Bacterial tannases: classification and biochemical properties

Bacterial Degradation of Antinutrients in Foods: The Genomic Insight

Antinutrients, also known as anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), are compounds found in many plant-based foods that can limit the bioavailability of nutrients or can act as precursors to toxic substances. ANFs have controversial effects on human health, depending mainly on their concentration. While the positive effects of these compounds are well documented, the dangers they pose and the approaches to avoid them have not been discussed to the same extent. There is no dispute that many ANFs negatively alter the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and proteins in addition to inhibiting some enzyme activities, thus negatively affecting the bioavailability of nutrients in the human body. This review discusses the chemical properties, plant bioavailability, and deleterious effects of anti-minerals (phytates and oxalates), glycosides (cyanogenic glycosides and saponins), polyphenols (tannins), and proteinaceous ANFs (enzyme inhibitors and lectins). The focus of this study is on the possibility of controlling the amount of ANF in food through fermentation. An overview of the most common biochemical pathways for their microbial reduction is provided, showing the genetic basis of these phenomena, including the active enzymes, the optimal conditions of action, and some data on the regulation of their synthesis.

Biotransformation of camu-camu galloylated ellagitannins by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with extracellular tannase activity

Some strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum produce specific tannases that could enable the metabolism of ellagitannins into more bioavailable phenolic metabolites, thereby promoting the health effects of these polyphenols. However, the metabolic ability of these strains remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the ability of broad esterase-producing (Est_1092+) and extracellular tannase-producing (TanA+) strains to convert a wide assortment of ellagitannins from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) fruit. To this end, forty-three strains were screened to identify and sequence (WGS) those producing Est_1092. In addition, six previously reported TanA+ strains were included in the study. Each strain (Est_1092+ or TanA+) was inoculated into a minimal culture medium supplemented with an aqueous camu-camu extract. After fermentation, supernatants were collected for semi-quantification of ellagitannins and their metabolites by mass spectrometry. For analysis, the strains were grouped according to their enzyme type and compared with an Est_1092 and TanA-lacking strain. Out of the forty-three isolates, three showed Est_1092 activity. Of the Est_1092+ and TanA+ strains, only the latter hydrolyzed the tri-galloyl-HHDP-glucose and various isomers of HHDP-galloyl-glucose, releasing HHDP-glucose and gallic acid. TanA+ strains also transformed three isomers of di-HHDP-galloyl-glucose, liberating di-HHDP-glucose and gallic acid. Overall, TanA+ strains released 3.6-4.9 times more gallic acid than the lacking strain. In addition, those exhibiting gallate decarboxylase activity pursued gallic acid metabolism to release pyrogallol. Neither Est_1092+ nor TanA+ strains transformed ellagitannin-core structures. In summary, TanA+ L. plantarum strains have the unique ability to hydrolyze a wide range of galloylated ellagitannins, releasing phenolic metabolites with additional health benefits.

Screening the Rumen of Balochi Camel (Camelus dromedarius) and Cashmere Goat (Capra hircus) to Isolate Enzyme-Producing Bacteria as Potential Additives for Animal Feed

Rumen microbiology has made a significant contribution to the discovery of biodegradation processes, which convert nutrients into energy for ruminants. Therefore, understanding the enzymatic potential in the rumen of different animal species is essential for developing efficient microbial feed additives. The aim of this study was to isolate enzyme-producing bacteria (EPBs) from the rumen of the Balochi camel (Camelus dromedarius) and Cashmere goat (Capra hircus) as potential additives for animal feed. The EPBs were screened based on the hydrolysis of carboxyl methyl cellulose, tannin, starch, and bovine serum albumin. The isolates were then subjected to enzyme activity assays and molecular characterization. Additionally, they were evaluated for their antagonistic effects, antibiotic susceptibility, and growth in acidic, bile, and saline media. Thirteen enzyme-producing strains were identified in the rumen of the camels and goats, belonging to the genera Klebsiella, Escherichia, Raoultella, Enterobacter and Pectobacterium. The highest and lowest tannase activities were recorded for Escherichia coli GHMGHE41 (10.46 Um/l-1) and Raoultella planticola GHMGHE15 (1.83 Um/l-1), respectively. Enterobacter cloacae GHMGHE18 (2.03 U/ml) was the most effective cellulolytic isolate, compared to Klebsiella strains (1.05 Um/l-1). The highest protease producer was Klebsiella pneumoniae GHMGHE13 (3.00 U/ml-1), while Escherichia coli GHMGHE17 (1.13 U/ml-1) had the lowest activity. Klebsiella pneumoniae GHMGHE13 (1.55 U/ml-1) and Enterobacter cloacae GHMGHE19 (1.26 U/ml-1) were the highest and lowest producers of amylase, respectively. The strains exhibited mixed responses to antibiotics and remained stable under stressful conditions. These findings indicate that ruminal EPBs have the potential to be used in animal feed, pending further in vivo studies.

