Ye-Bin Kim , Seongmin Kim , Chungoo Park , Soo-Jin Yeom
{"title":"Biodegradation of polystyrene and systems biology-based approaches to the development of new biocatalysts for plastic degradation","authors":"Ye-Bin Kim , Seongmin Kim , Chungoo Park , Soo-Jin Yeom","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2024.100505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coisb.2024.100505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues with rapidly increased their production that also has a severe impact on individual species and ecosystem functioning.</p><p>With recycling technologies in place, the waste plastic will become a valuable resource and hence less material will be lost to the environment. In the pursuit of a sustainable approach to the treatment of plastic waste, biological processes<span> have emerged as an eco-friendly method with significant potential. In this review, we summarize previous research on the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS) as major plastics, including a review of the analytical methods used to investigate the plastic biodegradation, the isolation of PS-degrading microbes from various environment, and the identification of potential enzymes<span> for PS biodegradation. Based on this, we propose a potential PS biodegradation pathway, even though the specific biochemical mechanisms<span> associated with certain enzymes have not yet been fully identified. Finally, we discuss how PS-biodegrading enzymes can be identified using a systems biology-based screening approach that combines culture-based genomic and culture-independent metagenomic methods. This strategy can be applied to searching biodegrading enzymes for other plastics.</span></span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100505"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139538705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kil Koang Kwon , Jinju Lee , Haseong Kim , Dae-Hee Lee , Seung-Goo Lee
{"title":"Advancing high-throughput screening systems for synthetic biology and biofoundry","authors":"Kil Koang Kwon , Jinju Lee , Haseong Kim , Dae-Hee Lee , Seung-Goo Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>High-throughput (HT) methodologies are extensively applied in synthetic biology for the rapid enrichment and selection of desired properties from a wide range of genetic diversity. In order to effectively analyze these vast variants, HT tools must offer parallel experiments and compact reaction capabilities to enhance overall throughput. Here, we discuss about various aspects of three representative high-throughput screening (HTS) systems: microwell-, droplet-, and single-cell-based screening. These systems can be categorized based on their reaction volume, which in turn determines the associated technology, machinery, and supporting applications. Furthermore, HT techniques that rapidly connect numerous genotypes and phenotypes have evolved to enhance the precision of predictions through the integration of digital technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. The use of advanced HT techniques within biofoundry will enable rapid selection and analysis from extensive genetic diversity, making it a driving force for the advancement of synthetic biology.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100487"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452310023000446/pdfft?md5=c79f76a94a5c0e68e948902ca3894d28&pid=1-s2.0-S2452310023000446-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138549932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dynamics of T-helper cell differentiation and plasticity: How have computational models improved our understanding?","authors":"Pradyumna Harlapur, Atchuta Srinivas Duddu, Mohit Kumar Jolly","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2024.100508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coisb.2024.100508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Naïve CD4+ T cells can polarize into diverse functionally distinct effector cell types such as Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg. These cell types can also interconvert among one another. The dynamics of T-cell differentiation and plasticity is driven by complex interactions involving many feedback loops among cytokines, intracellular signalling and lineage-determining transcription factors. In the past two decades, mechanistic computational models have played an instrumental role in understanding the underlying emergent dynamics. Here, we highlight the key concepts elucidated from such modelling efforts – a) multistability in underlying gene regulatory networks, b) the (co-) existence of stable hybrid cell states (Th1/Th2, Th1/Th17, Th2/Th17), and c) population-level dynamics of T-cell differentiation. These models, in close integration with experimental data, have improved our understanding of cell-state transitions and trajectories implicated in intracellular and population dynamics of T-cell plasticity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100508"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139743189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neural signaling in neuropathic pain: A computational modeling perspective","authors":"Xinyue Ma , Anmar Khadra","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2024.100509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coisb.2024.100509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Neuropathic pain is a complex condition with a huge unmet medical need. Owing to our incomplete understanding of its perplexing pathology, current therapeutic strategies for treating neuropathic pain remain limited in their efficacy. Computational modeling has emerged as a promising methodology in unraveling the intricate neural mechanisms contributing to neuropathic pain. This review serves as a bridge that links traditional experimental research in neuropathic pain to computational neuroscience. We aim to fill in the gap of knowledge between these two fields by introducing the methodology of computational modeling as well as the neurophysiological background for neuropathic pain. We provide examples of recent advances in using computational modeling at the molecular, cellular, and neural network levels to harness the understanding of pain-associated neural signaling. This integration of computational modeling has yielded crucial insights into neuropathic pain pathophysiology, with great potential to inform novel pharmacological and neurostimulation-based treatments for the disease.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100509"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452310024000052/pdfft?md5=d4c0bbd6bb1f98e6ca3144aab1540c86&pid=1-s2.0-S2452310024000052-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139887002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Min-Kyoung Kang , Sang-Hwal Yoon , Moonhyuk Kwon , Seon-Won Kim
