Relationship Between Lignin Degradation and Production of Reduced Oxygen Species by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Mechanisms Associated with Superoxide Radical Scavenging Reactions Involving Phenolic Compounds Deduced Based on the Correlation between Oxidation Peak Potentials and Second-Order Rate Constants Determined Using Flow-Injection Spin-Trapping EPR Methods

Flow-injection spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance (FI-EPR) methods that involve the use of 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as a spin-trapping reagent have been developed for the kinetic study of the O2•- radical scavenging reactions occurring in the presence of various plant-derived and synthetic phenolic antioxidants (Aox), such as flavonoid, pyrogallol, catechol, hydroquinone, resorcinol, and phenol derivatives in aqueous media (pH 7.4 at 25 °C). The systematically estimated second-order rate constants (ks) of these phenolic compounds span a wide range (from 4.5 × 10 to 1.0 × 106 M-1 s-1). The semilogarithm plots presenting the relationship between ks values and oxidation peak potential (Ep) values of phenolic Aox are divided into three groups (A1, A2, and B). The ks-Ep plots of phenolic Aox bearing two or three OH moieties, such as pyrogallol, catechol, and hydroquinone derivatives, belonged to Groups A1 and A2. These molecules are potent O2•- radical scavengers with ks values above 3.8 × 104 (M-1 s-1). The ks-Ep plots of all phenol and resorcinol derivatives, and a few catechol and hydroquinone derivatives containing carboxyl groups adjacent to the OH groups, were categorized into the group poor scavengers (ks < 1.6 × 103 M-1 s-1). The ks values of each group correlated negatively with Ep values, supporting the hypothesis that the O2•- radical scavenging reaction proceeds via one-electron and two-proton processes. The processes were accompanied by the production of hydrogen peroxide at pH 7.4. Furthermore, the correlation between the plots of ks and the OH proton dissociation constant (pKa•) of the intermediate aroxyl radicals (ks-pKa• plots) revealed that the second proton transfer process could potentially be the rate-determining step of the O2•- radical scavenging reaction of phenolic compounds. The ks-Ep plots provide practical information to predict the O2•- radical scavenging activity of plant-derived phenolic compounds based on those molecular structures.

Reprint of: Purification and Characterization of an Extracellular Mn(ll)-Dependent Peroxidase from the Lignin-Degrading Basidiomycete, Phanerochaete chrysosporium

A Mn(II)-dependent peroxidase found in the extracellular medium of ligninolytic cultures of the white rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, was purified by DEAE-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography, Blue Agarose chromatography, and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis indicated that the homogeneous protein has an Mr of 46,000. The absorption spectrum of the enzyme indicates the presence of a heme prosthetic group. The pyridine hemochrome absorption spectrum indicates that the enzyme contained one molecule of heme as iron protoporphyrin IX. The absorption maximum of the native enzyme (406 nm) shifted to 433 nm in the reduced enzyme and to 423 nm in the reduced-CO complex. Both CN^- and N₃^- readily bind to the native enzyme, indicating an available coordination site and that the heme iron is high spin. The absorption spectrum of the H₂O₂ enzyme complex, maximum at 420 nm, is similar to that of horseradish peroxidase compound II. P. chrysosporium peroxidase activity is dependent on Mn(II), with maximal activity attained above 100 μM. The enzyme is also stimulated to varying degrees by α-hydroxy acids (e.g., malic, lactic) and protein (e.g., gelatin, albumin). The peroxidase is capable of oxidizing NADH and a wide variety of dyes, including Poly B-411 and Poly R-481. Several of the substrates (indigo trisulfonate, NADH, Poly B-411, variamine blue RT salt, and Poly R-481) are oxidized by this Mn(II)-dependent peroxidase at considerably faster rates than those catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase. The enzyme rapidly oxidizes Mn(II) to Mn(III); the latter was detected by the characteristic absorption spectrum of its pyrophosphate complex. Inhibition of the oxidation of the substrate diammonium 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethyl- 6-benzothiazolinesulfonate) (ABTS) by Na-pyrophosphate suggests that Mn(III) plays a role in the enzyme mechanism. © 1985 Academic Press, Inc.

