Biomedical subjects

Yanhe Ma

Publications and source records attributed to Yanhe Ma.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Medium optimization by combination of response surface methodology and desirability function: an application in glutamine production.

An optimization strategy based on desirability function approach (DFA) together with response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to optimize production medium in L-glutamine fermentation. Fermentation problems often force to reach a compromise between different experimental variables in order to achieve the most suitable strategy applying in industrial production. The importance of the use of multi-objective optimization methods lies in the ability to cope with this kind of problems. A sequential RSM with different combinations of glucose and (NH(4))(2)SO(4) was performed to attain the optimal medium (OM-1) in glutamine production. Based on the result of RSM and the evaluation of production cost, a more economical optimal medium (OM-2) was obtained with the aid of DFA. In DFA study, glutamate, the main by-product in glutamine fermentation as another response was considered. Compared with OM-1 in validated experiment, similar amounts of glutamine were obtained in OM-2 while the concentration of glutamate and the production cost decreased by 53.6 and 7.1%, respectively.

Biotechnology↗

PubMed2006

Gene cloning and characterization of a novel alpha-amylase from alkaliphilic Alkalimonas amylolytica.

A gene encoding an extracellular alpha-amylase (AmyA) was cloned from the alkaliphilic bacterium Alkalimonas amylolytica by enzymatic activity screening in Escherichia coli DH5alpha. The gene amyA consists of 1764 base pairs and was predicted to encode a 587-amino acid protein encompassing a 31-amino acid signal peptide. In addition, a 459-amino acid catalytic domain and a 97-amino acid starch-binding domain (SBD) were found. The SBD showed little similarity to other known SBDs; instead, it contains conserved amino acids typically belonging to the carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) family 20. AmyA could act on both granular and gelatinized starch. The catalytic domain of the enzyme showed little similarity to other known alpha-amylases. Rather, AmyA contains four characteristic conserved regions of glycoside hydrolase family 13. The recombinant enzyme was a liquefying enzyme with the highest activity at 50 degrees C and pH 9.5. The enzyme displayed a unique endo-product profile and action pattern on soluble starch to yield a series of malto-oligosaccharides ranging from maltose to maltoheptaose. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced by Co(2+), but not affected by 5 mM EDTA. Taken together, AmyA from A. amylolytica has potential to be used in paper, textile, detergent and other industries where starch needs to be degraded in an alkaline environment.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Caldalkalibacillus thermarum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel alkalithermophilic bacterium from a hot spring in China.

A thermophilic, alkaliphilic and catalase-positive bacterium, designated strain HA6(T), was isolated from a hot spring in China. The strain was aerobic and chemo-organotrophic and grew optimally at 60 degrees C, pH 8.5 and 1.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The cells were Gram-positive rods, forming single terminal endospores. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 45.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain HA6(T) formed a distinct lineage within the family Bacillaceae and was most closely related to Bacillus horti K13(T) and Bacillus smithii DSM 4216(T), with sequence similarities of 91.8 and 93.1 %, respectively. On the basis of its physiological and molecular properties, strain HA6(T) should be placed in a novel genus and species, for which the name Caldalkalibacillus thermarum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Caldalkalibacillus thermarum is strain HA6(T) (=CGMCC 1.4242(T)=JCM 13486(T)).

China↗

PubMed2006

Identification of eukaryotic open reading frames in metagenomic cDNA libraries made from environmental samples.

Here we describe the application of metagenomic technologies to construct cDNA libraries from RNA isolated from environmental samples. RNAlater (Ambion) was shown to stabilize RNA in environmental samples for periods of at least 3 months at -20 degrees C. Protocols for library construction were established on total RNA extracted from Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites. The methodology was then used on algal mats from geothermal hot springs in Tengchong county, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, and activated sludge from a sewage treatment plant in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The Tenchong libraries were dominated by RNA from prokaryotes, reflecting the mainly prokaryote microbial composition. The majority of these clones resulted from rRNA; only a few appeared to be derived from mRNA. In contrast, many clones from the activated sludge library had significant similarity to eukaryote mRNA-encoded protein sequences. A library was also made using polyadenylated RNA isolated from total RNA from activated sludge; many more clones in this library were related to eukaryotic mRNA sequences and proteins. Open reading frames (ORFs) up to 378 amino acids in size could be identified. Some resembled known proteins over their full length, e.g., 36% match to cystatin, 49% match to ribosomal protein L32, 63% match to ribosomal protein S16, 70% to CPC2 protein. The methodology described here permits the polyadenylated transcriptome to be isolated from environmental samples with no knowledge of the identity of the microorganisms in the sample or the necessity to culture them. It has many uses, including the identification of novel eukaryotic ORFs encoding proteins and enzymes.

