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Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules
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Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 15875

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paolo Gualtieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: microalgae; euglena; photoreception; paramylon; algal by-products; microscopy; image processing; microspectrophotometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura Barsanti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: microalgae; Euglena; photoreception; paramylon; algal by-products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Paramylon, synthesized by the microalga Euglena sp., together with other 1-3- β -glucans are reserve polysaccharides synthesized by many different organisms, such as algae, fungi, bacteria. They are considered multi-potent (talented) compounds, with many bio-activities, already tested in different biological systems ranging from plants to humankind. These polysaccharides showed protective effects against inflammation, diabetes, infections, liver and renal diseases, neoplasias, with high immunomodulating and immunostimulating capacities mainly based on the triggering of the inflammatory mediators complex. Paramylon also possesses a relevant anti-fibrotic effect, demonstrated in both liver and kidney chronic disease models. Still, detailed information on how all these activities are linked to and depend on the structure and conformation of these apparently simple molecules are lacking, as well as information on recognition mechanisms and downstream signaling. Clarifying all these blind spots will provide a reliable basis for the development of new therapeutic compounds and immune treatments.  

This Special Issue “Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules” welcomes original research and review articles in this field, with a focus on the relationship between structure and function, receptor recognition, immunoactivation mechanisms, and signaling chains. Contributions on the different fields of applications of these polysaccharides will also be welcome, from agriculture to medicine, from pharmacology to chemistry.

Dr. Paolo Gualtieri
Dr. Laura Barsanti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Algae
  • Euglena
  • Immunity
  • Inflammation
  • Conformation
  • Chronic disease

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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7 pages, 234 KiB  
Editorial
Glucans, Paramylon and Other Algae Bioactive Molecules
by Laura Barsanti and Paolo Gualtieri
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5844; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24065844 - 19 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Algae (macro- and micro-algae) can be defined as light-driven cell factories that synthesize bioactive compounds consisting of primary metabolites (i [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules)

Research

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28 pages, 5658 KiB  
Article
Selenium-Containing Exopolysaccharides Isolated from the Culture Medium of Lentinula edodes: Structure and Biological Activity
by Sandra Górska-Jakubowska, Marzenna Klimaszewska, Piotr Podsadni, Beata Kaleta, Radosław Zagożdżon, Sabina Górska, Andrzej Gamian, Tomasz Strączek, Czesław Kapusta, Marcin Cieślak, Julia Kaźmierczak-Barańska, Barbara Nawrot and Jadwiga Turło
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 13039; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222313039 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2512
Abstract
In continuation of our research on the influence of selenium incorporation on the biosynthesis, structure, and immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides of fungal origin, we have isolated from a post-culture medium of Lentinula edodes a selenium (Se)-containing exopolysaccharide fraction composed mainly of [...] Read more.
In continuation of our research on the influence of selenium incorporation on the biosynthesis, structure, and immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides of fungal origin, we have isolated from a post-culture medium of Lentinula edodes a selenium (Se)-containing exopolysaccharide fraction composed mainly of a highly branched 1-6-α-mannoprotein of molecular weight 4.5 × 106 Da, with 15% protein component. The structure of this fraction resembled mannoproteins isolated from yeast and other mushroom cultures, but it was characterized by a significantly higher molecular weight. X-ray absorption fine structure spectral analysis in the near edge region (XANES) suggested that selenium in the Se-exopolysaccharide structure was present mainly at the IV oxidation state. The simulation analysis in the EXAFS region suggested the presence of two oxygen atoms in the region surrounding the selenium. On the grounds of our previous studies, we hypothesized that selenium-enriched exopolysaccharides would possess higher biological activity than the non-Se-enriched reference fraction. To perform structure–activity studies, we conducted the same tests of biological activity as for previously obtained mycelial Se-polyglucans. The Se-enriched exopolysaccharide fraction significantly enhanced cell viability when incubated with normal (human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)) cells (but this effect was absent for malignant human cervical HeLa cells) and this fraction also protected the cells from oxidative stress conditions. The results of tests on the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells suggested a selective immunosuppressive activity, like previously tested Se-polyglucans isolated from L. edodes mycelium. The Se-exopolysaccharide fraction, in concentrations of 10–100 µg/mL, inhibited human T lymphocyte proliferation induced by mitogens, without significant effects on B lymphocytes. As with previously obtained Se-polyglucans, in the currently tested Se-polymannans, the selenium content increased the biological activity. However, the activity of selenium exopolysaccharides in all tests was significantly lower than that of previously tested mycelial isolates, most likely due to a different mode of selenium binding and its higher degree of oxidation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules)
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14 pages, 2432 KiB  
Article
Sulfonated and Carboxymethylated β-Glucan Derivatives with Inhibitory Activity against Herpes and Dengue Viruses
by José Louzinho Lopes, Vinicius Seiki Takemura Quinteiro, Jéssica Wouk, Maria Laura Darido, Robert F. H. Dekker, Aneli M. Barbosa-Dekker, Václav Vetvicka, Mário A. A. Cunha, Ligia Carla Faccin-Galhardi and Alexandre Orsato
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 11013; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222011013 - 12 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2061
Abstract
The infection of mammalian cells by enveloped viruses is triggered by the interaction of viral envelope glycoproteins with the glycosaminoglycan, heparan sulfate. By mimicking this carbohydrate, some anionic polysaccharides can block this interaction and inhibit viral entry and infection. As heparan sulfate carries [...] Read more.
The infection of mammalian cells by enveloped viruses is triggered by the interaction of viral envelope glycoproteins with the glycosaminoglycan, heparan sulfate. By mimicking this carbohydrate, some anionic polysaccharides can block this interaction and inhibit viral entry and infection. As heparan sulfate carries both carboxyl and sulfate groups, this work focused on the derivatization of a (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, botryosphaeran, with these negatively-charged groups in an attempt to improve its antiviral activity. Carboxyl and sulfonate groups were introduced by carboxymethylation and sulfonylation reactions, respectively. Three derivatives with the same degree of carboxymethylation (0.9) and different degrees of sulfonation (0.1; 0.2; 0.4) were obtained. All derivatives were chemically characterized and evaluated for their antiviral activity against herpes (HSV-1, strains KOS and AR) and dengue (DENV-2) viruses. Carboxymethylated botryosphaeran did not inhibit the viruses, while all sulfonated-carboxymethylated derivatives were able to inhibit HSV-1. DENV-2 was inhibited only by one of these derivatives with an intermediate degree of sulfonation (0.2), demonstrating that the dengue virus is more resistant to anionic β-D-glucans than the Herpes simplex virus. By comparison with a previous study on the antiviral activity of sulfonated botryosphaerans, we conclude that the presence of carboxymethyl groups might have a detrimental effect on antiviral activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules)
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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2592 KiB  
Article
Beta-1,3 Oligoglucans Specifically Bind to Immune Receptor CD28 and May Enhance T Cell Activation
by Jeffrey Comer, Molly Bassette, Riley Burghart, Mayme Loyd, Susumu Ishiguro, Ettayapuram Ramaprasad Azhagiya Singam, Ariela Vergara-Jaque, Ayaka Nakashima, Kengo Suzuki, Brian V. Geisbrecht and Masaaki Tamura
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(6), 3124; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22063124 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2986
Abstract
Beta glucans are known to have immunomodulatory effects that mediated by a variety of mechanisms. In this article, we describe experiments and simulations suggesting that beta-1,3 glucans may promote activation of T cells by a previously unknown mechanism. First, we find that treatment [...] Read more.
Beta glucans are known to have immunomodulatory effects that mediated by a variety of mechanisms. In this article, we describe experiments and simulations suggesting that beta-1,3 glucans may promote activation of T cells by a previously unknown mechanism. First, we find that treatment of a T lymphoblast cell line with beta-1,3 oligoglucan significantly increases mRNA levels of T cell activation-associated cytokines, especially in the presence of the agonistic anti-CD3 antibody. This immunostimulatory activity was observed in the absence of dectin-1, a known receptor for beta-1,3 glucans. To clarify the molecular mechanism underlying this activity, we performed a series of molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations to explore the interaction of beta-1,3 oligoglucans with potential immune receptors. While the simulations reveal little association between beta-1,3 oligoglucan and the immune receptor CD3, we find that beta-1,3 oligoglucans bind to CD28 near the region identified as the binding site for its natural ligands CD80 and CD86. Using a rigorous absolute binding free-energy technique, we calculate a dissociation constant in the low millimolar range for binding of 8-mer beta-1,3 oligoglucan to this site on CD28. The simulations show this binding to be specific, as no such association is computed for alpha-1,4 oligoglucan. This study suggests that beta-1,3 glucans bind to CD28 and may stimulate T cell activation collaboratively with T cell receptor activation, thereby stimulating immune function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules)
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Review

