Bacterial tyrosinases

Antityrosinase and antimicrobial activities from Thai medicinal plants

Various dermatological disorders and microbial skin infection can cause hyperpigmentation. Therefore, screenings for whitening and antimicrobial agents from Thai medicinal plants have been of research interest. Seventy-seven ethanol plant extracts were investigated for antityrosinase activity, eleven samples showed the tyrosinase inhibition more than 50 % were further preliminary screening for antimicrobial activity by agar disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. (Moraceae) root extract, which showed the potential of tyrosinase inhibition with 90.57 ± 2.93 % and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes and Trichophyton mentagophytes with inhibition zone as 9.10 ± 0.00, 10.67 ± 0.09, 15.25 ± 0.05 and 6.60 ± 0.17 mm, respectively was selected for phytochemical investigation. Three pure compounds were isolated as artocarpin, cudraflavone C and artocarpanone. And artocarpanone exhibited anti-tyrosinase effect; artocarpin and cudraflavone C also showed the potential of antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. acnes with MIC at 2, 4 and 2 μg/ml, respectively and MBC at 32 μg/ml for these bacteria. So, these pure compounds are interesting for further study in order to provide possibilities of new whitening and antibacterial development. This will be the first report of phytochemical investigation of A. integer root.

Optimization of melanin production by Brevundimonas sp. SGJ using response surface methodology

Melanins are predominantly indolic polymers which are extensively synthesized in animals, plants and microorganisms. It has wide applications in cosmetics, agriculture and medicine. In the present study, optimization of process parameters influencing melanin production was attempted using the response surface methodology (RSM) from Brevundimonas sp. SGJ. A Plackett-Burman design was used for screening of critical components, while further optimization was carried out using the Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions observed were pH 5.31, tryptone 1.440 g l^-1, L-tyrosine 1.872 g l^-1 and CuSO₄ 0.0366 g l^-1. Statistical analysis revealed that the model is significant with model F value 29.03 and R² value 0.9667. The optimization of process parameters using RSM resulted in a 3.05-fold increase in the yield of melanin. The intermittent addition of L-tyrosine enhanced the melanin yield to 6.811 g l^-1. The highest tyrosinase activity observed was 2,471 U mg^-1 at the 18th hour of the incubation period with dry cell weight of 0.711 g l^-1. The melanin production was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR and EPR analysis. Thus, Brevundimonas sp. SGJ has the potential to be a new source for the production of melanin.

Origin, evolution and classification of type-3 copper proteins: lineage-specific gene expansions and losses across the Metazoa

Background

Tyrosinases, tyrosinase-related proteins, catechol oxidases and hemocyanins comprise the type-3 copper protein family and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including pigment formation, innate immunity and oxygen transport. Although this family is present in the three domains of life, its origin and early evolution are not well understood. Previous analyses of type-3 copper proteins largely have focussed on specific animal and plant phyla.

Results

Here, we combine genomic, phylogenetic and structural analyses to show that the original type-3 copper protein possessed a signal peptide and may have been secreted (we designate proteins of this type the α subclass). This ancestral type-3 copper protein gene underwent two duplication events, the first prior to the divergence of the unikont eukaryotic lineages and the second before the diversification of animals. The former duplication gave rise to a cytosolic form (β) and the latter to a membrane-bound form (γ). Structural comparisons reveal that the active site of α and γ forms are covered by aliphatic amino acids, and the β form has a highly conserved aromatic residue in this position. The subsequent evolution of this gene family in modern lineages of multicellular eukaryotes is typified by the loss of one or more of these three subclasses and the lineage-specific expansion of one or both of the remaining subclasses.

Conclusions

The diversity of type-3 copper proteins in animals and other eukaryotes is consistent with two ancient gene duplication events leading to α, β and γ subclasses, followed by the differential loss and expansion of one or more of these subclasses in specific kingdoms and phyla. This has led to many lineage-specific type-3 copper protein repertoires and in some cases the independent evolution of functionally-classified tyrosinases and hemocyanins. For example, the oxygen-carrying hemocyanins in arthropods evolved from a β-subclass tyrosinase, whilst hemocyanins in molluscs and urochordates evolved independently from an α-subclass tyrosinase. Minor conformational changes at the active site of α, β and γ forms can produce type-3 copper proteins with capacities to either carry oxygen (hemocyanins), oxidize diphenols (catechol oxidase) or o-hydroxylate monophenols (tyrosinases) and appear to underlie some functional convergences.

Actinobacterial melanins: current status and perspective for the future

Melanins are enigmatic pigments that are produced by a wide variety of microorganisms including several species of bacteria and fungi. Melanins are biological macromolecules with multiple important functions, yet their structures are not well understood. Melanins are frequently used in medicine, pharmacology, and cosmetics preparations. Melanins also have great application potential in agriculture industry. They have several biological functions including photoprotection, thermoregulation, action as free radical sinks, cation chelators, and antibiotics. Plants and insects incorporate melanins as cell wall and cuticle strengtheners, respectively. Actinobacteria are the most economically as well as biotechnologically valuable prokaryotes. However, the melanin properties are, in general, poorly understood. In this review an evaluation is made on the present state of research on actinobacterial melanins and its perspectives. The highlights include the production and biotechnological applications of melanins in agriculture, food, cosmetic and medicinal fields. With increasing advancement in science and technology, there would be greater demands in the future for melanins produced by actinobacteria from various sources.

MauG: a di-heme enzyme required for methylamine dehydrogenase maturation

Methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH) requires the cofactor tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ) for activity. TTQ is a posttranslational modification that results from an 8-electron oxidation of two specific tryptophans in the MADH β-subunit. The final 6-electron oxidation is catalyzed by an unusual c-type di-heme enzyme, MauG. The di-ferric enzyme can react with H(2)O(2), but atypically for c-type hemes the di-ferrous enzyme can react with O(2) as well. In both cases, an unprecedented bis-Fe(IV) redox state is formed, composed of a ferryl heme (Fe(IV)=O) with the second heme as Fe(IV) stabilized by His-Tyr axial ligation. Bis-Fe(IV) MauG acts as a potent 2-electron oxidant. Catalysis is long-range and requires a hole hopping electron transfer mechanism. This review highlights the current knowledge and focus of research into this fascinating system.

Antioxidant, antityrosinase and antitumor activity comparison: the potential utilization of fibrous root part of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f

This study was carried out to evaluate the utilization probability of the fibrous root part (FRP) of Bletilla striata, which was usually discarded and harvesting pseudobulb part (PSP). The chemical composition, total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, Ferric-reducing antioxidant power and tyrosinase inhibition activity were compared between FRP and PSP. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effect as well as antitumor effect of the extract of FRP and PSP were analyzed by in vitro cell system as well. Thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that the chemical compositions in the two parts were similar, but the content in FRP was much higher than PSP. Meanwhile, the FRP extracts showed higher phenolic content, stronger DPPH scavenging activity, Ferric-reducing antioxidant capacity and tyrosinase inhibition activity. Sub-fraction analysis revealed that the distribution characteristic of phenolic components and other active constituents in FRP and PSP were consistent, and mainly deposited in chloroform and acetoacetate fractions. Especially, the chloroform sub-fraction (sch) of FRP showed extraordinary DPPH scavenging activity and tyrosinase inhibition activity, with IC₅₀ 0.848 mg/L and 4.3 mg/L, respectively. Besides, tyrosinase inhibition activity was even stronger than the positive compound arbutin (31.8 mg/L). Moreover, In vitro cell system analysis confirmed that FRP extract exerts comparable activity with PSP, especially, the sub-fraction sch of FRP showed better antioxidant activity at low dosage and stronger per-oxidant activity at high dosage, and both sch of FRP and PSP can dose-dependent induce HepG2 cells apoptosis, which implied tumor therapeutic effect. Considering that an additional 0.3 kg FRP would be obtained when producing 1.0 kg PSP, our work demonstrated that FRP is very potential to be used together with PSP.

High level production of tyrosinase in recombinant Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

Tyrosinase is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes both the hydroxylation of monophenols to o-diphenols (monophenolase activity) and the subsequent oxidation of the diphenols to o-quinones (diphenolase activity). Due to the potential applications of tyrosinase in biotechnology, in particular in biocatalysis and for biosensors, it is desirable to develop a suitable low-cost process for efficient production of this enzyme. So far, the best production yield reported for tyrosinase was about 1 g L(-1), which was achieved by cultivating the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei for 6 days.

RESULTS

In this work, tyrosinase from Verrucomicrobium spinosum was expressed in Escherichia coli and its production was studied in both batch and fed-batch cultivations. Effects of various key cultivation parameters on tyrosinase production were first examined in batch cultures to identify optimal conditions. It was found that a culture temperature of 32 °C and induction at the late growth stage were favorable, leading to a highest tyrosinase activity of 0.76 U mL(-1). The fed-batch process was performed by using an exponential feeding strategy to achieve high cell density. With the fed-batch process, a final biomass concentration of 37 g L(-1) (based on optical density) and a tyrosinase activity of 13 U mL(-1) were obtained in 28 hours, leading to a yield of active tyrosinase of about 3 g L(-1). The highest overall volumetric productivity of 103 mg of active tyrosinase per liter and hour (corresponding to 464 mU L(-1) h(-1)) was determined, which is approximately 15 times higher than that obtained in batch cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

We have successfully expressed and produced gram quantities per liter of active tyrosinase in recombinant E. coli by optimizing the expression conditions and fed-batch cultivation strategy. Exponential feed of substrate helped to prolong the exponential phase of growth, to reduce the fermentation time and thus the cost. A specific tyrosinase production rate of 103 mg L(-1) h(-1) and a maximum volumetric activity of 464 mU L(-1) h(-1) were achieved in this study. These levels have not been reported previously.

Statistically optimized biotransformation protocol for continuous production of L-DOPA using Mucuna monosperma callus culture

L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine), a modified amino acid, is an expansively used drug for the Parkinson’s disease treatment. In the present study, optimization of nutritional parameters influencing L-DOPA production was attempted using the response surface methodology (RSM) from Mucuna monosperma callus. Optimization of the four factors was carried out using the Box–Behnken design. The optimized levels of factors predicted by the model include tyrosine 0.894 g l^-1, pH 4.99, ascorbic acid 31.62 mg l^-1and copper sulphate 23.92 mg l^-1, which resulted in highest L-DOPA yield of 0.309 g l^-1. The optimization of medium using RSM resulted in a 3.45-fold increase in the yield of L-DOPA. The ANOVA analysis showed a significant R² value (0.9912), model F-value (112.465) and probability (0.0001), with insignificant lack of fit. Optimized medium was used in the laboratory scale column reactor for continuous production of L-DOPA. Uninterrupted flow column exhibited maximum L-DOPA production rate of 200 mg L^-1 h^-1 which is one of the highest values ever reported using plant as a biotransformation source. L-DOPA production was confirmed by HPTLC and HPLC analysis. This study demonstrates the synthesis of L- DOPA using Mucuna monosperma callus using a laboratory scale column reactor.

Enzyme-catalyzed protein crosslinking

The process of protein crosslinking comprises the chemical, enzymatic, or chemoenzymatic formation of new covalent bonds between polypeptides. This allows (1) the site-directed coupling of proteins with distinct properties and (2) the de novo assembly of polymeric protein networks. Transferases, hydrolases, and oxidoreductases can be employed as catalysts for the synthesis of crosslinked proteins, thereby complementing chemical crosslinking strategies. Here, we review enzymatic approaches that are used for protein crosslinking at the industrial level or have shown promising potential in investigations on the lab-scale. We illustrate the underlying mechanisms of crosslink formation and point out the roles of the enzymes in their natural environments. Additionally, we discuss advantages and drawbacks of the enzyme-based crosslinking strategies and their potential for different applications.

Melanin biosynthesis pathway in Agaricus bisporus mushrooms

With the full genome sequence of Agaricus bisporus available, it was possible to investigate the genes involved in the melanin biosynthesis pathway of button mushrooms. Based on different BLAST and alignments, genes were identified in the genome which are postulated to be involved in this pathway. Seven housekeeping genes were tested of which 18S rRNA was the only housekeeping gene that was stably expressed in various tissues of different developmental stages. Gene expression was determined for most gene homologs (26 genes) involved in the melanin pathway. Of the analysed genes, those encoding polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the PPO co-factor L-chain (unique for A. bisporus), and a putative transcription factor (photoregulator B) were among the highest expressed in skin tissue. An in depth look was taken at the clustering of several PPO genes and the PPO co-factor gene on chromosome 5, which showed that almost 25% of the protein encoding genes in this cluster have a conserved NACHT and WD40 domain or a P-loop nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase. This article will be the start for an in depth study of the melanin pathway and its role in quality losses of this economically important product.

In vivo modification of tyrosine residues in recombinant mussel adhesive protein by tyrosinase co-expression in Escherichia coli

Background

In nature, mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) show remarkable adhesive properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Thus, they have been considered promising adhesive biomaterials for various biomedical and industrial applications. However, limited production of natural MAPs has hampered their practical applications. Recombinant production in bacterial cells could be one alternative to obtain useable amounts of MAPs, although additional post-translational modification of tyrosine residues into 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine (Dopa) and Dopaquinone is required. The superior properties of MAPs are mainly attributed to the introduction of quinone-derived intermolecular cross-links. To solve this problem, we utilized a co-expression strategy of recombinant MAP and tyrosinase in Escherichia coli to successfully modify tyrosine residues in vivo.

Results

A recombinant hybrid MAP, fp-151, was used as a target for in vivo modification, and a dual vector system of pET and pACYC-Duet provided co-expression of fp-151 and tyrosinase. As a result, fp-151 was over-expressed and mainly obtained from the soluble fraction in the co-expression system. Without tyrosinase co-expression, fp-151 was over-expressed in an insoluble form in inclusion bodies. The modification of tyrosine residues in the soluble-expressed fp-151 was clearly observed from nitroblue tetrazolium staining and liquid-chromatography-mass/mass spectrometry analyses. The purified, in vivo modified, fp-151 from the co-expression system showed approximately 4-fold higher bulk-scale adhesive strength compared to in vitro tyrosinase-treated fp-151.

Conclusion

Here, we reported a co-expression system to obtain in vivo modified MAP; additional in vitro tyrosinase modification was not needed to obtain adhesive properties and the in vivo modified MAP showed superior adhesive strength compared to in vitro modified protein. It is expected that this co-expression strategy will accelerate the use of functional MAPs in practical applications and can be successfully applied to prepare other Dopa/Dopaquinone-based biomaterials.

Optimization of L-DOPA production by Brevundimonas sp. SGJ using response surface methodology

l‐DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐l‐alanine) is an extensively used drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, optimization of nutritional parameters influencing l‐DOPA production was attempted using the response surface methodology (RSM) from Brevundimonas sp. SGJ. A Plackett–Burman design was used for screening of critical components, while further optimization was carried out using the Box–Behnken design. The optimized levels of factors predicted by the model were pH 5.02, 1.549 g l⁻¹ tryptone, 4.207 g l⁻¹l‐tyrosine and 0.0369 g l⁻¹ CuSO₄, which resulted in highest l‐DOPA yield of 3.359 g l⁻¹. The optimization of medium using RSM resulted in a 8.355‐fold increase in the yield of l‐DOPA. The anova showed a significant R² value (0.9667), model F‐value (29.068) and probability (0.001), with insignificant lack of fit. The highest tyrosinase activity observed was 2471 U mg⁻¹ at the 18th hour of the incubation period with dry cell weight of 0.711 g l⁻¹. l‐DOPA production was confirmed by HPTLC, HPLC and GC‐MS analysis. Thus, Brevundimonas sp. SGJ has the potential to be a new source for the production of l‐DOPA.

Purification and spectroscopic studies on catechol oxidase from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

A catechol oxidase from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) moCO which only catalyzes the oxidation of catechols to quinones without hydroxylating tyrosine was purified. The molecular mass of the M. officinalis enzyme of 39,370 Da was obtained by MALDI mass spectrometry and the isoelectric point was determined to be 3.4. Addition of 2 eq. H(2)O(2) to the enzyme leads to oxy catechol oxidase. In the UV/Vis spectrum two new absorption bands occur at 343 nm (ε=8510 M(-1)cm(-1)) and 580 nm (ε=580 M(-1)cm(-1)) due to O(2)(2-)Cu (II) charge transfer transitions in accordance with the oxy forms of other type 3 copper proteins. The N-terminal sequence has been determined by Edman degradation to NPVQAPELDKCGTAT, exhibiting a proline at the second and sixth position conserved in other polyphenol oxidases.

Metagenomic analysis of Streptomyces lividans reveals host-dependent functional expression

Most functional metagenomic studies have been limited by the poor expression of many genes derived from metagenomic DNA in Escherichia coli, which has been the predominant surrogate host to date. To expand the range of expressed genes, we developed tools for construction and functional screening of metagenomic libraries in Streptomyces lividans. We expanded on previously published protocols by constructing a system that enables retrieval and characterization of the metagenomic DNA from biologically active clones. To test the functionality of these methods, we constructed and screened two metagenomic libraries in S. lividans. One was constructed with pooled DNA from 14 bacterial isolates cultured from Alaskan soil and the second with DNA directly extracted from the same soil. Functional screening of these libraries identified numerous clones with hemolytic activity, one clone that produces melanin by a previously unknown mechanism, and one that induces the overproduction of a secondary metabolite native to S. lividans. All bioactive clones were functional in S. lividans but not in E. coli, demonstrating the advantages of screening metagenomic libraries in more than one host.

Melanogenesis and antityrosinase activity of selected South african plants

Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for the colour of eyes, hair, and skin in humans. Tyrosinase is known to be the key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis. Overactivity of this enzyme leads to dermatological disorders such as age spots, melanoma and sites of actinic damage. Ten plants belonging to four families (Asphodelaceae, Anacardiaceae, Oleaceae, and Rutaceae) were investigated for their effect on tyrosinase using both L-tyrosine and L-DOPA as substrates. Ethanol leaf extracts (500 μg/mL) of Aloe ferox, Aloe aculeata, Aloe pretoriensis, and Aloe sessiliflora showed 60%, 31%, 17%, and 13% inhibition of tyrosinase activity respectively, when L-tyrosine was used as a substrate. Harpephyllum caffrum (leaves) at a concentration of 500 μg/mL had an inhibitory effect of 70% on tyrosinase when L-DOPA was used as a substrate. The IC(50) of Harpephyllum caffrum (leaves and bark) were found to be 51 ± 0.002 and 40 ± 0.035 μg/mL, respectively. Following the results obtained from the tyrosinase assay, extracts from Harpephyllum caffrum were selected for further testing on their effect on melanin production and their cytotoxicity on melanocytes in vitro. The IC(50) of both extracts was found to be 6.25 μg/mL for melanocyte cells. Bark extract of Harpephyllum caffrum showed 26% reduction in melanin content of melanocyte cells at a concentration of 6.25 μg/mL. The leaf extract of this plant showed some toxicity on melanocyte cells. Therefore, the bark extract of Harpephyllum caffrum could be considered as an antityrosinase agent for dermatological disorders such as age spots and melasoma.

Bioactive pigments from marine bacteria: applications and physiological roles

Research into natural products from the marine environment, including microorganisms, has rapidly increased over the past two decades. Despite the enormous difficulty in isolating and harvesting marine bacteria, microbial metabolites are increasingly attractive to science because of their broad-ranging pharmacological activities, especially those with unique color pigments. This current review paper gives an overview of the pigmented natural compounds isolated from bacteria of marine origin, based on accumulated data in the literature. We review the biological activities of marine compounds, including recent advances in the study of pharmacological effects and other commercial applications, in addition to the biosynthesis and physiological roles of associated pigments. Chemical structures of the bioactive compounds discussed are also presented.

A molecular mechanism for copper transportation to tyrosinase that is assisted by a metallochaperone, caddie protein

The Cu(II)-soaked crystal structure of tyrosinase that is present in a complex with a protein, designated "caddie," which we previously determined, possesses two copper ions at its catalytic center. We had identified two copper-binding sites in the caddie protein and speculated that copper bound to caddie may be transported to the tyrosinase catalytic center. In our present study, at a 1.16-1.58 Å resolution, we determined the crystal structures of tyrosinase complexed with caddie prepared by altering the soaking time of the copper ion and the structures of tyrosinase complexed with different caddie mutants that display little or no capacity to activate tyrosinase. Based on these structures, we propose a molecular mechanism by which two copper ions are transported to the tyrosinase catalytic center with the assistance of caddie acting as a metallochaperone.

Actinobacteria isolated from termite guts as a source of novel oxidative enzymes

A multi-faceted screening programme was designed to search for the oxidases, laccase, peroxidase and tyrosinase. Actinobacteria were selectively isolated from the paunch and colon region of the hindguts of the higher termite, Amitermes hastatus. The isolates were subjected to solid media assays (dye decolourization, melanin production and the utilization of indulin AT as sole carbon source) and liquid media assays. Eleven of the 39 strains had the ability to decolourize the dye RBBR, an indicator for the production of peroxidases in actinobacteria. Melanin production on ISP6 and ISP7 agar plates served as a good indicator for laccase and/or tyrosinase production and the ability of the strains to grow in the presence of indulin AT as a sole carbon source served as a good indicator of lignin peroxidase and/or general peroxidase production. Enzyme-producing strains were cultivated in liquid media and extracellular enzyme activities measured. Strains with the ability to produce oxidative enzymes under the conditions tested were identified to genus level by 16S rRNA gene analysis and compared to known oxidase producers. A strong relationship was observed between the environment sampled (termite guts where lignocellulose degradation occurs) and the dominant type of oxidative enzyme activity detected (laccases and peroxidases), which suggests the possibility of future targeted screening protocols linking the physical properties of the target enzymes with specific operational conditions required, such as lignocellulosic degradation in the preparation of biofuel feedstocks.

The inhibitory effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the monophenolase and diphenolase activities of mushroom tyrosinase

In the present work, we investigated the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the monophenolase and diphenolase activity of mushroom tyrosinase. The results showed that diflunisal and indomethacin inhibited both monophenolase and diphenolase activity. For monophenolase activity, the lag time was extended in the presence of diflunisal. In the presence of indomethacin, the lag time did not change. IC₅₀ values of monophenolase activity were estimated to be 0.112 mM (diflunisal) and 1.78 mM (indomethacin). Kinetic studies of monophenolase activity revealed that both diflunisal and indomethacin were non-competitive inhibitors. For diphenolase activity, IC₅₀ values were estimated to be 0.197 mM (diflunisal) and 0.509 mM (indomethacin). Diflunisal and indomethacin were also found to be non-competitive diphenolase inhibitors.

Bacterial tyrosinases: old enzymes with new relevance to biotechnology

Tyrosinases are copper-containing dioxygen activating enzymes found in many species of bacteria and are usually associated with melanin production. These proteins have a strong preference for phenolic and diphenolic substrates and are somewhat limited in their reaction scope, always producing an activated quinone as product. Despite this fact they have potential in several biotechnological applications, including the production of novel mixed melanins, protein cross-linking, phenolic biosensors, production of l-DOPA, phenol and dye removal and biocatalysis. Although most studies have used Streptomyces sp. enzymes, there are several other examples of these proteins that are also of potential interest. For instance a solvent tolerant enzyme has been described, as well as an enzyme with both tyrosinase and laccase activities, enzymes with altered substrate preferences, an enzyme produced as an inactive zymogen as well as examples which do not require auxiliary proteins for copper insertion (unlike the Streptomyces sp. enzymes which do require such a protein). This article will summarise the reports on the biotechnological applications of bacterial tyrosinases as well as the current information available on the different types of this enzyme.

Comparative genomics of trace element dependence in biology

Biological trace elements are needed in small quantities but are used by all living organisms. A growing list of trace element-dependent proteins and trace element utilization pathways highlights the importance of these elements for life. In this minireview, we focus on recent advances in comparative genomics of trace elements and explore the evolutionary dynamics of the dependence of user proteins on these elements. Many zinc protein families evolved representatives that lack this metal, whereas selenocysteine in proteins is dynamically exchanged with cysteine. Several other elements, such as molybdenum and nickel, have a limited number of user protein families, but they are strictly dependent on these metals. Comparative genomics of trace elements provides a foundation for investigating the fundamental properties, functions, and evolutionary dynamics of trace element dependence in biology.

First structures of an active bacterial tyrosinase reveal copper plasticity

Tyrosinase is a member of the type 3 copper enzyme family that is involved in the production of melanin in a wide range of organisms. The crystal structures of a tyrosinase from Bacillus megaterium were determined at a resolution of 2.0-2.3 Å. The enzyme crystallized as a dimer in the asymmetric unit and was shown to be active in crystal. The overall monomeric structure is similar to that of the monomer of the previously determined tyrosinase from Streptomyces castaneoglobisporus, but it does not contain an accessory Cu-binding "caddie" protein. Two Cu(II) ions, serving as the major cofactors within the active site, are coordinated by six conserved histidine residues. However, determination of structures under different conditions shows varying occupancies and positions of the copper ions. This apparent mobility in copper binding modes indicates that there is a pathway by which copper is accumulated or lost by the enzyme. Additionally, we suggest that residues R209 and V218, situated in a second shell of residues surrounding the active site, play a role in substrate binding orientation based on their flexibility and position. The determination of a structure with the inhibitor kojic acid, the first tyrosinase structure with a bound ligand, revealed additional residues involved in the positioning of substrates in the active site. Comparison of wild-type structures with the structure of the site-specific variant R209H, which possesses a higher monophenolase/diphenolase activity ratio, lends further support to a previously suggested mechanism by which monophenolic substrates dock mainly to CuA.

Bioconversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA by a novel bacterium Bacillus sp. JPJ

L-DOPA is an amino acid derivative and most potent drug used against Parkinson's disease, generally obtained from Mucuna pruriens seeds. In present communication, we have studied the in vitro production of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine by novel bacterium Bacillus sp. JPJ. This bacterium produced 99.4% of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine in buffer (pH 8) containing 1 mg ml(-1) cell mass incubated at 40°C for 60 min. The combination of CuSO(4) and L-ascorbic acid showed the inducing effect at concentrations of 0.06 and 0.04 mg ml(-1), respectively. The activated charcoal 2 mg ml(-1) was essential for maximum bioconversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA and the crude tyrosinase activity was 2.7 U mg(-1) of tyrosinase. Kinetic studies showed significant values of Y (p/s) (0.994), Q (s) (0.500) and q (s) (0.994) after optimization of the process. The production of L-DOPA was confirmed by analytical techniques such as HPTLC, HPLC and GC-MS. This is the first report on rapid and efficient production of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine by bacterial source which is more effective than the plant, fungal and yeast systems.

Cross-linking and immobilisation of different proteins with recombinant Verrucomicrobium spinosum tyrosinase

This paper reports on the cross-linking and immobilisation of various proteins by the recombinant tyrosinase from Verrucomicrobium spinosum (Vs-tyrosinase). In general it is found that Vs-tyrosinase can readily cross-link proteins with a low degree of complexity, such as casein, but that the enzyme cannot readily cross-link well folded protein substrates such as lysozyme, myoglobin, cytochrome c or Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). However, the inclusion of phenolic compounds (phenol or caffeic acid) to reaction mixtures of these proteins can greatly enhance the levels of cross-linking. For example it is possible to prepare cross-linked aggregates of industrially applicable enzymes such as CALB by simply incubating it with Vs-tyrosinase and phenol. The resulting aggregates can be collected by centrifugation and retain high levels of activity and may find applications in biocatalysis.

The first global screening of protein substrates bearing protein-bound 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine in Escherichia coli and human mitochondria

Protein hydroxylation at proline and lysine residues is known to have important effects on cellular functions, such as the response to hypoxia. However, protein hydroxylation at tyrosine residues (called protein-bound 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (PB-DOPA)) has not been carefully examined. Here we report the first proteomics screening of the PB-DOPA protein substrates and their sites in Escherichia coli and human mitochondria by nano-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC/MS/MS) and protein sequence alignment using the PTMap algorithm. Our study identified 67 novel PB-DOPA sites in 43 E. coli proteins and 9 novel PB-DOPA sites in 7 proteins from HeLa mitochondria. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that the structured region is more favored than the unstructured regions of proteins for the PB-DOPA modification. The PB-DOPA substrates in E. coli were dominantly enriched in proteins associated with carbohydrate metabolism. Our study showed that PB-DOPA may be involved in regulation of the specific activity of certain evolutionarily conserved proteins such as superoxide dismutase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, suggesting the conserved nature of the modification among distant biological species. The substrate proteins identified in this study offer a rich source for determining their regulatory enzymes and for further characterization of the possible contributions of this modification to cellular physiology and human diseases.