Abstract:This review addresses the association of “Chinese Journal of Biotechnology” and the development of biotechnology in China in the past 30 years. Topics include relevant awards and industrialization, development of the biotechnology discipline, and well know scientists in biotechnology, as well as perspectives on the journal.

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Abstract:The advances of industrial biotechnology highly depend on the development of industrial bioprocess researches. In China, we are facing several challenges because of a huge national industrial fermentation capacity. The industrial bioprocess development experienced several main stages. This work mainly reviews the development of the industrial bioprocess in China during the past 30 or 40 years: including the early stage kinetics model study derived from classical chemical engineering, researching method based on control theory, multiple-parameter analysis techniques of on-line measuring instruments and techniques, and multi-scale analysis theory, and also solid state fermentation techniques and fermenters. In addition, the cutting edge of bioprocess engineering was also addressed.

Abstract:Glycotechnology is a new branch of biotechnology, emerged early 1990’s. In this article, the international background of glycotechnology is briefly introduced and history of glycotechnology in China is reviewed.

Abstract:Enzyme engineering is an important part of the modern biotechnology. Industrial biocatalysis is considered the third wave of biotechnology following pharmaceutical and agricultural waves. In 25 years, China has made a mighty advances in enzyme engineering research. This review focuses on enzyme genomics, enzyme proteomics, biosynthesis, microbial conversion and biosensors in the Chinese enzyme engineering symposiums and advances in enzyme preparation industry in China.

Abstract:The development of biodiesel and production feedstock in China was introduced, and the biodiesel production technologies as well as corresponding representative enterprises were reviewed. In addition, the development prospect of biodiesel industry in China was addressed.

Abstract:As an important aminoglycosides antibiotic, gentamicin has been used clinically over decades. With the development in modern biological technology, the mechanisms of gentamicin action and resistance, its biosynthesis and structural modification were studied in great depth. Meanwhile, its emerging novel bioactivities and potential applications are also under extensive exploration. Here we summarize the latest progresses and prospects towards the future development of gentamicin for more efficient and effective uses.

Abstract:Nitrate not only remarkably stimulates the rifamycinbiosynthesis in Amycolatopsismediterranei, but also influences the primary metabolisms, including the inhibition of fatty acids biosynthesis in the bacterial. This phenomenon has been designated as “Nitrate Stimulating Effect”by the late Prof. J.S. Chiaosince its discovery in the 1970’s, and has been found in many other antibiotics-producing actinomycetes subsequently. Based on the research in his laboratory, we have revealed that the nitrate stimulation effect mainly manifests in two aspects over the last two decades. First, nitrate promotes the supply of rifamycin precursors, e.g., UDP-glucose, AHBA, malonyl-CoA and methylmalonyl-CoA. Specifically, the biosynthesis of fatty acids is inhibited by nitrate consequently the acetyl-CoA is shunted into malonyl-CoA. Second, nitrate facilitates the expression of genes in the rifclulsterthat encodes rifamycin biosynthetic enzymes. Following our current understanding, the future research will focus on the signals, the signal transduction pathway and the molecular mechanisms that dictate nitrate-mediated transcriptional and post-translational regulations.

Abstract:More than 100 years ago, Paul Ehrlich first proposed the “magic bullets" concept in which antibody targeting disease related antigen can fight against human disease. Since then, with the development of hybridoma technology for monoclonal antibody production and cancer serum therapy, immunotherapy based monoclonal antibody bas been used in chinical practice to treat hematological and solid tumor. Up to now, more than 20 recombinant antibody drugs were approved for cancer treatment worldwide. In recent years, the next-generation antibody drug, including immune checkpoint antagonists, bi-specific antibody, and antibody drug conjugates have successfully cured various malignant tumor. This review recalled the history of monoclonal antibody as potent immunotherapy of cancer firstly, and focused on the next-generation antibody drug’s mechanism of action , construction strategies, and the side effects in clinic. Lastly, the future trend of anti-tumor antibody drug was also discussed.

Abstract:Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into all types of cells in the body and therefore have great application potential in regenerative medicine, in vitro disease modelling and drug screening. In recent years, stem cell technology has made great progress, and induced pluripotent stem cell technology revolutionizes the whole stem cell field. At the same time, stem cell research in our country has also achieved great progress and becomes an indispensable power in the worldwide stem cell research field. This review mainly focuses on the research progress in stem cells and regenerative medicine in our country since the advent of induced pluripotent stem cell technology, including induced pluripotent stem cells, transdifferentiation, haploid stem cells, and new gene editing tools.

