parivash Jamrasi, Ji-Won Seo, Yunho Sung, Donghyun Kim, Sanghyuk Han, Sowoon Kim, Chaewoon Kim, Xinxing Li, Hyun-Je Park, Aeri Song, Sinhwa Baek, Jeongho Jeong, Wook Song","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2601.01055","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2601.01055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) significantly impairs health-related quality of life in working-age populations, leading many individuals to use nutritional supplements for fatigue management. YC-1101, an enzymatically derived deer velvet extract, has demonstrated anti-fatigue potential in preclinical studies; however, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of YC-1101 in adults with CFS. In an 8-week randomized controlled trial, 100 patients with CFS were assigned to either the YC-1101 or the placebo group. Subjective fatigue was assessed at baseline, at an interim point, and at the end of the intervention. Fatigue-related blood biomarkers and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured at baseline and postintervention. Compared with placebo, YC-1101 significantly improved Factor 1 (general and physical fatigue) of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) at weeks 4 and 8, with a significant group-by-time interaction (<i>p</i> = 0.002), and improved the MFI items \"I feel tired\" and \"I get tired easily\" at both time points (group-by-time interaction <i>p</i> = 0.014 for each). YC-1101 also significantly improved fatigue-related motivation and functional interference on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at weeks 4 and 8, with significant group-by-time interactions (<i>p</i> = 0.040). After excluding outliers, the exercise distance to exhaustion was significantly greater in the YC-1101 group (<i>p</i> = 0.031), and lactate levels showed a significant group-by-time interaction at week 8 (<i>p</i> = 0.049). No significant differences in the safety outcomes were observed between the groups, and no adverse events were reported. Daily supplementation with YC-1101 for 8 weeks was safe, enhanced fatigue resistance, and improved exercise performance in adults with CFS, supporting its potential use in treating chronic fatigue.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2601055"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13396742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148562303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>In Vitro</i> Skin-Protective Effects of Sumyong Nature, a Kimchi- and Soybean-Derived Fusion-Fermented Microbial Supernatant, in Human Keratinocytes: Involvement of MAPK-Related Signaling.","authors":"Dilda Kaskadamova, Lei Huang, Nurinanda Prisky Qomaladewi, Natasha Christabella Sutopo, Ji Hye Yoon, Si Eun Yoon, Yerkyesh Khamit, Zhenyan Piao, Chae Kun Lee, Seung Yun Shin, Jae Youl Cho","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2605.05017","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2605.05017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sumyong Nature (SN) is a kimchi- and soybean-derived fusion-fermented microbial supernatant prepared from <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Weissella cibaria</i>, and <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i>. This study examined the <i>in vitro</i> effects of SN on UVB-induced damage and skin-related cellular responses in human keratinocytes. Cell viability assays, gene expression analysis, luciferase reporter assays, immunoblotting, scratch wound-healing assays, and LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis were conducted. SN showed no significant cytotoxicity in HaCaT or HEK293T cells at concentrations up to 75 μg/mL. In UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, SN improved cell viability, suppressed MMP-1 expression, increased HAS-1 expression, and modulated UVB-responsive stress-related markers, including SOD-1, Nrf2, and HO-1. SN also promoted wound closure in keratinocytes and was associated with changes in NF-κB-, AP-1-, CREB-, and MAPK-related signaling responses under the tested conditions. LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis tentatively identified several candidate constituents, including pectolinarin and aloeresin-related compounds. Collectively, these findings suggest that SN exerts multiple beneficial <i>in vitro</i> effects in keratinocyte-based assays, warranting further mechanistic investigation and validation in advanced experimental models.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2605017"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13352001/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive Evaluation of Safety, Functional Properties, and Immunomodulatory Activity of 19 Probiotic Strains Approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).","authors":"Yeonju Kim, Soeun Lee, Seonju Kim, Minyeong Jung, Jieun Jung, Ju-Hoon Lee, Jaewoo Bai","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2605.05037","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2605.05037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has approved 19 probiotic strains for use as functional food ingredients. Although the characteristics of individual strains have been previously reported, a comprehensive evaluation of all 19 MFDS-approved probiotic strains under a unified experimental framework has not yet been conducted. Therefore, this study systematically assessed the safety, probiotic properties, and immunomodulatory activity of the 19 MFDS-approved strains. Cytotoxicity, bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, D-lactate production, tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions, adhesion capacity, and immunomodulatory activity were evaluated. All