Methane gas is recognized as a promising carbon substrate for the biosynthesis of value-added products due to its abundance and low price. Methanotrophs utilized methane as their sole source of carbon and energy, thus they can serve as efficient biocatalysts for methane bioconversion. Methanotrophs-catalyzed microbial bioconversion offer numerous advantages, compared to chemical processes. Current indirect chemical conversions of methane suffer from their energy-intensive processes and high capital expenditure. Methanotrophs can be cell factories capable of synthesizing various value-added products from methane such as methanol, organic acids, ectoine, polyhydroxyalkanoates, etc. However, the large-scale commercial implementation using methanotrophs remains a formidable challenge, primarily due to limitations in gas-liquid mass transfer and low metabolic capacity. This review explores recent advancements in methanotroph research, providing insights into their potential for enabling methane bioconversion.

Alcohol consumption can lead to the accumulation of harmful metabolites, such as acetaldehyde, contributing to various adverse health effects, including hangovers and liver damage. This study presents a comprehensive genomic and functional analysis of Leuconostoc suionicum VITA-PB2, a lactic acid bacterial strain isolated from kimchi, to elucidate its role in enhancing alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism. Genomic characterization revealed key genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), providing insights into the metabolic capabilities of strain VITA-PB2. Phylogenomic analyses confirmed its taxonomic classification and genetic similarity to other Leuconostoc species. Functional validation through in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated superior ethanol and acetaldehyde decomposition abilities of strain VITA-PB2, with significant reductions in blood ethanol and acetaldehyde levels observed in rats administered with the strain. Further analysis indicated that while hepatic ADH activity did not significantly increase; however, ALDH expression was elevated. This suggests that the microbial ADH of strain VITA-PB2 contributed to ethanol breakdown, while both microbial and host ALDH facilitated acetaldehyde detoxification. These findings highlight the potential of strain VITA-PB2 as a functional probiotic for mitigating the toxic effects of alcohol consumption.

Chronic toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites. This study assessed six candidate small molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) against bradyzoites (ME49 strain), the reactivated form of the parasite resulting from the rupture of brain cysts. Bradyzoites were obtained from mouse brain cysts, cultured in ARPE-19 cells, and treated with afatinib and neratinib (HER2/HER4 inhibitors), ACTB-1003 and regorafenib (VEGFR-2 inhibitors), or altiratinib and foretinib (c-MET inhibitors). The effects on the growth of T. gondii were analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Changes in the host cells were assessed using markers for cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. All inhibitors blocked the growth of bradyzoites, although afatinib was less effective. Afatinib enhanced autophagy signals, while ACTB-1003 and neratinib affected mitochondrial biosynthesis and mitophagy. Altiratinib demonstrated an effect against bradyzoites at the lowest concentration with minimal impact on the host cells. It may be effective in blocking the reactivation of brain cysts in immunodeficiency patients caused by bradyzoites.