Occurrence of lignin degradation genotypes and phenotypes among prokaryotes

A number of prokaryotes actively contribute to lignin degradation in nature and their activity could be of interest for many applications including the production of biogas/biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass and biopulping. This review compares the reliability and efficiency of the culture-dependent screening methods currently used for the isolation of ligninolytic prokaryotes. Isolated prokaryotes exhibiting lignin-degrading potential are presented according to their phylogenetic groups. With the development of bioinformatics, culture-independent techniques are emerging that allow larger-scale data mining for ligninolytic prokaryotic functions but today, these techniques still have some limits. In this work, two phylogenetic affiliations of isolated prokaryotes exhibiting ligninolytic potential and laccase-encoding prokaryotes were determined on the basis of 16S rDNA sequences, providing a comparative view of results obtained by the two types of screening techniques. The combination of laboratory culture and bioinformatics approaches is a promising way to explore lignin-degrading prokaryotes.

A first insight into Pycnoporus sanguineus BAFC 2126 transcriptome

Fungi of the genus Pycnoporus are white-rot basidiomycetes widely studied because of their ability to synthesize high added-value compounds and enzymes of industrial interest. Here we report the sequencing, assembly and analysis of the transcriptome of Pycnoporus sanguineus BAFC 2126 grown at stationary phase, in media supplemented with copper sulfate. Using the 454 pyrosequencing platform we obtained a total of 226,336 reads (88,779,843 bases) that were filtered and de novo assembled to generate a reference transcriptome of 7,303 transcripts. Putative functions were assigned for 4,732 transcripts by searching similarities of six-frame translated sequences against a customized protein database and by the presence of conserved protein domains. Through the analysis of translated sequences we identified transcripts encoding 178 putative carbohydrate active enzymes, including representatives of 15 families with roles in lignocellulose degradation. Furthermore, we found many transcripts encoding enzymes related to lignin hydrolysis and modification, including laccases and peroxidases, as well as GMC oxidoreductases, copper radical oxidases and other enzymes involved in the generation of extracellular hydrogen peroxide and iron homeostasis. Finally, we identified the transcripts encoding all of the enzymes involved in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway, various terpene synthases related to the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids precursors, and also cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases and epoxide hydrolases with potential functions in the biodegradation of xenobiotics and the enantioselective biosynthesis of biologically active drugs. To our knowledge this is the first report of a transcriptome of genus Pycnoporus and a resource for future molecular studies in P. sanguineus.

Determination of reactive oxygen species generated in laccase catalyzed oxidation of wood fibers from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) by electron spin resonance spectrometry

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the radical reaction intermediates--reactive oxygen species (ROS) were formed during the laccase-catalyzed oxidation of wood fibers from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and to quantify tentatively its production with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. To investigate the activation pathways triggered by laccase, ESR spin-trapping techniques using N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN) as spin trap followed by ethyl acetate extraction were employed to identify and quantify the free radical intermediates. ROS such as the superoxide and hydroxyl radical was detected and quantified in the laccase catalyzed oxidation of wood fibers, suggesting that ROS is the main free radical intermediates for laccase reaction. Based on the findings of the presence of ROS and previous literature on the free radical reaction of laccase oxidation of wood fibers, a possible reaction mechanism involving ROS-mediated attack on the domains of lignin which is not directly accessible for the enzyme and solubilized low-molecular mass lignins which function as reactive compounds like adhesives and may cling back to the fiber surface, could accordingly describe laccase-catalyzed oxidation of Chinese fir wood fibers.

Cloning and characterization of the genes encoding the high-affinity iron-uptake protein complex Fet3/Ftr1 in the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

MCO1, a multicopper oxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium exhibiting strong ferroxidase activity, has recently been described. This enzyme shows biochemical and structural similarities with the yeast Fet3p, a type I membrane glycoprotein that efficiently oxidizes Fe(II) to Fe(III) for its subsequent transport to the intracellular compartment by the iron permease Ftr1p. The genome database of P. chrysosporium was searched to verify whether it includes a canonical fet3 in addition to mco1, and single copies of fet3 and ftr1 orthologues were found, separated by a divergent promoter. Pc-fet3 encodes a 628 aa protein that exhibits overall identities of about 40 % with other reported Fet3 proteins. In addition to a secretion signal, it has a C-terminal transmembrane domain, characteristic of these cell-surface-attached ferroxidases. Structural modelling of Pc-Fet3 revealed that the active site has all the residues known to be essential for ferroxidase activity. Pc-ftr1 encodes a 393 aa protein that shows about 38 % identity with several Ftr1 proteins from ascomycetes. Northern hybridization studies showed that the mRNA levels of both genes are reduced upon supplementation of the growth medium with iron, supporting the functional coupling of Fet3 and Ftr1 proteins in vivo.

