1
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De Simone M, Alonso-Cotchico L, Lucas MF, Brissos V, Martins LO. Distal mutations enhance efficiency of free and immobilized NOV1 dioxygenase for vanillin synthesis. J Biotechnol 2024; 391:92-98. [PMID: 38880386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Protein engineering is crucial to improve enzymes' efficiency and robustness for industrial biocatalysis. NOV1 is a bacterial dioxygenase that holds biotechnological potential by catalyzing the one-step oxidation of the lignin-derived isoeugenol into vanillin, a popular flavoring agent used in food, cleaning products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This study aims to enhance NOV1 activity and operational stability through the identification of distal hotspots, located at more than 9 Å from the active site using Zymspot, a tool that predicts advantageous distant mutations, streamlining protein engineering. A total of 41 variants were constructed using site-directed mutagenesis and the six most active enzyme variants were then recombined. Two variants, with two and three mutations, showed nearly a 10-fold increase in activity and up to 40-fold higher operational stability than the wild-type. Furthermore, these variants show 90-100 % immobilization efficiency in metal affinity resins, compared to approximately 60 % for the wild-type. In bioconversions where 50 mM of isoeugenol was added stepwise over 24-h cycles, the 1D2 variant produced approximately 144 mM of vanillin after six reaction cycles, corresponding to around 22 mg, indicating a 35 % molar conversion yield. This output was around 2.5 times higher than that obtained using the wild-type. Our findings highlight the efficacy of distal protein engineering in enhancing enzyme functions like activity, stability, and metal binding selectivity, thereby fulfilling the criteria for industrial biocatalysts. This study provides a novel approach to enzyme optimization that could have significant implications for various biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario De Simone
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras 2780-157, Portugal
| | | | | | - Vânia Brissos
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Lígia O Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras 2780-157, Portugal.
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2
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Ali HS, de Visser SP. QM/MM Study Into the Mechanism of Oxidative C=C Double Bond Cleavage by Lignostilbene-α,β-Dioxygenase. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202304172. [PMID: 38373118 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202304172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The enzymatic biosynthesis of fragrance molecules from lignin fragments is an important reaction in biotechnology for the sustainable production of fine chemicals. In this work we investigated the biosynthesis of vanillin from lignostilbene by a nonheme iron dioxygenase using QM/MM and tested several suggested proposals via either an epoxide or dioxetane intermediate. Binding of dioxygen to the active site of the protein results in the formation of an iron(II)-superoxo species with lignostilbene cation radical. The dioxygenase mechanism starts with electrophilic attack of the terminal oxygen atom of the superoxo group on the central C=C bond of lignostilbene, and the second-coordination sphere effects in the substrate binding pocket guide the reaction towards dioxetane formation. The computed mechanism is rationalized with thermochemical cycles and valence bond schemes that explain the electron transfer processes during the reaction mechanism. Particularly, the polarity of the protein and the local electric field and dipole moments enable a facile electron transfer and an exergonic dioxetane formation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Saqib Ali
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Sam P de Visser
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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3
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Radley E, Davidson J, Foster J, Obexer R, Bell EL, Green AP. Engineering Enzymes for Environmental Sustainability. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 135:e202309305. [PMID: 38516574 PMCID: PMC10952289 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202309305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The development and implementation of sustainable catalytic technologies is key to delivering our net-zero targets. Here we review how engineered enzymes, with a focus on those developed using directed evolution, can be deployed to improve the sustainability of numerous processes and help to conserve our environment. Efficient and robust biocatalysts have been engineered to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) and have been embedded into new efficient metabolic CO2 fixation pathways. Enzymes have been refined for bioremediation, enhancing their ability to degrade toxic and harmful pollutants. Biocatalytic recycling is gaining momentum, with engineered cutinases and PETases developed for the depolymerization of the abundant plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Finally, biocatalytic approaches for accessing petroleum-based feedstocks and chemicals are expanding, using optimized enzymes to convert plant biomass into biofuels or other high value products. Through these examples, we hope to illustrate how enzyme engineering and biocatalysis can contribute to the development of cleaner and more efficient chemical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Radley
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M1 7DN UK
| | - John Davidson
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M1 7DN UK
| | - Jake Foster
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M1 7DN UK
| | - Richard Obexer
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M1 7DN UK
| | - Elizabeth L Bell
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden CO USA
- BOTTLE Consortium Golden CO USA
| | - Anthony P Green
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of Biotechnology The University of Manchester 131 Princess Street Manchester M1 7DN UK
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4
