Generation of an ?-L-rhamnosidase library and its application for the selective derhamnosylation of natural products

α-L-rhamnosidase: production, properties, and applications

α-L-rhamnosidase [EC 3.2.1.40] belongs to glycoside hydrolase (GH) families (GH13, GH78, and GH106 families) in the carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) database, which specifically hydrolyzes the non-reducing end of α-L-rhamnose. Αccording to the sites of catalytic hydrolysis, α-L-rhamnosidase can be divided into α-1, 2-rhamnosidase, α-1, 3-rhamnosidase, α-1, 4-rhamnosidase and α-1, 6-rhamnosidase. α-L-rhamnosidase is an important enzyme for various biotechnological applications, especially in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. α-L-rhamnosidase has a wide range of sources and is commonly found in animals, plants, and microorganisms, and its microbial source includes a variety of bacteria, molds and yeasts (such as Lactobacillus sp., Aspergillus sp., Pichia angusta and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). In recent years, a series of advances have been achieved in various aspects of α-validates the above-described-rhamnosidase research. A number of α-L-rhamnosidases have been successfully recombinant expressed in prokaryotic systems as well as eukaryotic systems which involve Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger, and the catalytic properties of the recombinant enzymes have been improved by enzyme modification techniques. In this review, the sources and production methods, general and catalytic properties and biotechnological applications of α-L-rhamnosidase in different fields are summarized and discussed, concluding with the directions for further in-depth research on α-L-rhamnosidase.

The Loss-of-Function Mutation aldA67 Leads to Enhanced α-L-Rhamnosidase Production by Aspergillus nidulans

In Aspergillus nidulans L-rhamnose is catabolised to pyruvate and L-lactaldehyde, and the latter ultimately to L-lactate, via the non-phosphorylated pathway (LRA) encoded by the genes lraA-D, and aldA that encodes a broad substrate range aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) that also functions in ethanol utilisation. LRA pathway expression requires both the pathway-specific transcriptional activator RhaR (rhaR is expressed constitutively) and the presence of L-rhamnose. The deletion of lraA severely impairs growth when L-rhamnose is the sole source of carbon and in addition it abolishes the induction of genes that respond to L-rhamnose/RhaR, indicating that an intermediate of the LRA pathway is the physiological inducer likely required to activate RhaR. The loss-of-function mutation aldA67 also has a severe negative impact on growth on L-rhamnose but, in contrast to the deletion of lraA, the expression levels of L-rhamnose/RhaR-responsive genes under inducing conditions are substantially up-regulated and the production of α-L-rhamnosidase activity is greatly increased compared to the aldA⁺ control. These findings are consistent with accumulation of the physiological inducer as a consequence of the loss of ALDH activity. Our observations suggest that aldA loss-of-function mutants could be biotechnologically relevant candidates for the over-production of α-L-rhamnosidase activity or the expression of heterologous genes driven by RhaR-responsive promoters.

Computational design of Lactobacillus Acidophilus α-L-rhamnosidase to increase its structural stability

α-L-rhamnosidase catalyzes hydrolysis of the terminal α-L-rhamnose from various natural rhamnoglycosides, including naringin and hesperidin, and has various applications such as debittering of citrus juices in the food industry and flavonoid derhamnosylation in the pharmaceutical industry. However, its activity is lost at high temperatures, limiting its usage. To improve Lactobacillus acidophilus α-L-rhamnosidase stability, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) to identify a highly flexible region, as evaluated by its root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) value, and computational protein design (Rosetta) to increase rigidity and favorable interactions of residues in highly flexible regions. MD results show that five regions have the highest flexibilities and were selected for design by Rosetta. Twenty-one designed mutants with the best ΔΔG at each position and ΔΔG < 0 REU were simulated at high temperature. Eight designed mutants with ΔRMSF of highly flexible regions lower than -10.0% were further simulated at the optimum temperature of the wild type. N88Q, N202V, G207D, Q209M, N211T and Y213K mutants were predicted to be more stable and could maintain their native structures better than the wild type due to increased hydrogen bond interactions of designed residues and their neighboring residues. These designed mutants are promising enzymes with high potential for stability improvement.

