Electron transfer chain reaction of the extracellular flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Mechanism-based Modelling for Fitting the Double-exponential Progress Curves of Cellulase Reaction

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass is a complex process involving many factors, including multiple enzymes, heterogeneous substrates, and multi-step enzyme reactions. Cellulase researchers have conventionally used a double-exponential equation to fit the experimental time course of product formation, but no theoretical basis for this has been established. Here we present a mechanism-based equation that fits well the progress curves of cellulase reaction, incorporating the concepts of non-productive and productive binding on the cellulose surface and processivity. The derived equation is double exponential. Our findings indicate that the reaction mechanism of cellulase itself can account for the double-exponential nature of the progress curve independently of other factors that may contribute, such as substrate heterogeneity and involvement of other enzymes.

Heterologously Expressed Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Acts as Efficient Electron-Donor of Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase for Cellulose Degradation in Trichoderma reesei

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to second-generation biofuels through enzymes is achieved at a high cost. Filamentous fungi through a combination of oxidative enzymes can easily disintegrate the glycosidic bonds of cellulose. The combination of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) with lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) enhances cellulose degradation in many folds. CDH increases cellulose deconstruction via coupling the oxidation of cellobiose to the reductive activation of LPMOs by catalyzing the addition of oxygen to C-H bonds of the glycosidic linkages. Fungal LPMOs show different regio-selectivity (C1 or C4) and result in oxidized products through modifications at reducing as well as nonreducing ends of the respective glucan chain. T. reesei LPMOs have shown great potential for oxidative cleavage of cellobiose at C1 and C4 glucan bonds, therefore, the incorporation of heterologous CDH further increases its potential for biofuel production for industrial purposes at a reduced cost. We introduced CDH of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCDH) in Trichoderma reesei (which originally lacked CDH). We purified CDH through affinity chromatography and analyzed its enzymatic activity, electron-donating ability to LPMO, and the synergistic effect of LPMO and CDH on cellulose deconstruction. The optimum temperature of the recombinant PcCDH was found to be 45 °C and the optimum pH of PcCDH was observed as 4.5. PcCDH has high cello-oligosaccharide kcat, Km, and kcat/Km values. The synergistic effect of LPMO and cellulase significantly improved the degradation efficiency of phosphoric acid swollen cellulose (PASC) when CDH was used as the electron donor. We also found that LPMO undergoes auto-oxidative inactivation, and when PcCDH is used an electron donor has the function of a C1-type LPMO electron donor without additional substrate increments. This work provides novel insights into finding stable electron donors for LPMOs and paves the way forward in discovering efficient CDHs for enhanced cellulose degradation.

Amino Acid Residues Controlling Domain Interaction and Interdomain Electron Transfer in Cellobiose Dehydrogenase

The function of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) in biosensors, biofuel cells, and as a physiological redox partner of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) is based on its role as an electron donor. Before donating electrons to LPMO or electrodes, an interdomain electron transfer from the catalytic FAD-containing dehydrogenase domain to the electron shuttling cytochrome domain of CDH is required. This study investigates the role of two crucial amino acids located at the dehydrogenase domain on domain interaction and interdomain electron transfer by structure-based engineering. The electron transfer kinetics of wild-type Myriococcum thermophilum CDH and its variants M309A, R698S, and M309A/R698S were analyzed by stopped-flow spectrophotometry and structural effects were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering. The data show that R698 is essential to pull the cytochrome domain close to the dehydrogenase domain and orient the heme propionate group towards the FAD, while M309 is an integral part of the electron transfer pathway - its mutation reducing the interdomain electron transfer 10-fold. Structural models and molecular dynamics simulations pinpoint the action of these two residues on the domain interaction and interdomain electron transfer.

Engineering the Turnover Stability of Cellobiose Dehydrogenase toward Long-Term Bioelectronic Applications

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is an attractive oxidoreductase for bioelectrochemical applications. Its two-domain structure allows the flavoheme enzyme to establish direct electron transfer to biosensor and biofuel cell electrodes. Yet, the application of CDH in these devices is impeded by its limited stability under turnover conditions. In this work, we aimed to improve the turnover stability of CDH by semirational, high-throughput enzyme engineering. We screened 13 736 colonies in a 96-well plate setup for improved turnover stability and selected 11 improved variants. Measures were taken to increase the reproducibility and robustness of the screening setup, and the statistical evaluation demonstrates the validity of the procedure. The selected CDH variants were expressed in shaking flasks and characterized in detail by biochemical and electrochemical methods. Two mechanisms contributing to turnover stability were found: (i) replacement of methionine side chains prone to oxidative damage and (ii) the reduction of oxygen reactivity achieved by an improved balance of the individual reaction rates in the two CDH domains. The engineered CDH variants hold promise for the application in continuous biosensors or biofuel cells, while the deduced mechanistic insights serve as a basis for future enzyme engineering approaches addressing the turnover stability of oxidoreductases in general.

