This book presents the current knowledge of fundamental as well as applied microbiology of amino acids. Coverage details the amino acid biosynthetic pathways, their genetic and biochemical regulation, transport of amino acids and genomics of producing microorganisms. The book also examines the metabolic engineering of microorganisms for the biotechnological production of amino acids for use as pharmaceuticals and as food and feed additives.

Systems Metabolic Engineering is changing the way microbial cell factories are designed and optimized for industrial production. Integrating systems biology and biotechnology with new concepts from synthetic biology enables the global analysis and engineering of microorganisms and bioprocesses at super efficiency and versatility otherwise not accessible. Without doubt, systems metabolic engineering is a major driver towards bio-based production of chemicals, materials and fuels from renewables and thus one of the core technologies of global green growth. In this book, Christoph Wittmann and Sang-Yup Lee have assembled the world leaders on systems metabolic engineering and cover the full story – from genomes and networks via discovery and design to industrial implementation practises. This book is a comprehensive resource for students and researchers from academia and industry interested in systems metabolic engineering. It provides us with the fundaments to targeted engineering of microbial cells for sustainable bio-production and stimulates those who are interested to enter this exiting research field.

Genetic alterations in cancer, in addition to being the fundamental drivers of tumorigenesis, can give rise to a variety of metabolic adaptations that allow cancer cells to survive and proliferate in diverse tumor microenvironments. This metabolic flexibility is different from normal cellular metabolic processes and leads to heterogeneity in cancer metabolism within the same cancer type or even within the same tumor. In this book, we delve into the complexity and diversity of cancer metabolism, and highlight how understanding the heterogeneity of cancer metabolism is fundamental to the development of effective metabolism-based therapeutic strategies. Deciphering how cancer cells utilize various nutrient resources will enable clinicians and researchers to pair specific chemotherapeutic agents with patients who are most likely to respond with positive outcomes, allowing for more cost-effective and personalized cancer therapeutic strategies.

Yeast Metabolic Engineering: Methods and Protocols provides the widely established basic tools used in yeast metabolic engineering, while describing in deeper detail novel and innovative methods that have valuable potential to improve metabolic engineering strategies in industrial biotechnology applications. Beginning with an extensive section on molecular tools and technology for yeast engineering, this detailed volume is not limited to methods for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but describes tools and protocols for engineering other yeasts of biotechnological interest, such as Pichia pastoris, Hansenula polymorpha and Zygosaccharomyces bailii. Tools and technologies for the investigation and determination of yeast metabolic features are described in detail as well as metabolic models and their application for yeast metabolic engineering, while a chapter describing patenting and regulations with a special glance at yeast biotechnology closes the volume. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, most chapters include an introduction to their respective topic, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and authoritative, Yeast Metabolic Engineering: Methods and Protocols aims to familiarize researchers with the current state of these vital and increasingly useful technologies.

Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.

Corynebacterium glutamicum was discovered in Japan in 1956 as a natural glutamate producer. Its “microbial factory” qualities, such as its physiological plasticity and robust catalytic functionalities, have since facilitated the development of efficient production processes for amino acids, nucleotides and vitamins. This monograph illustrates how the information gleaned from complete genome sequencing allows the rational engineering of the entire cellular metabolism and how systems biology permits the further optimization of C. glutamicum as a biocatalyst. Aspects of gene regulation, metabolic pathways, sugar uptake, protein secretion, cell division and biorefinery applications highlight the enormous biotechnological and biorefinery potential.

Learn more about foundational and advanced topics in metabolic engineering in this comprehensive resource edited by leaders in the field Metabolic Engineering: Concepts and Applications delivers a one-stop resource for readers seeking a complete description of the concepts, models, and applications of metabolic engineering. This guide offers practical insights into the metabolic engineering of major cell lines, including E. Coli, Bacillus and Yarrowia Lipolytica, and organisms, including human, animal, and plant). The distinguished editors also offer readers resources on microbiome engineering and the use of metabolic engineering in bioremediation. Written in two parts, Metabolic Engineering begins with the essential models and strategies of the field, like Flux Balance Analysis, Quantitative Flux Analysis, and Proteome Constrained Models. It also provides an overview of topics like Pathway Design, Metabolomics, and Genome Editing of Bacteria and Eukarya. The second part contains insightful descriptions of the practical applications of metabolic engineering, including specific examples that shed light on the topics within. In addition to subjects like the metabolic engineering of animals, humans, and plants, you’ll learn more about: Metabolic engineering concepts and a historical perspective on their development The different modes of analysis, including flux balance analysis and quantitative flux analysis An illuminating and complete discussion of the thermodynamics of metabolic pathways The Genome architecture of E. coli, as well as genome editing of both bacteria and eukarya An in-depth treatment of the application of metabolic engineering techniques to organisms including corynebacterial, bacillus, and pseudomonas, and more Perfect for students of biotechnology, bioengineers, and biotechnologists, Metabolic Engineering: Concepts and Applications also has a place on the bookshelves of research institutes, biotechnological institutes and industry labs, and university libraries. It's comprehensive treatment of all relevant metabolic engineering concepts, models, and applications will be of use to practicing biotechnologists and bioengineers who wish to solidify their understanding of the field.