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15 pages, 587 KiB  
Review
Paramylon and Other Bioactive Molecules in Micro and Macroalgae
by Laura Barsanti, Lorenzo Birindelli and Paolo Gualtieri
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23158301 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2491
Abstract
Many algae synthesize compounds that have exceptional properties of nutraceutical, pharmacological, and biomedical interest. Pigments, fatty acids, phenols, and polysaccharides are among the main compounds investigated so far. Polysaccharides are the most exploited compounds, widely used in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, which [...] Read more.
Many algae synthesize compounds that have exceptional properties of nutraceutical, pharmacological, and biomedical interest. Pigments, fatty acids, phenols, and polysaccharides are among the main compounds investigated so far. Polysaccharides are the most exploited compounds, widely used in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, which are at present entering into more advanced applications by gaining importance, from a therapeutic point of view, as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory agents. Establishing algae as an alternative supplement would complement the sustainable and environmental requirements in the framework of human health and well-being. This review focuses on the proprieties and uses of the main micro- and macroalgae metabolites, describing their potential for application in the different industrial sectors, from food/feed to chemical and pharmacological. Further, current technologies involved in bioactive molecule extraction strategies are documented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules)
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13 pages, 839 KiB  
Review
Trained Immunity as an Adaptive Branch of Innate Immunity
by Vaclav Vetvicka, Petr Sima and Luca Vannucci
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(19), 10684; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221910684 - 01 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3613
Abstract
The concept of trained immunity has become one of the most interesting and potentially commercially and clinically relevant ideas of current immunology. Trained immunity is realized by the epigenetic reprogramming of non-immunocompetent cells, primarily monocytes/macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, and is less [...] Read more.
The concept of trained immunity has become one of the most interesting and potentially commercially and clinically relevant ideas of current immunology. Trained immunity is realized by the epigenetic reprogramming of non-immunocompetent cells, primarily monocytes/macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, and is less specific than adaptive immunity; therefore, it may cross-protect against other infectious agents. It remains possible, however, that some of the observed changes are simply caused by increased levels of immune reactions resulting from supplementation with immunomodulators, such as glucan. In addition, the question of whether we can talk about trained immunity in cells with a life span of only few days is still unresolved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glucans, Paramylon and other Algae Bioactive Molecules)
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