Acanthamoeba↗

PubMed2006

[Dynamic analysis of the heat shock protein 60 and its gene expression in Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis induced by temperature increase].

Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is one of the important chaperonins, which can assist proper protein folding and configuration,and can prevent denaturation and degradation of proteins as well. It was found that HSP60 in Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis (T. tengcongensis) was typically temperature-dependent with the highest protein expression at 80 degrees C. To understand the molecular mechanisms of thermophiles in their responding to heat stress, further investigation was conducted to examine the dynamic expression of HSP60 gene induced by higher temperature. The T. tengcongensis cells cultured at optimal temperature (75 degrees C) were transferred to 80 degrees C followed by taking the aliquots at different time intervals. To monitor the expression levels of HSP60 mRNA and protein, these bacterial gene products were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF, HPLC-MS/MS, Western blot and quantitative PCR. The experimental data were calculated statistically and quantitatively, which indicate that the HSP60 protein increases steadily and significantly within 4h period after temperature raised, but its mRNA level is shown as a peak shape change within 1h. Obviously, the expression response of HSP60 protein to heat stress is significantly slower than that of its mRNA expression. Additionally, the expression extent of HSP60 mRNA and protein induced by raised-temperature is very different. In E. coli strains, the expression of HSP60 is usually regulated by the sigma32 factor, which disassociates with DnaK immediately when the environmental temperature elevated. Since the genome of T. tengcongensis contains two sigma32 genes, thus, it is likely that both bacteria share the similar mechanisms which regulate HSP60 transcription responding to the changes of temperature. Interestingly, the mRNA of HSP60 drops down about 70% within 30m responding to heat shock, but goes to the increased expression after then. Although this phenomenon is hard to explain based upon the current theory, it is plausible that the transcription in T. tengcongensis is temporally inhibited due to the culture temperature sharply raised.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2005

Halalkalicoccus tibetensis gen. nov., sp. nov., representing a novel genus of haloalkaliphilic archaea.

A haloalkaliphilic archaeon (strain DS12T) isolated from Lake Zabuye, the Tibetan Plateau, China, was characterized to elucidate its taxonomy. The strain was aerobic, chemo-organotrophic, and grew optimally at 40 degrees C, pH 9.5-10.0 and 3.4 M NaCl. Cells of strain DS12T were non-motile cocci and stained Gram-variable. The major polar lipids of strain DS12T were diphytanyl and phytanyl-sesterterpanyl diether derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. No glycolipids were detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the family Halobacteriaceae. The low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values to its closest relatives (91.5-92.5 %) and its signature bases both suggest that the strain has no close affinity with any members of the family Halobacteriaceae with validly published names. Therefore, it is proposed that strain DS12T (=AS 1.3240T=JCM 11890T) represents the type strain of a novel species in a new genus, Halalkalicoccus tibetensis gen. nov., sp. nov.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2005

The activity profile of the NhaD-type Na+(Li+)/H+ antiporter from the soda Lake Haloalkaliphile Alkalimonas amylolytica is adaptive for the extreme environment.

