The molecular structure of an epoxide hydrolase from Trichoderma reesei in complex with urea or amide-based inhibitors

A Genomic and Transcriptomic Study on the DDT-Resistant Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587: First Genetic Data into Mycoremediation Strategies for DDT-Polluted Sites

Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587 isolated from DDT-contaminated agricultural soils stands out as a remarkable strain with DDT-resistance and the ability to enhance DDT degradation process in soil. Here, whole genome sequencing and RNA-Seq studies for T. hamatum FBL 587 under exposure to DDT were performed. In the 38.9 Mb-genome of T. hamatum FBL 587, 10,944 protein-coding genes were predicted and annotated, including those of relevance to mycoremediation such as production of secondary metabolites and siderophores. The genome-scale transcriptional responses of T. hamatum FBL 587 to DDT exposure showed 1706 upregulated genes, some of which were putatively involved in the cellular translocation and degradation of DDT. With regards to DDT removal capacity, it was found upregulation of metabolizing enzymes such as P450s, and potentially of downstream DDT-transforming enzymes such as epoxide hydrolases, FAD-dependent monooxygenases, glycosyl- and glutathione-transferases. Based on transcriptional responses, the DDT degradation pathway could include transmembrane transporters of DDT, antioxidant enzymes for oxidative stress due to DDT exposure, as well as lipases and biosurfactants for the enhanced solubility of DDT. Our study provides the first genomic and transcriptomic data on T. hamatum FBL 587 under exposure to DDT, which are a base for a better understanding of mycoremediation strategies for DDT-polluted sites.

An epoxide hydrolase from endophytic Streptomyces shows unique structural features and wide biocatalytic activity

The genus Streptomyces is characterized by the production of a wide variety of secondary metabolites with remarkable biological activities and broad antibiotic capabilities. The presence of an unprecedented number of genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes with industrial appeal such as epoxide hydrolases (EHs) reveals its resourceful microscopic machinery. The whole-genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. CBMAI 2042, an endophytic actinobacterium isolated from Citrus sinensis branches, was explored by genome mining, and a putative α/β-epoxide hydrolase named B1EPH2 and encoded by 344 amino acids was selected for functional and structural studies. The crystal structure of B1EPH2 was obtained at a resolution of 2.2 Å and it was found to have a similar fold to other EHs, despite its hexameric quaternary structure, which contrasts with previously solved dimeric and monomeric EH structures. While B1EPH2 has a high sequence similarity to EHB from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, its cavity is similar to that of human EH. A group of 12 aromatic and aliphatic racemic epoxides were assayed to determine the activity of B1EPH2; remarkably, this enzyme was able to hydrolyse all the epoxides to the respective 1,2-diols, indicating a wide-range substrate scope acceptance. Moreover, the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of styrene oxide, epichlorohydrin and 1,2-epoxybutane were used to monitor enantiopreference. Taken together, the functional and structural analyses indicate that this enzyme is an attractive biocatalyst for future biotechnological applications.