High frequency one-step gene replacement in Trichoderma reesei. I. Endoglucanase I overproduction

Fungal strain improvement for efficient cellulase production and lignocellulosic biorefinery: Current status and future prospects

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) has been recognized as a valuable carbon source for the sustainable production of biofuels and value-added biochemicals. Crude enzymes produced by fungal cell factories benefit economic LCB degradation. However, high enzyme production cost remains a great challenge. Filamentous fungi have been widely used to produce cellulolytic enzymes. Metabolic engineering of fungi contributes to efficient cellulase production for LCB biorefinery. Here the latest progress in utilizing fungal cell factories for cellulase production was summarized, including developing genome engineering tools to improve the efficiency of fungal cell factories, manipulating promoters, and modulating transcription factors. Multi-omics analysis of fungi contributes to identifying novel genetic elements for enhancing cellulase production. Furthermore, the importance of translation regulation of cellulase production are emphasized. Efficient development of fungal cell factories based on integrative strain engineering would benefit the overall bioconversion efficacy of LCB for sustainable bioproduction.

Unlocking the magic in mycelium: Using synthetic biology to optimize filamentous fungi for biomanufacturing and sustainability

Filamentous fungi drive carbon and nutrient cycling across our global ecosystems, through its interactions with growing and decaying flora and their constituent microbiomes. The remarkable metabolic diversity, secretion ability, and fiber-like mycelial structure that have evolved in filamentous fungi have been increasingly exploited in commercial operations. The industrial potential of mycelial fermentation ranges from the discovery and bioproduction of enzymes and bioactive compounds, the decarbonization of food and material production, to environmental remediation and enhanced agricultural production. Despite its fundamental impact in ecology and biotechnology, molds and mushrooms have not, to-date, significantly intersected with synthetic biology in ways comparable to other industrial cell factories (e.g. Escherichia coli,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Komagataella phaffii). In this review, we summarize a suite of synthetic biology and computational tools for the mining, engineering and optimization of filamentous fungi as a bioproduction chassis. A combination of methods across genetic engineering, mutagenesis, experimental evolution, and computational modeling can be used to address strain development bottlenecks in established and emerging industries. These include slow mycelium growth rate, low production yields, non-optimal growth in alternative feedstocks, and difficulties in downstream purification. In the scope of biomanufacturing, we then detail previous efforts in improving key bottlenecks by targeting protein processing and secretion pathways, hyphae morphogenesis, and transcriptional control. Bringing synthetic biology practices into the hidden world of molds and mushrooms will serve to expand the limited panel of host organisms that allow for commercially-feasible and environmentally-sustainable bioproduction of enzymes, chemicals, therapeutics, foods, and materials of the future.

An overview on current molecular tools for heterologous gene expression in Trichoderma

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are routinely used as biocontrol agents and for the production of industrial enzymes. Trichoderma spp. are interesting hosts for heterologous gene expression because their saprotrophic and mycoparasitic lifestyles enable them to thrive on a large number of nutrient sources and some members of this genus are generally recognized as safe (GRAS status). In this review, we summarize and discuss several aspects involved in heterologous gene expression in Trichoderma, including transformation methods, genome editing strategies, native and synthetic expression systems and implications of protein secretion. This review focuses on the industrial workhorse Trichoderma reesei because this fungus is the best-studied member of this genus for protein expression and secretion. However, the discussed strategies and tools can be expected to be transferable to other Trichoderma species.

The development of a heterologous gene expression system in thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus

Thermoascus aurantiacus is a thermophilic fungus that belongs to the ascomycetous class and has attracted increasing interest for its ability to produce thermostable cellulolytic enzymes and growth at elevated temperatures. However, studies on this organism have been limited because of the lack of a genetic manipulation system. Here, we developed a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transformation system for T. aurantiacus based on an orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (pyrG)-deficient mutant, with this method achieving a transformation efficiency of 33 ± 3 transformants per microgram of DNA. Intracellular or secretory expression of heterologous proteins, including green fluorescent protein, β-galactosidase and α-amylase, in T. aurantiacus was successful under the inducible endogenous cellobiohydrolase and endoglucanase gene promoter or the constitutive heterologous pyruvate decarboxylase and enolase gene promoter from Trichoderma reesei. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on PEG-mediated transformation of T. aurantiacus, which sets the foundation for strain improvement for biotechnological applications and functional genomic studies.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02963-w.

