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Engineering away lysosomal junk: medical bioremediation
Bruce E Rittmann1, John Schloendorn
1Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, USA. Rittmann@asu.edu
Rejuvenation Research
|August 22, 2007
Summary
Medical bioremediation harnesses microbial enzymes to degrade harmful intracellular accumulations, offering a novel therapeutic approach. Promising results show bacterial biodegradation of 7-ketocholesterol, a key factor in atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intracellular accumulation of substances impairs cell function in diseases like atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's.
- These accumulated substances resist normal cellular breakdown, posing a therapeutic challenge.
- Microorganisms naturally degrade similar compounds in the environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and explore the concept of "medical bioremediation" for treating diseases characterized by harmful intracellular accumulations.
- To investigate the potential of microbial enzymes in degrading these disease-associated substances.
- To present preliminary findings on the biodegradation of 7-ketocholesterol.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacterial strains capable of biodegrading 7-ketocholesterol.
- Characterization of the biodegradation pathway for 7-ketocholesterol and its ester.
- Identification of key intermediates in the biodegradation process.
Main Results:
- Several Nocardia strains were isolated that can biodegrade 7-ketocholesterol and its ester.
- Key intermediates in the biodegradation pathway were identified.
- Preliminary evidence suggests the feasibility of bacterial biodegradation for therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- Medical bioremediation is a promising therapeutic strategy for diseases involving harmful intracellular accumulations.
- Bacterial biodegradation of 7-ketocholesterol by Nocardia strains offers a potential pathway for treating atherosclerosis.
- Further research into identifying key enzymes could lead to novel therapies.
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