Lichens represent a charismatic corner of biology that has a rich history of scientific exploration, but to which modern biological techniques have been sparsely applied. This has limited our understanding of phenomena unique to lichen, such as the emergent development of physically coupled microbial consortia or distributed metabolisms. The experimental intractability of natural lichens has prevented studies of the mechanistic underpinnings of their biology. Creating synthetic lichen from experimentally tractable, free-living microbes has the potential to overcome these challenges. They could also serve as powerful new chassis for sustainable biotechnology. In this review we will first briefly introduce what lichen are, what remains mysterious about their biology, and why. We will then articulate the scientific insights that creating a synthetic lichen will generate and lay out a roadmap for how this could be achieved using synthetic biology. Finally, we will explore the translational applications of synthetic lichen and detail what is needed to advance the pursuit of their creation.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.079 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Analyzing sorbitol biosynthesis using a metabolic network flux model of a lichenized strain of the green microalga .
Microbiol Spectr
January 2025
Australian National Herbarium, National Research Collections Australia, NCMI, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia.
a unicellular terrestrial microalga found either free-living or in association with lichenized fungi, protects itself from desiccation by synthesizing and accumulating low-molecular-weight carbohydrates such as sorbitol. The metabolism of this algal species and the interplay of sorbitol biosynthesis with its growth, light absorption, and carbon dioxide fixation are poorly understood. Here, we used a recently available genome assembly for to develop a metabolic flux model and analyze the alga's metabolic capabilities, particularly, for sorbitol biosynthesis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of ramalin synthetic derivatives in BV2 and HT22 cells.
Biochem Pharmacol
January 2025
Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61452, South Korea. Electronic address:
Ramalin, a strong antioxidant isolated from Antarctic lichens, has been shown to have potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However, this compound is readily degraded in aqueous solutions, which restricts its development as a therapeutic agent. With a view toward addressing this problem, in this study, we modified the structure of ramalin to obtain more stable compounds and attempted to identify a derivative with the strongest neuroprotective properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMixed and membrane-separated culturing of synthetic cyanobacteria-yeast consortia reveals metabolic cross-talk mimicking natural cyanolichens.
Sci Rep
October 2024
Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99354, USA.
Metabolite exchange mediates crucial interactions in microbial communities, significantly impacting global carbon and nitrogen cycling. Understanding these chemically-mediated interactions is essential for elucidating natural community functions and developing engineered synthetic communities. This study investigated membrane-separated bioreactors (mBRs) as a novel tool to identify transient metabolites and their producers/consumers in mixed microbial communities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInvestigation of Antimicrobial Compounds Produced by Endolichenic Fungi in Different Culture Media.
Plant Pathol J
October 2024
Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
Continuous use of synthetic fungicides has led to explosive emergence of fungicide-resistant microbes. Therefore, there are urgent needs for environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents with novel modes of action. This study investigated endolichenic fungi (ELF) as a source of antimicrobial compounds against various plant pathogens.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Influence of Removable Complete Denture on Pro-Oxidant Antioxidant Balance and Redox-Sensitive Inflammation Biomarker NF-ĸB in the Oral Cavity: An Interventional Follow-Up Study.
Clin Exp Dent Res
October 2024
Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Niš, Nis, Nis region, Serbia.
Article Synopsis
- Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species, can lead to serious oral diseases; the study aimed to examine the effects of removable dentures on oxidative stress markers.
- Involving 40 participants aged 28-78, saliva samples were taken before and after denture placement, revealing peak reactive oxygen species production on the seventh day and a subsequent decline in antioxidant defenses.
- The NF-κB p65 subunit expression increased after seven days, indicating redox imbalance and potential inflammation in oral tissues, suggesting that dentures and their materials may contribute to oral diseases, warranting further research.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!