Engineering the cbh1 Promoter of Trichoderma reesei for Enhanced Protein Production by Replacing the Binding Sites of a Transcription Repressor ACE1 to Those of the Activators

The strong and inducible cbh1 promoter is most widely used to express heterologous proteins, useful in food and feed industries, in Trichoderma reesei. Enhancing its ability to direct transcription provides a general strategy to improve protein production in T. reesei. The cbh1 promoter was engineered by replacing eight binding sites of the transcription repressor ACE1 to those of the activators ACE2, Hap2/3/5, and Xyr1. While changing ACE1 to Hap2/3/5-binding sites completely abolished the transcription ability, replacements with ACE2- and Xyr1-binding sites (designated cbh1pA and cbh1pX promoters, respectively) largely improved the promoter transcription efficiency, as reflected by expression of a reporter gene DsRed. The cbh1pA and cbh1pX promoters were applied to improve secretory expression of a codon-optimized mannanase from Aspergillus niger to 3.6- and 5.0-fold higher, respectively, which has high application potential in feed industry.

The Promoter Toolbox for Recombinant Gene Expression in Trichoderma reesei

The ascomycete Trichoderma reesei is one of the main fungal producers of cellulases and xylanases based on its high production capacity. Its enzymes are applied in food, feed, and textile industry or in lignocellulose hydrolysis in biofuel and biorefinery industry. Over the last years, the demand to expand the molecular toolbox for T. reesei to facilitate genetic engineering and improve the production of heterologous proteins grew. An important instrument to modify the expression of key genes are promoters to initiate and control their transcription. To date, the most commonly used promoter for T. reesei is the strong inducible promoter of the main cellobiohydrolase cel7a. Beside this one, there is a number of alternative inducible promoters derived from other cellulase- and xylanase encoding genes and a few constitutive promoters. With the advances in genomics and transcriptomics the identification of new constitutive and tunable promoters with different expression strength was simplified. In this review, we will discuss new developments in the field of promoters and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Synthetic expression systems constitute a new option to control gene expression and build up complex gene circuits. Therefore, we will address common structural features of promoters and describe options for promoter engineering and synthetic design of promoters. The availability of well-characterized gene expression control tools is essential for the analysis of gene function, detection of bottlenecks in gene networks and yield increase for biotechnology applications.

Xenobiotic Compounds Degradation by Heterologous Expression of a Trametes sanguineus Laccase in Trichoderma atroviride

Fungal laccases are enzymes that have been studied because of their ability to decolorize and detoxify effluents; they are also used in paper bleaching, synthesis of polymers, bioremediation, etc. In this work we were able to express a laccase from Trametes (Pycnoporus) sanguineus in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma atroviride. For this purpose, a transformation vector was designed to integrate the gene of interest in an intergenic locus near the blu17 terminator region. Although monosporic selection was still necessary, stable integration at the desired locus was achieved. The native signal peptide from T. sanguineus laccase was successful to secrete the recombinant protein into the culture medium. The purified, heterologously expressed laccase maintained similar properties to those observed in the native enzyme (Km and kcat and kcat/km values for ABTS, thermostability, substrate range, pH optimum, etc). To determine the bioremediation potential of this modified strain, the laccase-overexpressing Trichoderma strain was used to remove xenobiotic compounds. Phenolic compounds present in industrial wastewater and bisphenol A (an endocrine disruptor) from the culture medium were more efficiently removed by this modified strain than with the wild type. In addition, the heterologously expressed laccase was able to decolorize different dyes as well as remove benzo[α]pyrene and phenanthrene in vitro, showing its potential for xenobiotic compound degradation.

Saccharification of Lignocelluloses by Carbohydrate Active Enzymes of the White Rot Fungus Dichomitus squalens

White rot fungus Dichomitus squalens is an efficient lignocellulose degrading basidiomycete and a promising source for new plant cell wall polysaccharides depolymerizing enzymes. In this work, we focused on cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) of D. squalens. The native CBHI fraction of the fungus, consisting three isoenzymes, was purified and it maintained the activity for 60 min at 50°C, and was stable in acidic pH. Due to the lack of enzyme activity assay for detecting only CBHII activity, CBHII of D. squalens was produced recombinantly in an industrially important ascomycete host, Trichoderma reesei. CBH enzymes of D. squalens showed potential in hydrolysis of complex lignocellulose substrates sugar beet pulp and wheat bran, and microcrystalline cellulose, Avicel. Recombinant CBHII (rCel6A) of D. squalens hydrolysed all the studied plant biomasses. Compared to individual activities, synergistic effect between rCel6A and native CBHI fraction of D. squalens was significant in the hydrolysis of Avicel. Furthermore, the addition of laccase to the mixture of CBHI fraction and rCel6A significantly enhanced the amount of released reducing sugars from sugar beet pulp. Especially, synergy between individual enzymes is a crucial factor in the tailor-made enzyme mixtures needed for hydrolysis of different plant biomass feedstocks. Our data supports the importance of oxidoreductases in improved enzyme cocktails for lignocellulose saccharification.

