Purification and substrate specificities of two alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases from Aspergillus awamori IFO 4033

Arabinofuranosidases: Characteristics, microbial production, and potential in waste valorization and industrial applications

Alpha-L-arabinofuranoside arabinofuranohydrolase (ARA), more commonly known as alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase (E.C. number 3.2.1.55), is a hydrolytic enzyme, catalyzing the cleavage of alpha-L-arabinose by acting on the non-reducing ends of alpha-L-arabinofuranosides, alpha-L-arabinans containing (1,3)- and/or (1,5)-linked arabinoxylans and arabinogalactans. ARA functions as debranching enzyme removing arabinose substituents from arabinoxylan and arabinoxylooligomers, thereby, boosting the hydrolysis of arabinoxylan fraction of hemicellulose and improving bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Previously, comprehensive information on this enzyme has not been reviewed thoroughly. Therefore, the main aim of this review is to highlight the important properties of this interesting enzyme, microorganisms used for its production, and enhanced production using genetic engineering approach. An account on synergism with other biomass hydrolyzing enzymes and various industrial applications of this enzyme has also been provided along with an outlook on further research and development.

Degradative enzymes for type II arabinogalactan side chains in Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum

Type II arabinogalactan (AG) is a soluble prebiotic fiber stimulating the proliferation of bifidobacteria in the human gut. Larch AG, which is comprised of type II AG, is known to be utilized as an energy source for Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (B. longum). We have previously characterized GH43_24 exo-β-1,3-galactanase (Bl1,3Gal) for the degradation of type II AG main chains in B. longum JCM1217. In this study, we characterized GH30_5 exo-β-1,6-galactobiohydrolase (Bl1,6Gal) and GH43_22 α-L-arabinofuranosidase (BlArafA), which are degradative enzymes for type II AG side chains in cooperation with exo-β-1,3-galactanase. The recombinant exo-β-1,6-galactobiohydrolase specifically released β-1,6-galactobiose (β-1,6-Gal₂) from the nonreducing terminal of β-1,6-galactooligosaccharides, and the recombinant α-L-arabinofuranosidase released arabinofuranose (Araf) from α-1,3-Araf-substituted β-1,6-galactooligosaccharides. β-1,6-Gal₂ was additively released from larch AG by the combined use of type II AG degradative enzymes, including Bl1,3Gal, Bl1,6Gal, and BlArafA. The gene cluster encoding the type II AG degradative enzymes is conserved in all B. longum strains, but not in other bifidobacterial species. The degradative enzymes for type II AG side chains are thought to be important for the acquisition of type II AG in B. longum.

Structures of endo-1,5-α-L-arabinanase mutants from Bacillus thermodenitrificans TS-3 in complex with arabino-oligosaccharides

The thermostable endo-1,5-α-L-arabinanase from Bacillus thermodenitrificans TS-3 (ABN-TS) hydrolyzes the α-1,5-L-arabinofuranoside linkages of arabinan. In this study, the crystal structures of inactive ABN-TS mutants, D27A and D147N, were determined in complex with arabino-oligosaccharides. The crystal structures revealed that ABN-TS has at least six subsites in the deep V-shaped cleft formed across one face of the propeller structure. The structural features indicate that substrate recognition is profoundly influenced by the remote subsites as well as by the subsites surrounding the active center. The `open' structure of the substrate-binding cleft of the endo-acting ABN-TS is suitable for the random binding of several sugar units in polymeric substrates.

Prebiotic compounds from agro-industrial by-products

Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that have an impact on gut microbiota composition and activity, which in turn results in the improvement of health conditions. Nowadays, the production of prebiotics from agro-industrial by-products is under investigation. In this regard, polysaccharides are usually found in these sources and their potential use as prebiotics has been studied recently since these compounds act as substrates for the human gut microbiota, and they have the potential to modulate its composition through many mechanisms. Additionally, the use of agricultural by-products is advantageous because it is a cheap and abundantly available material. This review focuses on the recent scientific literature regarding the prebiotic properties of polysaccharides from agro-industrial by-products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Currently, the maintenance of gut homeostasis is a target for the improvement of human health. This review can broaden the perspective on the utilization of agro-industrial by-products that can compete in the market with the commercial ones or act as a source for new food ingredients.

