Mitsuaria chitosanase with unrevealed important amino acid residues: characterization and enhanced production in Pichia pastoris

Identification and evaluation of CAZyme genes, along with functional characterization of a new GH46 chitosanase from Streptomyces sp. KCCM12257

The genomic analysis of Streptomyces sp. KCCM12257 presented 233 CAZyme genes with a predominant glycosyl hydrolase family. This contributes degradation of various polysaccharides including chitin and chitosan, and other promising candidates for the production of different oligosaccharides. We screened the strain providing different polysaccharides as a sole source of carbon and strain KCCM12257, showed higher activity towards colloidal chitosan. Further, we identified and characterized a new chitosanase (MDI5907146) of GH46 family. There was no activity towards chitin, carboxymethylcellulose, or even with chitosan powder. This enzyme acts on colloidal chitosan and hydrolyzes it down into monoacetyl chitobiose, which consists of two glucosamine units with an acetyl group attached to them. The maximum enzyme activity was observed at pH 6.5 and 40 °C using colloidal chitosan as a substrate. The Co2+ metal ions almost double the reaction as compared to other metal ions. The dissociation constant (Km) and of colloidal chitosan (≥90 % and ≥75%DD) were 3.03 mg/ml and 5.01 mg/ml respectively, while maximum velocity (Vmax) values were found to be 36 mg/ml, and 30 μM/μg/min, respectively. Similarly, catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of colloidal chitosan with ≥90 %DD was 1.9 fold higher than colloidal chitosan with ≥75%DD.

Controllable preparation of chitosan oligosaccharides via a recombinant chitosanase from marine Streptomyces lydicus S1 and its potential application on preservation of pre-packaged tofu

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) are widely applied in many areas due to its various biological activities. Controllable preparation of COSs with desired degree of polymerization (DP) via suitable chitosanase is of great value. Herein, a novel glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 46 chitosanase (SlCsn46) from marine Streptomyces lydicus S1 was prepared, characterized and used to controllably produce COSs with different DP. The specific activity of purified recombinant SlCsn46 was 1,008.5 U/mg. The optimal temperature and pH of purified SlCsn46 were 50°C and 6.0, respectively. Metal ions Mn2+ could improve the stability of SlCsn46. Additionally, SlCsn46 can efficiently hydrolyze 2% and 4% colloidal chitosan to prepare COSs with DP 2–4, 2–5, and 2–6 by adjusting the amount of SlCsn46 added. Moreover, COSs with DP 2–4, 2–5, and 2–6 exhibited potential application value for prolonging the shelf-life of pre-packaged Tofu. The water-holding capacity (WHC), sensorial properties, total viable count (TVC), pH and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) of pre-packed tofu incorporated with 4 mg/mL COSs with DP 2–4, 2–5, and 2–6 were better than those of the control during 15 days of storage at 10°C. Thus, the controllable hydrolysis strategy provides an effective method to prepare COSs with desired DP and its potential application on preservation of pre-packed tofu.

Bacillus coagulans in Combination with Chitooligosaccharides Regulates Gut Microbiota and Ameliorates the DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory disorders, which may be caused by intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune system disorders and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Synbiotic, the combination of probiotics and prebiotics, is thought to be a pragmatic approach in mitigating inflammation in UC. Bacillus coagulans has been recognized as a potential probiotic for treating intestinal diseases because of its favorable industrial and probiotic properties, including sporulation and lactic acid production. In this study, we evaluated the treatment effects of the B. coagulans FCYS01 spores with or without the chitooligosaccharides (COSs) on UC generated using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Supplementation of B. coagulans spores, prebiotic COSs or the synbiotic (the spores + COSs) had a significant positive effect on DSS-induced UC. The disease activity index and histological damage score were significantly reduced after these supplementations. Compared to DSS group, these supplementations also significantly modulated the cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and significantly maintained expressions of tight junction proteins and mucin protein and promotes recovery of the intestinal barrier. In addition, these supplementations regulate the composition of gut microbiota and improve the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), through enrichment of SCFA-producing bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Ruminococcus species. In summary, the synbiotic ameliorated the overall inflammatory status of the experimental UC model and showed a better treatment effect than B. coagulans or COSs did alone as revealed by the markers such as, colon length, IL-4 and Occludin levels. IMPORTANCE Probiotic and prebiotic are believed to be useful in alleviating the inflammatory, thereby resolving or preventing the severity of UC. Spore-forming bacteria Bacillus coagulans show advantages of stability and probiotic effects, being suggested as the important probiotics for UC treatment. Here, we demonstrate that administration of B. coagulans spores, chitooligosaccharides (COSs), or the synbiotic attenuates DSS-induced colitis and significantly correlates with altered gut immune responses. The treatment effect of the synbiotic is inferred to be relied on the enrichment of probiotic bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Ruminococcaceae species, which are reported to be crucial important for gut health. Our findings facilitate the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies for UC using spore-forming lactic acid bacteria in combination with COSs.

