Intein-Based Protein Biosensing Circuit for Serum Marker Protease of Environmentally-Induced Obesity and Related Conditions

Abstract

Abstract Background Obesity and diabetes are complex conditions influenced by numerous external and internal factors, such as air pollution and protease-mediated degradation of cell surface insulin receptors, respectively. To discover the underlying mechanisms of these diseases, it is essential to comprehend the interaction between the proteins implicated. Methods In this study, we propose a protein biosensing circuit that utilizes intein molecules to cast new light on obesity and diabetes caused by the environment. Intein molecules have the unique ability to induce peptide bond formation between other proteins and peptides. Using this property, we devised a system that coordinates the catalytic activity of the target protease and a reporter enzyme, thereby facilitating enhanced electrochemical detection. Results Utilizing our biosensing circuit, we were able to detect a secreted serine protease in the serum of patients with type II diabetes who were exposed to distinct air pollution. The results imply a possible correlation between air quality and the serum level of the diabetes marker protease. These findings shed light on the impact of environmental factors on the molecular pathology of obesity- and diabetes-related chronic diseases. Conclusions Our research demonstrates that the proposed protein biosensing circuit can be utilized to investigate the relationship between air pollution, obesity, and diabetes. Possibility of detecting and analyzing serum serine protease offers a promising avenue for future research. This method has the potential to uncover new molecular pathways underlying chronic diseases associated with the environment. In the near future, further investigation and validation of this approach may contribute to the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies.