A cell factory of Bacillus subtilis engineered for the simple bioconversion of myo-inositol to scyllo-inositol, a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A stereoisomer of inositol, <it>scyllo</it>-inositol, is known as a promising therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease, since it prevents the accumulation of beta-amyloid deposits, a hallmark of the disease. However, this compound is relatively rare in nature, whereas another stereoisomer of inositol, <it>myo</it>-inositol, is abundantly available.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>Bacillus subtilis </it>possesses a unique inositol metabolism involving both stereoisomers. We manipulated the inositol metabolism in <it>B. subtilis </it>to permit the possible bioconversion from <it>myo</it>-inositol to <it>scyllo</it>-inositol. Within 48 h of cultivation, the engineered strain was able to convert almost half of 10 g/L <it>myo</it>-inositol to <it>scyllo</it>-inositol that accumulated in the culture medium.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The engineered <it>B. subtilis </it>serves as a prototype of cell factory enabling a novel and inexpensive supply of <it>scyllo</it>-inositol.</p