Core Viewpoint - Synthetic biology is rapidly transitioning from laboratory research to industrial application, providing companies with a competitive edge in various sectors such as chemicals, materials, medicine, and energy [3] Company Overview - Founded in 2015, Weiplai Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is one of the earliest companies in China to focus on synthetic biology and biomanufacturing, targeting the health and new materials sectors [3] - The company has developed multiple core technologies that enable the production of various biological products [3] Production Capabilities - Weiplai's production base in Jiangxi has been operational since the end of 2022, producing over 10 synthetic biological products for industries including cosmetics, health foods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and semiconductor materials [4] - The company has an annual production capacity of 300 tons for oleuropein, a natural polyphenol compound, and 5,000 tons for a new generation of niacinamide [5] Product Innovations - Weiplai is the first company globally to produce bio-synthetic oleuropein at scale, achieving a purity of 99% and receiving FDA GRAS certification [5] - The new generation of niacinamide, launched in 2022, has been incorporated into products from over 400 high-end brands, addressing various skincare needs [5] Intellectual Property and Market Reach - The company holds over 37 core patents and has expanded its market presence beyond China to regions including Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia [6] Research and Development Strategy - Weiplai aims to enhance its core competitiveness through a strong R&D team, which includes international experts and PhD researchers [7] - The company has established multiple research centers globally and developed an innovative platform that integrates gene engineering, fermentation engineering, AI, and big data [7] Future Plans - Weiplai plans to set up additional joint research laboratories worldwide and integrate AI technology to create a comprehensive intelligent R&D system [7] - The company aspires to be a leader in the synthetic biology sector, which is seen as a high-potential field with significant growth opportunities [7]

Core Viewpoint - The research identifies a novel bile acid receptor, MRGPRE, activated by a microbial amino-acid-conjugated bile acid, tryptophan-cholic acid (Trp-CA), which plays a significant role in glucose homeostasis and offers new targets for drug development in metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes [3][4][5]. Group 1: Discovery of Trp-CA and MRGPRE - The study reveals that Trp-CA is significantly reduced in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, with its abundance negatively correlated with clinical blood glucose indicators [5]. - Trp-CA improves glucose tolerance in diabetic mice, indicating its potential therapeutic effects [5]. - Unlike traditional bile acids that activate FXR and TGR5 receptors, Trp-CA specifically activates the orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) MRGPRE [5][6]. Group 2: Mechanism of Action - The research elucidates the mechanism by which Trp-CA regulates GLP-1 secretion through two pathways: MRGPRE-Gs-cAMP and MRGPRE-β-arrestin-1-ALDOA, with the latter being a previously unknown mechanism [6][8]. - GLP-1 is known to promote insulin secretion, thereby contributing to blood glucose regulation [6]. Group 3: Implications for Drug Development - The findings provide a new paradigm for understanding the physiological significance of microbial-derived bile acids and pave the way for further research on amino-acid-conjugated bile acids (MABA) [4][8]. - The study suggests that Trp-CA could lead to the development of new glucose-lowering drugs without the side effect of itchiness associated with traditional bile acids [8].