Molecular cloning and characterization of an endo-1,3-beta-D-glucanase from the mollusk Spisula sachalinensis

Characterization of two 1,3-β-glucan-modifying enzymes from Penicillium sumatraense reveals new insights into 1,3-β-glucan metabolism of fungal saprotrophs

BACKGROUND

1,3-β-glucan is a polysaccharide widely distributed in the cell wall of several phylogenetically distant organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, plants and microalgae. The presence of highly active 1,3-β-glucanases in fungi evokes the biological question on how these organisms can efficiently metabolize exogenous sources of 1,3-β-glucan without incurring in autolysis.

RESULTS

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms at the basis of 1,3-β-glucan metabolism in fungal saprotrophs, the putative exo-1,3-β-glucanase G9376 and a truncated form of the putative glucan endo-1,3-β-glucosidase (ΔG7048) from Penicillium sumatraense AQ67100 were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris and characterized both in terms of activity and structure. G9376 efficiently converted laminarin and 1,3-β-glucan oligomers into glucose by acting as an exo-glycosidase, whereas G7048 displayed a 1,3-β-transglucanase/branching activity toward 1,3-β-glucan oligomers with a degree of polymerization higher than 5, making these oligomers more recalcitrant to the hydrolysis acted by exo-1,3-β-glucanase G9376. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the catalytic domain of G7048, solved at 1.9 Å of resolution, consists of a (β/α)₈ TIM-barrel fold characteristic of all the GH17 family members. The catalytic site is in a V-shaped cleft containing the two conserved catalytic glutamic residues. Molecular features compatible with the activity of G7048 as 1,3-β-transglucanase are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The antagonizing activity between ΔG7048 and G9376 indicates how opportunistic fungi belonging to Penicillium genus can feed on substrates similar for composition and structure to their own cell wall without incurring in a self-deleterious autohydrolysis.

Two GH16 Endo-1,3-β-D-Glucanases from Formosa agariphila and F. algae Bacteria Have Complete Different Modes of Laminarin Digestion

There is a comparative analysis of primary structures and catalytic properties of two recombinant endo-1,3-β-D-glucanases from marine bacteria Formosa agariphila KMM 3901 and previously reported F. algae KMM 3553. Both enzymes had the same molecular mass 61 kDa, temperature optimum 45 °C, and comparable ranges of thermal stability and Km. While the set of products of laminarin hydrolysis with endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae was stable of the reaction with pH 4-9, the pH stability of the products of laminarin hydrolysis with endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila varied at pH 5-6 for DP 2, at pH 4 and 7-8 for DP 5, and at pH 9 for DP 3. There were differences in modes of action of these enzymes on laminarin and 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucoside (Umb), indicating the presence of transglycosylating activity of endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae and its absence in endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila. While endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae produced transglycosylated laminarioligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization 2-10 (predominately 3-4), endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila did not catalyze transglycosylation in our lab parameters.

Laminarans and 1,3-β-D-glucanases

The laminarans are biologically active water-soluble polysaccharide (1,3;1,6-β-D-glucans) of brown algae. These polysaccharides are an attractive object for research due to its relatively simple structure, low toxicity, and various biological effects. 1,3-β-D-glucanases are an effective tool for studying the structure of laminarans, and can also be used to obtain new biologically active derivatives. This review is to outline what is currently known about laminarans and enzymes that catalyze of their transformation. We focused on information about sources, structure and properties of laminarans and 1,3-β-D-glucanases, methods of obtaining and structural elucidation of laminarans, and biological activity of laminarans and products of their enzymatic transformation. It has an increased focus on the immunomodulating and anticancer activity of laminarans and their derivatives.

Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Endo-1,3-β-Glucanase from the Scallop Chlamys farreri

Endo-1,3-β-glucanases derived from marine mollusks have attracted much attention in recent years because of their unique transglycosylation activity. In this study, a novel endo-1,3-β-glucanase from the scallop Chlamys farreri, named L_cf, was biochemically characterized. Unlike in earlier studies on marine mollusk endo-1,3-β-glucanases, L_cf was expressed in vitro first. Enzymatic analysis demonstrated that L_cf preferred to hydrolyze laminarihexaose than to hydrolyze laminarin. Furthermore, L_cf was capable of catalyzing transglycosylation reactions with different kinds of glycosyl acceptors. More interestingly, the transglycosylation specificity of L_cf was different from that of other marine mollusk endo-1,3-β-glucanases, although they share a high sequence identity. This study enhanced our understanding of the diverse enzymatic specificities of marine mollusk endo-1,3-β-glucanases, which facilitated development of a unique endo-1,3-β-glucanase tool in the synthesis of novel glycosides.

Pattern recognition receptors in annelids

The existence of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on immune cells was discussed in 1989 by Charles Janeway, Jr., who proposed a general concept of the ability of PRRs to recognize and bind conserved molecular structures of microorganisms known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Upon PAMP engagement, PRRs trigger intracellular signaling cascades resulting in the expression of various proinflammatory molecules. These recognition molecules represent an important and efficient innate immunity tool of all organisms. As invertebrates lack the instruments of the adaptive immune system, based on "true" lymphocytes and functional antibodies, the importance of PRRs are even more fundamental. In the present review, the structure, specificity, and expression profiles of PRRs characterized in annelids are discussed, and their role in innate defense is suggested.

An updated molecular basis for mussel immunity

Non-self recognition with the consequent tolerance or immune reaction is a crucial process to succeed as living organisms. At the same time the interactions between host species and their microbiome, including potential pathogens and parasites, significantly contribute to animal life diversity. Marine filter-feeding bivalves, mussels in particular, can survive also in heavily anthropized coastal waters despite being constantly surrounded by microorganisms. Based on the first outline of the Mytilus galloprovincialis immunome dated 2011, the continuously growing transcript data and the recent release of a draft mussel genome, we explored the available sequence data and scientific literature to reinforce our knowledge on the main gene-encoded elements of the mussel immune responses, from the pathogen recognition to its clearance. We carefully investigated molecules specialized in the sensing and targeting of potential aggressors, expected to show greater molecular diversification, and outlined, whenever relevant, the interconnected cascades of the intracellular signal transduction. Aiming to explore the diversity of extracellular, membrane-bound and intracellular pattern recognition receptors in mussel, we updated a highly complex immune system, comprising molecules which are described here in detail for the first time (e.g. NOD-like receptors) or which had only been partially characterized in bivalves (e.g. RIG-like receptors). Overall, our comparative sequence analysis supported the identification of over 70 novel full-length immunity-related transcripts in M. galloprovincialis. Nevertheless, the multiplicity of gene functions relevant to immunity, the involvement of part of them in other vital processes, and also the lack of a refined mussel genome make this work still not-exhaustive and support the development of more specific studies.

Characterization of a GHF45 cellulase, AkEG21, from the common sea hare Aplysia kurodai

The common sea hare Aplysia kurodai is known to be a good source for the enzymes degrading seaweed polysaccharides. Recently four cellulases, i.e., 95, 66, 45, and 21 kDa enzymes, were isolated from A. kurodai (Tsuji et al., 2013). The former three cellulases were regarded as glycosyl-hydrolase-family 9 (GHF9) enzymes, while the 21 kDa cellulase was suggested to be a GHF45 enzyme. The 21 kDa cellulase was significantly heat stable, and appeared to be advantageous in performing heterogeneous expression and protein-engineering study. In the present study, we determined some enzymatic properties of the 21 kDa cellulase and cloned its cDNA to provide the basis for the protein engineering study of this cellulase. The purified 21 kDa enzyme, termed AkEG21 in the present study, hydrolyzed carboxymethyl cellulose with an optimal pH and temperature at 4.5 and 40°C, respectively. AkEG21 was considerably heat-stable, i.e., it was not inactivated by the incubation at 55°C for 30 min. AkEG21 degraded phosphoric-acid-swollen cellulose producing cellotriose and cellobiose as major end products but hardly degraded oligosaccharides smaller than tetrasaccharide. This indicated that AkEG21 is an endolytic β-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4). A cDNA of 1013 bp encoding AkEG21 was amplified by PCR and the amino-acid sequence of 197 residues was deduced. The sequence comprised the initiation Met, the putative signal peptide of 16 residues for secretion and the catalytic domain of 180 residues, which lined from the N-terminus in this order. The sequence of the catalytic domain showed 47–62% amino-acid identities to those of GHF45 cellulases reported in other mollusks. Both the catalytic residues and the N-glycosylation residues known in other GHF45 cellulases were conserved in AkEG21. Phylogenetic analysis for the amino-acid sequences suggested the close relation between AkEG21 and fungal GHF45 cellulases.

