The fungal cell wall is the essential cellular boundary, controlling many transport processes, cellular metabolism and, indeed, all communications with the extracellular world. Because of its mechanical strength, it allows cells to withstand turgor pressure and consequently prevents cell lysis. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the cell wall mainly consists of three polysaccharide...

Whole flours from four oat lines with different amounts of beta-glucan (4.8-8.1%) were examined for their antioxidant activity and total phenolic and lignin concentrations. These data, along with the beta-glucan percentages, were compared with bile acid (BA) binding. Only the lignin concentrations of the flours significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with the BA binding values. The oat flours also ...

Glucansucrase (GSase) from Streptococcus mutans is an essential agent in dental caries pathogenesis. Here, we report the crystal structure of S. mutans glycosyltransferase (GTF-SI), which synthesizes soluble and insoluble glucans and is a glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 70 GSase in the free enzyme form and in complex with acarbose and maltose. Resolution of the GTF-SI structure confirmed that t...

Of the various components of barley and oats, one constituent of the cereal cell wall, (1→3,1→4)-β-D-glucan (β-glucan), is important to a wide range of interests. Malting barley breeders strive to develop lines that modify well, yielding malts with low soluble β-glucan levels in Congress worts (less than the American Malting Barley Association guidelines of 100–120 ppm) (http:// www.ambainc.org...

In vitro testing of Aspergillus fumigatus susceptibility to echinocandins has always been a challenge. Using a simple and quick colorimetric method to analyze the activity of inhibitors of β-1,3-glucan synthesis, we found that the composition of the culture medium significantly influences glucan synthesis and consequently the antifungal properties of inhibitors of β-1,3-glucan synthesis when th...

cated for detection of invasive candidiasis. Our data indicate that the rate o f false positive results is potentially high in some patient collectives of risk; for example, after cardiac artery bypass grafting (CABG). Th e recently published guidelines from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommend the use of (13)-β-dglucan as a surrogate for invasive candidiasis [1]. Fung al infections are inc...

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide in the form of fiber and the main element of fiber in grains such as barley, oats, yeast and mushrooms. Many studies have examined the efficacy of beta-glucan in terms of the lipid lowering effects, blood sugar reduction, weight reduction, immune modulator, and anticarcinogenic effect. However, there is no comprehensive review article on the biomedical issues reg...

Beta (β)-Glucans are biological response modifiers with potent effects on the immune system. They are glucose polymers present in the cell walls of plants, fungi, and bacteria, and are considered to be pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). It has been reported that these polymers have a variety of effects on the immune system, including anti-tumor and anti-infective activities against...

Paenibacillus sp. strain JDR-2 (Paenibacillus JDR-2) secretes a multimodular cell-associated glycoside hydrolase family 10 (GH10) endoxylanase (XynA10A1) that catalyzes the depolymerization of methylglucuronoxylan (MeGXn) and rapidly assimilates the products of depolymerization. Efficient utilization of MeGXn has been postulated to result from the coupling of the processes of exocellular depoly...