Biosynthesis of Metabolites from Microorganisms, or Microorganism-Host Interaction? (Volume II)

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 September 2025 | Viewed by 9837

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Interests: biosynthesis; biological activity; microbial metabolites; microbe–host reaction
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Guest Editor
School of Life and Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Interests: pathogenic fungi; microorganism-host interaction; secondary metabolites; pathogenesis
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Guest Editor
Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography UM 110, Aix-Marseille University, Toulon University, CNRS, IRD, Marseille, France
Interests: marine phytoplankton; marine microbial ecology; marine microzooplankton
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microbial metabolites are compounds that microorganisms use to complete their own life activities. They include primary metabolites such as amino acids, lipids, and organic acids, and secondary metabolites such as antibiotics. Different microorganisms produce different metabolites, resulting in diverse structures of metabolites that are widely used in medicine and industry. The biosynthesis of metabolites also provides new ideas and breakthroughs for research in the life sciences.

For this Special Issue, research on the regulation mechanism of metabolite biosynthesis and analyses of the metabolite biosynthesis process are welcome for submission. Moreover, submissions of research on the biological activity of metabolites are also welcome.

Dr. Fengli Zhang
Prof. Dr. Zhiqiang Liu
Prof. Dr. Michel Denis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biosynthesis
  • biological activity
  • biosynthesis regulation
  • microbial metabolites
  • microbe–host reaction

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4088 KiB  
Article
Whole Genome Sequencing of Kodamaea ohmeri SSK and Its Characterization for Degradation of Inhibitors from Lignocellulosic Biomass
by Yong-Qiang Yang, Xu Li, Zhi-Fei Wang, Yu-Long Deng, Zhen-Zhi Wang, Xing-Yu Fang, Mao-Dong Zhang, Wei Sun, Xin-Qing Zhao, Zhi-Qiang Liu and Feng-Li Zhang
Biology 2025, 14(5), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14050458 - 24 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is widely recognized as a renewable resource for bioconversion. However, the presence of inhibitors such as furfural, 5-HMF, and acetic acid can inhibit cell growth, thereby affecting the overall efficiency of the bioconversion process. The studies on the degradation of lignocellulosic [...] Read more.
Lignocellulosic biomass is widely recognized as a renewable resource for bioconversion. However, the presence of inhibitors such as furfural, 5-HMF, and acetic acid can inhibit cell growth, thereby affecting the overall efficiency of the bioconversion process. The studies on the degradation of lignocellulosic hydrolysate inhibitors by Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been limited. In this research, a yeast strain Kodamaea ohmeri can degrade inhibitors furfural, 5-HMF, and acetic acid, and the genome sequence of the strain was analyzed. Furthermore, the molecular detoxification mechanism of K. ohmeri SSK against lignocellulosic hydrolysate inhibitors was predicted using whole genome sequencing. Annotation based on the COG/KEGG databases identified 57 key detoxification genes, including the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene, aldo-keto/aldehyde reductase (AKR/ARI) gene, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene. Stress tolerance experiments revealed that the maximum tolerance concentration for the strain was 5.2 g/L of furfural, 2.5 g/L of 5-HMF, and 5.9 g/L of acetic acid, respectively. A NAD(P)+-dependent bifunctional enzyme with possible ADH and ARI activities was found by conserved domain analysis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this enzyme shared 99% homology with the detoxification enzyme from S. cerevisiae S288C (GenBank: Q04894.1). This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the inhibitor detoxification network in K. ohmeri SSK from a genome perspective, providing theoretical targets and design strategies for developing highly efficient biorefinery strains. Full article
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19 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
CopG1, a Novel Transcriptional Regulator Affecting Symbiosis in Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2
by Praneet Wangthaisong, Pongdet Piromyou, Pongpan Songwattana, Tarnee Phimphong, Apisit Songsaeng, Natcha Pruksametanan, Pakpoom Boonchuen, Jenjira Wongdee, Kamonluck Teamtaisong, Nantakorn Boonkerd, Shusei Sato, Panlada Tittabutr and Neung Teaumroong
Biology 2024, 13(6), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060415 - 5 Jun 2024
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Abstract
The symbiotic interaction between leguminous and Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2 mainly relies on the nodulation process through Nod factors (NFs), while the type IV secretion system (T4SS) acts as an alternative pathway in this symbiosis. Two copies of T4SS (T4SS1 and T4SS2 [...] Read more.
The symbiotic interaction between leguminous and Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2 mainly relies on the nodulation process through Nod factors (NFs), while the type IV secretion system (T4SS) acts as an alternative pathway in this symbiosis. Two copies of T4SS (T4SS1 and T4SS2) are located on the chromosome of SUTN9-2. ΔT4SS1 reduces both nodule number and nitrogenase activity in all SUTN9-2 nodulating legumes. The functions of three selected genes (copG1, traG1, and virD21) within the region of T4SS1 were examined. We generated deleted mutants and tested them in Vigna radiata cv. SUT4. ΔtraG1 and ΔvirD21 exhibited lower invasion efficiency at the early stages of root infection but could be recently restored. In contrast, ΔcopG1 completely hindered nodule organogenesis and nitrogenase activity in all tested legumes. ΔcopG1 showed low expression of the nodulation gene and ttsI but exhibited high expression levels of the T4SS genes, traG1 and trbE1. The secreted proteins from ΔT4SS1 were down-regulated compared to the wild-type. Although ΔcopG1 secreted several proteins after flavonoid induction, T3SS (nopP and nopX) and the C4-dicarboxylate transporter (dct) were not detected. These results confirm the crucial role of the copG1 gene as a novel key regulator in the symbiotic relationship between SUTN9-2 and legumes. Full article
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Review

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46 pages, 3736 KiB  
Review
Exploring Extremotolerant and Extremophilic Microalgae: New Frontiers in Sustainable Biotechnological Applications
by Dorian Rojas-Villalta, David Rojas-Rodríguez, Melany Villanueva-Ilama, Rossy Guillén-Watson, Francinie Murillo-Vega, Olman Gómez-Espinoza and Kattia Núñez-Montero
Biology 2024, 13(9), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13090712 - 11 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4022
Abstract
Exploring extremotolerant and extremophilic microalgae opens new frontiers in sustainable biotechnological applications. These microorganisms thrive in extreme environments and exhibit specialized metabolic pathways, making them valuable for various industries. The study focuses on the ecological adaptation and biotechnological potential of these microalgae, highlighting [...] Read more.
Exploring extremotolerant and extremophilic microalgae opens new frontiers in sustainable biotechnological applications. These microorganisms thrive in extreme environments and exhibit specialized metabolic pathways, making them valuable for various industries. The study focuses on the ecological adaptation and biotechnological potential of these microalgae, highlighting their ability to produce bioactive compounds under stress conditions. The literature reveals that extremophilic microalgae can significantly enhance biomass production, reduce contamination risks in large-scale systems, and produce valuable biomolecules such as carotenoids, lipids, and proteins. These insights suggest that extremophilic microalgae have promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biofuel industries, offering sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional resources. The review concludes that further exploration and utilization of these unique microorganisms can lead to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in biotechnology. Full article
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