Research Keyword: enzyme kinetics

Mechanistic Insights into Tyrosinase-Catalyzed Metabolism of Hydroquinone: Implications for the Etiology of Exogenous Ochronosis and Cytotoxicity to Melanocytes

Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin-lightening products that works through enzyme-mediated chemical reactions. This research revealed how an enzyme called tyrosinase processes hydroquinone through different chemical pathways, ultimately producing melanin-like compounds. The study found that long-term hydroquinone use may cause a darkening side effect called exogenous ochronosis through continued enzyme activity, and identified a new chemical marker to track this process.

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Transcriptome Reveals the Key Genes Related to the Metabolism of Volatile Sulfur-Containing Compounds in Lentinula edodes Mycelium

Researchers studied how shiitake mushroom mycelium develops its characteristic sulfur-containing flavor during early growth stages. They found that the first 15 days of mycelial growth produce the most volatile flavor compounds, similar to those found in mature mushrooms. Using advanced genetic analysis and computer modeling, they identified two key genes (Leggt3 and Lecsl3) responsible for producing these flavor compounds. This research suggests that mushroom mycelium could be cultivated as an efficient source for producing shiitake flavor compounds for use in food additives and flavorings.

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Evaluating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of fruiting body and mycelium extracts from edible yellow morel (Morchella esculenta L. Pers.)

This study examined morel mushrooms from Pakistan to see if they could help treat Alzheimer’s disease and related brain conditions. Researchers tested both the fruiting bodies and the root-like mycelia of Morchella esculenta mushrooms for their ability to fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and inhibit an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for memory. The results showed that morel extracts, especially from fruiting bodies collected in certain regions, worked as well as or better than conventional medications, suggesting these common edible mushrooms could be developed into treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

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Efficient conversion of tea residue nutrients: Screening and proliferation of edible fungi

Tea leaves left over from making instant tea are usually thrown away, but researchers found that special edible mushrooms can break down these tea residues and convert them into nutritious mushroom protein. Monascus kaoliang B6 was the most effective, using powerful enzymes to decompose the tough plant fibers in tea residue and transform the nutrients into edible mushroom biomass. This discovery offers an environmentally friendly way to recycle tea industry waste into a useful food product without using harsh chemicals.

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Kojic Acid Showed Consistent Inhibitory Activity on Tyrosinase from Mushroom and in Cultured B16F10 Cells Compared with Arbutins

This study compared four skin-whitening compounds to find the best one for use as a testing standard in laboratories. Kojic acid was found to be the most reliable choice because it effectively blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, which produces skin pigment, without damaging cells. The researchers tested these compounds both in test tubes and in actual melanoma cells to understand how they work differently.

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Growth Phase-Dependent Changes in the Carbohydrate Metabolism of Penicillium Strains from Diverse Temperature Classes in Response to Cold Stress

This study examined how three types of fungus respond to cold temperatures by measuring changes in their metabolic enzymes. Researchers exposed young and old fungal cells to cold stress and found that cold temperatures increased enzyme activity in both energy production pathways. Interestingly, the Antarctic psychrotolerant fungus adapted better to cold than the mesophilic fungi, showing that cold-adapted organisms have superior strategies for surviving freezing conditions.

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Pore-Forming Cardiotoxin VVA2 (Volvatoxin A2) Variant I82E/L86K Is an Atypical Duplex-Specific Nuclease

Researchers discovered that a toxic protein from edible mushrooms called VVA2 has a hidden ability to cut double-stranded DNA. When modified to remove its toxic effects, this protein became a powerful DNA-cutting enzyme that works best at warm temperatures and requires specific metal ions to function. This discovery could have practical applications in DNA research and diagnostic testing.

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In Vitro and Computational Response of Differential Catalysis by Phlebia brevispora BAFC 633 Laccase in Interaction with 2,4-D and Chlorpyrifos

Scientists studied how two common pesticides (2,4-D and chlorpyrifos) interact with an enzyme called laccase produced by a white rot fungus. Using laboratory tests and computer simulations, they found that the fungus can survive exposure to these pesticides while still producing active laccase. Importantly, chlorpyrifos actually increased the enzyme’s activity, suggesting it could be useful for breaking down pesticide-contaminated soil and water.

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