Suicide inactivation of peroxidases and the challenge of engineering more robust enzymes

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a tool in green chemistry

The horseradish peroxidase (HRP) potential in organic synthesis.

Engineering a fungal peroxidase that degrades lignin at very acidic pH

BACKGROUND

Ligninolytic peroxidases are divided into three families: manganese peroxidases (MnPs), lignin peroxidases (LiPs), and versatile peroxidases (VPs). The latter two are able to degrade intact lignins, as shown using nonphenolic lignin model compounds, with VP oxidizing the widest range of recalcitrant substrates. One of the main limiting issues for the use of these two enzymes in lignocellulose biorefineries (for delignification and production of cellulose-based products or modification of industrial lignins to added-value products) is their progressive inactivation under acidic pH conditions, where they exhibit the highest oxidative activities.

RESULTS

In the screening of peroxidases from basidiomycete genomes, one MnP from Ceriporiopsis subvermispora was found to have a remarkable acidic stability. The crystal structure of this enzyme recently became available and, after comparison with Pleurotus ostreatus VP and Phanerochaete chrysosporium LiP structures, it was used as a robust scaffold to engineer a stable VP by introducing an exposed catalytic tryptophan, with different protein environments. The variants obtained largely maintain the acidic stability and strong Mn(2+)-oxidizing activity of the parent enzyme, and the ability to oxidize veratryl alcohol and Reactive Black 5 (two simple VP substrates) was introduced. The engineered peroxidases present more acidic optimal pH than the best VP from P. ostreatus, enabling higher catalytic efficiency oxidizing lignins, by lowering the reaction pH, as shown using a nonphenolic model dimer.

CONCLUSIONS

A peroxidase that degrades lignin at very acidic pH could be obtained by engineering an exposed catalytic site, able to oxidize the bulky and recalcitrant lignin polymers, in a different peroxidase type selected because of its high stability at acidic pH. The potential of this type of engineered peroxidases as industrial biocatalysts in lignocellulose biorefineries is strongly enhanced by the possibility to perform the delignification (or lignin modification) reactions under extremely acidic pH conditions (below pH 2), resulting in enhanced oxidative power of the enzymes.

The Bacillus subtilis EfeUOB transporter is essential for high-affinity acquisition of ferrous and ferric iron

Efficient uptake of iron is of critical importance for growth and viability of microbial cells. Nevertheless, several mechanisms for iron uptake are not yet clearly defined. Here we report that the widely conserved transporter EfeUOB employs an unprecedented dual-mode mechanism for acquisition of ferrous (Fe[II]) and ferric (Fe[III]) iron in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. We show that the binding protein EfeO and the permease EfeU form a minimal complex for ferric iron uptake. The third component EfeB is a hemoprotein that oxidizes ferrous iron to ferric iron for uptake by EfeUO. Accordingly, EfeB promotes growth under microaerobic conditions where ferrous iron is more abundant. Notably, EfeB also fulfills a vital role in cell envelope stress protection by eliminating reactive oxygen species that accumulate in the presence of ferrous iron. In conclusion, the EfeUOB system contributes to the high-affinity uptake of iron that is available in two different oxidation states.

Formation of a tyrosine adduct involved in lignin degradation by Trametopsis cervina lignin peroxidase: a novel peroxidase activation mechanism

LiP (lignin peroxidase) from Trametopsis cervina has an exposed catalytic tyrosine residue (Tyr181) instead of the tryptophan conserved in other lignin-degrading peroxidases. Pristine LiP showed a lag period in VA (veratryl alcohol) oxidation. However, VA-LiP (LiP after treatment with H2O2 and VA) lacked this lag, and H2O2-LiP (H2O2-treated LiP) was inactive. MS analyses revealed that VA-LiP includes one VA molecule covalently bound to the side chain of Tyr181, whereas H2O2-LiP contains a hydroxylated Tyr181. No adduct is formed in the Y171N variant. Molecular docking showed that VA binding is favoured by sandwich π stacking with Tyr181 and Phe89. EPR spectroscopy after peroxide activation of the pre-treated LiPs showed protein radicals other than the tyrosine radical found in pristine LiP, which were assigned to a tyrosine–VA adduct radical in VA-LiP and a dihydroxyphenyalanine radical in H2O2-LiP. Both radicals are able to oxidize large low-redox-potential substrates, but H2O2-LiP is unable to oxidize high-redox-potential substrates. Transient-state kinetics showed that the tyrosine–VA adduct strongly promotes (>100-fold) substrate oxidation by compound II, the rate-limiting step in catalysis. The novel activation mechanism is involved in ligninolysis, as demonstrated using lignin model substrates. The present paper is the first report on autocatalytic modification, resulting in functional alteration, among class II peroxidases.

Structural and functional characteristics of cGMP-dependent methionine oxidation in Arabidopsis thaliana proteins

BACKGROUND

Increasing structural and biochemical evidence suggests that post-translational methionine oxidation of proteins is not just a result of cellular damage but may provide the cell with information on the cellular oxidative status. In addition, oxidation of methionine residues in key regulatory proteins, such as calmodulin, does influence cellular homeostasis. Previous findings also indicate that oxidation of methionine residues in signaling molecules may have a role in stress responses since these specific structural modifications can in turn change biological activities of proteins.

FINDINGS

Here we use tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics to show that treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana cells with a non-oxidative signaling molecule, the cell-permeant second messenger analogue, 8-bromo-3,5-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), results in a time-dependent increase in the content of oxidised methionine residues. Interestingly, the group of proteins affected by cGMP-dependent methionine oxidation is functionally enriched for stress response proteins. Furthermore, we also noted distinct signatures in the frequency of amino acids flanking oxidised and un-oxidised methionine residues on both the C- and N-terminus.

CONCLUSIONS

Given both a structural and functional bias in methionine oxidation events in response to a signaling molecule, we propose that these are indicative of a specific role of such post-translational modifications in the direct or indirect regulation of cellular responses. The mechanisms that determine the specificity of the modifications remain to be elucidated.

Identification of a novel Calotropis procera protein that can suppress tumor growth in breast cancer through the suppression of NF-κB pathway

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. To date, improvements in hormonal and cytotoxic therapies have not yet led to a sustained remission or cure. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of a novel Calotropis procera protein (CP-P) isolated from root bark. CP-P protein inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells through the suppression of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kB) activation. CP-P, when administered individually or in combination with cyclophosphamide (CYC, 0.2 mg/kg) to rats with 7, 12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer decreased tumor volume significantly without affecting the body weight. To elucidate the anticancer mechanism of CP-P, antioxidant activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and non-enzymatic antioxidant - reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin E and C generation in the breast were analyzed by various assays. SOD, CAT, GST, GSH, vitamin E and C levels were high in combination-treated groups (CP-P+CYC) versus the CYC alone-treated groups. Also, the combination was more effective in down-regulating the expression of NF-kB-regulated gene products (cyclin D1 and Bcl-2) in breast tumor tissues. Our findings indicate that CP-P possesses significant antitumor activity comparable to a commonly used anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide, and may form the basis of a novel therapy for breast cancer.

Multi-catalysis reactions: new prospects and challenges of biotechnology to valorize lignin

Considerable effort has been dedicated to the chemical depolymerization of lignin, a biopolymer constituting a possible renewable source for aromatic value-added chemicals. However, these efforts yielded limited success up until now. Efficient lignin conversion might necessitate novel catalysts enabling new types of reactions. The use of multiple catalysts, including a combination of biocatalysts, might be necessary. New perspectives for the combination of bio- and inorganic catalysts in one-pot reactions are emerging, thanks to green chemistry-driven advances in enzyme engineering and immobilization and new chemical catalyst design. Such combinations could offer several advantages, especially by reducing time and yield losses associated with the isolation and purification of the reaction products, but also represent a big challenge since the optimal reaction conditions of bio- and chemical catalysis reactions are often different. This mini-review gives an overview of bio- and inorganic catalysts having the potential to be used in combination for lignin depolymerization. We also discuss key aspects to consider when combining these catalysts in one-pot reactions.

