Publications by authors named "Toma Kashima"

d-Galactofuranose (Galf) is widely distributed in glycoconjugates of pathogenic microbes. β-d-Galactofuranosidase (Galf-ase) from Streptomyces sp. JHA19 (ORF1110) belongs to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 2 and is the first identified Galf-specific degradation enzyme.

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To overcome incompatibility issues and increase the possibility of blood transfusion, technologies that enable efficient conversion of A- and B-type red blood cells to the universal donor O-type is desirable. Although several blood type-converting enzymes have been identified, detailed understanding about their molecular functions is limited. α-Galactosidase from JCM 1254 (AgaBb), belonging to glycoside hydrolase (GH) 110 subfamily A, specifically acts on blood group B antigen.

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Cooking with fire produces foods containing carbohydrates that are not naturally occurring, such as α-d-fructofuranoside found in caramel. Each of the hundreds of compounds produced by caramelization reactions is considered to possess its own characteristics. Various studies from the viewpoints of biology and biochemistry have been conducted to elucidate some of the scientific characteristics.

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The cell walls of pathogenic and acidophilic bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae, contain lipoarabinomannan and arabinogalactan. These components are composed of D-arabinose, the enantiomer of the typical L-arabinose found in plants. The unique glycan structures of mycobacteria contribute to their ability to evade mammalian immune responses.

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Mucinolytic bacteria modulate host-microbiota symbiosis and dysbiosis through their ability to degrade mucin O-glycans. However, how and to what extent bacterial enzymes are involved in the breakdown process remains poorly understood. Here we focus on a glycoside hydrolase family 20 sulfoglycosidase (BbhII) from Bifidobacterium bifidum, which releases N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate from sulfated mucins.

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Article Synopsis
  • Fructooligosaccharides and their derivatives serve as beneficial prebiotics, with some enzymes able to produce functional compounds from fructan polymers, though less is known about enzymes forming α-D-fructofuranosyl linkages.
  • Researchers identified a novel enzyme, αFFase1, from Bifidobacterium dentium, displaying activities related to α-D-fructofuranosidase and able to convert specific sugar forms effectively.
  • Structural analysis revealed that αFFase1 has a unique hexameric arrangement and a distinct catalytic mechanism, leading to its classification as part of a new glycoside hydrolase family (GH172).
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Cow's milk allergy is a worldwide public health issue, especially since there is no effective treatment, apart from milk and dairy product avoidance. The aim of this study was to assess the beneficial role of three probiotic strains previously selected for their prophylactic properties in a mouse model of β-lactoglobulin allergy. Administration of LA305, LA307, or subsp.

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