Production of tannase from a newly isolated yeast, Geotrichum cucujoidarum using agro-residues

With an aim of producing commercially important tannase enzyme using cheap and readily available agro-residues, leaves of Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini), peels of Lemon (Citrus limon), and Pomegranate (Punica granatum) were screened. Newly isolated Geotrichum cucujoidarum was utilized for the study. Preliminary studies indicated that tannase titer obtained is not proportional to the tannin content of the agro-residues and solid state fermentation superior compared to submerged fermentation. Jamun mixed with lemon peel in equal proportion supplemented with minerals under solid-state fermentation gave a tannase titer of 15.46 U/g dry solids. Through successful implantation of Plackett-Burman design, yeast extract concentration, inoculum volume, and amount of substrate were found to be the most significant factors. Further optimization of these three factors through Response Surface Methodology resulted in the 1.7-fold increase in tannase titer. Validation experiments using 3.97 g of Jamun leaves + lemon peel powder mixed with a nutrient solution having (w/v) yeast extract - 1.1%, dextrose - 3%, Urea - 1.125%, potassium chloride - 0.1%, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate - 0.1% with the initial pH of 5, inoculated with 2.48 ml of inoculum gave a tannase titer of 26.43 U/g dry solids after 6 days of solid-state fermentation.

Expression and Immobilization of Tannase for Tannery Effluent Treatment from Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus lugdunensis: A Comparative Study

Agro-industrial discharges have higher concentrations of tannins and have been a significant cause of pollution to water bodies and soil surrounding the agro-industries. So in this study, toxic tannic acid is into commercially valuable gallic acid from the tannery effluent using immobilized microbial tannase. Tannase genes were isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1149 (tanLpl) and Staphylococcus lugdunensis MTCC 3614 (tanA). Further, these isolated tannese genes were cloned and expressed in BL 21 host using pET 28a as an expression vector,  and immobilized in sodium alginate beads. Vegetable tannery effluent was treated by tannase-immobilized beads at 25 °C and 37 °C, where liberated gallic acid was analyzed using TLC and NMR to confirm the tannin reduction. Further, both immobilized tannases exhibited excellent reusability up to 15 cycles of regeneration without significant reduction in their activity. Moreover, we also showed that immobilized tannases tanLpl and tanA activity remained unaffected compared to the free enzyme in the presence of metal ions. Further, tanA activity remained unaffected over a wide range of pH, and tanLpl showed high thermal stability. Thus, immobilized tannase tanLpl and tanA provide a possible solution for tannery effluent treatment depending upon industry requirements and reaction composition/effluent composition, one can choose a better-immobilized tannase among the two as per the need-based requirement.

Chestnut Wood Tannins in Broiler Diets: Pharmacokinetics, Serum Levels during Rearing, and Intestinal Absorption Pattern of Gallic Acid

Studies on the bioavailability, serum levels, and absorption of hydrolyzable tannin compounds are lacking. In this study, we performed a pharmacokinetic trial, measured the serum levels of compounds in broilers that were reared with different feed added or not with tannins, and tested the digestibility of tannins throughout the intestinal tract. Only gallic acid and 4-O-methyl gallic acid were found in the serum. Moreover, gallic acid showed a 41.8% absolute oral bioavailability and a 72.3% relative bioavailability of gallic acid from chestnut extract compared to the standard. The rapid metabolization caused alternating serum levels during the day and night. These patterns were not affected by the feed type or the previous addition of tannins in the feed. The absorption and metabolization in the intestines occurred gradually throughout the intestinal tract. The latter was true for gallic acid as well as ellagic acid, which was not found in the serum. We can conclude that components from chestnut tannins are absorbed throughout all components of the intestinal tract and are eliminated quickly with little interaction from the feed and previous addition of tannins. Moreover, ellagic acid seems to be absorbed but would remain accumulated in the intestinal tissue or be metabolized by the microbiome.

Microbial degradation of plant toxins

Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although they have many functions, a subclass of toxic secondary metabolites mainly serve plants as deterring agents against herbivores, insects, or pathogens. Microorganisms present in divergent ecological niches, such as soil, water, or insect and rumen gut systems have been found capable of detoxifying these metabolites. As a result of detoxification, microbes gain growth nutrients and benefit their herbivory host via detoxifying symbiosis. Here, we review current knowledge on microbial degradation of toxic alkaloids, glucosinolates, terpenes, and polyphenols with an emphasis on the genes and enzymes involved in breakdown pathways. We highlight that the insect-associated microbes might find application in biotechnology and become targets for an alternative microbial pest control strategy.