Chimeric Cellobiose Dehydrogenases Reveal the Function of Cytochrome Domain Mobility for the Electron Transfer to Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase

The natural function of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) to donate electrons from its catalytic flavodehydrogenase (DH) domain via its cytochrome (CYT) domain to lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) is an example of a highly efficient extracellular electron transfer chain. To investigate the function of the CYT domain movement in the two occurring electron transfer steps, two CDHs from the ascomycete Neurospora crassa (NcCDHIIA and NcCDHIIB) and five chimeric CDH enzymes created by domain swapping were studied in combination with the fungus’ own LPMOs (NcLPMO9C and NcLPMO9F). Kinetic and electrochemical methods and hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry were used to study the domain movement, interaction, and electron transfer kinetics. Molecular docking provided insights into the protein–protein interface, the orientation of domains, and binding energies. We find that the first, interdomain electron transfer step from the catalytic site in the DH domain to the CYT domain depends on steric and electrostatic interface complementarity and the length of the protein linker between both domains but not on the redox potential difference between the FAD and heme b cofactors. After CYT reduction, a conformational change of CDH from its closed state to an open state allows the second, interprotein electron transfer (IPET) step from CYT to LPMO to occur by direct interaction of the b-type heme and the type-2 copper center. Chimeric CDH enzymes favor the open state and achieve higher IPET rates by exposing the heme b cofactor to LPMO. The IPET, which is influenced by interface complementarity and the heme b redox potential, is very efficient with bimolecular rates between 2.9 × 10⁵ and 1.1 × 10⁶ M^–1 s^–1.

Heterologous expression of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose dehydrogenase in Trichoderma reesei

Background

Cellobiose dehydrogenase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCDH) is a key enzyme in lignocellulose depolymerization, biosensors and biofuel cells. For these applications, it should retain important molecular and catalytic properties when recombinantly expressed. While homologous expression is time-consuming and the prokaryote Escherichia coli is not suitable for expression of the two-domain flavocytochrome, the yeast Pichia pastoris is hyperglycosylating the enzyme. Fungal expression hosts like Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei were successfully used to express CDH from the ascomycete Corynascus thermophilus. This study describes the expression of basidiomycetes PcCDH in T. reesei (PcCDH_Tr) and the detailed comparison of its molecular, catalytic and electrochemical properties in comparison with PcCDH expressed by P. chrysosporium and P. pastoris (PcCDH_Pp).

Results

PcCDH_Tr was recombinantly produced with a yield of 600 U L⁻¹ after 4 days, which is fast compared to the secretion of the enzyme by P. chrysosporium. PcCDH_Tr and PcCDH were purified to homogeneity by two chromatographic steps. Both enzymes were comparatively characterized in terms of molecular and catalytic properties. The pH optima for electron acceptors are identical for PcCDH_Tr and PcCDH. The determined FAD cofactor occupancy of 70% for PcCDH_Tr is higher than for other recombinantly produced CDHs and its catalytic constants are in good accordance with those of PcCDH. Mass spectrometry showed high mannose-type N-glycans on PcCDH, but only single N-acetyl-d-glucosamine additions at the six potential N-glycosylation sites of PcCDH_Tr, which indicates the presence of an endo-N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase in the supernatant.

Conclusions

Heterologous production of PcCDH_Tr is faster and the yield higher than secretion by P. chrysosporium. It also does not need a cellulose-based medium that impedes efficient production and purification of CDH by binding to the polysaccharide. The obtained high uniformity of PcCDH_Tr glycoforms will be very useful to investigate electron transfer characteristics in biosensors and biofuel cells, which are depending on the spatial restrictions inflicted by high-mannose N-glycan trees. The determined catalytic and electrochemical properties of PcCDH_Tr are very similar to those of PcCDH and the FAD cofactor occupancy is good, which advocates T. reesei as expression host for engineered PcCDH for biosensors and biofuel cells.

Effect of C-6 Methylol Groups on Substrate Recognition of Glucose/Xylose Mixed Oligosaccharides by Cellobiose Dehydrogenase from the Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is a flavocytochrome catalyzing oxidation of the reducing end of cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides, and has a key role in the degradation of cellulosic biomass by filamentous fungi. Here, we use a lineup of glucose/xylose-mixed β-1,4-linked disaccharides and trisaccharides, enzymatically synthesized by means of the reverse reaction of cellobiose phosphorylase and cellodextrin phosphorylase, to investigate the substrate recognition of CDH. We found that CDH utilizes β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-glucopyranose (Xyl-Glc) as an electron donor with similar K_m and k_cat values to cellobiose. β-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-xylopyranose (Glc-Xyl) shows a higher K_m value, while xylobiose does not serve as a substrate. Trisaccharides show similar behavior; i.e., trisaccharides with cellobiose and Xyl-Glc units at the reducing end show similar kinetics, while the enzyme was less active towards those with Glc-Xyl, and inactive towards those with xylobiose. We also use docking simulation to evaluate substrate recognition of the disaccharides, and we discuss possible molecular mechanisms of substrate recognition by CDH.

