Activation and inhibition of Candida rugosa and Bacillus-related lipases by saturated fatty acids, evaluated by a new colorimetric microassay

Fe3O4@silica-thermolysin: A robust, advantageous, and reusable microbial nanobiocatalyst for proteolysis and milk-clotting

Thermolysin (TLN) is a microbial highly-priced thermostable metallo-endoprotease with complementary substrate specificity to those of proteases widely used in science and industry for protein digestion and milk-clotting. This study is the first to immobilize TLN on aminated superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@silica-NH2) aiming for higher stability, recoverability, reusability, and applicability in proteolysis and as a microbial rennet-like milk-clotting enzyme. The nanobiocatalyst developed (Fe3O4@silica-TLN) displays hydrolytic activity on a synthetic TLN substrate and, apparently, was fully recovered from reaction media by magnetic decantation. More importantly, Fe3O4@silica-TLN retains TLN catalytic properties in the presence of calcium ions even after exposure to 60 °C for 48 h, storage at 4 °C for 80 days and room temperature for 42 days, use in proteolyses, and in milk-clotting for up to 11 cycles. Its proteolytic activity on bovine milk casein in 24 h furnished 84 peptides, of which 29 are potentially bioactive. Also, Fe3O4@silica-TLN catalyzed the digestion of bovine serum albumin. In conclusion, Fe3O4@silica-TLN showed to be a new, less autolytic, thermostable, non-toxic, magnetically-separable, and reusable nanobiocatalyst with highly attractive properties for both science (peptide/protein chemistry and structure, proteomic studies, and the search for new bioactive peptides) and food industry (cheese manufacture).

A simple and effective method based on enzyme-ligand complex for affinity analysis of lipase inhibitor from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill has various biological activities including anti-obesity. Rapid analysis and screening of active compounds from natural extracts is one of the challenges faced by natural drug research. In order to analyze and screen lipase inhibitor from Schisandra chinensis extract, a method inspired by the specific binding of enzyme to ligand was developed and established. Through optimization of incubation conditions, such as time, temperature, and pH, the potential active compound was locked by comparing the change of the chemical components of the S. chinensis extract before and after incubation with lipase. Subsequently, the target compound was isolated by high-speed counter-current chromatography and was identified as 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde. Moreover, in vitro activity determination confirmed that 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde with an IC₅₀ value of 284.78 ± 16.45 μg/mL interacted with the lipase through non-competitive inhibition. Furthermore, molecular docking further revealed that 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde can be embedded into the active pocket of lipase via multiple hydrogen bonds and other interactions. This study not only screened a potential lipase inhibitor from S. chinensis through the newly developed method, but also can be used as a typical reference for the discovery of active components from functional foods and natural products.

Structural, mechanistic, and physiological insights into phospholipase A-mediated membrane phospholipid degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Cells steadily adapt their membrane glycerophospholipid (GPL) composition to changing environmental and developmental conditions. While the regulation of membrane homeostasis via GPL synthesis in bacteria has been studied in detail, the mechanisms underlying the controlled degradation of endogenous GPLs remain unknown. Thus far, the function of intracellular phospholipases A (PLAs) in GPL remodeling (Lands cycle) in bacteria is not clearly established. Here, we identified the first cytoplasmic membrane-bound phospholipase A1 (PlaF) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which might be involved in the Lands cycle. PlaF is an important virulence factor, as the P. aeruginosa ΔplaF mutant showed strongly attenuated virulence in Galleria mellonella and macrophages. We present a 2.0-Å-resolution crystal structure of PlaF, the first structure that reveals homodimerization of a single-pass transmembrane (TM) full-length protein. PlaF dimerization, mediated solely through the intermolecular interactions of TM and juxtamembrane regions, inhibits its activity. The dimerization site and the catalytic sites are linked by an intricate ligand-mediated interaction network, which might explain the product (fatty acid) feedback inhibition observed with the purified PlaF protein. We used molecular dynamics simulations and configurational free energy computations to suggest a model of PlaF activation through a coupled monomerization and tilting of the monomer in the membrane, which constrains the active site cavity into contact with the GPL substrates. Thus, these data show the importance of the PlaF-mediated GPL remodeling pathway for virulence and could pave the way for the development of novel therapeutics targeting PlaF.