Production, Purification and Characterization of Extracellular Tannase from a Newly Isolated Yeast, Geotrichum cucujoidarum

With an aim to isolate a tannase positive organism, the microbial mat growing on the stored areca extract leachate surface was screened. Once the tannase positive organism was isolated, it was identified by ITS/18S rRNA gene sequencing. Further, the enzyme was purified and examined for its biochemical properties. A potent extracellular tannase-producing yeast was isolated and was identified as Geotrichum cucujoidarum. After the shake flask studies, the enzyme activity of 4.42 U/ml and specific activity of 29.86 U/mg were achieved in a medium with tannic acid as an inducer. Later, ethanol (70%) precipitation followed by purification through FPLC using SEC 650 column resulted in 166.37 U/mg specific activity and a recovery of 50.54%. The purified enzyme was a monomer with a molecular weight of 63 kDa. The optimum pH and the temperature of the enzyme were found to be 5.0 and 30°C, respectively. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) was found to be 2.9 mM, and the turn over number (kcat) and catalytic efficiency (kcat/km) of the purified tannase were 102 S-1 and 35.17 mM-1S-1 respectively. Temperature and pH stability profiles of the enzyme, influence of various metal ions, chelators and surfactants on enzyme activity and kinetic constants of enzyme shows that the tannase produced from Geotrichum cucujoidarum is unique and is a potential candidate for further studies.

Structural diversity and substrate preferences of three tannase enzymes encoded by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium butyricum

Tannins are secondary metabolites that are enriched in the bark, roots, and knots in trees and are known to hinder microbial attack. The biological degradation of water-soluble gallotannins, such as tannic acid, is initiated by tannase enzymes (EC 3.1.1.20), which are esterases able to liberate gallic acid from aromatic-sugar complexes. However, only few tannases have previously been studied in detail. Here, for the first time, we biochemically and structurally characterize three tannases from a single organism, the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium butyricum, which inhabits both soil and gut environments. The enzymes were named CbTan1-3, and we show that each one exhibits a unique substrate preference on a range of galloyl ester model substrates; CbTan1 and 3 demonstrated preference toward galloyl esters linked to glucose, while CbTan2 was more promiscuous. All enzymes were also active on oak bark extractives. Furthermore, we solved the crystal structure of CbTan2 and produced homology models for CbTan1 and 3. In each structure, the catalytic triad and gallate-binding regions in the core domain were found in very similar positions in the active site compared with other bacterial tannases, suggesting a similar mechanism of action among these enzymes, though large inserts in each enzyme showcase overall structural diversity. In conclusion, the varied structural features and substrate specificities of the C. butyricum tannases indicate that they have different biological roles and could further be used in development of new valorization strategies for renewable plant biomass.

Improving the Acid Resistance of Tannase TanBLp (AB379685) from Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC14917T by Site-Specific Mutagenesis

Tannin acyl hydrolase referred commonly as tannase catalyzes the hydrolysis of the galloyl ester bond of tannin to release gallic acid. The tannase TanBLp which cloned from Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC14917^T has high activity in the pH range (7.0-9.0) at 40 °C, it would be detrimental to the utilization at acidic environment. The catalytic sites and stability of TanBLp were analyzed using bioinformatics and site-specific mutagenesis. The results reiterated that the amino acid residues Ala164, Lys343, Glu357, Asp421 and His451 had played an important role in maintaining the activity. The optimum pH of mutants V75A, G77A, N94A, A164S and F243A were shifted from 8.0 to 6.0, and mutant V75A has the highest pH stability and activity at acidic conditions than other mutants, which was more suitable for industrial application to manufacture gallic acid. This study was of great significance to promote the industrialization and efficient utilization of tannase TanBLp.

Characterization and Secretory Expression of a Thermostable Tannase from Aureobasidium melanogenum T9: Potential Candidate for Food and Agricultural Industries

Being a key industrial enzyme, tannase is extensively applied in various fields. Despite the characterizations of a large number of tannases, there are hardly a few tannases with exceptional thermostability. In this detailed study, a tannase-encoding gene named tanA was identified from Aureobasidium melanogenum T9 and heterologously expressed in Yarrowia lipolytica host of food grade. The purified tannase TanA with a molecular weight of above 63.0 kDa displayed a specific activity of 941.4 U/mg. Moreover, TanA showed optimum activity at 60°C and pH 6.0. Interestingly, TanA exhibited up to 61.3% activity after incubation for 12 h at 55°C, signifying its thermophilic property and distinguished thermostability. Additionally, TanA was a multifunctional tannase with high specific activities to catalyze the degradation of various gallic acid esters. Therefore, this study presents a novel tannase, TanA, with remarkable properties, posing as a potential candidate for food and agricultural processing.