Abstract:Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) can cause immunosuppression on herds. PCV2, as an essential pathogen of PCV2-systemic disease (PCV2-SD), has caused considerable economic losses in pig industry worldwide. Here we review and address the evolution, viral protein and immunolesion of PCV2 and preventive techniques of PCV2-SD.

Abstract:The development history and fundamental experience of transgenic crops (Genetically modified crops) breeding in China for near 30 years were reviewed. It was illustrated that a scientific research, development and industrialization system of transgenic crops including gene discovery, transformation, variety breeding, commercialization, application and biosafety assessment has been initially established which was few in number in the world. The research innovative capacity of transgenic cotton, rice and corn has been lifted. The research features as well as relative advantages have been initially formed. The problems and challenges of transgenic crop development were discussed. In addition, 3 suggestions of promoting commercialization, speeding up implementation of the Major National Project of GM Crops, and enhancing science communication were made.

Abstract:The development of bioremediation for contaminated soil in China during past 30 years was briefly reviewed, mainly including the developing stages, bioremediation techniques/strategies and their applications, and isolation, screening and characterizations of microbial strains for bioremediation as well as their efficiencies in bioremediation of contaminated soils. Finally, future development of bioremediation techniques/strategies and their applications were also discussed.

Abstract:Genome editing refers to the experimental methods to targeted modify specific loci in the genomic DNA sequence. In recent years, engineered endonucleases, including ZFN, TALEN and CRISPR/Cas, have been developed as a new-generation genome editing technique, and greatly improved the feasibility of gene function analyses, gene therapy, etc. Here, we briefly summarize the basic principle, developmental process and applications of this technology.

Abstract:With more than 20 years of development, Pichia pastoris system has been extensively used both on a lab and industrial scale. This review outlines the progress made on P. pastoris from aspects of protein expression, molecular engineering tools and methods, and biochemical production. This review also provides perspectives on the current challenges and future directions of this important system.

Abstract:Erythromycin A is a clinically important macrolide antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity. Its biosynthesis involves the formation of the 14-membered skeleton catalyzed by polyketide synthases, and the modification steps such as hydroxylation, glycosylation and methylation. Based on the understanding of the biosynthetic mechanism, it is reliable to genetically manipulate the erythromycin A-producing strain for production improvement and structure modification. In this paper, we reviewed the progress regarding erythromycin A in high-producing strain construction and chemical structure derivation, to provide insights for further development.

Abstract:This paper reviews the research and commercialization progresses of biobased polymeric materials including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polylactides (PLA), poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and its monomer succinate, and CO2 copolymer poly (propylene carbonate), especially these efforts made in China.

Abstract:Hereditary disease, especially monogenic disease is one of the major causes for malformation and disability of children. Most hereditary diseases have no effective therapy besides clinical symptomatic treatment. Biological techniques targeting casual genes or related signaling genes, such as transgenic, RNA interfere, genome editing, have been successfully applied in treating some hereditary diseases. However, most biological treatments were carried out in animals, further confirmation of the effectiveness and safety of these therapies, and development of more therapeutic approaches based on mechanisms are needed before clinical trials.

Abstract:Plant virus is one of the most economical devastating microorganisms for global agriculture. Although several strategies are useful for controlling viral infection, such as resistant breeds cultivation, chemical bactericides treatment, blocking the infection source, tissue detoxification and field sanitation, viral disease is still a problem in agricultural production. Genetic engineering approach offers various options for introducing virus resistance into crop plants. This paper reviews the current strategies of developing virus resistant transgenic plants.

Abstract:This paper reviews progresses made in China from 2011 in areas of “Synthetic Biology” supported by State Basic Research 973 Program. Till the end of 2014, 9 “synthetic biology” projects have been initiated with emphasis on “microbial manufactures” with the 973 Funding Program. Combined with the very recent launch of one project on “mammalian cell synthetic biology” and another on “plant synthetic biology”, Chinese “synthetic biology” research reflects its focus on “manufactures” while not giving up efforts on “synthetic biology” of complex systems.