In extreme alkaliphiles, Na(+)/H(+) antiporters play a central role in the Na(+) cycle that supports pH homeostasis, Na(+) resistance, solute uptake, and motility. Properties of individual antiporters have only been examined in extremely alkaliphilic soil Bacillus spp., whereas the most alkaline natural habitats usually couple high pH with high salinity. Here, studies were conducted on a Na(+)(Li(+))/H(+) antiporter, NhaD, from the soda lake haloalkaliphile Alkalimonas amylolytica. The activity profile of A. amylolytica NhaD at different pH values and Na(+) concentrations reflects its unique natural habitat. In membrane vesicles from antiporter-deficient Escherichia coli EP432 (DeltanhaA DeltanhaB), the pH optimum for NhaD-dependent Na(+)(Li(+))/H(+) antiport was at least 9.5, the highest pH that could be tested; no activity was observed at pH < or =8.5. NhaD supported low Na(+)/H(+) antiport activity at pH 9.5 that was detectable over a range of Na(+) concentrations from 10 mM to at least 800 mM, with a 600 mM optimum. Although A. amylolytica nhaD was isolated by complementing the Li(+) sensitivity of the triple mutant E. coli strain KNabc (DeltanhaA DeltanhaB DeltachaA), sustained propagation of nhaD-bearing plasmids in this strain resulted in a glycine (Gly(327))-->serine mutation in a putative cytoplasmic loop of the mutant transporter. The altered activity profile of NhaD-G327S appears to be adaptive to the E. coli setting: a much higher activity than wild-type NhaD at Na(+) concentrations up to 200 mM but lower activity at 400 to 600 mM Na(+), with a pH optimum and minimal pH for activity lower than those of wild-type NhaD.

Adaptation, Biological↗

PubMed2004

Characterization and gene cloning of a novel beta-mannanase from alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. N16-5.

An alkaline beta-mannanase was purified to homogeneity from a culture broth of alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. N16-5. The enzyme had optimum activity at pH 9.5 and 70 degrees C. It was composed of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 55 kDa deduced from SDS-PAGE, and its isoelectric point was around pH 4.3. The enzyme efficiently hydrolyzed galactomannan and glucomannan, producing a series of oligosaccharides and monosaccharides. The beta-mannanase gene (manA) contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,479 bp, encoding a 32-amino acids signal peptide, and a mature protein of 461 amino acids, with a calculated molecular mass of 50,743 Da. Strain N16-5 ManA, deduced from the manA ORF, exhibited relatively high amino acid similarity to the members of the glycosyl hydrolase family 5. The eight conserved active-site amino acids in family 5 glycosyl hydrolase were found in the deduced amino acid sequence of strain N16-5 ManA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Alkalimonas amylolytica gen. nov., sp. nov., and Alkalimonas delamerensis gen. nov., sp. nov., novel alkaliphilic bacteria from soda lakes in China and East Africa.

Two related novel alkaliphilic and slightly halophilic bacteria are described. They are strain N10 from Lake Chahannor in China and strain 1E1 from Lake Elmenteita in East Africa. Both strains are strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, alkaliphilic, mesophilic, and require NaCl for growth. The optimal conditions for growth were at pH 10-10.5 and 2-3% (w/v) NaCl. Cells of both strains were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, and motile with a single polar flagellum. Cellular fatty acids in both strains were predominantly saturated and mono-unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids (16:0, 16:1omega7c and 18:1omega7c). The major isoprenoid quinone of both strains was Q8. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate and phosphatidylethanolamine. The guanine plus cytosine (G + C) content of the DNA was 52.5 mol% and 55.4 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two strains formed a distinct lineage within the gamma-3 subclass of the Proteobacteria. The strains shared a 16S rDNA sequence similarity of 96.1% and showed less than 93.7% of sequence similarity to any other known species. Based on polyphasic data, the two strains were differentiated from currently recognized genera and represent a new genus, Alkalimonas gen. nov., with two species, Alkalimonas amylolytica sp. nov. (type strain is N10T = AS 1.3430) and Alkalimonas delamerensis sp. nov. ( type strain is 1E1(P, T) = CBS 391.94). The GenBank accession numbers for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strains N10 and 1E1 are AF250323 and X92130, respectively.

Africa, Eastern↗

PubMed2004

An analysis of the proteomic profile for Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis under optimal culture conditions.

The genome of Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis is estimated to encode 2588 theoretical proteins. In this study, we have vitalized approximately 46% of the theoretical proteome experimentally using a proteomic strategy that combines three different methods, shotgun digestion plus high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (shotgun-liquid chromatography (LC)/MS), one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) plus HPLC with ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (one-dimensional electrophoresis (1DE)-LC/MS), and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis plus matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (2DE-MALDI-TOF-MS). Of the 1200 proteins identified, as few as 76 proteins were globally found by all three approaches, and notably, most of these proteins were in the soluble fraction. However, there were a number of unique proteins detected by one method only, suggesting that our strategy provides a means toward obtaining a comprehensive view of protein expression profile. Proteins from the major metabolic pathways are strongly represented on the map, and a number of these enzymes were identified by more than one proteomic method. Based upon the proteins identified in the present study, we are able to broaden the understanding of how T. tengcongensis survives under high temperature environment, whereas several of its properties can not be fully explained by genome data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Halorubrum tibetense sp. nov., a novel haloalkaliphilic archaeon from Lake Zabuye in Tibet, China.