Heterologous protein expression in Hypocrea jecorina: a historical perspective and new developments

Hypocrea jecorina, the sexual teleomorph of Trichoderma reesei, has long been favored as an industrial cellulase producer, first utilizing its native cellulase system and later augmented by the introduction of heterologous enzymatic activities or improved variants of native enzymes. Expression of heterologous proteins in H. jecorina was once considered difficult when the target was an improved variant of a native cellulase. Developments over the past nearly 30 years have produced strains, vectors, and selection mechanisms that have continued to simplify and streamline heterologous protein expression in this fungus. More recent developments in fungal molecular biology have pointed the way toward a fundamental transformation in the ease and efficiency of heterologous protein expression in this important industrial host. Here, 1) we provide a historical perspective on advances in H. jecorina molecular biology, 2) outline host strain engineering, transformation, selection, and expression strategies, 3) detail potential pitfalls when working with this organism, and 4) provide consolidated examples of successful cellulase expression outcomes from our laboratory.

Drugs and drug intermediates from fungi: Striving for greener processes

There is an ever-increasing demand of newer and improved drugs from biological sources to cater to the bio-pharmaceutical sector. Among various other resources, fungal species have an immense contribution owing to their potential to carry out the bio-transformations and drug synthesis in diverse conditions and in an eco-friendly manner. Advancement in the biotechnological processes has accelerated the process. Genome sequence information of various fungal species has opened newer avenues for improved and faster drug targeting and designing. The review highlights the production of pharmaceutical drugs and drug intermediates like antibiotics, anti-cancer, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, immunosuppressant, anti-anxiety, anti-virals and many other drugs from fungus. Many of these have been commercialized and there are many more which are either in research or in clinical trial phase. There is a need to exploit and explore the vast biota of fungi in the hope of discovering untapped therapeutic uses of the earth's countless species of fungus.

Making recombinant proteins in filamentous fungi- are we expecting too much?

Hosts used for the production of recombinant proteins are typically high-protein secreting mutant strains that have been selected for a specific purpose, such as efficient production of cellulose-degrading enzymes. Somewhat surprisingly, sequencing of the genomes of a series of mutant strains of the cellulolytic Trichoderma reesei, widely used as an expression host for recombinant gene products, has shed very little light on the nature of changes that boost high-level protein secretion. While it is generally agreed and shown that protein secretion in filamentous fungi occurs mainly through the hyphal tip, there is growing evidence that secretion of proteins also takes place in sub-apical regions. Attempts to increase correct folding and thereby the yields of heterologous proteins in fungal hosts by co-expression of cellular chaperones and foldases have resulted in variable success; underlying reasons have been explored mainly at the transcriptional level. The observed physiological changes in fungal strains experiencing increasing stress through protein overexpression under strong gene promoters also reflect the challenge the host organisms are experiencing. It is evident, that as with other eukaryotes, fungal endoplasmic reticulum is a highly dynamic structure. Considering the above, there is an emerging body of work exploring the use of weaker expression promoters to avoid undue stress. Filamentous fungi have been hailed as candidates for the production of pharmaceutically relevant proteins for therapeutic use. One of the biggest challenges in terms of fungally produced heterologous gene products is their mode of glycosylation; fungi lack the functionally important terminal sialylation of the glycans that occurs in mammalian cells. Finally, exploration of the metabolic pathways and fluxes together with the development of sophisticated fermentation protocols may result in new strategies to produce recombinant proteins in filamentous fungi.

The role of carbohydrate binding module (CBM) at high substrate consistency: comparison of Trichoderma reesei and Thermoascus aurantiacus Cel7A (CBHI) and Cel5A (EGII)

The role of CBM in two fungal model cellulase systems, consisting of Cel7A and Cel5A, from Trichoderma reesei and Thermoascus aurantiacus, were compared in the hydrolysis of various substrates. For comparison, family-1 CBM's were introduced to the T. aurantiacus and removed from the T. reesei enzymes. Especially at high dry matter consistencies of lignocellulosic substrates, pretreated wheat straw and spruce, the T. aurantiacus enzymes lacking CBM outperformed the enzymes carrying the CBM. In these conditions, the CBM-less enzymes from both organisms obviously recognized and bound to the substrate at higher probability than in dilute systems. Avoiding the unproductive binding to lignin caused by the CBMs obviously enhanced the hydrolytic performance. The lignin binding effect was, however, not entirely caused by the CBM, but also by the different structures and affinities of the core enzymes to lignin. Due to decreased binding, the CBM-less enzymes would allow reuse, potentially decreasing hydrolysis costs.