'de Novo' repurposing of Daflon as anti-intestinal parasitic drug in experimental giardiasis

BACKGROUND

There is a necessity to develop or discover an alternative drug to combat the drug resistance by Giardia duodenalis and minimize the multiple doses and frequency of the conventional drug administration. Progressive repositioning or 'repurposing' of drugs has become widespread due to economic circumstances and medical emergency needs. Daflon 500 mg (DFL) is a natural product used safely as a nutrient supplement and an antidiabetic drug in many European countries and the US.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at investigating the efficiency of DFL, in vivo, in a murine model as a safe alternative or co-drug for giardiasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Swiss Albino mice (n = 32) were inoculated with 1X10⁴Giardia cysts and assigned to four groups: One group was the infected non-treated control mice and three experimental groups that were treated differently, either with Metronidazole (MTZ), DFL, or combined therapy of DFL/MTZ. Also, eight normal mice served as a control group. All mice were sacrificed 13 days post-infection for the parasitic, histopathological, and oxidative stress analysis.

RESULTS

MTZ, DFL, and the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of trophozoites and cysts compared to their counterparts of the infected mice. The histopathological analysis of the small intestines of the mice treated with the combined therapy retained typical intestinal architecture and normal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated promising actions of Daflon 500 as an anti-giardial drug, and the results demonstrated its potential effect in improving the intestinal epithelial tissue and disturbing the Giardia stages when it was taken collectively with Metronidazole.

Rhamnose in plants - from biosynthesis to diverse functions

In plants, the deoxy sugar l-rhamnose is widely present as rhamnose-containing polymers in cell walls and as part of the decoration of various specialized metabolites. Here, we review the current knowledge on the distribution of rhamnose, highlighting the differences between what is known in dicotyledoneuos compared to commelinid monocotyledoneous (grasses) plants. We discuss the biosynthesis and transport of UDP-rhamnose, as well as the transfer of rhamnose from UDP-rhamnose to various primary and specialized metabolites. This is carried out by rhamnosyltransferases, enzymes that can use a large variety of substrates. Some unique characteristics of rhamnose synthases, the multifunctional enzymes responsible for the conversion of UDP-glucose into UDP-rhamnose, are considered, particularly from the perspective of their ability to convert glucose present in flavonoids. Finally, we discuss how little is still known with regards to how plants rescue rhamnose from the many compounds to which it is linked, or how rhamnose is catabolized.

Microbial α-L-Rhamnosidases of Glycosyl Hydrolase Families GH78 and GH106 Have Broad Substrate Specificities toward α-L-Rhamnosyl- and α-L-Mannosyl-Linkages

α-L-Rhamnosidases (α-L-Rha-ases, EC 3.2.1.40) are glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) that hydrolyze a terminal α-linked L-rhamnose residue from a wide spectrum of substrates such as heteropolysaccharides, glycosylated proteins, and natural flavonoids. As a result, they are considered catalysts of interest for various biotechnological applications. α-L-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose) is structurally similar to the rare sugar α-L-mannose. Here we have examined whether microbial α-L-Rha-ases possess α-L-mannosidase activity by synthesizing the substrate 4-nitrophenyl α-L-mannopyranoside. Four α-L-Rha-ases from GH78 and GH106 families were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli cells. All four enzymes exhibited both α-L-rhamnosyl-hydrolyzing activity and weak α-L-mannosyl-hydrolyzing activity. SpRhaM, a GH106 family α-L-Rha-ase from Sphingomonas paucimobilis FP2001, was found to have relatively higher α-L-mannosidase activity as compared with three GH78 α-L-Rha-ases. The α-L-mannosidase activity of SpRhaM showed pH dependence, with highest activity observed at pH 7.0. In summary, we have shown that α-L-Rha-ases also have α-L-mannosidase activity. Our findings will be useful in the identification and structural determination of α-L-mannose-containing polysaccharides from natural sources for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

A Novel and High-Effective Biosynthesis Pathway of Hesperetin-7-O-Glucoside Based on the Construction of Immobilized Rhamnosidase Reaction Platform