{"title":"Microbial cell factories for bio-based isoprenoid production to replace fossil resources","authors":"Min-Kyoung Kang , Sang-Hwal Yoon , Moonhyuk Kwon , Seon-Won Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Concerns about environmental issues and limited fossil resources have increased interest and efforts in developing sustainable production of bio-based chemicals and fuels using microorganisms. Advanced metabolic engineering has developed microbial cell factories (MCFs) with the support of synthetic biology and systems biology. Isoprenoids are one of the largest classes of natural products and possess many practical industrial applications. However, it is challenging to meet the market demand for isoprenoids because of the current inefficient and unsustainable strategies for isoprenoid production such as chemical synthesis and plant extraction. Therefore, many efforts have been made to build isoprenoid-producing MCFs by applying metabolic engineering strategies, biological devices, and machinery from synthetic biology and systems biology. This review introduces recent studies of strain engineering and applications of biological tools and systems for developing isoprenoid MCFs. In addition, we also reviewed the isoprenoid fermentation strategies that lead to the best performance of isoprenoid-producing MCFs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100502"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139392603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cell-free synthetic biology: Navigating the new frontiers of biomanufacturing and biological engineering","authors":"So Jeong Lee, Dong-Myung Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100488","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cell-free synthetic biology is swiftly progressing and is poised to revolutionize multiple domains within synthetic biology. By departing from the constraints of living cells, it dramatically expands potential applications, surmounting the intrinsic limitations associated with cellular systems<span>, especially where access to cytosolic conditions poses challenges. The open nature of cell-free systems means their potential applications are vast, limited only by creative imagination. A burgeoning number of studies underline its versatility across a broad spectrum of fields. This review article offers an insight into the recent advancements in this vibrant area, pinpointing key achievements and challenges in arenas such as biomanufacturing, pathway prototyping, and material sciences.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100488"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138570597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Raja Selvakumar, Ishita Kumar, Glory J. Onajobi, Yongjoon Yu, Corey J. Wilson
{"title":"Engineering living therapeutics and diagnostics: A new frontier in human health","authors":"Raja Selvakumar, Ishita Kumar, Glory J. Onajobi, Yongjoon Yu, Corey J. Wilson","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100484","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100484","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Traditional therapeutics aim to diagnose, treat, and cure diseases through various synthetic and natural approaches. The emerging field of engineered living therapeutics (ELTs) genetically functionalizes living cells to alter the paradigm of designed solutions. In this review, we focus on ELTs derived from microbial cell scaffolds. We propose three synergistic modalities for the rational design of ELTs: first, use of regulatory operations to regulate genetic expression; second, integration of alternative biosensing inputs for directed application; third, choice of microbial chassis to deliver solutions. We highlight the challenges and future opportunities within each group and conclude by providing a prospective outlook for ELTs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100484"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135715588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Accelerate acetogenic bioproduction: Acetogens as sustainable producers of biocommodities","authors":"Maximilian Flaiz , Diana Z. Sousa","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100500","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100500","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Gas fermentation using autotrophic acetogenic bacteria has been industrialized, however, its full potential remains untapped, with only native products like ethanol being produced thus far. Advancements in synthetic biology have enabled the recombinant production of diverse biocommodities to broaden their limited natural product spectrum from C1-gases. Additionally, co-culturing acetogens with other microorganisms holds the potential for expanding the product spectrum further. However, commercialization remains challenging due to complex pathway and (co)culturing optimizations. To address this, novel synthetic biology tools, including the use of high throughput biopart screenings using reporter proteins, the deployment of cell-free systems to combine best-performing enzymes, and the identification and elimination of competing pathways, can be employed. Incorporating genetically engineered strains in co-cultures improves dependencies, directs product formation, and increases resilience, enhancing bioproduction efficiency. This review emphasizes using these tools to enhance the recombinant production of biocommodities, offering promising solutions to overcome existing challenges.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100500"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452310023000574/pdfft?md5=b34324e70ac5822168b823c24989c3e6&pid=1-s2.0-S2452310023000574-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139024556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ying Tu, Akashaditya Das, Chileab Redwood-Sawyerr, Karen M. Polizzi
{"title":"Capped or uncapped? Techniques to assess the quality of mRNA molecules","authors":"Ying Tu, Akashaditya Das, Chileab Redwood-Sawyerr, Karen M. Polizzi","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The successful use of mRNA vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic has created a boom in mRNA therapeutic research and development. The efficacy of mRNA vaccines and therapies relies on the quality of the synthesized molecules – a key feature of which is the 5′-end cap modification. The development of analytical methods for assessing mRNA quality needs to be prioritized to enable manufacturing development, process control, and rapid assessment of batch quality before release. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest techniques in the analysis of mRNA 5′ capping. We also discuss future possibilities and challenges in quality control of mRNA products at scale.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100503"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452310023000604/pdfft?md5=f8fd4ccca79dad686e121ac534c43012&pid=1-s2.0-S2452310023000604-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139392533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amir Bitran , William M. Jacobs , Eugene Shakhnovich
{"title":"The critical role of co-translational folding: An evolutionary and biophysical perspective","authors":"Amir Bitran , William M. Jacobs , Eugene Shakhnovich","doi":"10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100485","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coisb.2023.100485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>Many proteins begin to fold as they are being synthesized by the ribosome. Growing experimental evidence, supported by new theory, simulation and bioinformatics studies, suggests that many proteins rely on co-translational folding in order to fold efficiently and to avoid misfolded intermediates that arise posttranslationally. Consistent with these findings, complementary bioinformatics analyses have revealed widespread evolutionary selection for efficient co-translational folding kinetics. This perspective summarizes recent theoretical and experimental advances that have uncovered specific molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of co-translational folding </span><em>in vivo</em>. We highlight studies involving single-domain proteins that begin adopting nativelike structure on the ribosome, which can help commit misfolding-prone domains to their native state. We emphasize the need for new experimental techniques to probe the molecular details underlying this process systematically.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37400,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Systems Biology","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 100485"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138570230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}