Knocked-Out Protein Disulfide Isomerase Decreases Silk Yields and Mechanical Properties by Affecting the Post-Translational Modification of Silk Proteins.

Silkworms synthesize and secrete silk to produce cocoons, which are excellent materials for textile and biomaterial manufacturing applications. However, the gene regulation associated with the post-translational modification of silk proteins remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns of in silkworms.

Genetically engineered sericin hydrogels for the delivery of human adiponectin in treating ulcerative colitis in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one type of inflammatory bowel diseases, and adiponectin (APN) is a potential therapeutic protein drug for treating UC. However, source and targeted delivery of APN to improve its effectiveness and bioavailability remain challenges. Here, we report a strategy to develop a sericin hydrogel (rhAPN-sh) through genetically engineering silkworm to spin silks mixed with recombinant human adiponectin (rhAPN), which efficiently overcome APN source and delivery.

Biosynthesis of a dual growth factors (GFs) functionalized silk sericin hydrogel to promote chronic wound healing in diabetic mice.

Chronic non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot, pressure sores and bedsores have seriously affected the life quality of patients worldwide. GFs provide a potential solution to promote chronic wound healing by promoting cell proliferation and differentiation. However, limited resource, high cost, and instability greatly hindered their clinical applications.

An Efficient Biosynthetic System for Developing Functional Silk Fibroin-Based Biomaterials.

Long historical evolution and domestication endow silkworms with the super ability to synthesize and secrete massive silk proteins using silk glands. The major component of this secretion consists of silk fibroin, considered a promising biomaterial for tissue repairs and engineering. To further expand the utility of this unique protein, there is a continuing need for silk fibroin functionalization.

Fabrication of a transforming growth factor β1 functionalized silk sericin hydrogel through genetical engineering to repair alveolar bone defects in rabbit.

Cleft palate is one of the most prevalent congenital craniofacial birth defects in human congenital facial anomaly. Severe cleft palate is usually accompanied by alveolar bone defects (ABDs). Growth factors (GFs) are considered as desirable opportunity to promote the craniofacial healing post the surgery.

Large-scale and cost-effective production of recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) in transgenic Bombyx mori cocoons.

HSA is considered a versatile natural cargo carrier with multiple bio-functions and applications. However, insufficient supply of HSA has limited widespread use. Although various recombinant expression systems had been applied to produce the rHSA to overcome the limited resource, cost-effective and large scale production of rHSA remains a challenge.