Expression of a bacterial xylanase in Trichoderma reesei under the egl2 and cbh2 glycosyl hydrolase gene promoters

Expression vectors were constructed for Trichoderma reesei using the promoters, secretion signals and the modular structure of the efficiently expressed and secreted cellulase enzymes EGL2 (Cel5A) and CBH2 (Cel6A) as a prelude to establishing a platform where a gene of interest can be expressed under several promoters simultaneously. The designs featured (i) EGL2sigpro (egl2 promoter and secretion signal), (ii) EGL2cbmlin (egl2 promoter, secretion signal, EGL2 cellulose binding module and linker), (iii) CBH2sigpro (cbh2 promoter and secretion signal) and (iv) CBH2cbmlin (cbh2 promoter, secretion signal, CBH2 cellulose binding module and linker). Recombinant vectors were introduced individually into the high protein-secreting T. reesei RUT-C30 strain to generate single-promoter transformants expressing the Dictyoglomus thermophilum xynB gene that encodes a thermophilic xylanase enzyme (XynB). Ten transformants producing XynB representing each of the four different types of vectors were selected for further testing and the highest XynB production was achieved from a transformant containing 1-2copies of the EGL2cbmlin vector. Best xylanase producers did not show any particular pattern in terms of the number of gene copies and their mode of integration into the chromosomal DNA. Transformants generated with the cbmlin-type vectors produced multiple forms of XynB which were decorated with various N- and O-glycans. One of the O-glycans was identified as hexuronic acid, whose presence had not been observed previously in the glycosylation patterns of T. reesei.

Construction of two vectors for gene expression in Trichoderma reesei

We report the construction of two filamentous fungi Trichoderma reesei expression vectors, pWEF31 and pWEF32. Both vectors possess the hygromycin phosphotransferase B gene expression cassette and the strong promoter and terminator of the cellobiohydrolase 1 gene (cbh1) from T. reesei. The two newly constructed vectors can be efficiently transformed into T. reesei with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The difference between pWEF31 and pWEF32 is that pWEF32 has two longer homologous arms. As a result, pWEF32 easily undergoes homologous recombination. On the other hand, pWEF31 undergoes random recombination. The applicability of both vectors was tested by first generating the expression vectors pWEF31-red and pWEF32-red and then detecting the expression of the DsRed2 gene in T. reesei Rut C30. Additionally, we measured the exo-1,4-β-glucanase activity of the recombinant cells. Our work provides an effective transformation system for homologous and heterologous gene expression and gene knockout in T. reesei. It also provides a method for recombination at a specific chromosomal location. Finally, both vectors will be useful for the large-scale gene expression industry.

Expression of an endo-β-1,4-glucanase gene from orpinomyces PC-2 in Pichia pastoris

The endo-β-1,4-glucanase gene celE from the anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces PC-2 was placed under the control of an alcohol oxidase promoter (AOX1) in the plasmid pPIC9K, and integrated into the genome of a methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris GS115 by electroporation. The strain with highest endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity was selected and designed as P. pastoris egE, and cultivated in shaking flasks. The culture supernatant was assayed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and showed a single band at about 52 kDa. Furthermore, the recombinant P. pastoris egE was proved to possess the ability to utilize sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a carbon source. The recombinant endoglucanase produced by P. pastoris showed maximum activity at pH 6.0 and temperature 45 °C, indicating it was a mesophilic neutral endo-β-1,4-glucanase, suitable for denim biofinishing/washing. Further research was carried out in suitable fermentation medium in shaking flasks. The most favorable methanol addition concentration was discussed and given as 1.0%. After methanol induction for 96 h, the endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity reached 72.5 IU mL⁻¹. This is the first report on expression and characterization of endo-β-1,4-glucanase from Orpinomyces in P. pastoris. The endo-β-1,4-glucanase secreted by recombinant P. pastoris represents an attractive potential for both academic research and textile industry application.

High efficient expression of cellobiase gene from Aspergillus niger in the cells of Trichoderma reesei

The cellobiase gene from Aspergillus niger was cloned and connected with the strong promoter Pcbh1 from Trichoderma reesei to construct a recombinant plasmid pHB9 with the hygromycin B resistance marker. The plasmid was transformed into conidia of T. reesei using the modified PEG-CaCl(2) method. Main factors effecting the transformation were discussed and about 99-113 transformants/μg DNA could be obtained under optimal conditions. It was found that the molecular mass of the recombinant cellobiase was about 120 kDa by SDS-PAGE analysis. The activity of cellobiase could reach 5.3 IU/ml after 48 h fermentation, which was as high as 106 times compared with that of the host strain. Meanwhile, the filter paper activity of recombinant T. reesei was 1.44-fold of the host strain. Saccharification of corncob residue with the crude enzyme showed that the hydrolysis yield (84.2%) of recombinant T. reesei was 21% higher than that (69.5%) of the host strain.