Trichoderma reesei Dehydrogenase, a Pyrroloquinoline Quinone-Dependent Member of Auxiliary Activity Family 12 of the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes Database: Functional and Structural Characterization

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is an ortho-quinone cofactor of several prokaryotic oxidases. Widely available in the diet and necessary for the correct growth of mice, PQQ has been suspected to be a vitamin for eukaryotes. However, no PQQ-dependent eukaryotic enzyme had been identified to use the PQQ until 2014, when a basidiomycete enzyme catalyzing saccharide dehydrogenation using PQQ as a cofactor was characterized and served to define auxiliary activity family 12 (AA12). Here we report the biochemical characterization of the AA12 enzyme encoded by the genome of the ascomycete Trichoderma reesei (TrAA12). Surprisingly, only weak activity against uncommon carbohydrates like l-fucose or d-arabinose was measured. The three-dimensional structure of TrAA12 reveals important similarities with bacterial soluble glucose dehydrogenases (sGDH). The enzymatic characterization and the structure solved in the presence of calcium confirm the importance of this ion in catalysis, as observed for sGDH. The structural characterization of TrAA12 was completed by modeling PQQ and l-fucose in the enzyme active site. Based on these results, the AA12 family of enzymes is likely to have a catalytic mechanism close to that of bacterial sGDH.IMPORTANCE Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is an important cofactor synthesized by prokaryotes and involved in enzymatic alcohol and sugar oxidation. In eukaryotes, the benefit of PQQ as a vitamin has been suggested but never proved. Recently, the first eukaryotic enzyme using PQQ was characterized in the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea, demonstrating that fungi are able to use PQQ as an enzyme cofactor. This discovery led to the classification of the fungal PQQ-dependent enzymes in auxiliary activity family 12 (AA12) of the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZy) database (www.cazy.org) classification. In the present paper, we report on the characterization of the ascomycete AA12 enzyme from Trichoderma reesei (TrAA12). Our enzymatic and phylogenetic results show divergence with the only other member of the family characterized, that from the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea The crystallographic structure of TrAA12 shows similarities to the global active-site architecture of bacterial glucose dehydrogenases, suggesting a common evolution between the two families.

Crystal Structure of the Catalytic and Cytochrome b Domains in a Eukaryotic Pyrroloquinoline Quinone-Dependent Dehydrogenase

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is known as the “third coenzyme” following nicotinamide and flavin. PQQ-dependent enzymes have previously been found only in prokaryotes, and the existence of a eukaryotic PQQ-dependent enzyme was in doubt. In 2014, we found an enzyme in mushrooms that catalyzes the oxidation of various sugars in a PQQ-dependent manner and that was a PQQ-dependent enzyme found in eukaryotes. This paper presents the X-ray crystal structures of this eukaryotic PQQ-dependent quinohemoprotein, which show the active site, and identifies the amino acid residues involved in the binding of the cofactor PQQ. The presented X-ray structures reveal that the AA12 domain is in a binary complex with the coenzyme, clearly proving that PQQ-dependent enzymes exist in eukaryotes as well as prokaryotes. Because no biosynthetic system for PQQ has been reported in eukaryotes, future research on the symbiotic systems is expected.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) was discovered as a redox cofactor of prokaryotic glucose dehydrogenases in the 1960s, and subsequent studies have demonstrated its importance not only in bacterial systems but also in higher organisms. We have previously reported a novel eukaryotic quinohemoprotein that exhibited PQQ-dependent catalytic activity in a eukaryote. The enzyme, pyranose dehydrogenase (PDH), from the filamentous fungus Coprinopsis cinerea (CcPDH) of the Basidiomycete division, is composed of a catalytic PQQ-dependent domain classified as a member of the novel auxiliary activity family 12 (AA12), an AA8 cytochrome b domain, and a family 1 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM1), as defined by the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZy) database. Here, we present the crystal structures of the AA12 domain in its apo- and holo-forms and the AA8 domain of this enzyme. The crystal structures of the holo-AA12 domain bound to PQQ provide direct evidence that eukaryotes have PQQ-dependent enzymes. The AA12 domain exhibits a six-blade β-propeller fold that is also present in other known PQQ-dependent glucose dehydrogenases in bacteria. A loop structure around the active site and a calcium ion binding site are unique among the known structures of bacterial quinoproteins. The AA8 cytochrome domain has a positively charged area on its molecular surface, which is partly due to the propionate group of the heme interacting with Arg181; this feature differs from the characteristics of cytochrome b in the AA8 domain of the fungal cellobiose dehydrogenase and suggests that this difference may affect the pH dependence of electron transfer.

IMPORTANCE Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is known as the “third coenzyme” following nicotinamide and flavin. PQQ-dependent enzymes have previously been found only in prokaryotes, and the existence of a eukaryotic PQQ-dependent enzyme was in doubt. In 2014, we found an enzyme in mushrooms that catalyzes the oxidation of various sugars in a PQQ-dependent manner and that was a PQQ-dependent enzyme found in eukaryotes. This paper presents the X-ray crystal structures of this eukaryotic PQQ-dependent quinohemoprotein, which show the active site, and identifies the amino acid residues involved in the binding of the cofactor PQQ. The presented X-ray structures reveal that the AA12 domain is in a binary complex with the coenzyme, clearly proving that PQQ-dependent enzymes exist in eukaryotes as well as prokaryotes. Because no biosynthetic system for PQQ has been reported in eukaryotes, future research on the symbiotic systems is expected.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase: Bioelectrochemical insights and applications

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is a flavocytochrome with a history of bioelectrochemical research dating back to 1992. During the years, it has been shown to be capable of mediated electron transfer (MET) and direct electron transfer (DET) to a variety of electrodes. This versatility of CDH originates from the separation of the catalytic flavodehydrogenase domain and the electron transferring cytochrome domain. This uncoupling of the catalytic reaction from the electron transfer process allows the application of CDH on many different electrode materials and surfaces, where it shows robust DET. Recent X-ray diffraction and small angle scattering studies provided insights into the structure of CDH and its domain mobility, which can change between a closed-state and an open-state conformation. This structural information verifies the electron transfer mechanism of CDH that was initially established by bioelectrochemical methods. A combination of DET and MET experiments has been used to investigate the catalytic mechanism and the electron transfer process of CDH and to deduce a protein structure comprising of mobile domains. Even more, electrochemical methods have been used to study the redox potentials of the FAD and the haem b cofactors of CDH or the electron transfer rates. These electrochemical experiments, their results and the application of the characterised CDHs in biosensors, biofuel cells and biosupercapacitors are combined with biochemical and structural data to provide a thorough overview on CDH as versatile bioelectrocatalyst.