Unexplored lipolytic activity of Escherichia coli: Implications for lipase cloning

Recent investigations on cloned bacterial lipases performed in our laboratory revealed the presence of lipolytic activity that was not due to the cloned lipase-coding gene but was probably the result of an intrinsic activity of Escherichia coli itself. To confirm such a hypothesis, we assayed the activity of frequently used E. coli strains by fast paper tests, zymograms and spectrofluorometry. A band of Ca. 18-20 kDa showing activity on MUF-butyrate was detected in zymogram analysis of crude cell extracts in all E. coli strains assayed. Moreover, the spectrofluorometric results obtained confirmed the presence of low but significant lipolytic activity in E. coli, with strain BL21 showing the highest activity. Detailed characterization of such a lipolytic activity was performed using E. coli BL21 cell extracts, where preference for C7 substrates was found, although shorter substrates were also hydrolysed to a minor extent. Interestingly, E. coli lipolytic activity displays traits of a thermophilic enzyme, showing maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 8, an unexpected feature never described before. Kinetic and inhibition analysis were also performed showing that activity can be inhibited by several metal ions or by Triton X-100® and SDS, used in zymogram analysis. Such properties ‒ low activity, preference for medium chain-length substrates, and high operational temperature ‒ might justify why this activity had gone unexplored until now, even when many lipases and esterases have been cloned and expressed in E. coli strains in the past. From now on, lipase researchers should take into consideration the presence of such a basal lipolytic activity before starting their lipase cloning or expression experiments in E.coli.

Arabidopsis GDSL1 overexpression enhances rapeseed Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance and the functional identification of its homolog in Brassica napus

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating disease of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). To date, the genetic mechanisms of rapeseed' interactions with S. sclerotiorum are not fully understood, and molecular-based breeding is still the most effective control strategy for this disease. Here, Arabidopsis thaliana GDSL1 was characterized as an extracellular GDSL lipase gene functioning in Sclerotinia resistance. Loss of AtGDSL1 function resulted in enhanced susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum. Conversely, overexpression of AtGDSL1 in B. napus enhanced resistance, which was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA) levels, and reduced jasmonic acid levels. In addition, AtGDSL1 can cause an increase in lipid precursor phosphatidic acid levels, which may lead to the activation of downstream ROS/SA defence-related pathways. However, the rapeseed BnGDSL1 with highest sequence similarity to AtGDSL1 had no effect on SSR resistance. A candidate gene association study revealed that only one AtGDSL1 homolog from rapeseed, BnaC07g35650D (BnGLIP1), significantly contributed to resistance traits in a natural B. napus population, and the resistance function was also confirmed by a transient expression assay in tobacco leaves. Moreover, genomic analyses revealed that BnGLIP1 locus was embedded in a selected region associated with SSR resistance during the breeding process, and its elite allele type belonged to a minor allele in the population. Thus, BnGLIP1 is the functional equivalent of AtGDSL1 and has a broad application in rapeseed S. sclerotiorum-resistance breeding.

Rational evolution of the unusual Y-type oxyanion hole of Rhodococcus sp. CR53 lipase LipR

Rhodococcus sp CR-53 lipase LipR was the first characterized member of bacterial lipase family X. Interestingly, LipR displays some similarity with α/β-hydrolases of the C. antartica lipase A (CAL-A)-like superfamily (abH38), bearing a Y-type oxyanion hole, never found before among bacterial lipases. In order to explore this unusual Y-type oxyanion hole, and to improve LipR performance, two modification strategies based on site directed or saturation mutagenesis were addressed. Initially, a small library of mutants was designed to convert LipR Y-type oxyanion hole (YDS) into one closer to those most frequently found in bacteria (GGG(X)). However, activity was completely lost in all mutants obtained, indicating that the Y-type oxyanion hole of LipR is required for activity. A second approach was addressed to modify the two main oxyanion hole residues Tyr¹¹⁰ and Asp¹¹¹, previously described for CAL-A as the most relevant amino acids involved in stabilization of the enzyme-substrate complex. A saturation mutagenesis library was prepared for each residue (Tyr¹¹⁰ and Asp¹¹¹), and activity of the resulting variants was assayed on different chain length substrates. No functional LipR variants could be obtained when Tyr¹¹⁰ was replaced by any other amino acids, indicating that this is a crucial residue for catalysis. However, among the Asp¹¹¹ variants obtained, LipR D111G produced a functional enzyme. Interestingly, this LipR-YGS variant showed less activity than wild type LipR on short- or mid- chain substrates but displayed a 5.6-fold increased activity on long chain length substrates. Analysis of the 3D model and in silico docking studies of this enzyme variant suggest that substitution of Asp by Gly produces a wider entrance tunnel that would allow for a better and tight accommodation of larger substrates, thus justifying the experimental results obtained.