Gene cloning and heterologous expression of a novel endoglucanase, swollenin, from Trichoderma pseudokoningii S38

The coding sequence of a novel cellulolytic factor, swollenin, was isolated from the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma pseudokoningii S38. The full-length swo2 gene encodes a protein of 494 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 51,393 Da, which includes a putative 22-amino-acid signal peptide. Sequence analysis revealed significant identity between isolated swollenin and that from Trichoderma reesei. The swollenin gene was further expressed and purified in T. reesei QM9414. The expressed swollenin protein was consequently purified by two-step ion exchange chromatography. The purified swollenin had subtle hydrolytic activities on xylan and yeast cell wall glucan, while no apparent activities on carboxymethy cellulose, cotton fiber, filter paper, or cellulose powder CF11 were observed. These results indicate that although swollenin maintains unidentified glycohydrolytic activities, it is inactive against beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose. Its exact role in lignocellulose hydrolysis calls for further analysis.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of novel thermostable family 7 cellobiohydrolases

As part of the effort to find better cellulases for bioethanol production processes, we were looking for novel GH-7 family cellobiohydrolases, which would be particularly active on insoluble polymeric substrates and participate in the rate-limiting step in the hydrolysis of cellulose. The enzymatic properties were studied and are reported here for family 7 cellobiohydrolases from the thermophilic fungi Acremonium thermophilum, Thermoascus aurantiacus, and Chaetomium thermophilum. The Trichoderma reesei Cel7A enzyme was used as a reference in the experiments. As the native T. aurantiacus Cel7A has no carbohydrate-binding module (CBM), recombinant proteins having the CBM from either the C. thermophilum Cel7A or the T. reesei Cel7A were also constructed. All these novel acidic cellobiohydrolases were more thermostable (by 4-10 degrees C) and more active (two- to fourfold) in hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) at 45 degrees C than T. reesei Cel7A. The C. thermophilum Cel7A showed the highest specific activity and temperature optimum when measured on soluble substrates. The most effective enzyme for Avicel hydrolysis at 70 degrees C, however, was the 2-module version of the T. aurantiacus Cel7A, which was also relatively weakly inhibited by cellobiose. These results are discussed from the structural point of view based on the three-dimensional homology models of these enzymes.

Production in Trichoderma reesei of three xylanases from Chaetomium thermophilum: a recombinant thermoxylanase for biobleaching of kraft pulp

Three endoxylanase genes were cloned from the thermophilic fungus Chaetomium thermophilum CBS 730.95. All genes contained the typical consensus sequence of family 11 glycoside hydrolases. Genomic copies of Ct xyn11A, Ct xyn11B, and Ct xyn11C were expressed in the filamentous fungus T. reesei under the control of the strong T. reesei cel7A (cellobiohydrolase 1, cbh1) promoter. The molecular masses of the Ct Xyn11A, Ct Xyn11B, and Ct Xyn11C proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were 27, 23, and 22 kDa, respectively. Ct Xyn11A was produced almost as efficiently as the homologous xylanase II from a corresponding single-copy transformant strain. Ct Xyn11B production level was approximately half of that of Ct Xyn11A. The amount of Ct Xyn11C was remarkably lower. Ct Xyn11A had the highest temperature optimum and stability of the recombinant xylanases and the highest activity at acid-neutral pH (pH 5-7). It was the most suitable for industrial bleaching of kraft pulp at high temperature.

Increased production of xylanase by expression of a truncated version of the xyn11A gene from Nonomuraea flexuosa in Trichoderma reesei

We have previously shown that the Nonomuraea flexuosa Xyn11A polypeptides devoid of the carbohydrate binding module (CBM) have better thermostability than the full-length xylanase and are effective in bleaching of pulp. To produce an enzyme preparation useful for industrial applications requiring high temperature, the region encoding the CBM was deleted from the N. flexuosa xyn11A gene and the truncated gene was expressed in Trichoderma reesei. The xylanase sequence was fused to the T. reesei mannanase I (Man5A) signal sequence or 3' to a T. reesei carrier polypeptide, either the Man5A core/hinge or the cellulose binding domain (CBD) of cellobiohydrolase II (Cel6A, CBHII). The gene and fusion genes were expressed using the cellobiohydrolase 1 (cel7A, cbh1) promoter. Single-copy isogenic transformants in which the expression cassette replaced the cel7A gene were cultivated and analyzed. The transformants expressing the truncated N. flexuosa xyn11A produced clearly increased amounts of both the xylanase/fusion mRNA and xylanase activity compared to the corresponding strains expressing the full-length N. flexuosa xyn11A. The transformant expressing the cel6A CBD-truncated N. flexuosa xyn11A produced about 1.9 g liter-1 of the xylanase in laboratory-scale fermentations. The xylanase constituted about 25% of the secreted proteins. The production of the truncated xylanase did not induce the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. However, the UPR was induced when the full-length N. flexuosa xyn11A with an exact fusion to the cel7A terminator was expressed. We suggest that the T. reesei folding/secretion machinery is not able to cope properly with the bacterial CBM when the mRNA of the full-length N. flexuosa xyn11A is efficiently translated.