Involvement of the ligninolytic system of white-rot and litter-decomposing fungi in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are natural and anthropogenic aromatic hydrocarbons with two or more fused benzene rings. Because of their ubiquitous occurrence, recalcitrance, bioaccumulation potential and carcinogenic activity, PAHs are a significant environmental concern. Ligninolytic fungi, such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Bjerkandera adusta, and Pleurotus ostreatus, have the capacity of PAH degradation. The enzymes involved in the degradation of PAHs are ligninolytic and include lignin peroxidase, versatile peroxidase, Mn-peroxidase, and laccase. This paper summarizes the data available on PAH degradation by fungi belonging to different ecophysiological groups (white-rot and litter-decomposing fungi) under submerged cultivation and during mycoremediation of PAH-contaminated soils. The role of the ligninolytic enzymes of these fungi in PAH degradation is discussed.

Formation of reactive sulfite-derived free radicals by the activation of human neutrophils: an ESR study

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of (bi)sulfite (hydrated sulfur dioxide) on human neutrophils and the ability of these immune cells to produce reactive free radicals due to (bi)sulfite oxidation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an abundant heme protein in neutrophils that catalyzes the formation of cytotoxic oxidants implicated in asthma and inflammatory disorders. In this study sulfite ((•)SO(3)(-)) and sulfate (SO(4)(•-)) anion radicals are characterized with the ESR spin-trapping technique using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) in the reaction of (bi)sulfite oxidation by human MPO and human neutrophils via sulfite radical chain reaction chemistry. After treatment with (bi)sulfite, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated neutrophils produced DMPO-sulfite anion radical, -superoxide, and -hydroxyl radical adducts. The last adduct probably resulted, in part, from the conversion of DMPO-sulfate to DMPO-hydroxyl radical adduct via a nucleophilic substitution reaction of the radical adduct. This anion radical (SO(4)(•-)) is highly reactive and, presumably, can oxidize target proteins to protein radicals, thereby initiating protein oxidation. Therefore, we propose that the potential toxicity of (bi)sulfite during pulmonary inflammation or lung-associated diseases such as asthma may be related to free radical formation.

Directed evolution of a temperature-, peroxide- and alkaline pH-tolerant versatile peroxidase

The VPs (versatile peroxidases) secreted by white-rot fungi are involved in the natural decay of lignin. In the present study, a fusion gene containing the VP from Pleurotus eryngii was subjected to six rounds of directed evolution, achieving a level of secretion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (21 mg/l) as yet unseen for any ligninolytic peroxidase. The evolved variant for expression harboured four mutations and increased its total VP activity 129-fold. The signal leader processing by the STE13 protease at the Golgi compartment changed as a consequence of overexpression, retaining the additional N-terminal sequence Glu-Ala-Glu-Ala that enhanced secretion. The engineered N-terminally truncated variant displayed similar biochemical properties to those of the non-truncated counterpart in terms of kinetics, stability and spectroscopic features. Additional cycles of evolution raised the T50 8°C and significantly increased the enzyme's stability at alkaline pHs. In addition, the Km for H2O2 was enhanced up to 15-fold while the catalytic efficiency was maintained, and there was an improvement in peroxide stability (with half-lives for H2O2 of 43 min at a H2O2/enzyme molar ratio of 4000:1). Overall, the directed evolution approach described provides a set of strategies for selecting VPs with improvements in secretion, activity and stability.

Influence of myeloperoxidase-catalyzing reaction on the binding between myeloperoxidase and anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies

In the current study, whether myeloperoxidase (MPO)-catalyzing reaction could influence the antigenicity of MPO was investigated. Hypochlorite acid, the main product of the catalytic reaction, could lower the binding between MPO-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and MPO when the available chlorine was higher than 0.031×10(-3) g/l. After MPO-catalyzing reaction with H(2)O(2) lower than 0.469 g/l, the binding level between MPO-ANCAcontaining plasma and MPO increased slightly. The peak binding level was 1.135 ± 0.205 (expressed by the absorbance value at 405 nm). However, with the existence of hydrogen donor (o-phenylenediamine) in the reaction system, the peak binding level between MPO-ANCA-containing plasma and post-catalyzing MPO was significantly higher (1.367 ± 0.321 vs 1.135 ± 0.205, p = 0.023). Moreover, at the approximately physical concentration of H(2)O(2) (0.02 g/l), MPO-ANCA exhibited higher titer to post-catalyzing MPO than to pre-catalyzing MPO (3.91 ± 0.84 vs 3.57 ± 0.84, p < 0.001, expressed as the lgT). These data demonstrated that MPO-catalyzing reaction could potentially increase the antigenicity of MPO.