Oxidoreductases and Reactive Oxygen Species in Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Biomass constitutes an appealing alternative to fossil resources for the production of materials and energy. The abundance and attractiveness of vegetal biomass come along with challenges pertaining to the intricacy of its structure, evolved during billions of years to face and resist abiotic and biotic attacks. To achieve the daunting goal of plant cell wall decomposition, microorganisms have developed many (enzymatic) strategies, from which we seek inspiration to develop biotechnological processes. A major breakthrough in the field has been the discovery of enzymes today known as lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which, by catalyzing the oxidative cleavage of recalcitrant polysaccharides, allow canonical hydrolytic enzymes to depolymerize the biomass more efficiently. Very recently, it has been shown that LPMOs are not classical monooxygenases in that they can also use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidant. This discovery calls for a revision of our understanding of how lignocellulolytic enzymes are connected since H2O2 is produced and used by several of them. The first part of this review is dedicated to the LPMO paradigm, describing knowns, unknowns, and uncertainties. We then present different lignocellulolytic redox systems, enzymatic or not, that depend on fluxes of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on an assessment of these putatively interconnected systems, we suggest that fine-tuning of H2O2 levels and proximity between sites of H2O2 production and consumption are important for fungal biomass conversion. In the last part of this review, we discuss how our evolving understanding of redox processes involved in biomass depolymerization may translate into industrial applications.

Designer fungus FAD glucose dehydrogenase capable of direct electron transfer

Fungi-derived flavin adenine dinucleotide glucose dehydrogenases (FADGDHs) are currently the most popular and advanced enzymes for self-monitoring of blood glucose sensors; however, the achievement of direct electron transfer (DET) with FADGDHs is difficult. In this study, a designer FADGDH was constructed by fusing Aspergillus flavus derived FADGDH (AfGDH) and a Phanerochaete chrisosporium CDH (PcCDH)-derived heme b-binding cytochrome domain to develop a novel FADGDH that is capable of direct electron transfer with an electrode. A structural prediction suggested that the heme in the CDH may exist in proximity to the FAD of AfGDH if the heme b-binding cytochrome domain is fused to the AfGDH N-terminal region. Spectroscopic observations of recombinantly produced designer FADGDH confirmed the intramolecular electron transfer between FAD and the heme. A decrease in pH and the presence of a divalent cation improved the intramolecular electron transfer. An enzyme electrode with the immobilized designer FADGDH showed an increase in current immediately after the addition of glucose in a glucose concentration-dependent manner, whereas those with wild-type AfGDH did not show an increase in current. Therefore, the designer FADGDH was confirmed to be a novel GDH that possesses electrode DET ability. The difference in the surface electrostatic potentials of AfGDH and the catalytic domain of PcCDH might be why their intramolecular electron transfer ability is inferior to that of CDH. These relevant and consistent findings provide us with a novel strategic approach for the improvement of the DET properties of designer FADGDH. (241 words).

Direct Electron Transfer of Dehydrogenases for Development of 3rd Generation Biosensors and Enzymatic Fuel Cells

Dehydrogenase based bioelectrocatalysis has been increasingly exploited in recent years in order to develop new bioelectrochemical devices, such as biosensors and biofuel cells, with improved performances. In some cases, dehydrogeases are able to directly exchange electrons with an appropriately designed electrode surface, without the need for an added redox mediator, allowing bioelectrocatalysis based on a direct electron transfer process. In this review we briefly describe the electron transfer mechanism of dehydrogenase enzymes and some of the characteristics required for bioelectrocatalysis reactions via a direct electron transfer mechanism. Special attention is given to cellobiose dehydrogenase and fructose dehydrogenase, which showed efficient direct electron transfer reactions. An overview of the most recent biosensors and biofuel cells based on the two dehydrogenases will be presented. The various strategies to prepare modified electrodes in order to improve the electron transfer properties of the device will be carefully investigated and all analytical parameters will be presented, discussed and compared.

Interdomain flip-flop motion visualized in flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase using high-speed atomic force microscopy during catalysis

To visualize the dynamic domain motion of class-I CDH from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCDH) during catalysis using high-speed atomic force microscopy, the apo-form of PcCDH was anchored to a heme-immobilized flat gold surface that can fix the orientation of the CYT domain.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is a dual domain flavocytochrome, which consists of a dehydrogenase (DH) domain containing a flavin adenine dinucleotide and a cytochrome (CYT) domain containing b-type heme. To directly visualize the dynamic domain motion of class-I CDH from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCDH) during catalysis using high-speed atomic force microscopy, the apo-form of PcCDH was anchored to a heme-immobilized flat gold surface that can specifically fix the orientation of the CYT domain. The two domains of CDH are found to be immobile in the absence of cellobiose, whereas the addition of cellobiose triggers an interdomain flip-flop motion involving domain–domain association and dissociation. Our results indicate that dynamic motion of a dual domain enzyme during catalysis induces efficient electron transfer to an external electron acceptor.