Plasmids for expression of heterologous proteins in Rhizopus oryzae

Rhizopus oryzae has long been used for enzyme production (e.g., glucoamylase and lipase), organic acid synthesis, and various fermented food applications. In this work, we describe a set of plasmid-based expression vectors that can be used for the production of heterologous proteins in R. oryzae. Three plasmid vectors have been created using either the glucoamylase A (amyA), pyruvate decarboxylase (pdcA), or phosphoglycerate kinase (pgk1) promoters to drive expression of heterologous proteins. All three plasmids use the pdcA terminator for transcription termination, the pyrG gene for restoration of uracil prototrophy, and an ampicillin resistance gene and origin of replication for maintenance in Escherichia coli. We have expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) and compared transcription and protein accumulation for each of the expression vectors. Accumulation of GFP transcript and protein was directly correlated with the choice of promoter with pdcA > amyA > pgk1. Transcript level appears to parallel GFP protein accumulation. Plasmid copy number had little impact on transcription or protein accumulation. These vectors should be useful for overexpression of heterologous proteins and potentially, metabolic engineering of Rhizopus strains.

Heterologous protein expression in filamentous fungi

Filamentous fungi are commonly used in the fermentation industry for the large-scale production of proteins--mainly industrial enzymes. Recent advances in fungal genomics and related experimental technologies such as gene arrays and proteomics are rapidly changing the approaches to the development and use of filamentous fungi as hosts for the production of both homologous and heterologous gene products. The emphasis is moving towards sourcing new genes of interest through database mining and unravelling the circuits related to fungal gene regulation, applying, for example, transcriptomics. However, although heterologous fungal proteins are efficiently expressed, expression of gene products from other organisms is subject to several bottlenecks that reduce yield. Current approaches emphasize the study of pathways involved in protein modification and degradation in general rather than gene-by-gene approaches.

Enhanced production of cellobiohydrolases in Trichoderma reesei and evaluation of the new preparations in biofinishing of cotton

In the search for suitable cellulase combinations for industrial biofinishing of cotton, five different types of Trichoderma reesei strains were constructed for elevated cellobiohydrolase production: CBHI overproducers with and without endoglucanase I (EGI), CBHII overproducers with and without endoglucanase II (EGII) and strains overproducing both CBHI and CBHII without the major endoglucanases I and II. One additional copy of cbh1 gene increased production of CBHI protein 1.3-fold, and two copies 1.5-fold according to ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The level of total secreted proteins was increased in CBHI transformants as compared to the host strain. One copy of the cbh2 expression cassette in which the cbh2 was expressed from the cbh1 promoter increased production of CBHII protein three- to four-fold when compared to the host strain. T. reesei strains producing elevated amounts of both CBHI and CBHII without EGI and EGII were constructed by replacing the egl1 locus with the coding region of the cbh1 gene and the egl2 locus with the coding region of cbh2. The cbh1 was expressed from its own promoter and the cbh2 gene using either the cbh1 or cbh2 promoter. Production of CBHI by the CBH-transformants was increased up to 1.6-fold and production of CBHII up to 3.4-fold as compared with the host strain. Approximately similar amounts of CBHII protein were produced by using cbh1 or cbh2 promoters. When the enzyme preparation with elevated CBHII content was used in biofinishing of cotton, better depilling and visual appearance were achieved than with the wild type preparation; however, the improvement was not as pronounced as with preparations with elevated levels of endoglucanases (EG).