Peroxidase activity of cytochrome bd from Escherichia coli

Cytochrome bd from Escherichia coli is able to oxidize such substrates as guaiacol, ferrocene, benzohydroquinone, and potassium ferrocyanide through the peroxidase mechanism, while none of these donors is oxidized in the oxidase reaction (i.e. in the reaction that involves molecular oxygen as the electron acceptor). Peroxidation of guaiacol has been studied in detail. The dependence of the rate of the reaction on the concentration of the enzyme and substrates as well as the effect of various inhibitors of the oxidase reaction on the peroxidase activity have been tested. The dependence of the guaiacol-peroxidase activity on the H2O2 concentration is linear up to the concentration of 8 mM. At higher concentrations of H2O2, inactivation of the enzyme is observed. Guaiacol markedly protects the enzyme from inactivation induced by peroxide. The peroxidase activity of cytochrome bd increases with increasing guaiacol concentration, reaching saturation in the range from 0.5 to 2.5 mM, but then starts falling. Such inhibitors of the ubiquinol-oxidase activity of cytochrome bd as cyanide, pentachlorophenol, and 2-n-heptyl 4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide also suppress its guaiacol-peroxidase activity; in contrast, zinc ions have no influence on the enzyme-catalyzed peroxidation of guaiacol. These data suggest that guaiacol interacts with the enzyme in the center of ubiquinol binding and donates electrons into the di-heme center of oxygen reduction via heme b(558), and H2O2 is reduced by heme d. Although the peroxidase activity of cytochrome bd from E. coli is low compared to peroxidases, it might be of physiological significance for the bacterium itself and plays a pathophysiological role for humans and animals.

Redox biocatalysis and metabolism: molecular mechanisms and metabolic network analysis

Whole-cell biocatalysis utilizes native or recombinant enzymes produced by cellular metabolism to perform synthetically interesting reactions. Besides hydrolases, oxidoreductases represent the most applied enzyme class in industry. Oxidoreductases are attributed a high future potential, especially for applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as they enable highly interesting chemistry (e.g., the selective oxyfunctionalization of unactivated C-H bonds). Redox reactions are characterized by electron transfer steps that often depend on redox cofactors as additional substrates. Their regeneration typically is accomplished via the metabolism of whole-cell catalysts. Traditionally, studies towards productive redox biocatalysis focused on the biocatalytic enzyme, its activity, selectivity, and specificity, and several successful examples of such processes are running commercially. However, redox cofactor regeneration by host metabolism was hardly considered for the optimization of biocatalytic rate, yield, and/or titer. This article reviews molecular mechanisms of oxidoreductases with synthetic potential and the host redox metabolism that fuels biocatalytic reactions with redox equivalents. The tools discussed in this review for investigating redox metabolism provide the basis for studies aiming at a deeper understanding of the interplay between synthetically active enzymes and metabolic networks. The ultimate goal of rational whole-cell biocatalyst engineering and use for fine chemical production is discussed.

Delignification of eucalypt kraft pulp with manganese-substituted polyoxometalate assisted by fungal versatile peroxidase

Oxidation of the manganese-substituted polyoxometalate [SiW(11)Mn(II)(H(2)O)O(39)](6-) (SiW(11)Mn(II)) to [SiW(11)Mn(III)(H(2)O)O(39)](5-) (SiW(11)Mn(III)), one of the most selective polyoxometalates for the kraft pulp delignification, by versatile peroxidase (VP) was studied. First, SiW(11)Mn(II) was demonstrated to be quickly oxidized by VP at room temperature in the presence of H(2)O(2) (K(m)=6.4+/-0.7 mM and k(cat)=47+/-2s(-1)). Second, the filtrate from eucalypt pulp delignification containing reduced polyoxometalate was treated with VP/H(2)O(2), and 95-100% reoxidation was attained. In this way, it was possible to reuse the liquor from a first SiW(11)Mn(III) stage for further delignification, in a sequence constituted by two polyoxometalate stages, and a short intermediate step consisting of the addition of VP/H(2)O(2) to the filtrate for SiW(11)Mn(II) reoxidation. When the first ClO(2) stage of a conventional bleaching sequence was substituted by the two-stage delignification with polyoxometalate (assisted by VP) a 50% saving in ClO(2) was obtained for similar mechanical strength of the final pulp.

