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Cyanobacteria in the laboratory: the new active ingredient was isolated from cultures of freshwater cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus
Seedling of Arabidopsis thaliana after germination and growth over 7 days: while the control group (left) was developing normally, growth was inhibited by 260 μM glyphosate (figure below) or 7dSh (figure above ). (scaled identically in all images)
Chemical structure of 7dSh
Researchers at the University of Tübingen have discovered a natural substance that could compete with glyphosate, a controversial herbicide: the newly discovered sugar molecule, synthesized from cyanobacteria, inhibits the growth of various microorganisms and plants, but is harmless for humans and animals. The joint study was led by Dr. Klaus Brilisauer, Professor Stephanie Grond (Institute of Organic Chemistry) and Professor Karl Forchhammer (Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine).
Active ingredients for pharmaceutical or agricultural use often come from natural substances. These substances may consist of complex chemical structures, but may also be relatively simple. The ingenuity of such active ingredients often lies in their simplicity: antimetabolites interact with the vital processes of the cell by mimicking metabolic products. This disrupts the biological process, which can inhibit cell growth or even kill the cell.
Chemists and microbiologists at the University of Tübingen have discovered a very unusual antimetabolite, with a chemical structure of disconcerting simplicity: a sugar molecule with the scientific name "7-deoxy-sedoheptulose" (7dSh) ". Unlike ordinary carbohydrates, which generally serve as a source of energy for growth, this substance inhibits the growth of various plants and microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts. The sugar molecule blocks a key enzyme in the shikimate pathway, a metabolic pathway that only occurs in microorganisms and plants. For this reason, scientists clbadify the substance as safe for humans and animals and have already demonstrated it in initial studies.
Rare deoxy sugar was isolated from freshwater cyanobacterium cultures Synechococcus elongatus, capable of inhibiting the growth of badociated bacterial strains. In seeking the cause of this growth inhibition, scientists have been able to decipher the structure of the natural compound. Using a recently developed method for the production of 7dSh – a chemoenzymatic synthesis – scientists have been able to conduct in-depth studies to determine the molecular mechanism of 7dSh.
In detail, scientists used high resolution coupled mbad spectrometry to obtain accurate information on the mechanism of inhibition and found that 7dSh blocked DHQS (Dehydroquinatesynthase), an enzyme of the shikimate pathway. Glyphosate, a controversial herbicide, is one of the most well-known inhibitors of this metabolic pathway to date. "Unlike glyphosate, the newly discovered deoxy-sugar is an all-natural product that is thought to have good degradability and low ecotoxicity," said Dr. Klaus Brilisauer. Until now, 7dSh is a promising inhibitor of plant growth. "Here we see an excellent opportunity to use it as a natural herbicide."
Scientists hope to replace controversial herbicides in the long term and reduce the metabolites that pose a health risk. However, field efficacy, soil degradability and safety for livestock and humans should be the subject of in-depth studies as part of in-depth studies. long term on 7dSh.
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