A structurally unique Fusobacterium nucleatum tannase provides detoxicant activity against gallotannins and pathogen resistance

Colorectal cancer pathogenesis and progression is associated with the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum and the reduction of acetylated derivatives of spermidine, as well as dietary components such as tannin-rich foods. We show that a new tannase orthologue of F. nucleatum (TanBFnn ) has significant structural differences with its Lactobacillus plantarum counterpart affecting the flap covering the active site and the accessibility of substrates. Crystallographic and molecular dynamics analysis revealed binding of polyamines to a small cavity that connects the active site with the bulk solvent which interact with catalytically indispensable residues. As a result, spermidine and its derivatives, particularly N8 -acetylated spermidine, inhibit the hydrolytic activity of TanBFnn and increase the toxicity of gallotannins to F. nucleatum. Our results support a model in which the balance between the detoxicant activity of TanBFnn and the presence of metabolic inhibitors can dictate either conducive or unfavourable conditions for the survival of F. nucleatum.

Fermentation of chickpea flour with selected lactic acid bacteria for improving its nutritional and functional properties

AIMS

To improve the nutri-functional quality of chickpea flour by fermentation with selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to formulate functional legume-derived products.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A Randomized Complete Block Design was carried out to assess the influence of experimental conditions (presence/absence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL2211 and/or Weissella paramesenteroides CRL2182, temperature, time and dough yield) on LAB population, acidification, antinutritional factors and total phenolic contents (TPCs) of chickpea flour. Fermentation with both strains for 24 h at 37°C produced an increase in LAB (up to 8.9 log CFU/g), acidity (final pH 4.06), TPC (525.00 mg GAE/100 g) and tannin and trypsin inhibitor removal (28.80 mg GAE/100 g and 1.60 mg/g, respectively) higher than the spontaneously fermented doughs. RAPD and Rep-PCR analysis revealed that fermentation was dominated by L. plantarum CRL2211. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were useful to explain LAB enzyme behaviour during fermentation highlighting the chemical affinity of LAB tannases and proteinases to gallocatechin and trypsin inhibitors. Compared with other processing methods, fermentation was better than soaking, germination and cooking for increasing the techno-functional properties of chickpea flour. Fermented doughs were applied to the manufacture of crackers that contained 81% more TPC and 64% more antioxidant activity than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Fermentation for 24 h at 37°C with selected autochthonous LAB was the best method for improving the quality of chickpea flour and derived crackers type cookies.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Chickpea is suitable for the development of novel functional foods. Fermentation with selected LAB would improve the final product quality and bioactivity. The combination of experimental and simulation approaches can lead to a better understanding of the fermentation processes to enhance the properties of a food matrix.

Natural Dibenzo-α-Pyrones: Friends or Foes?

Natural dibenzo-α-pyrones (DAPs) can be viewed from two opposite angles. From one angle, the gastrointestinal metabolites urolithins are regarded as beneficial, while from the other, the emerging mycotoxin alternariol and related fungal metabolites are evaluated critically with regards to potential hazardous effects. Thus, the important question is: can the structural characteristics of DAP subgroups be held responsible for distinct bioactivity patterns? If not, certain toxicological and/or pharmacological aspects of natural DAPs might yet await elucidation. Thus, this review focuses on comparing published data on the two groups of natural DAPs regarding both adverse and beneficial effects on human health. Literature on genotoxic, estrogenic, endocrine-disruptive effects, as well as on the induction of the cellular anti-oxidative defense system, anti-inflammatory properties, the inhibition of kinases, the activation of mitophagy and the induction of autophagy, is gathered and critically reviewed. Indeed, comparing published data suggests similar bioactivity profiles of alternariol and urolithin A. Thus, the current stratification into hazardous Alternaria toxins and healthy urolithins seems debatable. An extrapolation of bioactivities to the other DAP sub-class could serve as a promising base for further research. Conclusively, urolithins should be further evaluated toward high-dose toxicity, while alternariol derivatives could be promising chemicals for the development of therapeutics.

Degradation of epigallocatechin and epicatechin gallates by a novel tannase TanHcw from Herbaspirillum camelliae

Background

Herbaspirillum camelliae is a gram-negative endophyte isolated from the tea plant. Both strains WT00C and WT00F were found to hydrolyze epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) to release gallic acid (GA) and display tannase activity. However, no tannase gene was annotated in the genome of H. camelliae WT00C.

Results

The 39 kDa protein, annotated as the prolyl oligopeptidase in the NCBI database, was finally identified as a novel tannase. Its gene was cloned, and the enzyme was expressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. Moreover, enzymatic characterizations of this novel tannase named Tan_Hcw were studied. Tan_Hcw was a secretary enzyme with a Sec/SPI signal peptide of 48 amino acids at the N-terminus, and it catalyzed the degradation of tannin, methyl gallate (MG), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG). The optimal temperature and pH of Tan_Hcw activities were 30 °C, pH 6.0 for MG and 40 °C, pH 7.0 for both EGCG and ECG. Na⁺, K⁺ Mn²⁺ and Triton-X100, Tween80 increased the enzyme activity of Tan_Hcw, whereas Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Hg²⁺, EMSO, EDTA and β-mercaptoethanol inhibited enzyme activity. K_m, k_cat and k_cat /K_m of Tan_Hcw were 0.30 mM, 37.84 s⁻¹, 130.67 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ for EGCG, 0.33 mM, 34.59 s⁻¹, 105.01 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ for ECG and 0.82 mM, 14.64 s⁻¹, 18.17 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ for MG, respectively.