Bacillus sp. JR3 esterase LipJ: A new mesophilic enzyme showing traces of a thermophilic past

A search for extremophile enzymes from ancient volcanic soils in El Hierro Island (Canary Islands, Spain) allowed isolation of a microbial sporulated strain collection from which several enzymatic activities were tested. Isolates were obtained after sample cultivation under several conditions of nutrient contents and temperature. Among the bacterial isolates, supernatants from the strain designated JR3 displayed high esterase activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 100°C, suggesting the presence of at least a hyper-thermophilic extracellular lipase. Sequence alignment of known thermophilic lipases allowed design of degenerated consensus primers for amplification and cloning of the corresponding lipase, named LipJ. However, the cloned enzyme displayed maximum activity at 30°C and pH 7, showing a different profile from that observed in supernatants of the parental strain. Sequence analysis of the cloned protein showed a pentapeptide motif -GHSMG- distinct from that of thermophilic lipases, and much closer to that of esterases. Nevertheless, the 3D structural model of LipJ displayed the same folding as that of thermophilic lipases, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. A phylogenetic study confirmed this possibility, positioning LipJ as a new member of the thermophilic family of bacterial lipases I.5. However, LipJ clusters in a clade close but separated from that of Geobacillus sp. thermophilic lipases. Comprehensive analysis of the cloned enzyme suggests a common origin of LipJ and other bacterial thermophilic lipases, and highlights the most probable divergent evolutionary pathway followed by LipJ, which during the harsh past times would have probably been a thermophilic enzyme, having lost these properties when the environment changed to more benign conditions.

Investigation of antibacterial activity of aspidin BB against Propionibacterium acnes

In the present study, antibacterial activity of four kinds of phloroglucinol derivatives extracted from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott against S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. acnes has been tested. Aspidin BB exerted the strongest antibacterial activity with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values ranging from 7.81 to 15.63 μg/mL. The time-kill assay indicated that aspidin BB could kill P. acnes completely at 2 MIC (MBC) within 4 h. By using AFM, we demonstrated extensive cell surface alterations of aspidin BB-treated P. acnes. SDS-PAGE of supernatant proteins and lipid peroxidation results showed that aspidin BB dose-dependently affected membrane permeability of P. acnes. DNA damage and protein degradation of P. acnes were also verified. SDS-PAGE of precipitated proteins revealed possible targets of aspidin BB, i.e., heat shock proteins (26 kDa) and lipase (33 kDa) which could all cause inflammation. Aspidin BB also seriously increased the inhibition rate of lipase activity from 10.20 to 65.20 % to possibly inhibit the inflammation. In conclusions, the effective constituents of D. fragrans (L.) Schott to treat acne might be phloroglucinol derivatives including aspidin BB, aspidin PB, aspidinol and dryofragin. Among this, aspidin BB inhibited the growth of P. acnes by disrupting their membrane, DNA and proteins and finally leaded to the cell death. The obtained data highlighted the potential of using aspidin BB as an alternative treatment for acne vulgaris.

Unusual carboxylesterase bearing a GGG(A)X-type oxyanion hole discovered in Paenibacillus barcinonensis BP-23

Strain Paenibacillus barcinonensis BP-23, previously isolated from Ebro's river delta (Spain), bears a complex hydrolytic system showing the presence of at least two enzymes with activity on lipidic substrates. EstA, a cell-bound B-type carboxylesterase from the strain was previously isolated and characterized. The gene coding for a second putative lipase, located upstream cellulase Cel5A, was obtained using a genome walking strategy and cloned in Escherichia coli for further characterization. The recombinant clone obtained displayed high activity on medium/short-chain fatty acid-derivative substrates. The enzyme, named Est23, was purified and characterized, showing maximum activity on pNP-caprylate (C8:0) or MUF-heptanoate (C7:0) under conditions of moderate temperature and pH. Although Est23 displays a GGG(A)X-type oxyanion hole, described as an important motif for tertiary alcohol ester resolution, neither conversion nor enantiomeric resolution of tertiary alcohols could be detected. Amino acid sequence alignment of Est23 with those of known bacterial lipase families and with closely related proteins suggests that the cloned enzyme does not belong to any of the described bacterial lipase families. A phylogenetic tree including Est23 and similar amino acid sequences showed that the enzyme belongs to a differentiated sequence cluster which probably constitutes a new family of bacterial lipolytic enzymes.