Ligninolytic enzyme production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in plastic composite support biofilm stirred tank bioreactors

Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ATCC 24725) produced lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) in defined medium in plastic composite support (PCS) biofilm stirred tank reactors. Laccase was not detected. The formation of the Ph. chrysosporium biofilm on the PCS was essential for the production of MnP and LiP. The bioreactor was operated as a repeat batch, and no reinoculation was required between batches. Peroxidase production was influenced by 5 min purging of the bioreactor with pure oxygen or continuous aerating with a mixture of air and oxygen at a flow rate of 0.005 vvm. Continuous aeration and 300 rpm agitation with 3 mM veratryl alcohol addition on days 0 and 3 demonstrated the highest lignin peroxidase production on day 6 with means of 50.0 and 47.0 U/L. Addition of veratryl alcohol and MnSO(4) on day 0 with 300 rpm agitation and continuous aeration at 0.005 vvm (air flow rate in L/min divided by the reactor working volume in liters) hastens the production of MnP with final yield of 63.0 U/L after 3 days. Fourteen repeated batches fermentation were performed without contamination due to low pH (4.5) and aseptic techniques employed.

Lignin degrading system of white-rot fungi and its exploitation for dye decolorization

With global attention and research now focused on looking for the abatement of pollution, white-rot fungi is one of the hopes of the future. The lignin-degrading ability of these fungi have been the focus of attention for many years and have been exploited for a wide array of human benefits. This review highlights the various enzymes produced by white-rot fungi for lignin degradation, namely laccases, peroxidases, aryl alcohol oxidase, glyoxal oxidase, and pyranose oxidase. Also discussed are the various radicals and low molecular weight compounds that are being produced by white-rot fungi and its role in lignin degradation. A brief summary on the developments in research of decolorization of dyes using white-rot fungi has been made.

Oxygen activation during oxidation of methoxyhydroquinones by laccase from Pleurotus eryngii

Oxygen activation during oxidation of the lignin-derived hydroquinones 2-methoxy-1,4-benzohydroquinone (MBQH(2)) and 2, 6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzohydroquinone (DBQH(2)) by laccase from Pleurotus eryngii was examined. Laccase oxidized DBQH(2) more efficiently than it oxidized MBQH(2); both the affinity and maximal velocity of oxidation were higher for DBQH(2) than for MBQH(2). Autoxidation of the semiquinones produced by laccase led to the activation of oxygen, producing superoxide anion radicals (Q(*-) + O(2) <--> Q + O(2)(*-)). As this reaction is reversible, its existence was first noted in studies of the effect of systems consuming and producing O(2)(*-) on quinone formation rates. Then, the production of H(2)O(2) in laccase reactions, as a consequence of O(2)(*-) dismutation, confirmed that semiquinones autoxidized. The highest H(2)O(2) levels were obtained with DBQH(2), indicating that DBQ(*-) autoxidized to a greater extent than did MBQ(*-). Besides undergoing autoxidation, semiquinones were found to be transformed into quinones via dismutation and laccase oxidation. Two ways of favoring semiquinone autoxidation over dismutation and laccase oxidation were increasing the rate of O(2)(*-) consumption with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and recycling of quinones with diaphorase (a reductase catalyzing the divalent reduction of quinones). These two strategies made the laccase reaction conditions more natural, since O(2)(*-), besides undergoing dismutation, reacts with Mn(2+), Fe(3+), and aromatic radicals. In addition, quinones are continuously reduced by the mycelium of white-rot fungi. The presence of SOD in laccase reactions increased the extent of autoxidation of 100 microM concentrations of MBQ(*-) and DBQ(*-) from 4.5 to 30.6% and from 19.6 to 40.0%, respectively. With diaphorase, the extent of MBQ(*-) autoxidation rose to 13.8% and that of DBQ(*-) increased to 39.9%.

Regulation of peroxidase transcript levels in liquid cultures of the ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus eryngii

A versatile peroxidase able to oxidize Mn(2+) as well as phenolic and nonphenolic aromatic compounds is produced in peptone-containing liquid cultures of Pleurotus eryngii encoded by the gene mnpl. The regulation of its transcript levels was investigated by Northern blotting of total RNA. High-peroxidase transcripts and activity were found in cultures grown in glucose-peptone medium, whereas only basal levels were detected in glucose-ammonium medium. The addition of more than 25 microM Mn(2+) to the former medium did not result in detectable peroxidase transcripts or activity. Potential regulators were also added to isolated mycelium. In this way, it was shown that high transcript levels (in peroxidase-expressing mycelium) were maintained on peptone, whereas expression was not induced in short-term incubation experiments. Similar results were obtained with Mn(2+) ions. Strong induction of mnpl expression was caused by exogenous H(2)O(2) or by continuous H(2)O(2) generation during redox cycling of menadione. By the use of the latter system in the presence of Fe(3+), which catalyzes the reduction of H(2)O(2) to hydroxyl radical, it was shown for the first time that the presence of this strong oxidant causes a rapid increase of the transcripts of a ligninolytic peroxidase. In conclusion, peptone and Mn(2+) affect the levels of transcripts of this versatile peroxidase in culture, and reduced oxygen species induce short-term expression in isolated mycelium, probably via a stress response mechanism.

Description of a versatile peroxidase involved in the natural degradation of lignin that has both manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase substrate interaction sites

Two major peroxidases are secreted by the fungus Pleurotus eryngii in lignocellulose cultures. One is similar to Phanerochaete chrysosporium manganese-dependent peroxidase. The second protein (PS1), although catalyzing the oxidation of Mn2+ to Mn3+ by H2O2, differs from the above enzymes by its manganese-independent activity enabling it to oxidize substituted phenols and synthetic dyes, as well as the lignin peroxidase (LiP) substrate veratryl alcohol. This is by a mechanism similar to that reported for LiP, as evidenced by p-dimethoxybenzene oxidation yielding benzoquinone. The apparent kinetic constants showed high activity on Mn2+, but methoxyhydroquinone was the natural substrate with the highest enzyme affinity (this and other phenolic substrates are not efficiently oxidized by the P. chrysosporium peroxidases). A three-dimensional model was built using crystal models from four fungal peroxidase as templates. The model suggests high structural affinity of this versatile peroxidase with LiP but shows a putative Mn2+ binding site near the internal heme propionate, involving Glu36, Glu40, and Asp181. A specific substrate interaction site for Mn2+ is supported by kinetic data showing noncompetitive inhibition with other peroxidase substrates. Moreover, residues reported as involved in LiP interaction with veratryl alcohol and other aromatic substrates are present in peroxidase PS1 such as His82 at the heme-channel opening, which is remarkably similar to that of P. chrysosporium LiP, and Trp170 at the protein surface. These residues could be involved in two different hypothetical long range electron transfer pathways from substrate (His82-Ala83-Asn84-His47-heme and Trp170-Leu171-heme) similar to those postulated for LiP.

Mechanism of peroxidase inactivation in liquid cultures of the ligninolytic fungus pleurotus pulmonarius

It has recently been reported that Pleurotus pulmonarius secretes a versatile peroxidase that oxidizes Mn2+, as well as different phenolic and nonphenolic aromatic compounds; this enzyme has also been detected in other Pleurotus species and in Bjerkandera species. During culture production of the enzyme, the activity of the main peak was as high as 1,000 U/liter (measured on the basis of the Mn3+-tartrate formation) but this peak was very ephemeral due to enzyme instability (up to 80% of the activity was lost within 15 h). In culture filtrates inactivation was even faster; all peroxidase activity was lost within a few hours. Using different inhibitor compounds, we found that proteases were not responsible for the decrease in peroxidase activity. Peroxidase instability coincided with an increase in the H2O2 concentration, which reached 200 μM when filtrates were incubated for several hours. It also coincided with the onset of biosynthesis of anisylic compounds and a decrease in the pH of the culture. Anisyl alcohol is the natural substrate of the enzyme aryl-alcohol oxidase, the main source of extracellular H2O2 in Pleurotus cultures, and addition of anisyl alcohol to filtrates containing stable peroxidase activity resulted in rapid inactivation. A decrease in the culture pH could also dramatically affect the stability of the P. pulmonarius peroxidase, as shown by using pH values ranging from 6 to 3.25, which resulted in an increase in the level of inactivation by 10 μM H2O2 from 5 to 80% after 1 h. Moreover, stabilization of the enzyme was observed after addition of catalase, Mn2+, or some phenols or after dialysis of the culture filtrate. We concluded that extracellular H2O2 produced by the fungus during oxidation of aromatic metabolites is responsible for inactivation of the peroxidase and that the enzyme can protect itself in the presence of different reducing substrates.