Overexpression and Biochemical Properties of a GH46 Chitosanase From Marine Streptomyces hygroscopicus R1 Suitable for Chitosan Oligosaccharides Preparation

Due to the various biological activities of chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs), they have great potential value for use in many areas. Chitosanase plays an important role in enzymatic preparation of COSs. Herein, a gene encoding a chitosanase (ShCsn46) from marine Streptomyces hygroscopicus R1 was cloned and the sequences encoding ShCsn46 without signal peptide were optimized based on the codon usage of Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). In addition, the optimized gene was ligated to pPICZαA and transformed to P. pastoris X33. After screening, a recombinant strain named X33-Sh33 with the highest activity was isolated from 96 recombinant colonies. The maximum activity and total protein concentration of the recombinant strain ShCsn46 were 2250 U/ml and 3.98 g/l, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature of purified ShCsn46 were 5.5 and 55°C, respectively. Meanwhile, ShCsn46 was stable from pH 5.0 to 10.0 and 40 to 55°C, respectively. The purified ShCsn46 was activated by Mn²⁺ and inhibited by Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Al³⁺. In addition, substrate specificity of the purified ShCsn46 showed highest activity toward colloidal chitosan with 95% degree of deacetylation. Furthermore, the purified ShCsn46 exhibited high efficiency to hydrolyze 4% colloidal chitosan to prepare COSs. COSs with degree of polymerization of 2–6, 2–5, and 2–4 were controllably produced by adjusting the reaction time. This study provides an excellent chitosanase for the controllable preparation of COSs with a desirable degree of polymerization.

Heterologous Expression and Characterization of a High-Efficiency Chitosanase From Bacillus mojavensis SY1 Suitable for Production of Chitosan Oligosaccharides

Chitosanase plays an important role in enzymatic production of chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs). The present study describes the gene cloning and high-level expression of a high-efficiency chitosanase from Bacillus mojavensis SY1 (CsnBm). The gene encoding CsnBm was obtained by homologous cloning, ligated to pPICZαA, and transformed into Pichia pastoris X33. A recombinant strain designated X33-C3 with the highest activity was isolated from 120 recombinant colonies. The maximum activity and total protein concentration of recombinant strain X33-C3 were 6,052 U/ml and 3.75 g/l, respectively, which were obtained in fed-batch cultivation in a 50-l bioreactor. The optimal temperature and pH of purified CsnBm were 55°C and 5.5, respectively. Meanwhile, CsnBm was stable from pH 4.0 to 9.0 and 40 to 55°C. The purified CsnBm exhibited high activity toward colloidal chitosan with degrees of deacetylation from 85 to 95%. Furthermore, CsnBm exhibited high efficiency to hydrolyze different concentration of colloidal chitosan to produce COSs. The result of this study not only identifies a high-efficiency chitosanase for preparation of COSs, but also casts some insight into the high-level production of chitosanase in heterologous systems.

Genome analysis provides insights into the biocontrol ability of Mitsuaria sp. strain TWR114

Mitsuaria sp. TWR114 is a biocontrol agent against tomato bacterial wilt (TBW). We aimed to gain genomic insights relevant to the biocontrol mechanisms and colonization ability of this strain. The draft genome size was found to be 5,632,523 bp, with a GC content of 69.5%, assembled into 1144 scaffolds. Genome annotation predicted a total of 4675 protein coding sequences (CDSs), 914 pseudogenes, 49 transfer RNAs, 3 noncoding RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs. Genome analysis identified multiple CDSs associated with various pathways for the metabolism and transport of amino acids and carbohydrates, motility and chemotactic capacities, protection against stresses (oxidative, antibiotic, and phage), production of secondary metabolites, peptidases, quorum-quenching enzymes, and indole-3-acetic acid, as well as protein secretion systems and their related appendages. The genome resource will extend our understanding of the genomic features related to TWR114's biocontrol and colonization abilities and facilitate its development as a new biopesticide against TBW.

Characterization of sludge reduction and bacterial community dynamics in a pilot-scale multi-stage digester system with prolonged sludge retention time

Sludge reduction performance and bacterial community dynamics in a pilot-scale multi-stage digester system with prolonged sludge retention time were characterized. Throughout the operation period of 281 days, the total loading sludge and the total digested sludge were 4700 and 3300 kg-MLSS. After 114 days of operation, the residual MLSS (RMLSS) in the reactors for sludge treatment was maintained at 18-25 kg-RMLSS m^-3, and the sludge reduction efficiency achieved 95% under the F/M ratio (kg-loading MLSS kg-RMLSS^-1) of less than 0.018. Also, among the sludge components, both fixed suspended solids and volatile suspended solids were reduced. Based on the sludge reduction performance and the RNA-based bacterial community characteristics, the combined action of the maintenance metabolism, lysis-cryptic growth, and particulate inorganic matter is proposed as the sludge reduction mechanism in the multi-stage sludge treatment process.

Anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse osteoarthritis model of a mixture of glucosamine and chitooligosaccharides produced by bi-enzyme single-step hydrolysis

We developed a novel technique of bi-enzyme single-step hydrolysis, using recombinant chitosanase (McChoA) and exo-β-D-glucosaminidase (AorCsxA) constructed previously in our lab, to degrade chitosan. The hydrolysis product was shown by HPLC, FTIR, and chemical analyses to be a mixture (termed “GC”) composed primarily of glucosamine (80.00%) and chitooligosaccharides (9.80%). We performed experiments with a mouse osteoarthritis (OA) model to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of GC against OA. The three “GC groups” (which underwent knee joint damage followed by oral administration of GC at concentrations 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg·bw·d for 15 days) showed significantly downregulated serum expression of pre-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and significant, dose-dependent enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2, in comparison with Model group. Levels of C-reactive protein, which typically rise in response to inflammatory processes, were significantly lower in the GC groups than in Model group. Thymus index and levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) were higher in the GC groups. Knee joint swelling was relieved and typical OA symptoms were partially ameliorated in the GC-treated groups. Our findings indicate that GC has strong anti-inflammatory effects and potential as a therapeutic agent against OA and other inflammatory diseases.

Expression and characterization of a novel cold-adapted chitosanase suitable for chitooligosaccharides controllable preparation

Chitooligosaccharide is widely used as a functional food additive and a valuable pharmacological agent. The transformation of chitinous biomass into valuable bioactive chitooligosaccharides is one of the most exciting applications of chitosanase. A novel glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 46 chitosanase (GsCsn46A) from rhizobacterium Gynuella sunshinyii was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. GsCsn46A showed maximal activity at pH 5.5 and 30 °C. GsCsn46A featured remarkable cold-adapted property, which controllably hydrolyzed chitosan to three types of chitooligosaccharides at the mild reaction condition (reaction condition: pH 5.5 at 30 °C; method for stopping the reaction: 50 °C for 30 min). The yields of three types of chitooligosaccharides products (degree of polymerization (DP): 2-7, 2-5 and 2-3) were 70.9%, 87.1% and 94.6% respectively. This novel cold-adapted chitosanase provides a cleaner production process for the controllable preparation of chitooligosaccharides with the specific DP.

The Sulfolobus initiator element is an important contributor to promoter strength

Basal elements in archaeal promoters, except for putative initiator elements encompassing transcription start sites, are well characterized. Here, we employed the Sulfolobus araS promoter as a model to study the function of the initiator element (Inr) in archaea. We have provided evidence for the presence of a third core promoter element, the Sulfolobus Inr, whose action depends on a TATA box and the TFB recognition element (BRE). Substitution mutations in the araS Inr did not alter the location of the transcription start site. Using systematic mutagenesis, the most functional araS Inr was defined as +1 GAGAMK +6 (where M is A/C and K is G/T). Furthermore, WebLogo analysis of a subset of promoters with coding sequences for 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) larger than 4 nucleotides (nt) in Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 identified an Inr consensus that exactly matches the functional araS Inr sequence. Moreover, mutagenesis of 3 randomly selected promoters confirmed the Inr sequences to be important for basal promoter strength in the subgroup. Importantly, the result of the araS Inr being added to the Inr-less promoters indicates that the araS Inr, the core promoter element, is able to enhance the strength of Inr-less promoters. We infer that transcription factor B (TFB) and subunits of RNA polymerase bind the Inr to enhance promoter strength. Taken together, our data suggest that the presence or absence of an Inr on basal promoters is important for global gene regulation in Sulfolobus.

An archaeal protein evolutionarily conserved in prokaryotes is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease

A putative protease gene (tldD) was previously identified from studying tolerance of letD encoding the CcdB toxin of a toxin–antidote system of the F plasmid in Escherichia coli. While this gene is evolutionarily conserved in archaea and bacteria, the proteolytic activity of encoded proteins remained to be demonstrated experimentally. Here we studied Sso0660, an archaeal TldD homologue encoded in Sulfolobus solfataricus by overexpression of the recombinant protein and characterization of the purified enzyme. We found that the enzyme is active in degrading azocasein and FITC–BSA substrates. Protease inhibitor studies showed that EDTA and o-phenanthroline, two well-known metalloprotease inhibitors, either abolished completely or strongly inhibited the enzyme activity, and flame spectrometric analysis showed that a zinc ion is a cofactor of the protease. Furthermore, the protein forms disulfide bond via the Cys⁴¹⁶ residue, yielding protein dimer that is the active form of the enzyme. These results establish for the first time that tidD genes encode zinc-containing proteases, classifying them as a family in the metalloprotease class.