Fast and economic immobilization methods described for non-commercial Pseudomonas lipases

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest to seek new enzyme preparations for the development of new products derived from bioprocesses to obtain alternative bio-based materials. In this context, four non-commercial lipases from Pseudomonas species were prepared, immobilized on different low-cost supports, and examined for potential biotechnological applications.

RESULTS

To reduce costs of eventual scaling-up, the new lipases were obtained directly from crude cell extracts or from growth culture supernatants, and immobilized by simple adsorption on Accurel EP100, Accurel MP1000 and Celite®545. The enzymes evaluated were LipA and LipC from Pseudomonas sp. 42A2, a thermostable mutant of LipC, and LipI.3 from Pseudomonas CR611, which were produced in either homologous or heterologous hosts. Best immobilization results were obtained on Accurel EP100 for LipA and on Accurel MP1000 for LipC and its thermostable variant. Lip I.3, requiring a refolding step, was poorly immobilized on all supports tested (best results for Accurel MP1000). To test the behavior of immobilized lipases, they were assayed in triolein transesterification, where the best results were observed for lipases immobilized on Accurel MP1000.

CONCLUSIONS

The suggested protocol does not require protein purification and uses crude enzymes immobilized by a fast adsorption technique on low-cost supports, which makes the method suitable for an eventual scaling up aimed at biotechnological applications. Therefore, a fast, simple and economic method for lipase preparation and immobilization has been set up. The low price of the supports tested and the simplicity of the procedure, skipping the tedious and expensive purification steps, will contribute to cost reduction in biotechnological lipase-catalyzed processes.

Characterization and expression of a GDSL-like lipase gene from Brassica napus in Nicotiana benthamiana

The GDSL esterase and lipase families play important roles in abiotic stress, pathogen defense, seed development and lipid metabolism. Identifying the lipase activity of the putative GDSL lipase is the prerequisite for dissecting its function. According to the sequence similarity and the conserved domains, we cloned the Brassica napus BnGLIP gene, which encodes a GDSL-like protein. We failed to identify the BnGLIP lipase activity in the bacterium and yeast expression systems. In this paper, we expressed the BnGLIP gene by fusing a 6× His tag in Nicotiana benthamiana and purified the recombinant protein. The extraction buffer contained 1 % (v/v) n-caprylic acid and was able to remove most of the protein impurities. About 50 μg of recombinant BnGLIP was obtained from 1 g of N. benthamiana leaves. The lipase activity was tested with the purified BnGLIP and the maximum enzyme activity reached 17.7 mM/mg. In conclusion, this study found that the recombinant protein BnGLIP expressed in tobacco system was effectively purified and was detected as a GDSL lipase.

A gene encoding a new cold-active lipase from an Antarctic isolate of Penicillium expansum

Cold-active lipases are of significant interest as biocatalysts in industrial processes. We have identified a lipase that displayed activity towards long carbon-chain-p-nitrophenyl substrates (C12-C18) at 25 °C from the culture supernatant of an Antarctic Penicillium expansum strain assigned P. expansum SM3. Zymography revealed a protein band of around 30 kDa with activity towards olive oil. DNA fragments of a lipase gene designated as lipPE were isolated from the genomic DNA of P. expansum SM3 by genomic walking PCR. Subsequently, the complete genomic lipPE gene was amplified using gene-specific primers designed from the 5'- and 3'-regions. Reverse transcription PCR was used to amplify the lipPE cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence consisted of 285 residues that included a predicted signal peptide. Three peptides identified by LC/MS/MS analysis of the proteins in the culture supernatant of P. expansum were also present in the deduced amino acid sequence of the lipPE gene suggesting that this gene encoded the lipase identified by initial zymogram activity analysis. Full analysis of the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences indicated that the lipPE gene encodes a novel P. expansum lipase. The lipPE gene was expressed in E. coli for further characterization of the enzyme with a view of assessing its suitability for industrial applications.