Electron and fluorescence microscopy of extracellular glucan and aryl-alcohol oxidase during wheat-straw degradation by Pleurotus eryngii

The ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus eryngii grown in liquid medium secreted extracellular polysaccharide (87% glucose) and the H2O2-producing enzyme aryl-alcohol oxidase (AAO). The production of both was stimulated by wheat-straw. Polyclonal antibodies against purified AAO were obtained, and a complex of glucanase and colloidal gold was prepared. With these tools, the localization of AAO and extracellular glucan in mycelium from liquid medium and straw degraded under solid-state fermentation conditions was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. These studies revealed that P. eryngii produces a hyphal sheath consisting of a thin glucan layer. This sheath appeared to be involved in both mycelial adhesion to the straw cell wall during degradation and AAO immobilization on hyphal surfaces, with the latter evidenced by double labelling. AAO distribution during differential degradation of straw tissues was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Finally, TEM immunogold studies confirmed that AAO penetrates the plant cell wall during P. eryngii degradation of wheat straw.

Quinone redox cycling in the ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus eryngii leading to extracellular production of superoxide anion radical

Quinone redox cycling is generally known as an intracellular process that implies the reduction of quinones (Q) into semiquinones (Q-.) or hydroquinones (QH2), which autoxidize reducing oxygen to superoxide anion radical (O-.2). We demonstrate here for the first time the existence of quinone redox cycling in a ligninolytic fungus, Pleurotus eryngii, showing two particularities: extracellular production of O-.2 and involvement of ligninolytic enzymes. Experiments were performed with P. eryngii cultures, showing laccase activity, and four quinones: 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MeBQ), 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ), and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione, MD). The overall process consisted of cell-bound divalent reduction of quinones, followed by extracellular laccase-mediated oxidation of hydroquinones into semiquinones, which autoxidized to a certain extent producing O-.2 (at the pH values of natural degradation of lignin, some autoxidation of hydroquinones was observed only with DQH2 and MDH2). The existence of a redox cyclic system involving quinones was evidenced by determining the chemical state of quinones along incubation under several conditions (either different O2 concentrations and pH values or laccase amounts). Thus, QH2/Q ratios at system equilibrium decreased as either pH values and oxygen concentration (allowing hydroquinones autoxidation) or the amount of laccase increased. Once the cyclic nature of the system was demonstrated, special attention was paid to the production of O-.2 during hydroquinone oxidation. Except in the case of BQH2, production of O-.2 was found in samples containing hydroquinones and laccase. By the use of agents promoting the autoxidation of semiquinones (superoxide dismutase and Mn2+), production of O-.2 during oxidation of BQH2 could finally be demonstrated.

Glyoxal oxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a new radical-copper oxidase

A free radical-coupled copper complex has been identified as the catalytic structure in the active site of glyoxal oxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium based on a combination of spectroscopic and biochemical studies. The native (inactive) enzyme is activated by oxidants leading to the elimination of the cupric EPR signal consistent with formation of an antiferromagnetically coupled radical-copper complex. Oxidation also leads to the appearance of a substoichiometric free radical EPR signal with an average g value (gav = 2.0055) characteristic of phenoxyl tau-radicals arising from a minority apoenzyme fraction. Optical absorption, CD, and spectroelectrochemical measurements on the active enzyme reveal complex spectra extending into the near IR and define the redox potential for radical formation (E 1/2 = 0.64 V versus NHE, pH 7.0). Resonance Raman spectra have identified the signature of a modified (cysteinyl-tyrosine) phenoxyl in the vibrational spectra of the active complex. This radical-copper motif has previously been found only in galactose oxidase, with which glyoxal oxidase shares many properties despite lacking obvious sequence identity, and catalyzing a distinct reaction. The enzymes thus represent members of a growing class of free radical metalloenzymes based on the radical-copper catalytic motif and appear to represent functional variants that have evolved to distinct catalytic roles.