Hesperetin-7-O-glucoside (HMG) is a precursor for synthesizing a sweetener named neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and the coordination toward flavonoids of metal ions tends to increase the water solubility of flavonoids. In order to achieve effective synthesis of HMG, an immobilized enzyme catalysis platform was constructed using an immobilized rhamnosidase on Fe₃O₄@graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄@GO), a novel reaction pathway based on the platform was designed for preparing a hesperidin complex as a soluble substrate, and ammonium hydroxide as a ligand dissociation agent to obtain HMG. The Fe₃O₄@GO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermal methods (TG/DSC) analysis to evaluate the immobilization matrix properties. The enzyme activity in free and immobilized form at different pH and temperature was optimized. The reusability of immobilized enzyme was also determined. In addition, the kinetic parameters (K_m and V_max) were computed after experiment. Results indicated that rhamnosidase immobilized on Fe₃O₄@GO using a green cross-linker of genipin hydrolyzed successfully and selectively the soluble hesperidin-Cu (II) complex into HMG-Cu (II), a permanent magnet helped the separation of immobilized enzyme and hydrolytes, and ammonium hydroxide was an effective ligand dissociation agent of translating HMG-Cu (II) into HMG with high purity determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra analysis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). As a result, a novel and high-effective biosynthesis pathway of HMG based on a selectively catalytic reaction platform were constructed successfully. The pathway based on the platform has great potential to produce valuable citrus monoglycoside flavonoid HMG, and the designed reaction route are feasible using the hesperidin-Cu (II) complex with good solubility as a reaction substrate and using ammonium water as a dissociation agent.

Kenyaloside, a Novel O,O,O-Triglycosylated Naphthalene Derivative from the Exudate of Kenyan Aloe Species

A new naphthalene O,O,O-triglycoside, kenyaloside (1), was isolated from the dried exudate of Kenyan Aloe species, a bittering and laxative agent. Its structure was established by combined spectral and chemical methods as 1-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-8-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-3-(β-D-xylopyranosyloxymethyl)naphthalene.

Comparative Bioavailability of Two Diosmin Formulations after Oral Administration to Healthy Volunteers

Diosmin is a flavonoid commonly found in citrus fruits, largely used as adjuvant treatment for circulatory disorders, including chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and hemorrhoids. Following oral administration, diosmin is not directly absorbed but must first be hydrolyzed into its aglycone, diosmetin, which is then absorbed into the systemic circulation. The aim of the current cross-over clinical study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of µSmin^® Plus, a micronized diosmin flavonoid complex standardized in diosmin and formulated with a buffering agent (tested formulation). The study compared this to unformulated micronized diosmin (reference), in 16 healthy volunteers. Plasma samples were analyzed by HPLC-MS and plasma diosmetin concentration was measured after deconjugation with β-glucuronidase. For the tested formulation area under the curve (AUC_0-t), and maximum plasma and time concentration (C_max; t_max) were found to be 298.4 ± 163.7, 50.3 ± 22.6 and 2.2 ± 2.9, respectively. AUC_0-t and C_max of the reference were 31.9 ± 100.4 and 2.4 ± 1.9, respectively. The tested formulation showed higher plasmatic concentrations of diosmetin in comparison to those obtained after the administration of unformulated micronized diosmin. The relative bioavailability was 9.4 greater for the tested formulation than in micronized diosmin. In conclusion, our data indicate that µSmin^® Plus was rapidly and well absorbed into systemic circulation and may therefore be ideally suitable to deliver diosmin in human interventional trials.

"Sweet Flavonoids": Glycosidase-Catalyzed Modifications

Natural flavonoids, especially in their glycosylated forms, are the most abundant phenolic compounds found in plants, fruit, and vegetables. They exhibit a large variety of beneficial physiological effects, which makes them generally interesting in a broad spectrum of scientific areas. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the modifications of the glycosidic parts of various flavonoids employing glycosidases, covering both selective trimming of the sugar moieties and glycosylation of flavonoid aglycones by natural and mutant glycosidases. Glycosylation of flavonoids strongly enhances their water solubility and thus increases their bioavailability. Antioxidant and most biological activities are usually less pronounced in glycosides, but some specific bioactivities are enhanced. The presence of l-rhamnose (6-deoxy-α-l-mannopyranose) in rhamnosides, rutinosides (rutin, hesperidin) and neohesperidosides (naringin) plays an important role in properties of flavonoid glycosides, which can be considered as "pro-drugs". The natural hydrolytic activity of glycosidases is widely employed in biotechnological deglycosylation processes producing respective aglycones or partially deglycosylated flavonoids. Moreover, deglycosylation is quite commonly used in the food industry aiming at the improvement of sensoric properties of beverages such as debittering of citrus juices or enhancement of wine aromas. Therefore, natural and mutant glycosidases are excellent tools for modifications of flavonoid glycosides.