Special Rhodococcus sp. CR-53 esterase Est4 contains a GGG(A)X-oxyanion hole conferring activity for the kinetic resolution of tertiary alcohols

Rhodococci are highly adaptable bacteria, capable to degrade or transform a large number of organic compounds, including recalcitrant or toxic products. However, little information is available on the lipases of the genus Rhodococcus, except for LipR, the first lipase isolated and described from strain Rhodococcus CR-53. Taking into consideration the interest raised by the enzymes produced by actinomycetes, a search for new putative lipases was performed in strain Rhodococcus CR-53. We describe here the isolation, cloning, and characterization of intracellular esterase Est4, a mesophilic enzyme showing preference for short-chain-length acyl groups, without interfacial activation. Est4 displays moderate thermal and pH stability and low tolerance to most tested ions, being inhibited by detergents like sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100®. Nevertheless, the enzyme shows good long-term stability when stored at 4-20 °C and neutral pH. Amino acid sequence analysis of Est4 revealed a protein of 313 amino acids without a signal peptide, bearing most of the conserved blocks that define bacterial lipase family IV, thus being assigned to this family. Detection of a GGG(A)X oxyanion hole in the enzyme motivated the evaluation of Est4 ability to convert tertiary alcohol esters. The newly discovered esterase Est4 from Rhodococcus CR-53 successfully hydrolyzed the tertiary alcohol esters linalyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-phenylbut-3-yn-2-yl acetate.

Rhodococcus sp. strain CR-53 LipR, the first member of a new bacterial lipase family (family X) displaying an unusual Y-type oxyanion hole, similar to the Candida antarctica lipase clan

Bacterial lipases constitute the most important group of biocatalysts for synthetic organic chemistry. Accordingly, there is substantial interest in developing new valuable lipases. Considering the lack of information concerning the lipases of the genus Rhodococcus and taking into account the interest raised by the enzymes produced by actinomycetes, a search for putative lipase-encoding genes from Rhodococcus sp. strain CR-53 was performed. We isolated, cloned, purified, and characterized LipR, the first lipase described from the genus Rhodococcus. LipR is a mesophilic enzyme showing preference for medium-chain-length acyl groups without showing interfacial activation. It displays good long-term stability and high tolerance for the presence of ions and chemical agents in the reaction mixture. Amino acid sequence analysis of LipR revealed that it displays four unique amino acid sequence motifs that clearly separate it from any other previously described family of bacterial lipases. Using bioinformatics tools, LipR could be related only to several uncharacterized putative lipases from different bacterial origins, all of which display the four blocks of consensus amino acid sequence motifs that contribute to define a new family of bacterial lipases, namely, family X. Therefore, LipR is the first characterized member of the new bacterial lipase family X. Further confirmation of this new family of lipases was performed after cloning Burkholderia cenocepacia putative lipase, bearing the same conserved motifs and clustering in family X. Interestingly, all lipases grouping in the new bacterial lipase family X display a Y-type oxyanion hole, a motif conserved in the Candida antarctica lipase clan but never found among bacterial lipases. This observation contributes to confirm that LipR and its homologs belong to a new family of bacterial lipases.

Overexpression of sinapine esterase BnSCE3 in oilseed rape seeds triggers global changes in seed metabolism

Sinapine (O-sinapoylcholine) is the predominant phenolic compound in a complex group of sinapate esters in seeds of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Sinapine has antinutritive activity and prevents the use of seed protein for food and feed. A strategy was developed to lower its content in seeds by expressing an enzyme that hydrolyzes sinapine in developing rape seeds. During early stages of seedling development, a sinapine esterase (BnSCE3) hydrolyzes sinapine, releasing choline and sinapate. A portion of choline enters the phospholipid metabolism, and sinapate is routed via 1-O-sinapoyl-β-glucose into sinapoylmalate. Transgenic oilseed rape lines were generated expressing BnSCE3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter. Two distinct single-copy transgene insertion lines were isolated and propagated to generate homozygous lines, which were subjected to comprehensive phenotyping. Sinapine levels of transgenic seeds were less than 5% of wild-type levels, whereas choline levels were increased. Weight, size, and water content of transgenic seeds were significantly higher than those of wild-type seeds. Seed quality parameters, such as fiber and glucosinolate levels, and agronomically important traits, such as oil and protein contents, differed only slightly, except that amounts of hemicellulose and cellulose were about 30% higher in transgenic compared with wild-type seeds. Electron microscopic examination revealed that a fraction of the transgenic seeds had morphological alterations, characterized by large cavities near the embryonic tissue. Transgenic seedlings were larger than wild-type seedlings, and young seedlings exhibited longer hypocotyls. Examination of metabolic profiles of transgenic seeds indicated that besides suppression of sinapine accumulation, there were other dramatic differences in primary and secondary metabolism. Mapping of these changes onto metabolic pathways revealed global effects of the transgenic BnSCE3 expression on seed metabolism.

