Synthetic biology has redefined the therapeutic role of microbes, transforming them from passive commensals or delivery vehicles into programmable living therapeutics capable of sensing, computing, and actuating within host tissues. This transformation is particularly relevant to metabolic disorders and oncological conditions in which pathophysiology is spatially heterogeneous, dynamically regulated and strongly modulated by host-microbe interactions. Engineered bacterial strains and other microbial platforms can be designed to degrade toxic metabolites, replace deficient enzymes or hormones, alter bile-acid and short-chain-fatty-acid profiles, modulate host immunity, and deliver antitumor payloads with spatial precision. In metabolic disorders, early live biotherapeutic programs have demonstrated that engineered Escherichia coli is capable of metabolically degrading phenylalanine in phenylketonuria, thereby providing a clinical proof of mechanism for gut-restricted metabolic interception. In oncology, tumor colonizing bacteria have been engineered to express cytokines, checkpoint inhibitors, lytic toxins, and diagnostic signals, and their application has been recently demonstrated in colorectal cancer detection and localized immunomodulation. Despite this progress, clinical translation remains limited by variable survival and functional activity in vivo, inconsistent engraftment, metabolic and genetic instability, biocontainment requirements, manufacturing complexity, and uncertain dose control, persist in biogenetic engineering. This review highlights chassis selection, circuit architectures, applications for metabolic diseases and cancer, metabolic bottlenecks, and future directions for precision microbial therapeutics.
Boniface Adakole Onoja, S. A. Agada, Waheeb S. Aggad et al.· Microbiology Research· 0 citations
This study systematically reviewed research on heavy metal contamination in environmental and food systems in Uganda using the PRISMA 2020 data reporting method and the PICOS framework. An extensive literature search of published papers on heavy metal contamination in Uganda's environment and food systems was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to May 21, 2024. Boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT) were applied to develop search strategies tailored to each database. Following duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text assessment using the Rayyan platform, 39 articles were included in the final review. Data were extracted from each study using a standardized template that captured metal type, contamination source, concentration levels, affected food or environmental matrix, geographic location, and toxicological impact. Data were synthesized using a descriptive and narrative approach. Key sources of contamination include industrial and municipal waste, agricultural practices, and emissions from transport and manufacturing. Among the metals, lead was the most mentioned across studies. Regional analysis revealed that Central Uganda had the highest reports on heavy metals, while Northern Uganda remains critically understudied. Ecologically, heavy metals threaten soil fertility, aquatic biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability. Contamination of staple foods with lead, cadmium, and mercury poses significant public health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. Strengthened environmental monitoring, targeted regional investigations, and improved food safety surveillance within a One Health framework are urgently recommended.
Sandra Etumah Ifie, B. A. Ale, I. Fasogbon et al.· Discover Environment· 0 citations