strains showed no cytotoxicity toward Caco-2 cells. BSH activity was detected in 14 strains, whereas D-lactate production (1.14-28.88 mM) was observed only in Lactobacillaceae strains. The strains exhibited a broad range of GIT tolerance, with survival rates ranging from 23.55% to 95.58%. <i>Lactobacillus gasseri</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> subsp. lactis, and <i>Bifidobacterium breve</i> showed high survival rates (>80%), whereas <i>Bifidobacterium bifidum</i> and <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i> exhibited relatively low tolerance (<40%). Adhesion capacity was generally similar among strains (59.84~87.82%), although <i>B. bifidum</i> showed the highest adhesion rate (87.82%). In contrast, <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i> subsp. <i>longum</i> exhibited relatively low adhesion capacities. Furthermore, 14 strains modulated immune responses in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by regulating TNF-α and IL-6 secretion. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the overall safety and strain-specific functional properties of the 19 MFDS-approved probiotic strains and provide fundamental information for selecting suitable candidates for targeted probiotic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2605037"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13462606/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148712733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intestinal Organoids as Models to Study Viruses: Current Application and Future Perspective.","authors":"Wang Ruting, Liang Jiale, Wu Hongxi, Huang Zhenjin, Zhang Ruohan, Song Yuanbo, Zhang Rongxin, Tang Hongzhen, Jiang Feng","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2603.03016","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2603.03016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intestinal organoids have emerged as a transformative model system in virology, bridging the gap between conventional cell lines and animal models by recapitulating the complex cellular diversity, three-dimensional architecture, and key functions of the human intestinal epithelium. This review highlights how this technology has enabled groundbreaking studies of enteric viruses, including the successful cultivation of previously uncultivable human norovirus, and has provided critical insights into the infection mechanisms of rotavirus, enterovirus A71, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. We discuss how emerging technologies, such as co-culture systems for host-microbiome interactions, vascularization techniques, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, are being integrated with organoids to create more physiologically relevant microphysiological systems. Despite challenges related to immune component integration and model standardization, intestinal organoids offer a promising platform for elucidating virus-host interactions, advancing antiviral drug screening, and promoting personalized infectious disease research.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2603016"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389515/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbiome-Modulating Effects of Heat-Treated <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> LM1004 and Its Enhancement of NK Cell Activity: Evidence from a Clinical Trial and a Simulated Human Intestinal Microbiome Ecosystem.","authors":"Sukyung Kim, Hoonhee Seo, Tae-Rahk Kim, Md Abdur Rahim, Hanieh Tajdozian, Youjin Yoon, Sujin Jo, Md Sarower Hossen Shuvo, Indrajeet Barman, Chaeeun Park, Saebim Lee, Sangwon Lee, Min Hyung Cho, Jangho Ha, Hansol Hong, Sohee An, SungJune Chu, Minn Sohn, Yoo Kyung Ahn, Yoon Ju So, Sungsue Rheem, Seong-Ho Han, Ho-Yeon Song","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2604.04046","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2604.04046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Probiotics are increasingly recognized for their capacity to modulate gut microbiota, regulate microbial metabolic activity, and influence host immune responses, thereby contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis and overall health. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of heat-treated <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> LM1004 (HT-LM1004) in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial and explored its mechanisms of action in a simulated human intestinal microbiome ecosystem. After 8 weeks of supplementation, we observed significantly enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity with a concurrent improvement in white blood cell (WBC) counts relative to the placebo group, suggesting an overall enhancement of the host's primary immune defense baseline within the normal physiological range. Mechanistic investigations within the simulated human intestinal microbiome ecosystem demonstrated that HT-LM1004 increased microbial species diversity in the ascending colon (AC), followed by elevated richness in the transverse colon (TC) and descending colon (DC) at the End and Post time points, suggesting selective enrichment of low-abundance beneficial bacterial taxa. Metabolomics analyses indicated compartment-specific changes, especially within bile acid metabolism pathways, while non-bile acid metabolites were predominantly enriched in the DC. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiling also revealed distinct, time-dependent changes across the different gut compartments. Collectively, these results indicate that <i>L. plantarum</i> LM1004 boosts NK cell activity in humans by enriching low-abundance beneficial bacteria and modulating their metabolic products, underscoring its promise as a microbiome-based functional food and preventative option to support immune health.