Inactivation of Cellobiose Dehydrogenases Modifies the Cellulose Degradation Mechanism of Podospora anserina

Conversion of biomass into high-value products, including biofuels, is of great interest to developing sustainable biorefineries. Fungi are an inexhaustible source of enzymes to degrade plant biomass. Cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs) play an important role in the breakdown through synergistic action with fungal lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). The three CDH genes of the model fungus Podospora anserina were inactivated, resulting in single and multiple CDH mutants. We detected almost no difference in growth and fertility of the mutants on various lignocellulose sources, except on crystalline cellulose, on which a 2-fold decrease in fertility of the mutants lacking P. anserina CDH1 (PaCDH1) and PaCDH2 was observed. A striking difference between wild-type and mutant secretomes was observed. The secretome of the mutant lacking all CDHs contained five beta-glucosidases, whereas the wild type had only one. P. anserina seems to compensate for the lack of CDH with secretion of beta-glucosidases. The addition of P. anserina LPMO to either the wild-type or mutant secretome resulted in improvement of cellulose degradation in both cases, suggesting that other redox partners present in the mutant secretome provided electrons to LPMOs. Overall, the data showed that oxidative degradation of cellulosic biomass relies on different types of mechanisms in fungi.

IMPORTANCE

Plant biomass degradation by fungi is a complex process involving dozens of enzymes. The roles of each enzyme or enzyme class are not fully understood, and utilization of a model amenable to genetic analysis should increase the comprehension of how fungi cope with highly recalcitrant biomass. Here, we report that the cellobiose dehydrogenases of the model fungus Podospora anserina enable it to consume crystalline cellulose yet seem to play a minor role on actual substrates, such as wood shavings or miscanthus. Analysis of secreted proteins suggests that Podospora anserina compensates for the lack of cellobiose dehydrogenase by increasing beta-glucosidase expression and using an alternate electron donor for LPMO.

Development of simple random mutagenesis protocol for the protein expression system in Pichia pastoris

BACKGROUND

Random mutagenesis is a powerful technique to obtain mutant proteins with different properties from the wild-type molecule. Error-prone PCR is often employed for random mutagenesis in bacterial protein expression systems, but has rarely been used in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris system, despite its significant advantages, mainly because large (μg-level) amounts of plasmids are required for transformation.

RESULTS

We developed a quick and easy technique for random mutagenesis in P. pastoris by sequential Phi29 DNA polymerase-based amplification methods, error-prone rolling circle amplification (RCA) and multiple displacement amplification (MDA). The methodology was validated by applying it for random mutation of the gene encoding cellulase from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCel6A), a key enzyme in degradation of cellulosic biomass. In the error-prone RCA step, the concentrations of manganese ion (Mn(2+)) and cellulase gene-containing plasmid were varied, and the products obtained under each condition were subjected to the second MDA step in the absence of Mn(2+). The maximum error rate was 2.6 mutations/kb, as evaluated from the results of large-scale sequencing. Several μg of MDA products was transformed by electroporation into Pichia cells, and the activities of extracellularly expressed PcCel6A mutants towards crystalline and amorphous celluloses were compared with those of wild-type enzyme to identify key amino acid residues affecting degradation of crystalline cellulose.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a rapid and convenient random mutagenesis method that does not require laborious steps such as ligation, cloning, and synthesis of specific primers. This method was successfully applied to the protein expression system in P. pastoris.

pH-dependent electron transfer reaction and direct bioelectrocatalysis of the quinohemoprotein pyranose dehydrogenase

A pyranose dehydrogenase from Coprinopsis cinerea (CcPDH) is an extracellular quinohemoeprotein, which consists a b-type cytochrome domain, a pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ) domain, and a family 1-type carbohydrate-binding module. The electron transfer reaction of CcPDH was studied using some electron acceptors and a carbon electrode at various pH levels. Phenazine methosulfate (PMS) reacted directly at the PQQ domain, whereas cytochrome c (cyt c) reacted via the cytochrome domain of intact CcPDH. Thus, electrons are transferred from reduced PQQ in the catalytic domain of CcPDH to heme b in the N-terminal cytochrome domain, which acts as a built-in mediator and transfers electron to a heterogenous electron transfer protein. The optimal pH values of the PMS reduction (pH 6.5) and the cyt c reduction (pH 8.5) differ. The catalytic currents for the oxidation of l-fucose were observed within a range of pH 4.5 to 11. Bioelectrocatalysis of CcPDH based on direct electron transfer demonstrated that the pH profile of the biocatalytic current was similar to the reduction activity of cyt c characters.

