Electrostatic interaction optimization improves catalytic rates and thermotolerance on xylanases.

Understanding the aspects that contribute to improving proteins' biochemical properties is of high relevance for protein engineering. Properties such as the catalytic rate, thermal stability, and thermal resistance are crucial for applying enzymes in the industry. Different interactions can influence those biochemical properties of an enzyme.

Evaluation of the tolerance and biotransformation of ferulic acid by Klebsiella pneumoniae TD 4.7.

Derived compounds from lignin have been used as substrates for chemical and biological processes for obtainment bioproducts. The ferulic acid is a lignocellulosic biomass whose biotransformation in flavors compounds was described. The objective of this study was the bioconversion of ferulic acid to 4-vinylguaiacol by Klebsiella pneumoniae TD 4.

Crystal structure of a novel xylose isomerase from Streptomyces sp. F-1 revealed the presence of unique features that differ from conventional classes.

Background: Enzymatic isomerization is a promising strategy to solve the problem of xylose fermentation and, consequently, to leverage the production of advanced biofuels and biochemicals. In a previous work, our research group discovered a new strain of Streptomyces with great biotechnological potential due to its ability to produce a broad arsenal of enzymes related to lignocellulose degradation.

Methods: We applied a multidisciplinary approach involving enzyme kinetics, biophysical methods, small angle X-ray scattering and X-ray crystallography to investigate two novel xylose isomerases, XylA1F1 and XylA2F1, from this strain.

First report of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in fish.

The thermodimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a deep mycosis endemic in Latin American countries that affects mainly male rural workers. Infection by P. brasiliensis has also been reported in several species of terrestrial animals; however, the capacity of the fungus to infect aquatic organisms is poorly known.

Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus iniae UEL-Si1, Isolated in Diseased Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Northern Paraná, Southern Brazil.

The Streptococcus iniae UEL-Si1 strain was isolated from diseased Nile tilapia within the Paranapanema River Basin, Northern Paraná, Brazil. This is an emerging infectious disease agent of fish from Brazil, and sequencing of the complete genome is fundamental to understanding aspects relative to pathogenesis, infection, epidemiology, and immunity.