High-yield production of a bacterial xylanase in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei requires a carrier polypeptide with an intact domain structure

A bacterial xylanase gene, Nonomuraea flexuosa xyn11A, was expressed in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei from the strong cellobiohydrolase 1 promoter as fusions to a variety of carrier polypeptides. By using single-copy isogenic transformants, it was shown that production of this xylanase was clearly increased (up to 820 mg/liter) when it was produced as a fusion protein with a carrier polypeptide having an intact domain structure compared to the production (150 to 300 mg/liter) of fusions to the signal sequence alone or to carriers having incomplete domain structures. The carriers tested were the T. reesei mannanase I (Man5A, or MANI) core-hinge and a fragment thereof and the cellulose binding domain of T. reesei cellobiohydrolase II (Cel6A, or CBHII) with and without the hinge region(s) and a fragment thereof. The flexible hinge region was shown to have a positive effect on both the production of Xyn11A and the efficiency of cleavage of the fusion polypeptide. The recombinant Xyn11A produced had properties similar to those of the native xylanase. It constituted 6 to 10% of the total proteins secreted by the transformants. About three times more of the Man5A core-hinge carrier polypeptide than of the recombinant Xyn11A was observed. Even in the best Xyn11A producers, the levels of the fusion mRNAs were only approximately 10% of the level of cel7A (cbh1) mRNA in the untransformed host strain.

Enhanced production of Trichoderma reesei endoglucanases and use of the new cellulase preparations in producing the stonewashed effect on denim fabric

Trichoderma reesei strains were constructed for production of elevated amounts of endoglucanase II (EGII) with or without cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI). The endoglucanase activity produced by the EGII transformants correlated with the copy number of the egl2 expression cassette. One copy of the egl2 expression cassette in which the egl2 was under the cbh1 promoter increased production of endoglucanase activity 2.3-fold, and two copies increased production about 3-fold above that of the parent strain. When the enzyme with elevated EGII content was used, an improved stonewashing effect on denim fabric was achieved. A T. reesei strain producing high amounts of EGI and -II activities without CBHI and -II was constructed by replacing the cbh2 locus with the coding region of the egl2 gene in the EGI-overproducing CBHI-negative strain. Production of endoglucanase activity by the EG-transformant strain was increased fourfold above that of the host strain. The filter paper-degrading activity of the endoglucanase-overproducing strain was lowered to below detection, presumably because of the lack of cellobiohydrolases.

Overproduction of beta-1,6-glucanase in Trichoderma harzianum is controlled by extracellular acidic proteases and pH

To produce high amounts of extracellular endo-beta-1,6-glucanase, we overexpressed the gene bgn16.2 from Trichoderma harzianum under the control of the pyruvate kinase gene promoter (pki) of T. reesei. Transcription of bgn16.2 gene increased under most conditions but not extracellular beta-1,6-glucanase levels. Relationship of extracellular BGN16.2 protein and presence of proteases was studied in order to maximize production. After changing the carbon and nitrogen sources and buffering the culture media at different pHs, four major proteases, the acidic ones being pH-regulated, were detected. Overexpression of BGN16.2 at low pH resulted in BGN16.2 degradation, due to the induction of aspartyl proteases and to instability at pH below 3. Maximal overproduction of BGN16.2 albeit pure was achieved in buffered medium, where pH-induced aspartyl proteases were absent or when some nitrogen sources, such as yeast extract, peptone or casein were substrate for these proteases.

The arg2 gene of Trichoderma virens: cloning and development of a homologous transformation system

The arg2 gene which encodes the small subunit of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase for Trichoderma virens has been cloned and used to develop a homologous transformation system. A genomic clone containing the arg2 gene was isolated from a cosmid library of T. virens based on complementation of an arginine auxotrophic mutant of this fungus. The predicted amino acid sequence of the arg2 gene shows 56-82% identity with homologous polypeptides from other fungi. It also contains an upstream open reading frame which encodes 24 amino acids. As is observed with other gene sequences encoding this polypeptide in filamentous fungi, the N-terminus of the predicted polypeptide showed characteristic features of a mitochondrial signal sequence. The arg2 gene was used for genetic transformation of T. virens in frequencies of up to 370 transformants/microgram of DNA. Heat-shock treatment of T. virens protoplasts increased the transformation frequency by fivefold, but more than 85% of the transformants were abortive. Both single-copy, homologous integration events and ectopic, non-homologous integration events were detected by Southern analyses of genomic DNA from transformed strains.

The molecular biology of secreted enzyme production by fungi

Enzymes from filamentous fungi are already widely exploited, but new applications for known enzymes and new enzymic activities continue to be found. In addition, enzymes from less amenable non-fungal sources require heterologous production and fungi are being used as the production hosts. In each case there is a need to improve production and to ensure quality of product. While conventional, mutagenesis-based, strain improvement methods will continue to be applied to enzyme production from filamentous fungi the application of recombinant DNA techniques is beginning to reveal important information on the molecular basis of fungal enzyme production and this knowledge is now being applied both in the laboratory and commercially. We review the current state of knowledge on the molecular basis of enzyme production by filamentous fungi. We focus on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of protein production, the transit of proteins through the secretory pathway and the structure of the proteins produced including glycosylation.