Purification and characterization of an intracellular α-l-rhamnosidase from a newly isolated strain, Alternaria alternata SK37.001

A strain, Alternaria alternata SK37.001, which produces an intracellular α-l-rhamnosidase, was newly isolated from citrus orchard soil. The molecular mass of the enzyme was 66 kDa, as evaluated by SDS-PAGE and 135 kDa, as determined by gel filtration, which indicated that the enzyme is a dimer. The enzyme had a specific activity of 21.7 U mg^-1 after step-by-step purification. The optimal pH and temperature were 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme was relatively stable at a pH of 4.0-8.0 and a temperature between 30 and 50 °C compared with other pH levels and temperatures investigated. The enzyme activity was accelerated by Ba²⁺ and Al³⁺ but inhibited by Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺, especially Ni²⁺. The kinetic parameters of K_m and V_max were 4.84 mM and 53.1 μmol mg^-1 min^-1, respectively. The α-l-rhamnosidase could hydrolyze quercitrin, naringin and neohesperidin, hesperidin and rutin rhamnose-containing glycosides but could not hydrolyze ginsenoside Rg2 or saiko-saponin C.

The Stoichiometry of Isoquercitrin Complex with Iron or Copper Is Highly Dependent on Experimental Conditions

Interaction of flavonoids with transition metals can be partially responsible for their impact on humans. Stoichiometry of the iron/copper complex with a flavonoid glycoside isoquercitrin, a frequent component of food supplements, was assessed using competitive and non-competitive methods in four (patho)physiologically-relevant pH values (4.5. 5.5, 6.8, and 7.5). Isoquercitrin chelated all tested ions (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Cu⁺) but its affinity for Cu⁺ ions proved to be very low. In general, the chelation potency dropped with pH lowering. Metal complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry were mostly formed, however, they were not stable and the stoichiometry changed depending on conditions. Isoquercitrin was able to reduce both Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions at low ratios, but its reducing potential was diminished at higher ratios (isoquercitrin to metal) due to the metal chelation. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need of using multiple different methods for the assessment of chelation potential in moderately-active metal chelators, like flavonoids.

Synthesis and Antiradical Activity of Isoquercitrin Esters with Aromatic Acids and Their Homologues

Isoquercitrin, (IQ, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) is known for strong chemoprotectant activities. Acylation of flavonoid glucosides with carboxylic acids containing an aromatic ring brings entirely new properties to these compounds. Here, we describe the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of a series of IQ derivatives at the C-6″. IQ benzoate, phenylacetate, phenylpropanoate and cinnamate were prepared from respective vinyl esters using Novozym 435 (Lipase B from Candida antarctica immobilized on acrylic resin). The enzymatic procedure gave no products with “hydroxyaromatic” acids, their vinyl esters nor with their benzyl-protected forms. A chemical protection/deprotection method using Steglich reaction yielded IQ 4-hydroxybenzoate, vanillate and gallate. In case of p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acid, the deprotection lead to the saturation of the double bonds at the phenylpropanoic moiety and yielded 4-hydroxy-, 3,4-dihydroxy- and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylpropanoates. Reducing capacity of the cinnamate, gallate and 4-hydroxyphenylpropanoate towards Folin-Ciocalteau reagent was significantly lower than that of IQ, while other derivatives displayed slightly better or comparable capacity. Compared to isoquercitrin, most derivatives were less active in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, but they showed significantly better 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ABTS) scavenging activity and were substantially more active in the inhibition of tert-butylhydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes. The most active compounds were the hydroxyphenylpropanoates.

Role of the small intestine, colon and microbiota in determining the metabolic fate of polyphenols

(Poly)phenols are a large group of compounds, found in food, beverages, dietary supplements and herbal medicines. Owing to interest in their biological activities, absorption and metabolism of the most abundant compounds in humans are well understood. Both the chemical structure of the phenolic moiety and any attached chemical groups define whether the polyphenol is absorbed in the small intestine, or reaches the colon and is subject to extensive catabolism by colonic microbiota. Untransformed substrates may be absorbed, appearing in plasma primarily as methylated, sulfated and glucuronidated derivatives, with in some cases the unchanged substrate. Many of the catabolites are well absorbed from the colon and appear in the plasma either similarly conjugated, or as glycine conjugates, or in some cases unchanged. Although many (poly)phenol catabolites have been identified in human plasma and/or urine, the exact pathways from substrate to final microbial catabolite, and the species of bacteria and enzymes involved, are still scarcely reported. While it is clear that the composition of the human gut microbiota can be modulated in vivo by supplementation with some (poly)phenol-rich commodities, such modulation is definitely not an inevitable consequence of supplementation; it depends on the treatment, length of time and on the individual metabotype, and it is not clear whether the modulation is sustained when supplementation ceases. Some catabolites have been recorded in plasma of volunteers at concentrations similar to those shown to be effective in in vitro studies suggesting that some benefit may be achieved in vivo by diets yielding such catabolites.

