S18
Abstracts / Current Opinion in Biotechnology 22S (2011) S15–S152
Concurrent Conference Lectures CCL1 Enzyme and protein engineering: engineering a selfsufficient human cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system Yusuf Deeni 1 , Roland Wolf 2 1
Division of Biotechnology & Forensic Science, School of Contemporary Science, University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK 2 Biomedical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
diversity of GM cultivars have created the need for an integrated and reliable risk assessment methodologies, which is important in terms of gaining public confidence and environmental safety. doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2011.05.019
CCL3 Colorectal cancer and nutrition Constantine Arvanitakis 1 , Nurdan Tozun 2 1 2
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
E-mail address:
[email protected] (Y. Deeni)
E-mail address:
[email protected] (C. Arvanitakis)
The aim of this study is to engineer a functional self-sufficient human cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. Molecular cloning techniques were used to engineer a complete human P450 (P450) and human P450 reductase (CPR) chimeric moiety. Spectrophotometry, enzyme assays and Western blot analyses were used to characterise the new enzyme chimera. The enzyme was catalytically functional, with activities similar or greater than that observed with the traditional P450 monooxygenase systems. The purified enzyme does not necessarily require phospholipids or detergents to function. There was evidence of capacity for both intra-electron and inter-electron transfer by the chimeric enzyme. P450 monooxygenases are responsible for the metabolism of several exogenous and endogenous xenobiotics. There exist naturally fused P450 and CPR systems with the highest catalytic turnover known for any P450 monooxygenases. Many cytochrome P450 and CPR fusion enzymes have been constructed; however, we are the first to report on complete human P450 and CPR chimera. Results show the practicality of developing HTS assays and bioreactors for large-scale synthesis of metabolites of pharmacological importance. The potential applications of P450 and CPR fusion proteins in many other aspects of biotechnology are also highlighted.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer with wide geographic incidence which is related to marked differences of diet and nutrition. High consumption of animal protein is correlated with high incidence. Several studies have shown that factors of increased risk of CRC are red meat, processed meat, alcohol and obesity. Factors of decreased risk are regular activity, weight control dietary fiber, dairy products and fresh fruit and vegetable. The incidence of CRC is lower in the countries of Mediterranean region is compared with countries of northern and central Europe, North America and Australia. This is attributed to some degree to Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetable, pasta, bread and fish. According to the pyramid of Mediterranean diet, a daily consumption of olive oil, cereals, fish and dairy products (calcium) exert a protective defect on the development of CRC. By contrast, red meat consumption should not exceed once or twice per month and processed meat should be avoided. In conclusion, based on epidemiological studies the following guidelines are proposed to decrease the risk of CRC: (1) weight control, (2) regular physical exercise, (3) adoption of Mediterranean diet (olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetable, pulses, cereals, dairy products), (4) decrease of red meat and avoidance of processed meat, and (5) moderate consumption of alcohol (one to two glasses of red wine per day).
doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2011.05.018
CCL2
doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2011.05.020
The importance of risk assessment of genetically modified plants
CCL4
Tijen Talas Ogras
How next generation sequencing changes the practice of medicine
TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Kocaeli, Turkey
Han G Brunner
E-mail address:
[email protected]
Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Genetic engineering techniques have allowed to transfer the sequences between organisms. Thus, the new tools overcame the limitation of species incompatibility. The rapid development of agricultural biotechnology and commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops have raised concern over the potential impact of these plants. Since the development of GM organisms, many discussion meetings and publications have been performed. Economic issues, advantages, environmental impacts, ethical and social considerations, and public confidence are the main discussion themes about GM organisms. The most common title in debate over GM plants is concerning the safety for the environment and for human health. In spite of different national and regional approaches, some international agreements and directives were prepared upon the release and commercialization of GM organisms. Risk assessment is a basic prerequisite to monitor the potential unexpected adverse effects of a GM organism upon the release and use. Increased
E-mail address:
[email protected] Now that massively parallel (or next generation; NGS) sequencing has become a reality, it is time to ask the question whether this technology will change the way we practice medicine in the clinic. I believe that it will do just that, and in several ways. Next Generation Sequencing technology will allow all relevant genes for a clinical question or problem to be analysed in depth in a single experiment. The current projected cost of consumables for sequencing up to 100 genes in a single experiment is about 1000 Euro using Roche 454 sequencing. While true costs that include personnel, bioinformatics support and equipment will be considerably higher, we may expect that such costs should be reduced by at least 50% over the next 2 years. All of this means that it will soon be realistic to test panels of 50-150 genes for many clinical situations (muscular dystrophy; neurode-