Conclusion

A novel tannase Tan_Hcw from H. camelliae has been identified and characterized. The biological properties of Tan_Hcw suggest that it plays a crucial role in the specific colonization of H. camelliae in tea plants. Discovery of the tannase Tan_Hcw in this study gives us a reasonable explanation for the host specificity of H. camelliae. In addition, studying the characteristics of this enzyme offers the possibility of further defining its potential in industrial application.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01685-1.

Microbiome Associated with the Mycangia of Female and Male Adults of the Ambrosia Beetle Platypus cylindrus Fab. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The ambrosia beetle Platypus cylindrus Fab. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major cork oak pest in Portugal. Female and male beetles have different roles in host tree colonization and are both equipped with prothoracic mycangia for fungal transportation. Despite a known beneficial role of bacteria in ambrosia beetles, information on bacterial composition associated with prothoracic mycangia structures is scarce. Bacterial community from mycangia of P. cylindrus male and female beetles collected from cork oak galleries was investigated by means of 16S metagenomics. Mycangia anatomical structure was also explored with histological techniques and X-ray computed microtomography to highlight evidence supporting biological sexual dimorphism. A bacterial community with highly diverse bacterial taxa with low abundances at the genus level was revealed. Lactobacillales, Leptotrichia, Neisseria, Rothia, and Sphingomonadaceae were significantly more abundant in males, while Acinetobacter, Chitinophagaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Erwiniaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Pseudoclavibacter were more abundant in females. Additionally, a core bacteriome of five genera was shared by both sexes. Histological examination revealed visible connections linking external and internal tissues in females, but none in males. Overall, these results provide the first insights into sexual differentiation for bacteria in a Platypodinae beetle species, identifying key patterns of bacteria distribution in the context of beetle ecology and functional behavior.

Diverse methanogens, bacteria and tannase genes in the feces of the endangered volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi)

Background

The volcano rabbit is the smallest lagomorph in Mexico, it is monotypic and endemic to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It is classified as endangered by Mexican legislation and as critically endangered by the IUCN, in the Red List. Romerolagus diazi consumes large amounts of grasses, seedlings, shrubs, and trees. Pines and oaks contain tannins that can be toxic to the organisms which consume them. The volcano rabbit microbiota may be rich in bacteria capable of degrading fiber and phenolic compounds.

Methods

We obtained the fecal microbiome of three adults and one young rabbit collected in Coajomulco, Morelos, Mexico. Taxonomic assignments and gene annotation revealed the possible roles of different bacteria in the rabbit gut. We searched for sequences encoding tannase enzymes and enzymes associated with digestion of plant fibers such as cellulose and hemicellulose.

Results

The most representative phyla within the Bacteria domain were: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria for the young rabbit sample (S1) and adult rabbit sample (S2), which was the only sample not confirmed by sequencing to correspond to the volcano rabbit. Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria were found in adult rabbit samples S3 and S4. The most abundant phylum within the Archaea domain was Euryarchaeota. The most abundant genera of the Bacteria domain were Lachnoclostridium (Firmicutes) and Acinetobacter (Proteobacteria), while Methanosarcina predominated from the Archaea. In addition, the potential functions of metagenomic sequences were identified, which include carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. We obtained genes encoding enzymes for plant fiber degradation such as endo 1,4 β-xylanases, arabinofuranosidases, endoglucanases and β-glucosidases. We also found 18 bacterial tannase sequences.

We and herbivores eat endophytes

Health depends on the diet and a vegetal diet promotes health by providing fibres, vitamins and diverse metabolites. Remarkably, plants may also provide microbes. Fungi and bacteria that reside inside plant tissues (endophytes) seem better protected to survive digestion; thus, we investigated the reported evidence on the endophytic origin of some members of the gut microbiota in animals such as panda, koala, rabbits and tortoises and several herbivore insects. Data examined here showed that some members of the herbivore gut microbiota are common plant microbes, which derived to become stable microbiota in some cases. Endophytes may contribute to plant fibre or antimetabolite degradation and synthesis of metabolites with the plethora of enzymatic activities that they display; some may have practical applications, for example, Lactobacillus plantarum found in the intestinal tract, plants and in fermented food is used as a probiotic that may defend animals against bacterial and viral infections as other endophytic-enteric bacteria do. Clostridium that is an endophyte and a gut bacterium has remarkable capabilities to degrade cellulose by having cellulosomes that may be considered the most efficient nanomachines. Cellulose degradation is a challenge in animal digestion and for biofuel production. Other endophytic-enteric bacteria may have cellulases, pectinases, xylanases, tannases, proteases, nitrogenases and other enzymatic capabilities that may be attractive for biotechnological developments, indeed many endophytes are used to promote plant growth. Here, a cycle of endophytic-enteric-soil-endophytic microbes is proposed which has relevance for health and comprises the fate of animal faeces as natural microbial inoculants for plants that constitute bacterial sources for animal guts.