Phenol-mediated decolorization and removal of disperse dyes by bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) peroxidase

Salt-fractionated bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) proteins were employed for the decolorization of disperse dyes in the presence of H2O2. The effect of various experimental conditions such as concentration of enzyme, H2O2, phenol, reaction time, pH and temperature on the decolorization of dyes was investigated. Dyes were recalcitrant to the decolorization catalysed by bitter gourd peroxidase. However, these dyes were decolorized significantly in the presence of a redox mediator, phenol. Bitter gourd peroxidase (0.215 U/mL) could decolorize about 60% of Disperse Red 17 in the presence of 0.2 mM phenol, whereas Disperse Brown 1 was decolorized by only 40% even in the presence of 0.4 mM phenol. Maximum decolorization of dyes was achieved in the presence of 0.75 mM H2O2 in a buffer ofpH 3.0 and 40 degrees C within 30 min. The K(m) values obtained were 0.625 mg/(L x h) and 2.5 mg/(L x h) for Disperse Red 17 and Disperse Brown 1, respectively. In all the experiments, Disperse Brown 1 was found to be more recalcitrant to decolorization catalysed by bitter gourd peroxidise, as compared to Disperse Red 17.

Suicide inactivation of MauG during reaction with O(2) or H(2)O(2) in the absence of its natural protein substrate

MauG is a diheme protein that catalyzes the six-electron oxidation of a biosynthetic precursor protein of methylamine dehydrogenase (PreMADH) with partially synthesized tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ) to yield the mature protein with the functional protein-derived TTQ cofactor. The biosynthetic reaction proceeds via a relatively stable high valent bis-Fe(IV) intermediate. Oxidizing equivalents ([O]) for this reaction may be provided by either O(2) plus electrons from an external donor or H(2)O(2). The presence or absence of PreMADH has no influence on the reactivity of MauG with [O]; however, it is demonstrated that MauG is inactivated when supplied with [O] in the absence of PreMADH. The mechanism of inactivation appears to differ depending on the source of [O]. Repeated reaction of diferrous MauG with O(2) leads to loss of activity but not inactivation of heme, as judged by absorption spectroscopy and pyridine hemochrome assay. Repeated reaction of diferric MauG with H(2)O(2) leads to loss of activity and inactivation of heme, as well as some covalent cross-linking of MauG molecules. None of these deleterious effects with either source of [O] are observed when PreMADH is present to react with MauG. The radical scavenger hydroxyurea and small molecule mimics of the monohydroxylated Trp residue of PreMADH also reacted with bis-Fe(IV) MauG and afforded protection against inactivation. These results demonstrate that while O(2) and H(2)O(2) readily react with MauG in the absence of PreMADH, the presence of this substrate is necessary to prevent suicide inactivation of MauG after formation of the bis-Fe(IV) intermediate.

Visible light-driven and chloroperoxidase-catalyzed oxygenation reactions

Robust peroxidase-catalyzed enantiospecific oxyfunctionalizations can be achieved by simple light-driven in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide.

Enzymatic delignification of plant cell wall: from nature to mill

Lignin removal is a central issue in paper pulp manufacture, and production of other renewable chemicals, materials, and biofuels in future lignocellulose biorefineries. Biotechnology can contribute to more efficient and environmentally sound deconstruction of plant cell wall by providing tailor-made biocatalysts based on the oxidative enzymes responsible for lignin attack in Nature. With this purpose, the already-known ligninolytic oxidoreductases are being improved using (rational and random-based) protein engineering, and still unknown enzymes will be identified by the application of the different 'omics' technologies. Enzymatic delignification will be soon at the pulp mill (combined with pitch removal) and our understanding of the reactions produced will increase by using modern techniques for lignin analysis.

