Structural and Functional Characterization of Camelus dromedarius Glutathione Transferase M1-1

Glutathione transferases (GSTs; EC. 2.5.1.18) are a large family of multifunctional enzymes that play crucial roles in the metabolism and inactivation of a broad range of xenobiotic compounds. In the present work, we report the kinetic and structural characterization of the isoenzyme GSTM1-1 from Camelus dromedarius (CdGSTM1-1). The CdGSΤM1-1 was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and was purified by affinity chromatography. Kinetics analysis showed that the enzyme displays a relative narrow substrate specificity and restricted ability to bind xenobiotic compounds. The crystal structures of CdGSΤM1-1 were determined by X-ray crystallography in complex with the substrate (GSH) or the reaction product (S-p-nitrobenzyl-GSH), providing snapshots of the induced-fit catalytic mechanism. The thermodynamic stability of CdGSTM1-1 was investigated using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) in the absence and in presence of GSH and S-p-nitrobenzyl-GSH and revealed that the enzyme’s structure is significantly stabilized by its ligands. The results of the present study advance the understanding of camelid GST detoxification mechanisms and their contribution to abiotic stress adaptation in harsh desert conditions.

Recent Advanced Technologies for the Characterization of Xenobiotic-Degrading Microorganisms and Microbial Communities

Global environmental contamination with a complex mixture of xenobiotics has become a major environmental issue worldwide. Many xenobiotic compounds severely impact the environment due to their high toxicity, prolonged persistence, and limited biodegradability. Microbial-assisted degradation of xenobiotic compounds is considered to be the most effective and beneficial approach. Microorganisms have remarkable catabolic potential, with genes, enzymes, and degradation pathways implicated in the process of biodegradation. A number of microbes, including Alcaligenes, Cellulosimicrobium, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Methanospirillum, Aeromonas, Sphingobium, Flavobacterium, Rhodococcus, Aspergillus, Penecillium, Trichoderma, Streptomyces, Rhodotorula, Candida, and Aureobasidium, have been isolated and characterized, and have shown exceptional biodegradation potential for a variety of xenobiotic contaminants from soil/water environments. Microorganisms potentially utilize xenobiotic contaminants as carbon or nitrogen sources to sustain their growth and metabolic activities. Diverse microbial populations survive in harsh contaminated environments, exhibiting a significant biodegradation potential to degrade and transform pollutants. However, the study of such microbial populations requires a more advanced and multifaceted approach. Currently, multiple advanced approaches, including metagenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, are successfully employed for the characterization of pollutant-degrading microorganisms, their metabolic machinery, novel proteins, and catabolic genes involved in the degradation process. These technologies are highly sophisticated, and efficient for obtaining information about the genetic diversity and community structures of microorganisms. Advanced molecular technologies used for the characterization of complex microbial communities give an in-depth understanding of their structural and functional aspects, and help to resolve issues related to the biodegradation potential of microorganisms. This review article discusses the biodegradation potential of microorganisms and provides insights into recent advances and omics approaches employed for the specific characterization of xenobiotic-degrading microorganisms from contaminated environments.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), A Distress of Female Reproductive Health

Women of reproductive age are suffering from severe hormonal imbalance due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).Clinical manifestations of PCOS are diverse including hyperandrogenism, anovulation, infertility and increased risk of metabolic diseases besides psychosocial dysfunction.Additionally, PCOS leads to various other disturbances such as glucose tolerance, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, obesity and metabolic disturbances. Environmental pollutants and Xenobiotic compounds cause changes in gut microbiota, which further affects metabolism causing metabolic disturbances may lead to PCOS.Various metabolic anomalies resulting from interaction with xenobiotic compounds and environmental pollutants contribute for hormonal imbalance. It is an interlinked vicious circle affected by epigenetic and environmental parameters.Epigenetic approach and molecular analysis of genes involved in PCOS is essential for specific treatment.Biochemical markers like assessment of hormones(hyperandrogenism)and ultrasound (in patients above twenty years of age)used as diagnostic parameters for detection of PCOS. Adaptinga healthy lifestyle and minimal exposure to xenobiotic compounds and resetting the disturbed sleep cycle will benefit the patient. Study of molecular markers will help in treating the PCOS in a better manner. This review focuses on important parameters of pathophysiology, which will help in understanding andcreating awarenesson PCOS.

IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA OF SEEDS FROM Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae) WITH BIOTECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

In the present study, 62 endophytic bacterial strains of cedar seeds (Cedrela odorataL.), collected in the municipalities of Huehuetán, Motozintla, and Pijijiapan in the state of Chiapas, Mexico were isolated. The goal was to identify characteristics of biotechnological interest such as biocontrol, promotion of plant growth, and growth in aromatic compounds. The strains were identified by the partial sequence of the 16S ribosomal gene as belonging to the Bacillusgenus. The biocontrol capacity of phytopathogenic fungi, production of indoleacetic acid (IAA), solubilization of phosphate, and growth in xenobiotic compounds (phenanthrene, benzene, anthracene, or phenol) were detected in 26 strains of the 62 isolates. 21 % of the strains inhibited the mycelial growth of Alternaria solaniand Fusariumsp., and 13 % of the Phytophthora capsicioomycete. IAA production was detected in 24 isolates, phosphate solubilizing activity was identified in 18 isolates, while the ability to grow in the presence of phenanthrene and benzene was found in 26 isolates; 24 isolates grew in the presence of anthracene and only two isolates grew in phenol as the only carbon sources. This is the first report of the isolation and identification of endophytic bacteria from cedar seeds, where biotechnological characteristics were detected for biological control, promotion of plant growth, and growth in the presence of xenobiotic compounds.