Characterisation of cellulose and hemicellulose digestion in land crabs with special reference to Gecarcoidea natalis

This article reviews the current knowledge of cellulose and hemicellulose digestion by herbivorous land crabs using the gecarcinid Gecarcoidea natalis as a model species for this group. Cellulose digestion in the gecarcinids is hypothesised to require mechanical fragmentation and enzymatic hydrolysis. Mechanical fragmentation is achieved by the chelae, mandibles and gastric mill, which reduce the material to particles less than 53 µm. The gastric mill shows adaptations towards a plant diet; in particular, there are transverse ridges on the medial and lateral teeth and ventral cusps on the lateral teeth that complement and interlock to provide efficient cutting surfaces. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose is achieved through cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes. In the gecarcinids, 2–3 endo-β-1,4-glucanases, one β-glucohydrolase and a laminarinase have been identified. The endo-β-1,4-glucanases are multifunctional, with both endo-β-1,4-glucanase and lichenase activity. Complete cellulose hydrolysis is achieved through the synergistic action of the endo-β-1,4-glucanase and β-glucohydrolase. The evidence for the endogenous production of the cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes, their evolutionary origin and possible evolution in invertebrates as they colonised land is also discussed.

Earthworm immunity

Earthworms belonging to oligochaete annelids became a model for comparative immunologists in the early sixties with the publication of results from transplantation experiments that proved the existence of self/nonself recognition in earthworms. This initiated extensive studies on the earthworm immune mechanisms that evolved to prevent the invasion of pathogens. In the last four decades important cellular and humoral pathways were described and numerous biologically active compounds were characterized and often cloned.

Cloning and expression of cellulase gene EG1 from Rhizopus stolonifer var. reflexus TP-02 in Escherichia coli

A novel gene, EG encoding enzymes involved in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) degradation was isolated, sequenced from the filamentous fungus Rhizopus stolonifer var. reflexus TP-02, and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The results showed that the gene amplified from the cDNA of the strain could be classified as the family of endoglucanase. During the fermentation process, the maximum endoglucanase activity (i.e. 0.715 IU/ml) of the recombinant bacteria was obtained at 36 h. The SDS-PAGE analysis on purified samples showed that a band with apparent molecular weight of about 40 kDa was detected after staining with Coomassie brilliant blue.

Marine glycosyl hydrolases in the hydrolysis and synthesis of oligosaccharides

The marine ecosystem can be considered a rather unexplored source of biological material (e.g. natural substances with therapeutic activity) and can also be a surprising source of enzymes carrying new and interesting catalytic activities to be applied in biocatalysis. The use of glycosyl hydrolases from marine environments dates back to the end of the 1960s and was mainly focused on the development of sensitive and reliable hydrolytic methods for the analysis of sugar chains. As a result not all the benefits of a particular enzymatic activity have been investigated, especially regarding the transglycosylation potential of these enzymes for the synthesis of glycosidic bonds. In this review, the potential of marine sources will be demonstrated reporting on the few examples found in literature for the synthesis and hydrolysis of biologically relevant oligosaccharides catalyzed by glycosyl hydrolases of marine origin. Particular emphasis is given to the synthesis of glycosidic bonds, which is easy by the use of glycosyl hydrolases. Further aspects considered in this review are applications of these biocatalysts for vegetal waste treatment in recovering useful materials, for structural identification and for preparation of target materials from new purified polysaccharides, for the synthesis or modification of food-related compounds and for glycobiology related studies.