Pollutant degradation by white rot fungi

The white rot fungi technology is very different from other more well-established methods of bioremediation (e.g., bacterial systems). The differences are primarily due to the mechanisms discussed previously. The unusual mechanisms used by the fungi provide them with several advantages for pollutant degradation, but the complexity of these mechanisms has also made the technology slow to emerge as a viable method of bioremediation. One distinct advantage that white rot fungi have over bacterial systems is that they do not require preconditioning to a particular pollutant. Bacteria must be preexposed to a pollutant to allow the enzymes that degrade the pollutant to be induced. The pollutant must also be present in a significant concentration, otherwise induction of enzyme synthesis will not occur. Therefore, there is a finite level to which pollutants can be degraded by bacteria. In contrast, the degradative enzymes of white rot fungi are induced by nutrient limitation. Thus, cultivate the fungus on a nutrient that is limited in something, and the degradative process will be initiated. Also, because the induction of the lignin-degrading system is not dependent on the chemical, pollutants are degraded to near-nondetectable levels by white rot fungi. Another unique feature of pollutant degradation by white rot fungi involves kinetics. The process of chemical conversion by these fungi occurs via a free-radical process, and thus the degradation of chemicals often follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. In fact, in several studies, it has been found that the rate of mineralization or disappearance of a pollutant is proportional to the concentration of the pollutant. This makes the time required to achieve decontamination more important than the rate of degradation. Because the metabolism of chemicals by bacteria involves mostly enzymatic conversions, pollutant degradation often follows Michaelis-Menton-type kinetics. Therefore, Km values of various degradative enzymes with respect to the pollutant must be considered when using bacteria for bioremediation. Considering this, the solubility of a pollutant or a mixture of pollutants might also present a problem for bacterial degradation. In contrast, using a nonspecific free-radical-based mechanism, the fungi are able to degrade insoluble complex mixtures of pollutants, such as creosote (Aust and Bumpus 1989) and Arochlor (Bumpus and Aust 1987b). Inexpensive nutrient sources, such as sawdust, wood chips, surplus grains, and agricultural wastes, can be used to effectively cultivate white rot fungi.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Ubiquity of lignin-degrading peroxidases among various wood-degrading fungi

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is rapidly becoming a model system for the study of lignin biodegradation. Numerous studies on the physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, and genetics of this system have been performed. However, P. chrysosporium is not the only fungus to have a lignin-degrading enzyme system. Many other ligninolytic species of fungi, as well as other distantly related organisms which are known to produce lignin peroxidases, are described in this paper. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of the peroxidative enzymes in nine species not previously investigated. The fungi studied produced significant manganese peroxidase activity when they were grown on an oak sawdust substrate supplemented with wheat bran, millet, and sucrose. Many of the fungi also exhibited laccase and/or glyoxal oxidase activity. Inhibitors present in the medium prevented measurement of lignin peroxidase activity. However, Western blots (immunoblots) revealed that several of the fungi produced lignin peroxidase proteins. We concluded from this work that lignin-degrading peroxidases are present in nearly all ligninolytic fungi, but may be expressed differentially in different species. Substantial variability exists in the levels and types of ligninolytic enzymes produced by different white not fungi.

Lignin-degrading peroxidases of Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Lignin and manganese peroxidases are secreted by the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium during secondary metabolism. These enzymes play major roles in lignin degradation. The active site amino acid sequence of these lignin-degrading peroxidases is similar to that of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP). The mechanism by which they oxidize substrates also appears to be the similar. pH has a similar effect on lignin peroxidase compound I formation as on HRP or CcP; however, the pKa controlling compound I formation for lignin peroxidase appears to be much lower. Lignin-degrading peroxidases are able to catalyze the oxidation of substrates with high redox potential. This unique ability is consistent with a heme active site of low electron density, which is indicated by high redox potential.

Production of hydroxyl radical by lignin peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The mechanism for the production of hydroxyl radical by lignin peroxidase from the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated. Ferric iron reduction was demonstrated in reaction mixtures containing lignin peroxidase isozyme H2 (LiPH2), H2O2, veratryl alcohol, oxalate, ferric chloride, and 1,10-phenanthroline. The rate of iron reduction was dependent on the concentration of oxalate and was inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase. The addition of ferric iron inhibited oxygen consumption in reaction mixtures containing LiPH2, H2O2, veratryl alcohol, and oxalate. Thus, the reduction of ferric iron was thought to be dependent on the LiPH2-catalyzed production of superoxide in which veratryl alcohol and oxalate serve as electron mediators. Oxalate production and degradation in nutrient nitrogen-limited cultures of P. chrysosporium was also studied. The concentration of oxalate in these cultures decreased during the period in which maximum lignin peroxidase activity (veratryl alcohol oxidation) was detected. Electron spin resonance studies using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide were used to obtain evidence for the production of the hydroxyl radical in reaction mixtures containing LiPH2, H2O2, veratryl alcohol, EDTA, and ferric chloride. It was concluded that the white rot fungus might produce hydroxyl radical via a mechanism that includes the secondary metabolites veratryl alcohol and oxalate. Such a mechanism may contribute to the ability of this fungus to degrade environmental pollutants.