Quercetin and its analogues: optical and acido–basic properties

This study is focused on eight structurally analogous natural flavonoids that exhibit a wide range of biological activities, which are of interest in pharmacy, cosmetics and the food industry.

Evaluation and characterization of new α-L-rhamnosidase-producing yeast strains

A total of thirty yeast strains were isolated from a whey beverage and screened for α-L-rhamnosidase enzyme production. Of these, only four isolates were capable of producing the α-L-rhamnosidase enzyme by hydrolyzing naringin. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the morphology of the yeast isolate (isolate No. 84) producing the greatest enzyme, changed from oval to filamentous in the presence of naringin. On the basis of morphological and molecular characterization (ITS sequencing), these four isolates were identified as Clavispora lusitaniae-84, Clavispora lusitaniae-B82, Candida sp.-86 and Candida hyderabadensis-S82). Fermentation parameters and the biochemical characterization of the α-L-rhamnosidase-producing yeast isolates were studied based on carbon substrate utilization profiles using BIOLOG phenotype microarray plates. Intra-species genetic diversity among the isolates was evaluated by whole genome analysis with repetitive DNA sequences (ERIC, REP and BOX) based DNA fingerprinting. On the basis of these results, it was found that these isolates of yeast producing L-rhamnosidase have a great potential application for beverage quality enhancement, and can build a strong foundation of α-L-rhamnosidase-producing yeast strains in the debittering of citrus juice.

Steroidal glycosides from the underground parts of Dracaena thalioides and their cytotoxic activity

Six spirostanol glycosides (1-6) and 12 known compounds (7-18) were isolated from the underground parts of Dracaena thalioides (Agavaceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR spectroscopic data, and chemical transformations. The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against HL-60 human leukemia cells. Compounds 1, 3-6, and 8-18 showed cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells, of which 10, a bisdesmosidic spirostanol derivative, showed potent cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells with an IC50 value of 0.38μM and induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Development and evaluation of an HPLC method for accurate determinations of enzyme activities of naringinase complex

An HPLC method that can separate naringin, prunin, and naringenin was used to help accurately measure the activities of naringinase and its subunits (α-L-rhamnosidase and β-D-glucosidase). The activities of the naringinase and β-d-glucosidase were determined through an indirect calculation of the naringenin concentration to avoid interference from its poor solubility. The measured enzymatic activities of the naringinase complex, α-L-rhamnosidase, and β-D-glucosidase were the as same as their theoretical activities when the substrates' (i.e., naringin or prunin) concentrations were 200 μg/mL, and the enzyme concentrations were within the range of 0.06-0.43, 0.067-0.53, and 0.15-1.13 U/mL, respectively. The β-D-glucosidase had a much higher Vmax than either naringinase or α-L-rhamnosidase, implying the hydrolysis of naringin to prunin was the limiting step of the enzyme reaction. The reliability of the method was finally validated through the repeatability test, indicating its feasibility for the determinations of the naringinase complex.

Preparatory production of quercetin-3-β-D-glucopyranoside using alkali-tolerant thermostable α-L-rhamnosidase from Aspergillus terreus

Extensive screening for a robust producer of α-L-rhamnosidase activity from well-defined strains of filamentous fungi, including multifactorial optimization (inducers, cultivation conditions) was accomplished. Enzyme production of the optimal producer Aspergillus terreus (non-toxigenic) was scaled up to 50L. α-L-Rhamnosidase, which was fully characterized, proved to be thermo- and alkali-tolerant, thus enabling effective operation at 70°C and pH 8.0. These conditions allow for a very high substrate (rutin) load up to 100-300 g/L, thus enabling very high volumetric productivity of the reaction product quercetin-3-β-D-glucopyranoside (isoquercitrin). Here, a novel concept of "immobilised substrate" is used. Isoquercitrin is a highly effective and biocompatible antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory activities. Rutin biotransformation was optimized and scaled up to ca 10 kg production and thus the robustness of the large-scale production was demonstrated. Isoquercitrin can be produced to a very high purity (98%) in multikilogram amounts, without any quercetin and directly applicable in nutraceuticals.