A novel haloalkaliphilic archaeon, strain 8W8T, was isolated from Lake Zabuye, on the Tibetan Plateau, China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain 8W8T was shown to belong to the genus Halorubrum and was related to Halorubrum vacuolatum (96.7% sequence similarity), Halorubrum saccharovorum (96.0%), Halorubrum lacusprofundi (95.4%) and Halorubrum sodomense (95.3%). The phylogenetic distance from any species within the other genera of Halobacteriales was lower than 90%. The major polar lipids of strain 8W8T were C20C20 and C20C25 derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol phosphate and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 8W8T from the eight Halorubrum species with validly published names. Therefore, strain 8W8T represents a novel species, for which the name Halorubrum tibetense sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 8W8T (=AS 1.3239T=JCM 11889T).

China↗

PubMed2003

Bacterial diversity of the Inner Mongolian Baer Soda Lake as revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses.

Bacterial diversity associated with Baer Soda Lake in Inner Mongolia of China was investigated using a culture-independent method. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene libraries were generated using bacterial oligonucleotide primers, and 16S rRNA gene sequences of 58 clones were analyzed phylogenetically. The library was dominated by 16S rDNAs of Gram-negative bacteria (24% alpha-Proteobacteria, 31% beta-Proteobacteria, 33% gamma-Proteobacteria, and 2% delta-Proteobacteria), with a lower percentage of clones corresponding to Gram-positive bacteria. Forty cloned sequences were similar to that of known bacterial isolates (> 97% sequence similarity), represented by the species of the genera Brevundimonas, Comamonas, Alcaligenes, Stenotrophomonas, and Klebsiella. Eighteen cloned sequences showed less affiliation with known taxa (< 97% sequence similarity) and may represent novel taxa.

Bacteria↗

PubMed2003

Gordonia paraffinivorans sp. nov., a hydrocarbon-degrading actinomycete isolated from an oil-producing well.

The taxonomic position of an actinomycete, strain HD321(T), isolated from an oil-producing well of Daqing oilfield, was clarified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain possessed cell-wall chemotype IV, MK-9(H(2)) as the predominant menaquinone, relatively long-chain mycolic acids (52-62 carbon atoms) of the Gordonia type, straight-chain saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and tuberculostearic acid. The G+C content of the DNA was 66 mol%. 16S rDNA analyses as well as chemotaxonomic and physiological properties indicated that strain HD321(T) represents a novel species within the genus Gordonia, for which the name Gordonia paraffinivorans sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is HD321(T) (=AS 4.1730(T)=DSM 44604(T)).

Base Composition↗

PubMed2003

[Archaeal diversity of Zabuye Lake in Tibet analyzed by culture-independent approach].

With culture-independent approach, microbial DNA was directly extracted from samples of Zabuye saline soda lake. Using the microbial DNA as template, archaeal 16S rDNAs were amplified by PCR. Amplified products were cloned and sequenced. 60 different cloned partial sequences, most of which were related to haloalkaliphilic archaeon, were acquired. In the phylogenetic tree, some clones of Zabuye lake belonged to Genus Natronobacterium, Natrinema, Natronococcus, Natronorubrum, Natronomonas, Halorubrum, Haloterrigena, Halorhabdus in Family Halobacteriaceae. Other clones represent some novel groups. All of them show prolific archaeal diversity of Zabuye lake.

Archaea↗

PubMed2002

Marinospirillum alkaliphilum sp. nov., a new alkaliphilic helical bacterium from Haoji soda lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China.

