Clone, purification and characterization of thermostable aminopeptidase ST1737 from Sulfolobus tokodaii

Cloning, Expression, Characterization and Immobilization of a Recombinant Carboxylesterase from the Halophilic Archaeon, Halobacterium salinarum NCR-1

Only a few halophilic archaea producing carboxylesterases have been reported. The limited research on biocatalytic characteristics of archaeal esterases is primarily due to their very low production in native organisms. A gene encoding carboxylesterase from Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 was cloned and successfully expressed in Haloferax volcanii. The recombinant carboxylesterase (rHsEst) was purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 81%, and its molecular weight was estimated by SDS-PAGE (33 kDa). The best kinetic parameters of rHsEst were achieved using p-nitrophenyl valerate as substrate (KM = 78 µM, kcat = 0.67 s-1). rHsEst exhibited great stability to most metal ions tested and some solvents (diethyl ether, n-hexane, n-heptane). Purified rHsEst was effectively immobilized using Celite 545. Esterase activities of rHsEst were confirmed by substrate specificity studies. The presence of a serine residue in rHsEst active site was revealed through inhibition with PMSF. The pH for optimal activity of free rHsEst was 8, while for immobilized rHsEst, maximal activity was at a pH range between 8 to 10. Immobilization of rHsEst increased its thermostability, halophilicity and protection against inhibitors such as EDTA, BME and PMSF. Remarkably, immobilized rHsEst was stable and active in NaCl concentrations as high as 5M. These biochemical characteristics of immobilized rHsEst reveal its potential as a biocatalyst for industrial applications.

Molecular advances in microbial aminopeptidases

Aminopeptidases are exopeptidases that catalyze the hydrolysis of amino acid residues from the N terminus of peptides and proteins. They are widely and diversely used for protein hydrolysis in industrial and research applications. They form a large enzyme family in microorganisms and most of the sequenced microbial genomes contain several aminopeptidase coding genes. Various approaches are being used to enhance the yield and desired properties of these enzymes to make it more suited for industrial applications. Novel aminopeptidases are being developed by site directed mutagenesis and recombinant DNA technology with improved substrate specificity and stability. This review focuses on its classification and recent advancements in the molecular studies pertaining to this enzyme.