Institute of Microbiology
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Tel : 86-10-64807401
E-mail: Huanld@im.ac.cn
Research Area
Majoring in molecular genetics of Lactic Acid Bacteria for decades, especially in bio-synthesis, genetic regulation and application of bioactive substances.
Education & Professional Experience
He graduated from Department of Biology of Fudan University in 1968 and got M.Sc. degree from Institute of Genetics of Fudan University in 1981. Enjoys State Council Government Subsidy.
Current Research
Studies on the bioactive substances produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria(LAB)
The Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent a group of bacteria that could produce lactic acid during fermentative metabolism. They play an essential role in food industry and offer probiotic benefits to general health. LAB are capable of producing a wide range of protein & peptides which have antimicrobial activity. They are also strong candidates for development as oral delivery vehicles for digestive enzymes and vaccine antigens. Our research concentrates on molecular genetics of LAB, especially on the bioactive substances produced by LAB. Major research progresses we made during this year are as follows:
1. Studies on the novel lantibiotic bovicin HJ50 produced by Streptococcus bovis HJ50 and its biosynthesis: The whole gene cluster involved in bovicin HJ50 biosynthesis was cloned (about 15kb). Gene disruption experiment showed that the modification gene bovM, the transport gene bovT and the disulfide bridge forming gene bovX are all related with the biosynthesis of bovicin HJ50. Auto-inducing experiment indicated that the biosynthesis of bovicin HJ50 was induced by bovicin HJ50 itself, and might be regulated by the two-component regulation system.
2.Studies on two novel antimicrobial peptides Subpeptin JM4-A and Subpeptin JM4-B produced by Bacillus subtilis JM4: An antimicrobial peptide producer strain was isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus subtilis JM4. >
| The corresponding antimicrobial peptides were purified to homogeneity and two active fractions designated as Subpeptin JM4-A and Subpeptin JM4-B were yielded. The two peptides had no significant sequence homology to the known peptides in database. Characteristic measurements indicated |
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that both of them had a relatively broad inhibitory spectrum and retained active over a wide pH and temperature range. Based on the highly conserved motifs of nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), a 48-kb gene cluster was cloned by nested PCR, which consisted of four putative operons and nine open reading frames (ORFs). Two disruption vectors targeted to subA and subC were constructed, and corresponding results supported the involvement of the cloned gene cluster in subpeptin production.
Selected publications
Shimei Wu, Shifang Jia, Dandan Sun, Meiling Chen, Xiuzhu Chen, Jin Zhong*, Liandong Huan*. Purification and characterization of two novel antimicrobial peptides Subpeptin JM4-A and Subpeptin JM4-B produced by Bacillus subtilis JM4. Current Microbiology, 2005, 51, 292-96.
Patents
A nattokinase and a method for cloning and expression of its coding region. Jin Zhong, xiaobo Liang, Shifang Jia, Yufang Sun, Meiling Chen, Xiuzhu Chen and Liandong Huan.
Awards
Second place award, National Science & Technology Progress Award for his “Study and exploitation of nisinZ”;
Special Award conferred on his “Research and application of natural food preservative nisinZ” by China National Food Industry Association.
Laboratory Staff
Shifang Jia Associate Professor
Jiashifang1950@yahoo.com.cn
Jin Zhong Assistant Professor
zhongj@sun.im.ac.cn
Dandan Sun Assistant Professor
Sunddan@sun.im.ac.cn
Meiling Chen Technician
Students
Xiaobo Liang，2001-2006
Shimei Wu，2002-2006
Shuming Wu，2003-2006
Gang Liu，2002-2007
Qiuxiang Zhang，2002-2007
Zhizeng Sun， 2004-2007
Siwei Chen，2003-2006
Visiting Scholars
Chi Feng，2005－2006
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