Aspergillus niger DLFCC-90 rhamnoside hydrolase, a new type of flavonoid glycoside hydrolase

A novel rutin-α-L-rhamnosidase hydrolyzing α-L-rhamnoside of rutin, naringin, and hesperidin was purified and characterized from Aspergillus niger DLFCC-90, and the gene encoding this enzyme, which is highly homologous to the α-amylase gene, was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. The novel enzyme was classified in glycoside-hydrolase (GH) family 13.

Extracellular monoenzyme deglycosylation system of 7-O-linked flavonoid beta-rutinosides and its disaccharide transglycosylation activity from Stilbella fimetaria

We screened for microorganisms able to use flavonoids as a carbon source; and one isolate, nominated Stilbella fimetaria SES201, was found to possess a disaccharide-specific hydrolase. It was a cell-bound ectoenzyme that was released to the medium during conidiogenesis. The enzyme was shown to cleave the flavonoid hesperidin (hesperetin 7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-glucopyranoside) into rutinose (alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-glucopyranose) and hesperetin. Since only intracellular traces of monoglycosidase activities (beta-glucosidase, alpha-rhamnosidase) were produced, the disaccharidase alpha-rhamnosyl-beta-glucosidase was the main system utilized by the microorganism for hesperidin hydrolysis. The enzyme was a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 42224 Da and isoelectric point of 5.7. Even when maximum activity was found at 70 degrees C, it was active at temperatures as low as 5 degrees C, consistent with the psychrotolerant character of S. fimetaria. Substrate preference studies indicated that the enzyme exhibits high specificity toward 7-O-linked flavonoid beta-rutinosides. It did not act on flavonoid 3-O-beta-rutinoside and 7-O-beta-neohesperidosides, neither monoglycosylated substrates. In an aqueous medium, the alpha-rhamnosyl-beta-glucosidase was also able to transfer rutinose to other acceptors besides water, indicating its potential as biocatalyst for organic synthesis. The monoenzyme strategy of Acremonium sp. SES201 = DSM 24697, [corrected] as well as the enzyme substrate preference for 7-O-beta-flavonoid rutinosides, is unique characteristics among the microbial flavonoid deglycosylation systems reported.

Myxotyrosides A and B, Unusual rhamnosides from Myxococcus sp

Myxobacteria are gliding bacteria of the delta-subdivision of the Proteobacteria and known for their unique biosynthetic capabilities. Two examples of a new class of metabolites, myxotyrosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from a Myxococcus sp. The myxotyrosides have a tyrosine-derived core structure glycosylated with rhamnose and acylated with unusual fatty acids such as (Z)-15-methyl-2-hexadecenoic and (Z)-2-hexadecenoic acid. The fatty acid profile of the investigated Myxococcus sp. (strain 131) is that of a typical myxobacterium with a high similarity to those described for M. fulvus and M. xanthus, with significant concentrations of neither 15-methyl-2-hexadecenoic acid nor 2-hexadecenoic acid being detected.

Purification, characterization, and substrate specificity of a glucoamylase with steroidal saponin-rhamnosidase activity from Curvularia lunata

It has been previously reported that a glucoamylase from Curvularia lunata is able to hydrolyze the terminal 1,2-linked rhamnosyl residues of sugar chains at C-3 position of steroidal saponins. In this work, the enzyme was isolated and identified after isolation and purification by column chromatography including gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. Analysis of protein fragments by MALDI-TOF/TOF proteomics Analyzer indicated the enzyme to be 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucohydrolase EC 3.2.1.3, GA and had considerable homology with the glucoamylase from Aspergillus oryzae. We first found that the glucoamylase was produced from C. lunata and was able to hydrolyze the terminal rhamnosyl of steroidal saponins. The enzyme had the general character of glucoamylase, which hydrolyze starch. It had a molecular mass of 66 kDa and was optimally active at 50 degrees C, pH 4, and specific activity of 12.34 U mg of total protein(-1) under the conditions, using diosgenin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (compound II) as the substrate. Furthermore, four kinds of commercial glucoamylases from Aspergillus niger were investigated in this work, and they had the similar activity in hydrolyzing terminal rhamnosyl residues of steroidal saponin.