Expression of Barley Endopeptidase B in Trichoderma reesei

The gene for barley endopeptidase B (EPB) has been expressed in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei from the cbh1 promoter. The EPB signal sequence allowed secretion of over 90% of the recombinant protein. Yields reached about 500 mg of immunoreactive protein per liter and exceeded values for any other protein derived from a higher eukaryotic organism produced in T. reesei.

Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I with an endoglucanase cellulose-binding domain: action on bacterial microcrystalline cellulose

Cellulolytic enzymes consist of distinct catalytic and cellulose-binding domains (CBDs). The presence of a CBD improves the binding and activity of cellulases on insoluble substrates but has no influence on their activities on soluble substrates. Structural and biochemical studies of a fungal CBD from Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I have revealed a wedge shaped structure with a flat cellulose binding surface containing three essential tyrosine residues. The face of the wedge is strictly conserved in all fungal CBDs while many differences occur on the other face of the wedge. Here we have studied the importance of these differences on the function of the T. reesei CBHI by replacing its CBD by a homologous CBD from the endoglucanase, EGI. Our data shows that, apart from slightly improved affinity of the hybrid enzyme, the domain exchange does not significantly influence the function of CBHI.

Expression and functional analysis of a hyperglycosylated glucoamylase in a parental host, Aspergillus awamori var. kawachi

A modified glucoamylase gene (glaA) with an extra Thr- and Ser-rich Gp-I domain (T. Semimaru, M. Goto, K. Furukawa, and S. Hayashida, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:2885-2890, 1995) was introduced into a mutant parental host, Aspergillus awamori var. kawachi, in which the original glaA gene had been completely deleted and replaced with the hygromycin phosphotransferase gene. The modified glaA was successfully expressed and secreted. The modified glucoamylase possessed higher digestibility of raw corn starch and higher stabilities in response to heat and extreme pH.

Improved production of Trichoderma harzianum endochitinase by expression in Trichoderma reesei

The chromosomal endochitinase gene (ThEn-42) of the mycoparasite fungus Trichoderma harzianum P1 was isolated and overexpressed in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei under the promoter of the major cellulase gene cbhl1. The host strain RutC-30 did not produce any endogenous endochitinase activity. The prepro region of the T harzianum endochitinase was correctly processed in T. reesei. No differences in expression were observed when the prepro region was replaced with the CBHI signal sequence. Shake flask cultivation yielded 130 mg of active enzyme per liter, which in terms of activity represents about a 20-fold increase over the endochitinase activity produced by T. harzianum. The presence of multiple copies of the expression cassette in the transformant resulted in limitation in transcription and/or regulation factors needed for full activity of the cbh1 promoter, although this was not the major limiting factor for higher expression of endochitinase. The endochitinase was very sensitive to an acidic protease at the late stages of T. reesei cultivation. T. reesei RutC-30 appeared to be tolerant of the endochitinase and can be used as a production host for this enzyme, which has antifungal activity toward plant pathogens.

Protein production by the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei: secretion of active antibody molecules

Trichoderma reesei is used by industry for production of plant material hydrolysing enzymes, especially cellulases. The fungus has excellent production and secretion capacity. The major cellulase cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) represents half of the protein secreted and is encoded by a single copy gene. The strong cbh1 promoter and other promoters regulated in a different manner are available for protein production. The potential of the fungus in foreign protein production has been demonstrated by the expression of chymosin, interleukin-6, and laccase. Antibodies and their engineered forms have numerous applications. The capacity of Trichoderma to produce different forms of antibodies such as Fab molecules under the cbh1 promoter was analysed. When light chain was produced alone the secreted yields were very low but could be increased by introducing the heavy-Fd chain into the fungus. When the heavy-Fd chain was fused to the C-terminus of the CBHI core-linker region, production of secreted Fab's was increased about 50-fold. The amount of immunologically active CBHI – Fab molecules was about 150 mg/L in the medium in a fermenter cultivation. The released Fab molecules were authentic in their immunological properties demonstrating functional assembly of the light and heavy chains. The antibody part can be released from the CBHI fusion by an unidentified fungal protease or Kex2. The beneficial role of CBHI could be explained by more efficient transcription, ER entry or folding, or passage through the secretory pathway in general. Key words: heterologous expression, fusion protein, CBHI, Fab, single chain antibody.

Production of recombinant proteins in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei

The potential of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei for producing heterologous proteins has recently been demonstrated with a number of secreted proteins. Rate-limiting steps and ways of improving the production have been studied, especially using antibody Fab fragments. Major improvements have been achieved by producing the foreign protein fused to the fungal cellulase cellobiohydrolase I. In addition to the strong inducible cbh1 promoter, other promoters, which are regulated in a different manner, have been developed.