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A hyaluronan-based polysaccharide peptide generated by a genetically modified Streptococcus zooepidemicus
Jun Chen1, Jiaojiao Gao1, Yang Yu1
1School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Xiaolingwei 200, Nanjing, 210094, China.
Carbohydrate Research
|May 3, 2019
Summary
Researchers discovered that Streptococcus zooepidemicus can produce peptide-bound hyaluronan (a type of polysaccharide peptide) through genetic modification. This finding opens new avenues for synthesizing these beneficial compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polysaccharide peptides (PSPs) are known for their nutritional value and health benefits, typically sourced from mushrooms and plants.
- Streptococcus zooepidemicus naturally produces hyaluronan but not PSPs.
- Previous work indicated that a mutant UGDH gene in S. zooepidemicus could lead to PSP production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To structurally characterize the peptide-bound hyaluronan produced by genetically modified Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
- To explore the potential of bacterial synthesis for producing PSPs.
Main Methods:
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
- High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)
Main Results:
- Structural analysis confirmed the covalent binding of hyaluronan to peptides via an amide linkage.
- The study successfully characterized a novel bacterial-derived PSP.
Conclusions:
- The bacterial production of hyaluronan-derived PSPs via genetic modification is feasible.
- This research provides a foundation for in vitro enzymatic synthesis and understanding in vivo PSP synthesis mechanisms.
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