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Radley E, Davidson J, Foster J, Obexer R, Bell EL, Green AP. Engineering Enzymes for Environmental Sustainability. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309305. [PMID: 37651344 PMCID: PMC10952156 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The development and implementation of sustainable catalytic technologies is key to delivering our net-zero targets. Here we review how engineered enzymes, with a focus on those developed using directed evolution, can be deployed to improve the sustainability of numerous processes and help to conserve our environment. Efficient and robust biocatalysts have been engineered to capture carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and have been embedded into new efficient metabolic CO2 fixation pathways. Enzymes have been refined for bioremediation, enhancing their ability to degrade toxic and harmful pollutants. Biocatalytic recycling is gaining momentum, with engineered cutinases and PETases developed for the depolymerization of the abundant plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Finally, biocatalytic approaches for accessing petroleum-based feedstocks and chemicals are expanding, using optimized enzymes to convert plant biomass into biofuels or other high value products. Through these examples, we hope to illustrate how enzyme engineering and biocatalysis can contribute to the development of cleaner and more efficient chemical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Radley
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - John Davidson
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - Jake Foster
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - Richard Obexer
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - Elizabeth L. Bell
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences CenterNational Renewable Energy LaboratoryGoldenCOUSA
- BOTTLE ConsortiumGoldenCOUSA
| | - Anthony P. Green
- Department of Chemistry & Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
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5
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De Vitis V, Cannazza P, Mattio L, Romano D, Pinto A, Molinari F, Laurenzi T, Eberini I, Contente ML. Caulobacter segnis Dioxygenase CsO2: A Practical Biocatalyst for Stilbenoid Ozonolysis. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300477. [PMID: 37490046 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Ozonolysis is a useful as well as dangerous reaction for performing alkene cleavage. On the other hand, enzymes are considered a more sustainable and safer alternative. Among them, Caulobacter segnis dioxygenase (CsO2) known so far for its ability to catalyze the coenzyme-free oxidation of vinylguaiacol into vanillin, was selected and its substrate scope evaluated towards diverse natural and synthetic stilbenoids. Under optimized conditions, CsO2 catalyzed the oxidative cleavage of the C=C double bonds of various trans-stilbenes, providing that a hydroxyl moiety was necessary in para-position of the phenyl group (e. g., resveratrol and its derivatives) for the reaction to take place, which was confirmed by modelling studies. The reactions occurred rapidly (0.5-3 h) with high conversions (95-99 %) and without formation of by-products. The resveratrol biotransformation was carried out on 50-mL scale thus confirming the feasibility of the biocatalytic system as a preparative method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio De Vitis
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Cannazza
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luce Mattio
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Romano
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pinto
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Molinari
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Laurenzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Martina L Contente
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
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6
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Guo Y, Alvigini L, Trajkovic M, Alonso-Cotchico L, Monza E, Savino S, Marić I, Mattevi A, Fraaije MW. Structure- and computational-aided engineering of an oxidase to produce isoeugenol from a lignin-derived compound. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7195. [PMID: 36418310 PMCID: PMC9684555 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34912-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Various 4-alkylphenols can be easily obtained through reductive catalytic fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass. Selective dehydrogenation of 4-n-propylguaiacol results in the formation of isoeugenol, a valuable flavor and fragrance molecule and versatile precursor compound. Here we present the engineering of a bacterial eugenol oxidase to catalyze this reaction. Five mutations, identified from computational predictions, are first introduced to render the enzyme more thermostable. Other mutations are then added and analyzed to enhance chemoselectivity and activity. Structural insight demonstrates that the slow catalytic activity of an otherwise promising enzyme variant is due the formation of a slowly-decaying covalent substrate-flavin cofactor adduct that can be remedied by targeted residue changes. The final engineered variant comprises eight mutations, is thermostable, displays good activity and acts as a highly chemoselective 4-n-propylguaiacol oxidase. We lastly use our engineered biocatalyst in an illustrative preparative reaction at gram-scale. Our findings show that a natural enzyme can be redesigned into a tailored biocatalyst capable of valorizing lignin-based monophenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Guo
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Alvigini
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Milos Trajkovic
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Simone Savino
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ivana Marić
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Mattevi
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco W. Fraaije
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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