Engineering Probiotic Yeast to Produce Antiviral Griffithsin
Author Information
Author(s): Tang Jie, Li Ran, Jiang Tingyu, Lv Jiachen, Jiang Yuwei, Zhou Xingjian, Chen Hong, Li Meiliang, Wu Aimin, Yu Bing, Takala Timo M., Saris Per E. J., Li Shuhong, Fang Zhengfeng
Primary Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University
Hypothesis
Can Saccharomyces boulardii be engineered to secrete griffithsin for antiviral applications?
Conclusion
The engineered Saccharomyces boulardii strains successfully produced griffithsin and demonstrated antiviral activity against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.
Supporting Evidence
- The engineered strains displayed a similar growth pattern to control strains.
- Survival rates of engineered strains in gastrointestinal fluids were lower than control strains.
- S. boulardii FM inhibited PEDV significantly more than control strains.
Takeaway
Scientists made a special yeast that can produce a virus-fighting protein called griffithsin, which could help in treating infections.
Methodology
The study involved cloning the griffithsin gene into Saccharomyces boulardii and characterizing the recombinant strains for growth, morphology, gastrointestinal tolerance, and antiviral activity.
Limitations
The study was conducted in vitro, and further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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