Purification and properties of Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 43304 lipase and its potential in flavour ester synthesis

An extracellular thermostable lipase from Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 43304 has been purified to homogeneity using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by anion exchange chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This protocol resulted in a 398-fold purification with 36% final recovery. The purified A. mediterranei DSM 43304 lipase (AML) has an apparent molecular mass of 33 kDa. The N-terminal sequence, AANPYERGPDPTTASIEATR, showed highest similarity to a lipase from Streptomyces exfoliatus. The values of K(m)(app) and V(max)(app) for p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP) at the optimal temperature (60°C) and pH (8.0) were 0.099±0.010 mM and 2.53±0.06 mmol/min mg, respectively. The purified AML displayed significant activity towards a range of short and long chain triglyceride substrates and p-nitrophenyl esters. Hydrolysis of glycerol ester bonds occurred non-specifically. The purified AML displayed significant stability in the presence of organic solvents (40%, v/v) and catalyzed the synthesis of the flavour ester isoamyl acetate in free and immobilized states.

Identification and localization of a lipase-like acyltransferase in phenylpropanoid metabolism of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

We have isolated an enzyme classified as chlorogenate: glucarate caffeoyltransferase (CGT) from seedlings of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that catalyzes the formation of caffeoylglucarate and caffeoylgalactarate using chlorogenate (5-O-caffeoylquinate) as acyl donor. Peptide sequences obtained by trypsin digestion and spectrometric sequencing were used to isolate the SlCGT cDNA encoding a protein of 380 amino acids with a putative targeting signal of 24 amino acids indicating an entry of the SlCGT into the secretory pathway. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed the localization of the enzyme in the apoplastic space of tomato leaves. Southern blot analysis of genomic cDNA suggests that SlCGT is encoded by a single-copy gene. The SlCGT cDNA was functionally expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and proved to confer chlorogenate-dependent caffeoyltransferase activity in the presence of glucarate. Sequence comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence identified the protein unexpectedly as a GDSL lipase-like protein, representing a new member of the SGNH protein superfamily. Lipases of this family employ a catalytic triad of Ser-Asp-His with Ser as nucleophile of the GDSL motif. Site-directed mutagenesis of each residue of the assumed respective SlCGT catalytic triad, however, indicated that the catalytic triad of the GDSL lipase is not essential for SlCGT enzymatic activity. SlCGT is therefore the first example of a GDSL lipase-like protein that lost hydrolytic activity and has acquired a completely new function in plant metabolism, functioning in secondary metabolism as acyltransferase in synthesis of hydroxycinnamate esters by employing amino acid residues different from the lipase catalytic triad.

Development of recombinant Escherichia coli whole-cell biocatalyst expressing a novel alkaline lipase-coding gene from Proteus sp. for biodiesel production

A lipase-producing bacterium K107 was isolated from soil samples of China and identified to be a strain of Proteus sp. With genome-walking method, the open reading frame of lipase gene lipK107, encoding 287 amino acids, was cloned and expressed in a heterologous host, Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant lipase was purified and characterized, and the optimum pH of the purified LipK107 was 9, at 35 degrees C. The recombinant E. coli expressing lipK107 was applied in biodiesel production in the form of whole-cell biocatalyst. Activity of the biocatalyst increased significantly when cells were permeabilized with 0.3% (w/v) cetyl-trimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB). This transesterification was carried out efficiently in a mixture containing 5M equivalents of methanol to the oil and 100% water by weight of the substrate. It was the first time to use E. coli whole-cell biocatalyst expressing lipase in biodiesel production, and the biodiesel reached a yield of nearly 100% after 12h reaction at the optimal temperature of 15 degrees C, which was the lowest temperature among all the known catalyst in biodiesel production.