Genomics review of holocellulose deconstruction by aspergilli

SUMMARY

Biomass is constructed of dense recalcitrant polymeric materials: proteins, lignin, and holocellulose, a fraction constituting fibrous cellulose wrapped in hemicellulose-pectin. Bacteria and fungi are abundant in soil and forest floors, actively recycling biomass mainly by extracting sugars from holocellulose degradation. Here we review the genome-wide contents of seven Aspergillus species and unravel hundreds of gene models encoding holocellulose-degrading enzymes. Numerous apparent gene duplications followed functional evolution, grouping similar genes into smaller coherent functional families according to specialized structural features, domain organization, biochemical activity, and genus genome distribution. Aspergilli contain about 37 cellulase gene models, clustered in two mechanistic categories: 27 hydrolyze and 10 oxidize glycosidic bonds. Within the oxidative enzymes, we found two cellobiose dehydrogenases that produce oxygen radicals utilized by eight lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases that oxidize glycosidic linkages, breaking crystalline cellulose chains and making them accessible to hydrolytic enzymes. Among the hydrolases, six cellobiohydrolases with a tunnel-like structural fold embrace single crystalline cellulose chains and cooperate at nonreducing or reducing end termini, splitting off cellobiose. Five endoglucanases group into four structural families and interact randomly and internally with cellulose through an open cleft catalytic domain, and finally, seven extracellular β-glucosidases cleave cellobiose and related oligomers into glucose. Aspergilli contain, on average, 30 hemicellulase and 7 accessory gene models, distributed among 9 distinct functional categories: the backbone-attacking enzymes xylanase, mannosidase, arabinase, and xyloglucanase, the short-side-chain-removing enzymes xylan α-1,2-glucuronidase, arabinofuranosidase, and xylosidase, and the accessory enzymes acetyl xylan and feruloyl esterases.

Inter-domain electron transfer in cellobiose dehydrogenase: modulation by pH and divalent cations

The flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is secreted by wood-decomposing fungi, and is the only known extracellular enzyme with the characteristics of an electron transfer protein. Its proposed function is reduction of lytic polysaccharide mono-oxygenase for subsequent cellulose depolymerization. Electrons are transferred from FADH2 in the catalytic flavodehydrogenase domain of CDH to haem b in a mobile cytochrome domain, which acts as a mediator and transfers electrons towards the active site of lytic polysaccharide mono-oxygenase to activate oxygen. This vital role of the cytochrome domain is little understood, e.g. why do CDHs exhibit different pH optima and rates for inter-domain electron transfer (IET)? This study uses kinetic techniques and docking to assess the interaction of both domains and the resulting IET with regard to pH and ions. The results show that the reported elimination of IET at neutral or alkaline pH is caused by electrostatic repulsion, which prevents adoption of the closed conformation of CDH. Divalent alkali earth metal cations are shown to exert a bridging effect between the domains at concentrations of > 3 mm, thereby neutralizing electrostatic repulsion and increasing IET rates. The necessary high ion concentration, together with the docking results, show that this effect is not caused by specific cation binding sites, but by various clusters of Asp, Glu, Asn, Gln and the haem b propionate group at the domain interface. The results show that a closed conformation of both CDH domains is necessary for IET, but the closed conformation also increases the FAD reduction rate by an electron pulling effect.

Characterization of a novel PQQ-dependent quinohemoprotein pyranose dehydrogenase from Coprinopsis cinerea classified into auxiliary activities family 12 in carbohydrate-active enzymes

The basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea contains a quinohemoprotein (CcPDH named as CcSDH in our previous paper), which is a new type of pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ)-dependent pyranose dehydrogenase and is the first found among all eukaryotes. This enzyme has a three-domain structure consisting of an N-terminal heme b containing a cytochrome domain that is homologous to the cytochrome domain of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH; EC 1.1.99.18) from the wood-rotting basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a C-terminal family 1-type carbohydrate-binding module, and a novel central catalytic domain containing PQQ as a cofactor. Here, we describe the biochemical and electrochemical characterization of recombinant CcPDH. UV-vis and resonance Raman spectroscopic studies clearly reveal characteristics of a 6-coordinated low-spin heme b in both the ferric and ferrous states, as well as intramolecular electron transfer from the PQQ to heme b. Moreover, the formal potential of the heme was evaluated to be 130 mV vs. NHE by cyclic voltammetry. These results indicate that the cytochrome domain of CcPDH possesses similar biophysical properties to that in CDH. A comparison of the conformations of monosaccharides as substrates and the associated catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m) of CcPDH indicates that the enzyme prefers monosaccharides with equatorial C-2, C-3 hydroxyl groups and an axial C-4 hydroxyl group in the ¹C₄ chair conformation. Furthermore, a binding study shows a high binding affinity of CcPDH for cellulose, suggesting that CcPDH function is related to the enzymatic degradation of plant cell wall.

Characterization of the two Neurospora crassa cellobiose dehydrogenases and their connection to oxidative cellulose degradation

The genome of Neurospora crassa encodes two different cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs) with a sequence identity of only 53%. So far, only CDH IIA, which is induced during growth on cellulose and features a C-terminal carbohydrate binding module (CBM), was detected in the secretome of N. crassa and preliminarily characterized. CDH IIB is not significantly upregulated during growth on cellulosic material and lacks a CBM. Since CDH IIB could not be identified in the secretome, both CDHs were recombinantly produced in Pichia pastoris. With the cytochrome domain-dependent one-electron acceptor cytochrome c, CDH IIA has a narrower and more acidic pH optimum than CDH IIB. Interestingly, the catalytic efficiencies of both CDHs for carbohydrates are rather similar, but CDH IIA exhibits 4- to 5-times-higher apparent catalytic constants (k(cat) and K(m) values) than CDH IIB for most tested carbohydrates. A third major difference is the 65-mV-lower redox potential of the heme b cofactor in the cytochrome domain of CDH IIA than CDH IIB. To study the interaction with a member of the glycoside hydrolase 61 family, the copper-dependent polysaccharide monooxygenase GH61-3 (NCU02916) from N. crassa was expressed in P. pastoris. A pH-dependent electron transfer from both CDHs via their cytochrome domains to GH61-3 was observed. The different properties of CDH IIA and CDH IIB and their effect on interactions with GH61-3 are discussed in regard to the proposed in vivo function of the CDH/GH61 enzyme system in oxidative cellulose hydrolysis.