Polyphenol-Mediated Gut Microbiota Modulation: Toward Prebiotics and Further

The genome of gut microbes encodes a collection of enzymes whose metabolic functions contribute to the bioavailability and bioactivity of unabsorbed (poly)phenols. Datasets from high throughput sequencing, metabolome measurements, and other omics have expanded the understanding of the different modes of actions by which (poly)phenols modulate the microbiome conferring health benefits to the host. Progress have been made to identify direct prebiotic effects of (poly)phenols; albeit up to date, these compounds are not recognized as prebiotics sensu stricto. Interestingly, certain probiotics strains have an enzymatic repertoire, such as tannase, α-L-rhamnosidase, and phenolic acid reductase, involved in the transformation of different (poly)phenols into bioactive phenolic metabolites. In vivo studies have demonstrated that these (poly)phenol-transforming bacteria thrive when provided with phenolic substrates. However, other taxonomically distinct gut symbionts of which a phenolic-metabolizing activity has not been demonstrated are still significantly promoted by (poly)phenols. This is the case of Akkermansia muciniphila, a so-called antiobesity bacterium, which responds positively to (poly)phenols and may be partially responsible for the health benefits formerly attributed to these molecules. We surmise that (poly)phenols broad antimicrobial action free ecological niches occupied by competing bacteria, thereby allowing the bloom of beneficial gut bacteria. This review explores the capacity of (poly)phenols to promote beneficial gut bacteria through their direct and collaborative bacterial utilization and their inhibitory action on potential pathogenic species. We propose the term duplibiotic, to describe an unabsorbed substrate modulating the gut microbiota by both antimicrobial and prebiotic modes of action. (Poly)phenol duplibiotic effect could participate in blunting metabolic disturbance and gut dysbiosis, positioning these compounds as dietary strategies with therapeutic potential.

Identification of a Conserved Transcriptional Activator-Repressor Module Controlling the Expression of Genes Involved in Tannic Acid Degradation and Gallic Acid Utilization in Aspergillus niger

Tannic acid, a hydrolysable gallotannin present in plant tissues, consists of a central glucose molecule esterified with gallic acid molecules. Some microorganisms, including several Aspergillus species, can metabolize tannic acid by releasing gallic acid residues from tannic acid by secreting tannic acid specific esterases into the medium. The expression of these so-called tannases is induced by tannic acid or gallic acid. In this study, we identified a conserved transcriptional activator-repressor module involved in the regulation of predicted tannases and other genes involved in gallic acid metabolism. The transcriptional activator-repressor module regulating tannic acid utilization resembles the transcriptional activator-repressor modules regulating galacturonic acid and quinic acid utilization. Like these modules, the Zn(II)2Cys6 transcriptional activator (TanR) and the putative repressor (TanX) are located adjacent to each other. Deletion of the transcriptional activator (ΔtanR) results in inability to grow on gallic acid and severely reduces growth on tannic acid. Deletion of the putative repressor gene (ΔtanX) results in the constitutive expression of tannases as well as other genes with mostly unknown function. Known microbial catabolic pathways for gallic acid utilization involve so-called ring cleavage enzymes, and two of these ring cleavage enzymes show increased expression in the ΔtanX mutant. However, deletion of these two genes, and even deletion of all 17 genes encoding potential ring cleavage enzymes, did not result in a gallic acid non-utilizing phenotype. Therefore, in A. niger gallic acid utilization involves a hitherto unknown pathway. Transcriptome analysis of the ΔtanX mutant identified several genes and gene clusters that were significantly induced compared to the parental strain. The involvement of a selection of these genes and gene clusters in gallic acid utilization was examined by constructing gene deletion mutants and testing their ability to grow on gallic acid. Only the deletion of a gene encoding an FAD-dependent monooxygenase (NRRL3_04659) resulted in a strain that was unable to grow on gallic acid. Metabolomic studies showed accumulation of gallic acid in the ΔNRRL3_04659 mutant suggesting that this predicted monooxygenase is involved in the first step of gallic acid metabolism and is likely responsible for oxidation of the aromatic ring.

