{"title":"Frog 'N' Roll: novel synthetic peptides selective against Gram-negative pathogens.","authors":"Santiago Ramón-García","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.06.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern that is becoming a 'silent' pandemic. Novel treatment strategies are urgently needed to counteract this growing threat. To this end, Ageitos et al. leverage the natural antibacterial armamentarium of frogs to develop novel optimized synthetic peptides selective against Gram-negative pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Huidan Lu, Kaixin Zhang, Wanying Zhang, Wenting Zhang, Jicheng Wu, Xinliang Ming, Yuqiao Huang, Feng Xu, Ben Wang
{"title":"Inflammation-targeting and self-limited neutrophilic membrane-encapsulated teicoplanin for the treatment of infectious pneumonia.","authors":"Huidan Lu, Kaixin Zhang, Wanying Zhang, Wenting Zhang, Jicheng Wu, Xinliang Ming, Yuqiao Huang, Feng Xu, Ben Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia has a high clinical incidence and is associated with a significant mortality risk. The existence of intracellular pathogens and the infection-induced swarming of neutrophils exacerbate the challenges in treating pneumonia. Here, we addressed these issues by developing a platform based on neutrophilic membrane-camouflaged teicoplanin (Teic@NEV) to kill bacteria in tissue and prevent inflammatory lung injury associated with MRSA pneumonia. Teic@NEV improved the efficiency of drug entry into cells, meaningfully increasing the intracellular drug concentration in infected cells and eliminating intracellular MRSA. Moreover, Teic@NEV enhanced the penetration of teicoplanin into the biofilm and improved antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities in vitro. Surprisingly, Teic@NEV delivered teicoplanin specifically to sites of inflammation and reduced lung injury by hindering neutrophil swarming in vivo. Thus, this platform represents an effective strategy to limit neutrophil swarming and kill intracellular pathogens in patients with MRSA pneumonia, demonstrating its significant potential for use in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Leveraging gene editing to combat methane emissions in ruminant agriculture.","authors":"Yuchao Zhao, Jian Tan, Luoyun Fang, Linshu Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Methane emissions from ruminants represent a major contributor to global greenhouse gases (GHGs), posing challenges for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Recent advances in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas)-based gene editing offer transformative approaches to address this issue by targeting both forage crops and rumen methanogens. Enhancing lipid content and secondary metabolites in forage crops can suppress methanogenesis and improve feed efficiency, while precise genome editing in methanogenic Archaea can disrupt pathways critical to methane production. However, challenges remain regarding delivery methods, gene targeting specificity, ecological impacts, and regulatory acceptance. In this review, we explore current progress, identify key knowledge gaps, and highlight the need for interdisciplinary strategies that integrate biotechnology, synthetic biology, and regulatory frameworks to develop effective and scalable methane mitigation solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariana-Tomás de Carvalho, Margarida Henriques-Pereira, Maria V Monteiro, Meriem Lamghari, João F Mano, Vítor M Gaspar
{"title":"Innervating 3D in vitro models: bioengineering and design blueprints.","authors":"Mariana-Tomás de Carvalho, Margarida Henriques-Pereira, Maria V Monteiro, Meriem Lamghari, João F Mano, Vítor M Gaspar","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Innervation plays a key role in tissue homeostasis, disease, and repair throughout our lifetimes. Strategies for emulating innervation and its bioinstructive influence on surrounding cells are thus highly desirable to upgrade the organotypic features of human in vitro models. We delve into the latest strategies for generating innervated 3D models that mimic native innervation patterns, and highlight recent advances in bioengineering living platforms for emulating the effect of innervation during tissue regeneration or for recapitulating tumor-nerve interplay. We