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2604046"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13396743/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148562255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Diastereomeric Hydroxycurvularin Mixture Inhibits Melanogenesis and Inflammation <i>via</i> Modulation of Tyrosinase Activity and Cytokine Expression.","authors":"Ja-Hun Seo, Hyun-Su Koo, Van-Hieu Mai, Su-Bin Kim, Gi-Hyeon Seong, Thuong T T Nguyen, Jeong-Eun Seon, Ha-Rim Choi, Hyang Burm Lee, Won-Keun Oh, Hyung-Sik Kang","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2603.03015","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2603.03015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fungal metabolites serve as a prolific source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with significant potential for skin health and pigmentation regulation. In this study, two diastereomers of 11-hydroxycurvularin (compounds 1 and 2) and curvularin (compound 3) were isolated from <i>Curvularia intermedia</i> and evaluated for their anti-melanogenic and immunomodulatory effects. The diastereomeric mixture of 11-hydroxycurvularins (HC mix) exhibited superior anti-melanogenic activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells, surpassing the efficacy of the individual diastereomers, the parent compound 3, and the positive control arbutin, without inducing cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, the HC mix exerted dual regulatory effects by inhibiting tyrosinase enzymatic activity and downregulating the transcription of core melanogenic genes (Tyr, Tyrp1, and Tyrp2). Furthermore, the HC mix attenuated LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and selectively regulated inflammatory gene expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages and primary murine splenocytes, downregulating IL-1β and IL-6 while upregulating TGF-β. These findings highlight that hydroxyl substitution at C-11 is critical for enhancing biological potency. Collectively, the HC mix represents a potential candidate for managing pigmentary and inflammatory skin disorders, warranting further validation in human models.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2603015"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13372789/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148430654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic and Biological Characterization of a Broad-Host-Range KVP40-Like Bacteriophage vB_VpM-pA3B5 for Control of AHPND-Causing <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i>.","authors":"Soojin Lim, Jee Eun Han, Seon Young Park, Tae Seon Cha, Keeman Lee, Hye Jin Jeon, Bumkeun Kim, So Young Bang, Yukyung Kim, Se Chang Park, Ji Hyung Kim","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2602.02046","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2602.02046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> harboring the pVA1 plasmid (<i>Vp_AHPND</i>) causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), a major threat to global shrimp aquaculture. Although bacteriophage (phage)-based biocontrol has emerged as a promising alternative to antimicrobial agents for controlling <i>Vp_AHPND</i>, most studies have focused on disease prevention in culturing shrimp rather than post-harvest applications. In this study, a KVP40-like jumbo phage, designated vB_VpM-pA3B5, was isolated and characterized, and its biocontrol potential was evaluated in both <i>Vp_AHPND</i>-contaminated shrimp products and shrimp bioassay. Phage vB_VpM-pA3B5 exhibited a broad host range, infecting globally distributed <i>Vp_AHPND</i> strains, an AHPND-causing <i>V. campbellii</i> strain, and three additional <i>Vibrio</i> species. The phage demonstrated strong lytic activity, efficient replication, and high environmental stability. Genome analysis revealed a 243,570-bp linear dsDNA genome encoding 382 predicted ORFs and 28 tRNAs, with no virulence or antimicrobial resistance genes detected. Comparative genomic analysis indicated high synteny with the <i>Schizotequatrovirus</i> phages KVP40 and PVA8 and identified a unique tail fiber protein (ORF115) that may contribute to its broad host range. In <i>Vp_AHPND</i>-contaminated shrimp products, the phage efficiently reduced bacterial loads and actively replicated during storage. In the shrimp bioassay, although cumulative mortality was not reduced, phage-treated shrimp exhibited alleviated hepatopancreatic lesions and lower pirA gene loads than the <i>Vp_AHPND</i>-challenged group. These findings highlight the potential of phage vB_VpM-pA3B5 as a biocontrol agent for mitigating AHPND-associated risks in shrimp aquaculture and reducing the dissemination of <i>Vp_AHPND</i> through shrimp products.