Substrate specificity and properties of the aryl-alcohol oxidase from the ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus eryngii

The production in a 5-1 fermenter of the extracellular enzymes laccase and aryl-alcohol oxidase by the fungus Pleurotus eryngii was studied. The latter enzyme has been purified 50-fold by Sephacryl S-200 and Mono Q chromatography. Purified aryl-alcohol oxidase is a unique flavoprotein with 15% carbohydrate content, a molecular mass of 72.6 kDa (SDS/PAGE) and a pI of 3.9. The enzyme presents wide specificity, showing activity on benzyl, cinnamyl, naphthyl and aliphatic unsaturated alcohols. Neither activity nor inhibition of veratryl alcohol oxidation was found with saturated alcohols, but competitive inhibition was produced by aromatic compounds which were not aryl-alcohol oxidase substrates, such as phenol or 3-phenyl-1-propanol. From these results, it was apparent that a double bond conjugated with a primary alcohol is necessary for substrate recognition by aryl-alcohol oxidase, and that activity is increased by the presence of additional conjugated double bonds and electron donor groups. Both affinity and maximal velocity during enzymic oxidation of methoxybenzyl alcohols were affected in a similar way by ring substituents, increasing from benzyl alcohol (Km = 0.84 mM, Vmax = 52 U/mg) to 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (Km = 0.04 mM, Vmax = 208 U/mg). Aryl-alcohol oxidase presents also a low oxidase activity with aromatic aldehydes, but the highest activity was found in the presence of electron-withdrawing groups.

Lignocellulose Degradation during Solid-State Fermentation: Pleurotus ostreatus versus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Lignocellulose degradation and activities related to lignin degradation were studied in the solid-state fermentation of cotton stalks by comparing two white rot fungi, Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. P. chrysosporium grew vigorously, resulting in rapid, nonselective degradation of 55% of the organic components of the cotton stalks within 15 days. In contrast, P. ostreatus grew more slowly with obvious selectivity for lignin degradation and resulting in the degradation of only 20% of the organic matter after 30 days of incubation. The kinetics of 14 C-lignin mineralization exhibited similar differences. In cultures of P. chrysosporium , mineralization ceased after 18 days, resulting in the release of 12% of the total radioactivity as 14 CO 2 . In P. ostreatus , on the other hand, 17% of the total radioactivity was released in a steady rate throughout a period of 60 days of incubation. Laccase activity was only detected in water extracts of the P. ostreatus fermentation. No lignin peroxidase activity was detected in either the water extract or liquid cultures of this fungus. 2-Keto-4-thiomethyl butyric acid cleavage to ethylene correlated to lignin degradation in both fungi. A study of fungal activity under solid-state conditions, in contrast to those done under defined liquid culture, may help to better understand the mechanisms involved in lignocellulose degradation.

Effect of Agitation on Ligninase Activity and Ligninase Production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium produces extracellular ligninases as part of its idiophasic ligninolytic system. Agitation has been widely reported to suppress both ligninase production and lignin degradation. Results show that mechanical inactivation of ligninase is possibly the reason why ligninase accumulation is low or absent in agitated shake-flask cultures. Agitation seems to affect the catalytic activity of ligninase and has no apparent effect on either the rate of ligninase production or the physiology of P. chrysosporium . The detergents Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60, Tween 80, and 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) are able to protect both purified ligninase and extant ligninase in culture fluids (free of biomass) against mechanical inactivation due to agitation. Addition of Tween 80 at the end of primary growth to agitated shake flasks containing either pelleted or immobilized mycelial cultures results in production and maintenance of high levels of ligninase activity over several days under conditions of high agitation. Possible mechanisms by which the detergents could protect ligninase are discussed.

Microbial enzymes for oxidation of organic molecules

Enzymatic systems employed by microorganisms for oxidative transformation of various organic molecules include laccases, ligninases, tyrosinases, monooxygenases, and dioxygenases. Reactions performed by these enzymes play a significant role in maintaining the global carbon cycle through either transformation or complete mineralization of organic molecules. Additionally, oxidative enzymes are instrumental in modification or degradation of the ever-increasing man-made chemicals constantly released into our environment. Due to their inherent stereo- and regioselectivity and high efficiency, oxidative enzymes have attracted attention as potential biocatalysts for various biotechnological processes. Successful commercial application of these enzymes will be possible through employing new methodologies, such as use of organic solvents in the reaction mixtures, immobilization of either the intact microorganisms or isolated enzyme preparations on various supports, and genetic engineering technology.