Investigation of the pH-dependent electron transfer mechanism of ascomycetous class II cellobiose dehydrogenases on electrodes

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is capable of direct electron transfer (DET) on various carbon and thiol-modified gold electrodes. As a result, these systems have been utilized as biocatalyst in biosensors and biofuel cell anodes. Class I CDHs, from basidiomycetous fungi, are highly specific to cellulose or lactose, and DET is only observed at pH values below 5.5. To extend the applicability of CDH-based electrodes, the catalytic properties and the behavior on electrode surfaces of ascomycetous class II CDHs from Chaetomium attrobrunneum, Corynascus thermophilus, Dichomera saubinetii, Hypoxylon haematostroma, Neurospora crassa, and Stachybotrys bisbyi were investigated. We found that class II CDHs have diverse properties but generally show a lower substrate specificity than class I CDHs by converting also glucose and maltose. Intramolecular electron transfer (IET) and DET at neutral and alkaline pH were observed and elucidated by steady-state kinetics, pre-steady-state kinetics, and electrochemical measurements. The CDHs ability to interact with the electron acceptor cytochrome c and to communicate with electrode surfaces through DET at various pH conditions was used to classify the investigated enzymes. In combination with stopped-flow measurements, a model for the kinetics of the pH-dependent IET is developed. The efficient glucose turnover at neutral/alkaline pH makes some of these new CDHs potential candidates for glucose biosensors and biofuel cell anodes.

Cellulose affinity purification of fusion proteins tagged with fungal family 1 cellulose-binding domain

N- or C-terminal fusions of red-fluorescent protein (RFP) with various fungal cellulose-binding domains (CBDs) belonging to carbohydrate binding module (CBM) family 1 were expressed in a Pichia pastoris expression system, and the resulting fusion proteins were used to examine the feasibility of large-scale affinity purification of CBD-tagged proteins on cellulose columns. We found that RFP fused with CBD from Trichoderma reesei CBHI (CBD(Tr)(CBHI)) was expressed at up to 1.2g/l in the culture filtrate, which could be directly injected into the cellulose column. The fusion protein was tightly adsorbed on the cellulose column in the presence of a sufficient amount of ammonium sulfate and was efficiently eluted with pure water. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was not captured under these conditions, whereas both BSA and the fusion protein were adsorbed on a phenyl column, indicating that the cellulose column can be used for the purification of not only hydrophilic proteins but also for hydrophobic proteins. Recovery of various fusion proteins exceeded 80%. Our results indicate that protein purification by expression of a target protein as a fusion with a fungal family 1 CBD tag in a yeast expression system, followed by affinity purification on a cellulose column, is simple, effective and easily scalable.

The putative endoglucanase PcGH61D from Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a metal-dependent oxidative enzyme that cleaves cellulose

Many fungi growing on plant biomass produce proteins currently classified as glycoside hydrolase family 61 (GH61), some of which are known to act synergistically with cellulases. In this study we show that PcGH61D, the gene product of an open reading frame in the genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, is an enzyme that cleaves cellulose using a metal-dependent oxidative mechanism that leads to generation of aldonic acids. The activity of this enzyme and its beneficial effect on the efficiency of classical cellulases are stimulated by the presence of electron donors. Experiments with reduced cellulose confirmed the oxidative nature of the reaction catalyzed by PcGH61D and indicated that the enzyme may be capable of penetrating into the substrate. Considering the abundance of GH61-encoding genes in fungi and genes encoding their functional bacterial homologues currently classified as carbohydrate binding modules family 33 (CBM33), this enzyme activity is likely to turn out as a major determinant of microbial biomass-degrading efficiency.

X-ray crystal structures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium Laminarinase 16A in complex with products from lichenin and laminarin hydrolysis

The 1,3(4)-beta-D-glucanases of glycoside hydrolase family 16 provide useful examples of versatile yet specific protein-carbohydrate interactions. In the present study, we report the X-ray structures of the 1,3(4)-beta-D-glucanase Phanerochaete chrysosporium Laminarinase 16A in complex with beta-glucan products from laminarin (1.6 A) and lichenin (1.1 A) hydrolysis. The G6G3G3G glucan, in complex with the enzyme, showed a beta-1,6 branch in the acceptor site. The G4G3G ligand-protein complex showed that there was no room for a beta-1,6 branch in the -1 or -2 subsites; furthermore, the distorted residue in the -1 subsite and the glucose in the -2 subsite required a beta-1,3 bond between them. These are the first X-ray crystal structures of any 1,3(4)-beta-D-glucanase in complex with glucan products. They provide details of both substrate and product binding in support of earlier enzymatic evidence.