Purification, cDNA cloning and homology modeling of endo-1,3-β-d-glucanase from scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis

The retaining endo-1,3-beta-D-glucanase (LV) with molecular mass of 36 kDa was purified to homogeneity from the crystalline styles of scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis. The purified enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of laminaran as endo-enzyme forming glucose, laminaribiose and higher oligosaccharides as products (Km approximately 600 microg/mL). The 1,3-beta-D-glucanase effectively catalyzed transglycosylation reaction that is typical of endo-enzymes too. Optima of pH and temperature were at 4.5 and 45 degrees C, respectively. cDNA encoding the endo-1,3-beta-D-glucanase was cloned by PCR-based methods. It contained an open reading frame that encoded 339-amino acids protein. The predicted endo-1,3-beta-D-glucanase amino acid sequence included a characteristic domain of the glycosyl hydrolases family 16 and revealed closest homology with 1,3-beta-D-glucanases from bivalve Pseudocardium sachalinensis, sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and invertebrates lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3-glucan-binding proteins. The fold of the LV was more closely related to kappa-carrageenase, agarase and 1,3;1,4-beta-D-glucanase from glycosyl hydrolases family 16. Homology model of the endo-1,3-beta-D-glucanase from M. yessoensis was obtained with MOE on the base of the crystal structure of kappa-carrageenase from P. carrageonovora as template. Putative three-dimensional structures of the LV complexes with substrate laminarihexaose or glucanase inhibitor halistanol sulfate showed that the binding sites of the halistanol sulfate and laminarihexaose are located in the enzyme catalytic site and overlapped.

Purification and Properties of a β-1,3-glucanase from Chaetomium sp. that is Involved in Mycoparasitism

A beta-1,3-glucanase was detected, using laminarin as substrate, in the culture broth of Chaetomium sp. Major activity was associated with a 70 kDa protein band visualized on a polyacrylamide gel. beta-1,3-Glucanase was purified by a one-step, native gel purification procedure. Optimal activity was observed at pH 6.0 and 30 degrees C (over 30 min). It could degrade cell walls of plant pathogens including Rhizoctonia solani, Gibberella zeae, Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Phoma sp. The N-terminal amino acid residues of the purified beta-1,3-glucanase are PYQLQTP, which do not exhibit homology to other fungal beta-1,3-glucanases suggesting it may be a novel enzyme.

Molecular and biochemical characterization of an endo-beta-1,3-glucanase from the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus acquired by horizontal gene transfer from bacteria

We report the cloning and functional characterization of an endo-beta-1,3-glucanase from the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus acquired by horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. This is the first gene of this type from any nematode species. We show that a similar cDNA is also present in another closely related species B. mucronatus, but that similar sequences are not present in any other nematode studied to date. The B. xylophilus gene is expressed solely in the oesophageal gland cells of the nematode and the protein is present in the nematode's secretions. The deduced amino acid sequence of the gene is very similar to glycosyl hydrolase family 16 proteins. The recombinant protein, expressed in Escherichia coli, preferentially hydrolysed the beta-1,3-glucan laminarin, and had very low levels of activity on beta-1,3-1,4-glucan, lichenan and barley beta-glucan. Laminarin was degraded in an endoglucanase mode by the enzyme. The optimal temperature and pH for activity of the recombinant enzyme were 65 degrees C and pH 4.9. The protein is probably important in allowing the nematodes to feed on fungi. Sequence comparisons suggest that the gene encoding the endo-beta-1,3-glucanase was acquired by horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. B. xylophilus therefore contains genes that have been acquired by this process from both bacteria and fungi. These findings support the idea that multiple independent horizontal gene transfer events have helped in shaping the evolution of several different life strategies in nematodes.