Function of a novel GDSL-type pepper lipase gene, CaGLIP1, in disease susceptibility and abiotic stress tolerance

GDSL-type lipase is a hydrolytic enzyme whose amino acid sequence contains a pentapeptide motif (Gly-X-Ser-X-Gly) with active serine (Ser). Pepper GDSL-type lipase (CaGLIP1) gene was isolated and functionally characterized from pepper leaf tissues infected by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv). The CaGLIP1 protein was located in the vascular tissues of Arabidopsis root. The CaGLIP1 gene was preferentially expressed in pepper leaves during the compatible interaction with Xcv. Treatment with salicylic acid, ethylene and methyl jasmonate induced CaGLIP1 gene expression in pepper leaves. Sodium nitroprusside, methyl viologen, high salt, mannitol-mediated dehydration and wounding also induced early and transient CaGLIP1 expression in pepper leaf tissues. Virus-induced gene silencing of CaGLIP1 in pepper conferred enhanced resistance to Xcv, accompanied by the suppressed expression of basic PR1 (CaBPR1) and defensin (CaDEF1) genes. The CaGLIP1 lipase produced in Escherichia coli hydrolyzed the substrates of short and long chain nitrophenyl esters. The CaGLIP1-overexpressing Arabidopsis exhibited enhanced hydrolytic activity toward short and long chain nitrophenyl ester, as well as enhanced susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and the biotrophic oomycete Hyaloperonospora parasitica. SA-induced expression of AtPR1 and AtGST1, also was delayed in CaGLIP1-overexpressing plants by SA application. During seed germination and plant growth, the CaGLIP1 transgenic plants showed drought tolerance and differential expression of drought- and abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible genes AtRD29A, AtADH and AtRab18. ABA treatment differentially regulated seed germination and gene expression in wild-type and CaGLIP1 transgenic Arabidopsis. Overexpression of CaGLIP1 also regulated glucose- and oxidative stress signaling. Together, these results indicate that CaGLIP1 modulates disease susceptibility and abiotic stress tolerance.

Catalytic activity of lipase immobilized onto ultrathin films of cellulose esters

Ultrathin (approximately 2.0 nm) films of cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) supported on Si wafers have been prepared by adsorption and characterized by means of ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements. CA, CAP, and CAB ultrathin films were characterized in air just after their formation and after annealing under reduced pressure at temperature higher than the corresponding melt temperature. Upon annealing, CA, CAP, and CAB ultrathin films became smoother and more hydrophobic, evidencing molecular reorientation at the solid-air interface. CA, CAP, and CAB films were used as supports for the immobilization of lipase. The adsorption of lipase onto annealed films was more pronounced than that onto untreated films, showing the strong affinity of lipase for the more hydrophobic substrates. Enzymatic activity was evaluated by a standard procedure, namely, (spectrophotometric) measurement of p-nitrophenol, the product formed from the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl dodecanoate (p-NPD). Lipase immobilized onto hydrophobic films exhibited higher activity than that of free lipase and could be recycled three times while retaining relatively high activity (loss of ca. 30% of original enzymatic activity). The effect of storing time on the activity of immobilized lipase was studied. Compared with free lipase, that immobilized onto more hydrophobic films retained 70% activity after 1 month. More importantly, the latter level of activity is similar to that of free lipase. However, lipase immobilized onto more hydrophilic films retained 50% and 30% activity after 20 and 30 days, respectively. These results are explained in terms of surface wettability and the contribution of the interactions between the polar residues of lipase and the glucopyranosyl moieties of cellulose ester to maintain the natural conformation of immobilized enzyme.

Amperometric biosensor based on Prussian Blue-modified screen-printed electrode for lipase activity and triacylglycerol determination

Lipase activity against triacylglycerols has been measured using an amperometric enzyme biosensor based on glycerol dehydrogenase/NADH oxidase. A Prussian Blue modified screen-printed electrode was selected as substrate for the two immobilised-enzyme systems due to their higher operative stability reported in previous works. Various parameters such as cofactor (flavin mononucleotide FMN) concentration (1 mM), NAD+ coenzyme concentration (2 mM), pH effect (phosphate buffer pH 6 to 8, Tris buffer pH 8-10) response time and storage stability were evaluated and optimised. The glycerol biosensor was then investigated for lipase activity. The system was challenged against an olive or sunflower oil real samples in order to detect fatty acids and the results were compared with those provided either by the manufacture or reference methods with good agreement.

