Tandem lignin peroxidase genes of the fungus Trametes versicolor

Differential regulation of mnp2, a new manganese peroxidase-encoding gene from the ligninolytic fungus Trametes versicolor PRL 572

A peroxidase-encoding gene, mnp2, and its corresponding cDNA were characterized from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor PRL 572. We used quantitative reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR to identify mnp2 transcripts in nutrient-limited stationary cultures. Although mnp2 lacks upstream metal response elements (MREs), addition of MnSO(4) to cultures increased mnp2 transcript levels 250-fold. In contrast, transcript levels of an MRE-containing gene of T. versicolor, mnp1, increased only eightfold under the same conditions. Thus, the manganese peroxidase genes in T. versicolor are differentially regulated, and upstream MREs are not necessarily involved. Our results support the hypothesis that fungal and plant peroxidases arose through an ancient duplication and folding of two structural domains, since we found the mnp1 and mnp2 polypeptides to have internal homology.

Southern blot screening for lignin peroxidase and aryl-alcohol oxidase genes in 30 fungal species

Screening to detect genes encoding lignin peroxidase (LiP) and aryl-alcohol oxidase (AAO) has been carried out with 30 fungal strain using DNA probes from genes lpo of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (encoding LiP isoenzyme H8) and aao of Pleurotus eryngii. Evidence for the presence of genes closely related to lpo was found in Bjerkandera adusta, Fomes fomentarius, Ganoderma applanatum, Ganoderma australe, Lentinula degener, Peniophora gigantea, P. chrysosporium, Phanerochaete flavido-alba and Trametes tersicolor, whereas the gene aao was detected in Pleurotus species and B. adusta. The presence of both genes was only detected in B. adusta. These results suggest that different enzymatic system, formed by enzymes encoded by different genes, are responsible for lignin degradation by white-rot fungi.

Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a novel extracellular peroxidase from Trametes versicolor

The white rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor secretes a large number of peroxidases which are believed to be involved in the degradation of polymeric lignin. These peroxidases have been classified previously as lignin peroxidases or manganese peroxidases (MnP). We have isolated a novel extracellular peroxidase-encoding cDNA sequence from T. versicolor CU1, the transcript levels of which are repressed by low concentrations of Mn2+ and induced by nitrogen and carbon but not induced in response to a range of stresses which have been reported to induce MnP expression.

Isolation of mRNAs induced by a hazardous chemical in white-rot fungus, Coriolus versicolor, by differential display

White-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor, a ligninolytic basidiomycete, has been studied because of its ability to degrade hazardous chemicals. In this study, we searched for genes that are induced by a hazardous chemical using the mRNA differential-display technique and C. versicolor IFO30340 that has been exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP). Five cDNA fragments were cloned and the DNA sequences of two fragments were analyzed in further detail. The clones corresponded to novel genes that have not previously been identified in C. versicolor. One of the cDNAs exhibited strong sequence homology to the gene for an enolase and the other exhibited homology to a heat shock protein. The expression of the two genes was up-regulated in PCP-treated C. versicolor.

Stabilization of lignin peroxidases in white rot fungi by tryptophan

Supplementation of various cultures of white rot fungi with tryptophan was found to have a large stimulatory effect on lignin peroxidase activity levels. This enhancement was greater than that observed in the presence of the lignin peroxidase recycling agent veratryl alcohol. Using reverse transcription-PCR, we found that tryptophan does not act to induce lignin peroxidase expression at the level of gene transcription. Instead, the activity enhancement observed is likely to result from the protective effect of tryptophan against H2O2 inactivation. In experiments using a partially purified lignin peroxidase preparation, tryptophan and its derivative indole were determined to function in the same way as veratryl alcohol in converting compound II, an oxidized form of lignin peroxidase, to ferric enzyme, thereby completing the catalytic cycle. Furthermore, tryptophan was found to be a better substrate for lignin peroxidase than veratryl alcohol. Inclusion of either tryptophan or indole enhanced the oxidation of the azo dyes methyl orange and Eriochrome blue black. Stimulation of azo dye oxidations by veratryl alcohol has previously been shown to be due to its enzyme recycling function. Our data allow us to propose that tryptophan stabilizes lignin peroxidase by acting as a reductant for the enzyme.