A new helical, alkaliphilic, gram-negative, chemoorganotrophic bacterium designated strain Z4T was isolated from Haoji soda lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The isolate grows at salinities between 0.2% and 5.0% (w/v) NaCl and pH range 7.0-11.0, with an optimum at 2.0% (w/v) NaCl and pH 9.5. Its growth temperature ranges from 8 degrees to 49 degrees C with an optimum at 37 degrees C. The G+C content of the DNA is 46.8 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone is ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA sequence comparison indicates that strain Z4T is a member of the genus Marinospirillum. Phenotypic features and DNA-DNA homology of less than 20% with the described species of Marinospirillum support the view that strain Z4T represents a new species of the genus Marinospirillum. Strain Z4T (= AS 1.2746) is proposed as the type strain of a new species, named Marinospirillum alkaliphilum sp. nov.

Bacteria↗

PubMed2002

Purification and characterization of an extremely halophilic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase from a newly isolated Halobacterium strain ZP-6.

The extremely halophilic archaeon ZP-6 was isolated from Ai-Ding salt lake in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Based on its physiological properties, 16S rDNA sequence, and DNA-DNA homology with known haloarchaea, the isolate was tentatively identified as a Halobacterium sp. An acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase was purified and characterized from this organism. The native enzyme has a molecular mass of 80 +/- 8 kDa and consists of two identical subunits of 43 +/- 2 kDa each. The N-terminus 14 amino acid residues were sequenced and showed identity with the respective part of a putative thiolase (AcaB1) of Halobacterium sp. NRC-1. The purified enzyme has an optimal pH of 7.9 for acetoacetyl-CoA thiolysis. The thiolytic activity was inhibited by the presence of Mg'- and was stimulated by KCl or NaCl. The thiolysis reaction of Halobacterium sp. ZP-6 thiolase can be inhibited by either substrate when present in excess. The distinct kinetic profile indicates that the thiolase from Halobacterium sp. ZP-6 may have a different catalytic mechanism from the so-called ping-pong mechanism employed by other thiolases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the purification and characterization of a halophilic thiolase from an archaeal species.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase↗

PubMed2002

Salinicoccus alkaliphilus sp. nov., a novel alkaliphile and moderate halophile from Baer Soda Lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

A novel alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic gram-positive coccus, designated strain T8T, was isolated from Baer Soda Lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Strain T8T grew in the presence of 0-25% (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.5-11.5, with optimum growth at 10% (w/v) NaCl and pH 9.0. It grew at 10.0-46.0 degrees C, with an optimum growth temperature of 32.0 degrees C. The organism was strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-sporulating and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The DNA G+C content was 49.6 mol%. The cell wall contained Lys and Gly. The major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA sequence comparisons indicate that strain T8T is a member of the genus Salinicoccus. DNA-DNA relatedness of less than 50% with the described species of Salinicoccus supported the view that this organism represents a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus. The name Salinicoccus alkaliphilus sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species. The type strain is T8T (= AS 1.2691T = JCM 11311T).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed2002

A complete sequence of the T. tengcongensis genome.

Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis is a rod-shaped, gram-negative, anaerobic eubacterium that was isolated from a freshwater hot spring in Tengchong, China. Using a whole-genome-shotgun method, we sequenced its 2,689,445-bp genome from an isolate, MB4(T) (Genbank accession no. AE008691). The genome encodes 2588 predicted coding sequences (CDS). Among them, 1764 (68.2%) are classified according to homology to other documented proteins, and the rest, 824 CDS (31.8%), are functionally unknown. One of the interesting features of the T. tengcongensis genome is that 86.7% of its genes are encoded on the leading strand of DNA replication. Based on protein sequence similarity, the T. tengcongensis genome is most similar to that of Bacillus halodurans, a mesophilic eubacterium, among all fully sequenced prokaryotic genomes up to date. Computational analysis on genes involved in basic metabolic pathways supports the experimental discovery that T. tengcongensis metabolizes sugars as principal energy and carbon source and utilizes thiosulfate and element sulfur, but not sulfate, as electron acceptors. T. tengcongensis, as a gram-negative rod by empirical definitions (such as staining), shares many genes that are characteristics of gram-positive bacteria whereas it is missing molecular components unique to gram-negative bacteria. A strong correlation between the G + C content of tDNA and rDNA genes and the optimal growth temperature is found among the sequenced thermophiles. It is concluded that thermophiles are a biologically and phylogenetically divergent group of prokaryotes that have converged to sustain extreme environmental conditions over evolutionary timescale.

Bacillaceae↗