present an overview of the key design blueprints for generating innervated tissue models, highlight the challenges to be overcome, and discuss the biomedical breakthroughs that can branch from such in vitro platforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carlos Yure B Oliveira, Acácio Antonio Ferreira Zielinski, Afonso Celso Dias Bainy, Aguinaldo Roberto Pinto, Alcilene Rodrigues Monteiro Fritz, Ana Paula Serafini Immich Boemo, Ariádne Cristiane Cabral da Cruz, Camila Michels, Carlos Ivan Aguilar Vildoso, Claudia Sayer, Claudio Roberto Fonseca Sousa Soares, Cristiano José de Andrade, Daiane Martins Ramos, Diogo Robl, Edmundo Carlos Grisard, Elise Sommer Watzko, Gislaine Fongaro, Glauber Wagner, Gloria Regina Botelho, Hugo Moreira Soares, Jaciane Lutz Ienczak, Jose Wilmo da Cruz Junior, Juliano de Dea Lindner, Katia Rezzadori, Leonardo Rubi Rorig, Marco Di Luccio, Maria Manuela Camino Feltes, Mario Steindel, Martina Blank, Nelson Libardi Junior, Patricia Flavia Quaresma, Patricia Hermes Stoco, Patrícia Poletto, Pedro Henrique Hermes de Araujo, Pedro Luiz Manique Barreto, Rita de Cassia Siqueira Curto Valle, Rosete Pescador, Rubens Tadeu Delgado Duarte, Silvani Verruck, Valdir Marcos Stefenon, Vanessa Almeida de Oliveira, Willian Rodrigues Macedo, Débora de Oliveira
{"title":"UFSC Biotech Network: a transdisciplinary platform for biotechnology innovation in Brazil.","authors":"Carlos Yure B Oliveira, Acácio Antonio Ferreira Zielinski, Afonso Celso Dias Bainy, Aguinaldo Roberto Pinto, Alcilene Rodrigues Monteiro Fritz, Ana Paula Serafini Immich Boemo, Ariádne Cristiane Cabral da Cruz, Camila Michels, Carlos Ivan Aguilar Vildoso, Claudia Sayer, Claudio Roberto Fonseca Sousa Soares, Cristiano José de Andrade, Daiane Martins Ramos, Diogo Robl, Edmundo Carlos Grisard, Elise Sommer Watzko, Gislaine Fongaro, Glauber Wagner, Gloria Regina Botelho, Hugo Moreira Soares, Jaciane Lutz Ienczak, Jose Wilmo da Cruz Junior, Juliano de Dea Lindner, Katia Rezzadori, Leonardo Rubi Rorig, Marco Di Luccio, Maria Manuela Camino Feltes, Mario Steindel, Martina Blank, Nelson Libardi Junior, Patricia Flavia Quaresma, Patricia Hermes Stoco, Patrícia Poletto, Pedro Henrique Hermes de Araujo, Pedro Luiz Manique Barreto, Rita de Cassia Siqueira Curto Valle, Rosete Pescador, Rubens Tadeu Delgado Duarte, Silvani Verruck, Valdir Marcos Stefenon, Vanessa Almeida de Oliveira, Willian Rodrigues Macedo, Débora de Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biotech Network (Rede Biotech in Portuguese) is a crossdisciplinary initiative launched at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) to foster innovative biotechnological solutions aligned with Brazil's scientific, environmental, and societal challenges. Here, we highlight the structure, mission, and pioneering research efforts of the network, offering a model for integrated and sustainable biotechnology development in emerging economies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annalise Zouein, Brittany Lende-Dorn, Kate E Galloway, Tom Ellis, Francesca Ceroni
{"title":"Engineered transcription factor-binding arrays for DNA-based gene expression control in mammalian cells.","authors":"Annalise Zouein, Brittany Lende-Dorn, Kate E Galloway, Tom Ellis, Francesca Ceroni","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tools that manipulate gene expression in mammalian cells without any additional expression are critical for cell engineering applications. Here, we demonstrate the use of arrays of transcription factor (TF) recognition elements (REs) as DNA tools for controlling gene expression. We first demonstrate that TetR-based RE arrays can alter synthetic gene circuit performance. We then open the approach to any TF with a known binding site by developing a new technique called Cloning Troublesome Repeats in Loops (CTRL), which can assemble plasmids with up to 256 RE repeats. Transfection of custom RE array plasmids assembled by CTRL into mammalian cells modifies host cell gene regulation by sequestration of TFs of interest and can sequester both synthetic and native TFs, offering applications in the control of gene circuits and for directing cell fate. This work advances our ability to assemble repetitive DNA arrays and shows how TF-binding RE arrays expand possibilities in mammalian cell engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Extracellular polyol esters of fatty acids by Rhodotorula yeast for streamlined biorefineries.","authors":"Sujit S Jagtap, Christopher V Rao","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rhodotorula yeasts are known for their ability to accumulate lipids intracellularly in the form of triglycerides, but energy-intensive processes are required for their extraction. Recently, harvesting the extracellular lipid secretions of these yeasts has emerged as an alternative strategy, offering advantages such as easy downstream processing and enhanced scalability for industrial applications. Polyol esters of fatty acids (PEFAs) are a unique class of extracellular glycolipids produced primarily by Rhodotorula yeast. PEFAs can be used as a source of fatty acids to produce biofuels or marketed as biosurfactants. We review recent advances in PEFA production, structural diversity, role and functions, and the biosynthetic production pathway. Investigating PEFA synthesis and secretion pathways holds promise for maximizing extracellular lipid production using renewable substrates.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kutubuddin A Molla, Felix Moronta-Barrios, Margaret Karembu, Leyma P De Haro, Roudlotul Jannah
{"title":"The Spirit of Asilomar: lessons for the next era of biotechnology governance.","authors":"Kutubuddin A Molla, Felix Moronta-Barrios, Margaret Karembu, Leyma P De Haro, Roudlotul Jannah","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.013","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Accelerating promoter identification and design by deep learning.","authors":"Xinglong Wang, Kangjie Xu, Zhongshi Huang, Yanna Lin, Jingwen Zhou, Lianqun Zhou, Fuqiang Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Promoters are DNA sequences that govern the location, direction, and strength of gene transcription, playing a pivotal role in cellular growth and lifespan. Engineered promoters facilitate precise control of recombinant protein expression and metabolic pathway modulation for natural product biosynthesis. Traditional methods such as rational design and directed evolution have established the foundation for promoter engineering, and recent advances in deep learning (DL) have revolutionized the field. This review highlights the application of DL techniques for promoter identification, strength prediction, and de novo design using generative models. We describe how these tools are used and the impact of database quality, feature extraction, and model architecture on predictive accuracy. We discuss challenges and perspectives in developing robust models for promoter engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gerardo Cedillo-Servin, Essa A A Al-Jehani, Tamara Rossy, Simão P B Teixeira, Fanny Sage, Rui M A Domingues, Ritu Raman, Miguel Castilho
{"title":"Meta-adaptive biomaterials: multiscale, spatiotemporal organization and actuation in engineered tissues.","authors":"Gerardo Cedillo-Servin, Essa A A Al-Jehani, Tamara Rossy, Simão P B Teixeira, Fanny Sage, Rui M A Domingues, Ritu Raman, Miguel Castilho","doi":"10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Organized cell architecture and dynamic forces are key for (re)creating native-like tissue function (e.g., contractile soft tissues). However, few studies have explored the combined effects of material-guided 3D cell organization with mechanical stimulation. Herein we underscore the importance of converging material-driven guidance of cell organization with stimulus-responsive actuation for multiscale biomaterial design, outlining strategies to engineer such biomaterials. Given the state-of-the-art biomaterials for multiscale spatiotemporally controlled organization and actuation, we propose a synergistic approach ('meta-adaptive biomaterials') that unlocks complexity in engineered biomaterials, harnessing adaptive feedback pathways arising from cell-material interactions. These can be designed similarly to cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions to reinforce user-specified behaviors and yield functionalities that resemble or surpass native tissues, expanding possibilities in tissue engineering, in vitro models, and biohybrid robotics.</p>","PeriodicalId":23324,"journal":{"name":"Trends in biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}