Recent advances on the molecular genetics of ligninolytic fungi

This review highlights significant recent advances in the molecular genetics of white-rot fungi and identifies areas where information remains sketchy. The development of critical experimental tools such as genetic mapping techniques is described. A major portion of the text focuses on the structure, genomic organization and transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding peroxidases, laccases and glyoxal oxidase. Finally, recent efforts on heterologous expression of lignin-degrading enzymes are discussed.

A cluster of genes encoding major isozymes of lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase from the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor

A gene cluster from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes (Coriolus) versicolor (Tv) PRL 572 containing three structural genes, LPGIII, LPGIV and MPGI, was characterized. The genes are arranged in the same transcriptional direction, within a 10-kb region, and found to encode quantitatively dominant isozymes of lignin peroxidase (LP) and manganese peroxidase (MP). The second gene in sequence, LPGIV, predicts a 346-amino-acid (aa) mature polypeptide (36.9 kDa, pI 4.31) which is identical with the partial aa sequence information available on the LP12 isozyme (43.1 kDa, pI 3.27). The first gene, LPGIII, encodes a 341-aa polypeptide (36.1 kDa, pI 3.93) which has not been identified at the protein level. However, the similarity of LPGIV would suggest that the predicted product is an LP-type enzyme. LPGIII and LPGIV are homologous to the tandemly arranged genes LPGII and LPGI, respectively, recently described by Jönsson and Nyman [Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1218 (1994) 408-412]. The homologous genes, LPGIII/LPGII and LPGIV/LPGI, are 99% and 96% identical in sequence, respectively, and are predicted to encode identical polypeptides, since base substitutions in the predicted exons are all synonymous. The third gene, MPGI, is different in intron-exon organization and predicted to be disrupted by five rather than six introns, as are the LP genes. The deduced polypeptide, 339 aa in size (35.9 kDa, pI 4.07), is identical with the partial aa sequence information available for isozyme MP2 (44.5 kDa, pI 3.09). The MPGI- and LPGIV-encoded polypeptides are 70% identical in sequence which suggests that MP and LP from Tv may be regarded as members of the same family within the plant peroxidase superfamily. Most importantly, this study identifies a gene encoding the MP2 isozyme, and further shows that genes encoding MP and LP can be closely linked on the chromosome and may be coordinately transcribed.

Characterization of a laccase gene from the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and structural features of basidiomycete laccases

A gene coding for the multi-copper phenol oxidase laccase has been isolated from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor. The gene, which is preceded by a TATA box and a pyrimidine-rich region, is predicted to contain ten introns. The mature translation product, preceded by a 22-residue signal peptide, should consist of 498 residues. Comparisons with Edman degradation data of peptides from T. versicolor laccase strongly suggest that two disulfide bridges are formed by Cys-85/Cys-487 and Cys-117/Cys-205, respectively. The encoded protein contains five Cys, and the sequence surrounding the remaining Cys-452 is consistent with its involvement in the ligation of type-1 copper. Alignment of sequences indicates that T. versicolor laccase displays a Phe at the position corresponding to a residue (Met in ascorbate oxidase and azurin) considered important for the reduction potential of type-1 copper proteins.

The gene from the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor encoding the lignin peroxidase isozyme LP7

The structural gene LPGVI (1463 bp including 6 introns), characterized from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor (PRL 572), encodes a 342-residue mature polypeptide of 36.7 kDa, preceded by a 26-residue signal/propeptide. LPGVI is identified as the gene encoding the 43 kDa lignin peroxidase isozyme LP7 as based on the partial amino acid sequence information available. The polypeptide deduced shares 72-74% identity in sequence with other lignin peroxidases and 70% with a manganese (II) peroxidase from T. versicolor.