Crystal structure of fungal tannase from Aspergillus niger

Tannases are serine esterases that were first discovered in fungi more than one and half centuries ago. They catalyze the hydrolysis of the gallolyl ester bonds in gallotannins to release gallic acid, which is an important intermediate in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Since their discovery, fungal tannases have found wide industrial applications, although there is scarce knowledge about these enzymes at the molecular level, including their catalytic and substrate-binding sites. While this lack of knowledge hinders engineering efforts to modify the enzymes, many tannases have been isolated from various fungal strains in a search for the desired enzymatic properties. Here, the first crystal structure of a fungal tannase, that from Aspergillus niger, is reported. The enzyme possesses a typical α/β-hydrolase-fold domain with a large inserted cap domain, which together form a bowl-shaped hemispherical shape with a surface concavity surrounded by N-linked glycans. Gallic acid is bound at the junction of the two domains within the concavity by forming two hydrogen-bonding networks with neighbouring residues. One is formed around the carboxyl group of the gallic acid and involves residues from the hydrolase-fold domain, including those from the catalytic triad, which consists of Ser206, His485 and Asp439. The other is formed around the three hydroxyl groups of the compound, with the involvement of residues mainly from the cap domain, including Gln238, Gln239, His242 and Ser441. Gallic acid is bound in a sandwich-like mode by forming a hydrophobic contact with Ile442. All of these residues are found to be highly conserved among fungal and yeast tannases.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Serine Carboxypeptidase-Like Acyltransferase Gene Family for Evolution and Characterization of Enzymes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Galloylated Catechins in the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) leaves synthesize and concentrate a vast array of galloylated catechins (e.g., EGCG and ECG) and non-galloylated catechins (e.g., EGC, catechin, and epicatechin), together constituting 8%-24% of the dry leaf mass. Galloylated catechins account for a major portion of soluble catechins in tea leaves (up to 75%) and make a major contribution to the astringency and bitter taste of the green tea, and their pharmacological activity for human health. However, the catechin galloylation mechanism in tea plants is largely unknown at molecular levels. Previous studies indicated that glucosyltransferases and serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases (SCPL) might be involved in the process. However, details about the roles of SCPLs in the biosynthesis of galloylated catechins remain to be elucidated. Here, we performed the genome-wide identification of SCPL genes in the tea plant genome. Several SCPLs were grouped into clade IA, which encompasses previously characterized SCPL-IA enzymes with an acylation function. Twenty-eight tea genes in this clade were differentially expressed in young leaves and vegetative buds. We characterized three SCPL-IA enzymes (CsSCPL11-IA, CsSCPL13-IA, CsSCPL14-IA) with galloylation activity toward epicatechins using recombinant enzymes. Not only the expression levels of these SCPLIA genes coincide with the accumulation of galloylated catechins in tea plants, but their recombinant enzymes also displayed β-glucogallin:catechin galloyl acyltransferase activity. These findings provide the first insights into the identities of genes encoding glucogallin:catechin galloyl acyltransferases with an active role in the biosynthesis of galloylated catechins in tea plants.

Discovery and characterization of tannase genes in plants: roles in hydrolysis of tannins

Plant tannins, including condensed tannins (CTs) and hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. To date, tannase (TA) - is a type of tannin acyl-hydrolase hydrolyzing HTs, CT monomer gallates and depsides - has been reported in microbes only. Whether plants express TA remains unknown. Herein, we report plant TA genes. A native Camellia sinensis TA (CsTA) is identified from leaves. Six TAs are cloned from tea, strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, Fa) and four other crops. Biochemical analysis shows that the native CsTA and six recombinant TAs hydrolyze tannin compounds, depsides and phenolic glycosides. Transcriptional and metabolic analyses reveal that the expression of CsTA is oppositely associated with the accumulation of galloylated catechins. Moreover, the transient overexpression and RNA interference of FaTA are positively associated with the accumulation of ellagitannins in strawberry fruit. Phylogenetic analysis across different kingdoms shows that 29 plant TA homologs are clustered as a plant-specific TA clade in class I carboxylesterases. Further analysis across the angiosperms reveals that these TA genes are dispersed in tannin-rich plants, which share a single phylogenetic origin c. 120 million yr ago. Plant TA is discovered for the first time in the plant kingdom and is shown to be valuable to improve tannin compositions in plants.

A Rapid Method for the Selection of Amidohydrolases from Metagenomic Libraries by Applying Synthetic Nucleosides and a Uridine Auxotrophic Host

In this study, the development of a rapid, high-throughput method for the selection of amide-hydrolysing enzymes from the metagenome is described. This method is based on uridine auxotrophic Escherichia coli strain DH10B ∆pyrFEC and the use of N4-benzoyl-2’-deoxycytidine as a sole source of uridine in the minimal microbial M9 medium. The approach described here permits the selection of unique biocatalysts, e.g., a novel amidohydrolase from the activating signal cointegrator homology (ASCH) family and a polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase (PETase)-related enzyme.

