Engineering Bacillus subtilis to Convert Myo-Inositol to Scyllo-Inositol for Alzheimer's Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Yamaoka Masaru, Osawa Shin, Morinaga Tetsuro, Takenaka Shinji, Yoshida Ken-ichi
Primary Institution: Kobe University
Hypothesis
Can Bacillus subtilis be engineered to bioconvert myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol effectively?
Conclusion
The engineered Bacillus subtilis can produce scyllo-inositol, which may serve as a cost-effective therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The engineered strain converted almost half of 10 g/L myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol within 48 hours.
- Scyllo-inositol is known to prevent the accumulation of beta-amyloid deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
- The study suggests that Bacillus subtilis can serve as a prototype for producing scyllo-inositol economically.
Takeaway
Scientists made a special bacteria that can turn a common sugar into a helpful medicine for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Methodology
The study involved manipulating the inositol metabolism in Bacillus subtilis to enable the conversion of myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol.
Limitations
The study does not provide experimental evidence for all proposed metabolic pathways and their efficiencies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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