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2602046"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13373721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148456210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Effects of Live and Heat-Killed <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> HP7 on Intestinal Motility, Barrier-Related Markers, and Gut Microbiota in Delayed Transit Mice.","authors":"Hyeonjun Gwon, Hyeonji Kim, Joo-Yun Kim, Jae-Jung Shim, Jae-Hwan Lee","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2605.05041","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2605.05041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the effects of live and heat-killed <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> HP7 on intestinal motility, host physiological responses, and gut microbiota in a mouse model of delayed intestinal transit. BALB/c mice were treated with live HP7 (HP7L), heat-killed HP7 (HP7K), or bisacodyl following loperamide administration. HP7L and HP7K improved intestinal motility-related parameters, including fecal output, stool consistency, fecal moisture content, and charcoal meal transit. HP7 treatment also modulated circulating gastrointestinal hormones and inflammatory cytokines, with changes in serotonin, ghrelin, peptide YY, IL-6, and IL-17A. In intestinal tissues, HP7 regulated the expression of genes related to neuroendocrine signaling, water transport, mucus production, and tight junction integrity, including <i>Ghrl, Tac1, Slc6a4, Aqp3, Muc2, Tjp1, Tjp2,</i> and <i>Ocln</i>. Histological analysis further showed reduced colonic tissue alterations and improved structural parameters. Microbiota analysis revealed that HP7L exerted broader effects on microbial community structure, whereas HP7K induced more selective taxonomic changes. Predicted functional profiling suggested that both HP7L and HP7K were associated with shifts in carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways, with HP7K showing additional predicted enrichment of pathways related to redox-associated metabolism, lipid metabolism, and microbial substrate utilization. These findings suggest that heat-killed HP7 retains biological activity and has potential as a postbiotic candidate for regulating intestinal motility.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2605041"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13364765/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analytical Quality-by-Design-Based Development of an ELISA for <i>In Vitro</i> Assessment of Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin Potency.","authors":"Minjung Son, Boksik Cha, Yunkyung Na, Hyungjung Koh, Chan Woong Choi, Jangwook Lee, Sung-Jin Yoon, Young-Joo Jeon","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2603.03028","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2603.03028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for the <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of tetanus immunoglobulin potency was developed and validated using analytical quality-by-design principles, and a quality risk assessment identified critical method parameters, including antigen coating time, washing, color development time, and antibody incubation time and temperature. These variables were systematically optimized using Design of Experiments within JMP software. Following this, the concentrations of tetanus antigen and anti-tetanus antibody were further optimized to enhance the assay performance. The method demonstrated excellent linearity (R² > 0.99), accuracy, precision, and recovery in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization Q2(R1) and United States Pharmacopeia <1033> guidelines. A comparative analysis using two commercial ELISA kits revealed no statistically significant differences. These findings support the use of an analytical quality-by-design-based ELISA as a scientifically robust, reproducible, and ethical method suitable for <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of tetanus immunoglobulin potency in alignment with regulatory expectations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2603028"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13364764/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Cloning, Biochemical Characterization, and Structural Insights into a Flavonoid-Associated Class II 4-Coumarate:CoA Ligase from <i>Sageretia thea</i>.","authors":"Yo-Heun Kim, Shin Ae Lee, Ji-Eun Kim, Minseok Cha, Jihoon Jo, Kyung Jun Lee, Soo-Jung Kim","doi":"10.4014/jmb.2604.04014","DOIUrl":"10.4014/jmb.2604.04014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The enzymatic regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism is a critical determinant of flavonoid biosynthesis in medicinal plants. <i>Sageretia thea</i> is valued for its pharmacological properties associated with flavonoid production; however, the molecular mechanisms governing pathway entry remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a novel 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (St4CL1) from <i>S. thea</i>. Phylogenetic analysis classified St4CL1 as a Class II isoform, a group typically associated with flavonoid biosynthesis, and multiple sequence alignment revealed the presence of highly conserved functional motifs, including the AMP-binding and catalytic domains. Recombinant St4CL1, heterologously expressed in <i>Escherichia coli</i>, exhibited a strong preference for Mg²⁺ and optimal catalytic activity at pH 7.0-8.0 and 35°C. Substrate specificity analysis revealed that St4CL1 exhibited the highest relative activity toward <i>p</i>-coumaric acid, supporting its role in directing carbon flux into the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Homology modeling and molecular docking revealed a conserved substrate-binding pocket within the inter-domain cleft, and <i>p</i>-coumaric acid was the substrate to form a salt-bridge contact at the carboxylate-binding site, providing a structural rationale consistent with its preferred turnover. Collectively, these findings provide the first molecular evidence of the phenylpropanoid entry step in <i>S. thea</i> and identify St4CL1 as a promising enzymatic target for metabolic engineering to enhance flavonoid production.</p>","PeriodicalId":16481,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microbiology and biotechnology","volume":"36 ","pages":"e2604014"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13341628/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148376080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}