Protein engineering of redox-active enzymes

Redox-active enzymes perform many key biological reactions. The electron transfer process is complex, not only because of its versatility, but also because of the intricate and delicate modulation exerted by the protein scaffold on the redox properties of the catalytic sites. Nowadays, there is a wealth of information available about the catalytic mechanisms of redox-active enzymes and the time is propitious for the development of projects based on the protein engineering of redox-active enzymes. In this review, we aim to provide an updated account of the available methods used for protein engineering, including both genetic and chemical tools, which are usually reviewed separately. Specific applications to redox-active enzymes are mentioned within each technology, with emphasis on those cases where the generation of novel functionality was pursued. Finally, we focus on two emerging fields in the protein engineering of redox-active enzymes: the construction of novel nucleic acid-based catalysts and the remodeling of intra-molecular electron transfer networks. We consider that the future development of these areas will represent fine examples of the concurrence of chemical and genetic tools.

Microbial degradation of lignin: how a bulky recalcitrant polymer is efficiently recycled in nature and how we can take advantage of this

Lignin is the second most abundant constituent of the cell wall of vascular plants, where it protects cellulose towards hydrolytic attack by saprophytic and pathogenic microbes. Its removal represents a key step for carbon recycling in land ecosystems, as well as a central issue for industrial utilization of plant biomass. The lignin polymer is highly recalcitrant towards chemical and biological degradation due to its molecular architecture, where different non-phenolic phenylpropanoid units form a complex three-dimensional network linked by a variety of ether and carbon-carbon bonds. Ligninolytic microbes have developed a unique strategy to handle lignin degradation based on unspecific one-electron oxidation of the benzenic rings in the different lignin substructures by extracellular haemperoxidases acting synergistically with peroxide-generating oxidases. These peroxidases poses two outstanding characteristics: (i) they have unusually high redox potential due to haem pocket architecture that enables oxidation of non-phenolic aromatic rings, and (ii) they are able to generate a protein oxidizer by electron transfer to the haem cofactor forming a catalytic tryptophanyl-free radical at the protein surface, where it can interact with the bulky lignin polymer. The structure-function information currently available is being used to build tailor-made peroxidases and other oxidoreductases as industrial biocatalysts.

Substrate oxidation sites in versatile peroxidase and other basidiomycete peroxidases

Versatile peroxidase (VP) is defined by its capabilities to oxidize the typical substrates of other basidiomycete peroxidases: (i) Mn(2+), the manganese peroxidase (MnP) substrate (Mn(3+) being able to oxidize phenols and initiate lipid peroxidation reactions); (ii) veratryl alcohol (VA), the typical lignin peroxidase (LiP) substrate; and (iii) simple phenols, which are the substrates of Coprinopsis cinerea peroxidase (CIP). Crystallographic, spectroscopic, directed mutagenesis, and kinetic studies showed that these 'hybrid' properties are due to the coexistence in a single protein of different catalytic sites reminiscent of those present in the other basidiomycete peroxidase families. Crystal structures of wild and recombinant VP, and kinetics of mutated variants, revealed certain differences in its Mn-oxidation site compared with MnP. These result in efficient Mn(2+) oxidation in the presence of only two of the three acidic residues forming its binding site. On the other hand, a solvent-exposed tryptophan is the catalytically-active residue in VA oxidation, initiating an electron transfer pathway to haem (two other putative pathways were discarded by mutagenesis). Formation of a tryptophanyl radical after VP activation by peroxide was detected using electron paramagnetic resonance. This was the first time that a protein radical was directly demonstrated in a ligninolytic peroxidase. In contrast with LiP, the VP catalytic tryptophan is not beta-hydroxylated under hydrogen peroxide excess. It was also shown that the tryptophan environment affected catalysis, its modification introducing some LiP properties in VP. Moreover, some phenols and dyes are oxidized by VP at the edge of the main haem access channel, as found in CIP. Finally, the biotechnological interest of VP is discussed.