Multiple ligninase-related genes from Phanerochaete chrysosporium

We have investigated four distinct sequences in genomic DNA of Phanerochaete chrysosporium that show strong homology to a lignin peroxidase cDNA sequence [Tien and Tu: Nature 236 (1987) 520-523, and 328 (1987) 742]. The complete nucleotide sequence of one of these genes is presented here. Comparison of the sequenced gene, LIG1, with the published cDNA sequence reveals the presence of eight short intervening sequences. The open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 372 amino acids (aa), which includes a 28-aa residue hydrophobic leader sequence. The predicted Mr of the mature protein product is 37,000. Partial sequencing of the other three genes reveals substantial nucleotide and amino acid homology.

Influence of Veratryl Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide on Ligninase Activity and Ligninase Production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Veratryl alcohol, added as a supplement to cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium , enhanced ligninase activity through protection of the ligninase against inactivation by hydrogen peroxide produced by this fungus in cultures. In the presence of veratryl alcohol, the loss of ligninase activity observed in non-protein-synthesizing cultures (cycloheximide-treated) equaled the extracellular protein turnover. When cultures were not supplemented with veratryl alcohol, inactivation of ligninase by hydrogen peroxide added to protein turnover, resulting in a more rapid loss of ligninase activity. Although all ligninase isoenzymes are sensitive to inactivation by hydrogen peroxide, only the isoenzyme of the highest specific activity (80.6 nkat · mg of protein −1 ; M r , 41,800; pI, 3.96) was found to be protected by veratryl alcohol. The concentration of veratryl alcohol necessary for full protection of ligninase activity varied according to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide present in the medium, which depended on the nature of the carbon source (glucose or glycerol). It is proposed that the nature of the carbon source influences the overall ligninase activity not only directly, by affecting the rate and the type of synthesized ligninase, but also by affecting the rate of hydrogen peroxide production, bringing about different rates of inactivation.

Delignification of Wood Chips and Pulps by Using Natural and Synthetic Porphyrins: Models of Fungal Decay

Kraft pulps, prepared from softwoods, and small chips of birch wood were treated with heme and tert -butyl hydroperoxide in aqueous solutions at reflux temperature. Analyses of treated pulps showed decreases in kappa number (a measure of lignin content) from about 36 to less than 2, with concomitant increases in brightness (80% increase in the better samples). Analyses of treated wood chips revealed selective delignification and removal of hemicelluloses. After 48 h of treatment, lignin losses from the wood chips approached 40%, and xylose/mannose (hemicellulose) losses approached 70%, while glucose (cellulose) losses were less than 10%. Examination of delignified chips by transmission electron microscopy showed that the removal of lignin occurred in a manner virtually indistinguishable from that seen after decay by white rot fungi. Various metalloporphyrins, which act as biomimetic catalysts, were compared to horseradish peroxidase and fungal manganese peroxidase in their abilities to oxidize syringaldazine in an organic solvent, dioxane. The metalloporphyrins and peroxidases behaved similarly, and it appeared that the activities of the peroxidases resulted from the extraction of heme into the organic phase, rather than from the activities of the enzymes themselves. We concluded that heme- tert -butyl hydroperoxide systems in the absence of a protein carrier mimic the decay of lignified tissues by white rot fungi.

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Involvement of a new enzyme, glyoxal oxidase, in extracellular H2O2 production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The importance of extracellular H2O2 in lignin degradation has become increasingly apparent with the recent discovery of H2O2-requiring ligninases produced by white-rot fungi. Here we describe a new H2O2-producing activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium that involves extracellular oxidases able to use simple aldehyde, alpha-hydroxycarbonyl, or alpha-dicarbonyl compounds as substrates. The activity is expressed during secondary metabolism, when the ligninases are also expressed. Analytical isoelectric focusing of the extracellular proteins, followed by activity staining, indicated that minor proteins with broad substrate specificities are responsible for the oxidase activity. Two of the oxidase substrates, glyoxal and methylglyoxal, were also identified, as their quinoxaline derivatives, in the culture fluid as secondary metabolites. The significance of these findings is discussed with respect to lignin degradation and other proposed systems for H2O2 production in P. chrysosporium.