Harnessing Microbes for Sustainable Development: Food Fermentation as a Tool for Improving the Nutritional Quality of Alternative Protein Sources

In order to support the multiple levels of sustainable development, the nutritional quality of plant-based protein sources needs to be improved by food technological means. Microbial fermentation is an ancient food technology, utilizing dynamic populations of microorganisms and possessing a high potential to modify chemical composition and cell structures of plants and thus to remove undesirable compounds and to increase bioavailability of nutrients. In addition, fermentation can be used to improve food safety. In this review, the effects of fermentation on the protein digestibility and micronutrient availability in plant-derived raw materials are surveyed. The main focus is on the most important legume, cereal, and pseudocereal species (Cicer arietinum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Vicia faba, Lupinus angustifolius, Pisum sativum, Glycine max; Avena sativa, Secale cereale, Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Sorghum bicolor; and Chenopodium quinoa, respectively) of the agrifood sector. Furthermore, the current knowledge regarding the in vivo health effects of fermented foods is examined, and the critical points of fermentation technology from the health and food safety point of view are discussed.

Kombucha from alternative raw materials - The review

Nowadays, people's awareness about the role of diet in maintaining well-being and good health has increased. Consumers expect that the products not only provide them with essential nutrients but will also be a source of biologically active substances, which are beneficial to their health. One of the "healthy trends," which has appeared among the consumers worldwide is kombucha, a tea drink with high antioxidant potential, obtained through the activity of a consortium of acetic acid bacteria and osmophilic yeast, which is also called "tea fungus." Kombucha obtained from tea is characterized by its health-promoting properties. Promising results in in vitro and in vivo studies have prompted research groups from around the world to search for alternative raw materials for tea fungus fermentation. Attempts are made to obtain functional beverages from leaves, herb infusions, vegetable pulp, fruit juices, or milk. This review focuses on describing the progress in obtaining a fermented beverage and bacterial cellulose using tea fungus on alternative raw materials.

Efficient production of recombinant tannase in Aspergillus oryzae using an improved glucoamylase gene promoter

A tannase-encoding gene, AotanB, from Aspergillus oryzae RIB40 was overexpressed in A. oryzae AOK11 niaD-deficient mutant derived from an industrial strain under the control of an improved glucoamylase gene promoter PglaA142. The recombinant tannase, designated as rAoTanBO, was produced efficiently as an active extracellular enzyme. Purified rAoTanBO showed a smeared band with a molecular mass of approximately 80-100 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The rAoTanBO had a molecular mass of 65 kDa, after treatment with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. Purified rAoTanBO exhibited maximum activity at 30-35°C and pH 6.0. The tannase activity of purified rAoTanBO towards natural and artificial substrates was 2-8 folds higher than that of the recombinant enzyme produced by Pichia pastoris, designated as rAoTanBP. N-terminus of the mature rAoTanBP had six more amino acids than the N-terminus of the mature rAoTanBO. Kinetic analyses showed that rAoTanBO had higher catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m) than rAoTanBP. rAoTanBO was stable up to 60°C and higher thermostability than rAoTanBP. N-linked oligosaccharides had no effect on the activity and stability of rAoTanBO and rAoTanBP.

Integrated Approaches to Reveal Genes Crucial for Tannin Degradation in Aureobasidium melanogenum T9

Tannins biodegradation by a microorganism is one of the most efficient ways to produce bioproducts of high value. However, the mechanism of tannins biodegradation by yeast has been little explored. In this study, Aureobasidium melanogenum T9 isolated from red wine starter showed the ability for tannins degradation and had its highest biomass when the initial tannic acid concentration was 20 g/L. Furthermore, the genes involved in the tannin degradation process were analyzed. Genes tan A, tan B and tan C encoding three different tannases respectively were identified in the A. melanogenum T9. Among these genes, tan A and tan B can be induced by tannin acid simultaneously at both gene transcription and protein expression levels. Our assay result showed that the deletion of tanA and tanB resulted in tannase activity decline with 51.3 ± 4.1 and 64.1 ± 1.9 U/mL, respectively, which is much lower than that of A. melanogenum T9 with 91.3 ± 5.8 U/mL. In addition, another gene coding gallic acid decarboxylase (gad) was knocked out to better clarify its function. Mutant Δgad completely lost gallic acid decarboxylase activity and no pyrogallic acid was seen during the entire cultivation process, confirming that there was a sole gene encoding decarboxylase in the A. melanogenum T9. These results demonstrated that tanA, tanB and gad were crucial for tannin degradation and provided new insights for the mechanism of tannins biodegradation by yeast. This finding showed that A. melanogenum has potential in the production of tannase and metabolites, such as gall acid and pyrogallol.