Helicobacter pylori EstV: identification, cloning, and characterization of the first lipase isolated from an epsilon-proteobacterium

Bacterial lipases are attracting an enormous amount of attention due to their wide biotechnological applications and due to their roles as virulence factors in some bacteria. Helicobacter pylori is a significant and widespread pathogen which produces a lipase(s) and phospholipases that seem to play a role in mucus degradation and the release of proinflammatory and cytotoxic compounds. However, no H. pylori lipase(s) has been isolated and described previously. Therefore, a search for putative lipase-encoding genes was performed by comparing the amino acid sequences of 53 known lipolytic enzymes with the deduced proteome of H. pylori. As a result, we isolated, cloned, purified, and characterized EstV, a novel lipolytic enzyme encoded by open reading frame HP0739 of H. pylori 26695, and classified it in family V of the bacterial lipases. This enzyme has the properties of a small, cell-bound carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) that is active mostly with short-chain substrates and does not exhibit interfacial activation. EstV is stable and does not require additional cofactors, and the maximum activity occurs at 50 degrees C and pH 10. This unique enzyme is the first lipase isolated from H. pylori that has been described, and it might contribute to ulcer development, as inhibition by two antiulcer substances (beta-aescin and glycyrrhizic acid) suggests. EstV is also the first lipase from an epsilon-proteobacterium to be described. Furthermore, this enzyme is a new member of family V, probably the least-known family of bacterial lipases, and the first lipase of this family for which kinetic behavior, inhibition by natural substances, and other key biochemical features are reported.

Esterase EstA6 from Pseudomonas sp. CR-611 is a novel member in the utmost conserved cluster of family VI bacterial lipolytic enzymes

Strain Pseudomonas sp. CR-611, previously isolated from a subtropical forest soil on tributyrine-supplemented plates, displays phenotypic and physiological properties consistent with those described for Pseudomonas fluorescens. However, no complete match to this species could be found after 16S rDNA comparison. Zymographic analysis of the strain revealed a complex lipolytic system, showing the presence of at least two enzymes with activity on MUF-butyrate. Alignment of Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase/esterase-coding sequences allowed the design of specific primers for family VI lipases, and the isolation and cloning of the resulting gene estA6. The recombinant clone obtained displayed high activity on fatty acid-derivative substrates, indicating that one of the lipolytic enzymes of the strain had been cloned. The enzyme, named EstA6, was then purified and characterized, showing maximum activity on short chain-length substrates under conditions of high temperature and neutral pH. Amino acid sequence alignment of EstA6 with other family VI esterases allowed identification of a highly conserved beta-/gamma-protobacterial cluster in family VI lipases, to which EstA6 belongs.

Isolation of lipid- and polysaccharide-degrading micro-organisms from subtropical forest soil, and analysis of lipolytic strain Bacillus sp. CR-179

AIMS

To isolate the micro-organisms from three soil samples obtained from a subtropical forest of Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), to analyse them for detection of the biotechnologically interesting enzymatic activities lipase, esterase, cellulase, xylanase and pectinase, and to identify the most active strain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 724 strains were isolated using different culture media and temperatures, and 449 of them showed at least one of the hydrolytic activities pursued. Lipolytic activity of the lipid-degrading strains was further determined using MUF-butyrate and MUF-oleate as substrates. The alkalophilic strain CR-179, one of the most active for all the enzymatic activities assayed, was characterized and preliminarily identified by morphological, physiological and 16S rDNA tests, as a Bacillus sp. closely related to Bacillus subtilis.

CONCLUSIONS

Highly hydrolytic strains were isolated from all soil samples, suggesting the existence of a microbial community well-adapted to nutrient recycling. Strain CR-179, one of the most active, has been preliminarily identified as a Bacillus sp.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

A collection of hydrolytic strains with high biotechnological potential was obtained. Presence of sequences codifying for a lipolytic system related to the B. subtilis group lipases was revealed by PCR for the best lipolytic strain.

A novel reactive perstraction system based on liquid-core microcapsules applied to lipase-catalyzed biotransformations

A novel reactive perstraction system has been developed based on liquid-core capsules, involving an enzyme-catalyzed reaction coupled with simultaneous in situ product recovery. Lipase-catalyzed reactions, hydrolysis of triprionin and nitrophenyl laurate, were selected to test the system and demonstrate the feasibility of immobilization of enzymes to the membranes of liquid-core capsules and the ability to extract hydrophobic products of the reaction within the capsule core. The lipase from Candida rugosa was immobilized to the microcapsules by adsorption and by covalent binding through activation with glutaraldehyde. In both cases improved temperature and operational stability were achieved. Both types of immobilization resulted in a basic shift of the pH optimum for activity, from 7.5 to 9.0. The presence of an organic phase within the capsule core allowed direct product separation and lead to a decrease in product inhibition of the lipase-catalyzed reaction.