Cloning of the Trichoderma reesei cDNA encoding a glucuronan lyase belonging to a novel polysaccharide lyase family

The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei produces glucuronan lyase (TrGL) when it is grown on beta-(1-->4)-polyglucuronate (cellouronate) as a sole carbon source. The cDNA encoding TrGL was cloned, and the recombinant enzyme was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. The cDNA of TrGL includes a 777-bp open reading frame encoding a 20-amino-acid signal peptide and the 238-amino-acid mature protein. The amino acid sequence showed no similarity to the amino acid sequences of previously described functional proteins, indicating that the enzyme should be classified in a novel polysaccharide lyase (PL) family. Recombinant TrGL catalyzed depolymerization of cellouronate endolytically by beta-elimination and was highly specific for cellouronate. The enzyme was most active at pH 6.5 and 50 degrees C, and its activity and thermostability increased in the presence of Ca2+, suggesting that its calcium dependence is similar to that of other PLs, such as pectate lyases.

Characterization of an endoglucanase belonging to a new subfamily of glycoside hydrolase family 45 of the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The wood decay fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium has served as a model system for the study of lignocellulose conversions, but aspects of its cellulolytic system remain uncertain. Here, we report identifying the gene that encodes the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 45 endoglucanase (EG) from the fungus, cloning the cDNA, determining its heterologous expression in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, and characterizing the recombinant protein. The cDNA consisted of 718 bp, including an open reading frame encoding a 19-amino-acid signal peptide, a 7-amino-acid presequence at the N-terminal region, and a 180-amino-acid mature protein, which has no cellulose binding domain. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed that the protein has a low similarity (<22%) to known fungal EGs belonging to the GH family 45 (EGVs). No conserved domain of this family was found by a BLAST search, suggesting that the protein should be classified into a new subdivision of this GH family. The recombinant protein has hydrolytic activity toward amorphous cellulose, carboxylmethyl cellulose, lichenan, barley beta-glucan, and glucomannan but not xylan. Moreover, a synergistic effect was observed with the recombinant GH family 6 cellobiohydrolase from the same fungus toward amorphous cellulose as a substrate, indicating that the enzyme may act in concert with other cellulolytic enzymes to hydrolyze cellulosic biomass in nature.

Extracellular oxidative systems of the lignin-degrading Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The US Department of Energy has assembled a high quality draft genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a white rot Basidiomycete capable of completely degrading all major components of plant cell walls including cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Hundreds of sequences are predicted to encode extracellular enzymes including an impressive number of oxidative enzymes potentially involved in lignocellulose degradation. Herein, we summarize the number, organization, and expression of genes encoding peroxidases, copper radical oxidases, FAD-dependent oxidases, and multicopper oxidases. Possibly relevant to extracellular oxidative systems are genes involved in posttranslational processes and a large number of hypothetical proteins.

Gene Cloning and Heterologous Expression of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 55 β-1,3-Glucanase from the Basidiomycete Phanerochaete Chrysosporium

The basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium produces several beta-1,3-glucanases when grown on laminarin, a beta-1,3/1,6-glucan, as the sole carbon source. To characterize one of the major unknown beta-1, 3-glucanases with a molecular mass of 83 kDa, identification, cloning, and heterologous over-expression were carried out using the total genomic information of P. chrysosporium. The cDNA encoding this enzyme included an ORF of 2337 bp and the deduced amino acid sequence contains a predicted signal peptide of 26 amino acids and the mature protein of 752 amino acids. The amino acid sequence showed a significant similarity with glycoside hydrolase family 55 enzymes from filamentous fungi and was named Lam55A. Since the recombinant Lam55A expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris degraded branched beta-1,3/1,6-glucan as well as linear beta-1,3-glucan, the kinetic features of the enzyme were compared with those of other beta-1,3-glucanases.

Hydrolysis of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan by glycoside hydrolase family 16 endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

When Phanerochaete chrysosporium was grown with laminarin (a beta-1,3/1,6-glucan) as the sole carbon source, a beta-1,3-glucanase with a molecular mass of 36 kDa was produced as a major extracellular protein. The cDNA encoding this enzyme was cloned, and the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that this enzyme belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 16; it was named Lam16A. Recombinant Lam16A, expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, randomly hydrolyzes linear beta-1,3-glucan, branched beta-1,3/1,6-glucan, and beta-1,3-1,4-glucan, suggesting that the enzyme is a typical endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) with broad substrate specificity for beta-1,3-glucans. When laminarin and lichenan were used as substrates, Lam16A produced 6-O-glucosyl-laminaritriose (beta-D-Glcp-(1->6)-beta-D-Glcp-(1->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1->3)-D-Glc) and 4-O-glucosyl-laminaribiose (beta-D-Glcp-(1->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1->3)-D-Glc), respectively, as one of the major products. These results suggested that the enzyme strictly recognizes beta-D-Glcp-(1->3)-D-Glcp at subsites -2 and -1, whereas it permits 6-O-glucosyl substitution at subsite +1 and a beta-1,4-glucosidic linkage at the catalytic site. Consequently, Lam16A generates non-branched oligosaccharide from branched beta-1,3/1,6-glucan and, thus, may contribute to the effective degradation of such molecules in combination with other extracellular beta-1,3-glucanases.