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.

The effect of Pleurotus ostreatus arabinofuranosidase and its evolved variant in lignocellulosic biomasses conversion

The fungal arabinofuranosidase from Pleurotus ostreatus PoAbf recombinantly expressed in Pichia pastoris rPoAbf and its evolved variant rPoAbf F435Y/Y446F were tested for their effectiveness to enhance the enzymatic saccharification of three lignocellulosic biomasses, namely Arundo donax, corn cobs and brewer's spent grains (BSG), after chemical or chemical-physical pretreatment. All the raw materials were subjected to an alkaline pretreatment by soaking in aqueous ammonia solution whilst the biomass from A. donax was also pretreated by steam explosion. The capability of the wild-type and mutant rPoAbf to increase the fermentable sugars recovery was assessed by using these enzymes in combination with different (hemi)cellulolytic activities. These enzymatic mixtures were either entirely of commercial origin or contained the cellulase from Streptomyces sp. G12 CelStrep recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli in substitution to the commercial counterparts. The addition of the arabinofuranosidases from P. ostreatus improved the hydrolytic efficiency of the commercial enzymatic cocktails on all the pretreated biomasses. The best results were obtained using the rPoAbf evolved variant and are represented by increases of the xylose recovery up to 56.4%. These data clearly highlight the important role of the accessory hemicellulolytic activities to optimize the xylan bioconversion yields.

Novel and diverse fine structures in LiCl-DMSO extracted apple hemicelluloses

Hemicelluloses are key polysaccharides in the regulation of the mechanical properties of plant cell walls during organ development and in fruit texture. Their diverse compositions and structures are partially known, in particular with regard to their function in cell walls. To that end, apple hemicelluloses were sequentially extracted by DMSO doped by LiCl followed by potassium hydroxide. The weakly bounded hemicelluloses in the LiCl-DMSO soluble extract were fractionated by ion exchange (AEC) and size exclusion (SEC) chromatographies. The structure of all the extracts and fractions was established by enzymatic fingerprinting using β-glucanase, β-mannanase and β-xylanase. Molecular weight of the fraction was established by HPSEC. MS as well as HPAEC analyses of the enzyme digests revealed the remarkable diversity of apple hemicelluloses. Different xyloglucan (XyG), galactoglucomannan (GgM) and glucuronoarabinoxylan were isolated along the extraction and fractionation process. All LiCl-DMSO soluble fractions were acetyl-esterified. Besides, the LiCl-DMSO soluble XyG differed from the 4M KOH extracted one essentially on the basis of its molecular weight. At least two populations differing in their content and distribution of glucose and mannose composed GgM. Moreover, galactose ramifications occurred on mannose blocks in the glucose rich fraction. These results open the way for future studies on the complex structure-function relationship of hemicelluloses in plant cell walls.

Crystal structure and characterization of the glycoside hydrolase family 62 α-L-arabinofuranosidase from Streptomyces coelicolor

α-L-arabinofuranosidase, which belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 62 (GH62), hydrolyzes arabinoxylan but not arabinan or arabinogalactan. The crystal structures of several α-L-arabinofuranosidases have been determined, although the structures, catalytic mechanisms, and substrate specificities of GH62 enzymes remain unclear. To evaluate the substrate specificity of a GH62 enzyme, we determined the crystal structure of α-L-arabinofuranosidase, which comprises a carbohydrate-binding module family 13 domain at its N terminus and a catalytic domain at its C terminus, from Streptomyces coelicolor. The catalytic domain was a five-bladed β-propeller consisting of five radially oriented anti-parallel β-sheets. Sugar complex structures with l-arabinose, xylotriose, and xylohexaose revealed five subsites in the catalytic cleft and an l-arabinose-binding pocket at the bottom of the cleft. The entire structure of this GH62 family enzyme was very similar to that of glycoside hydrolase 43 family enzymes, and the catalytically important acidic residues found in family 43 enzymes were conserved in GH62. Mutagenesis studies revealed that Asp(202) and Glu(361) were catalytic residues, and Trp(270), Tyr(461), and Asn(462) were involved in the substrate-binding site for discriminating the substrate structures. In particular, hydrogen bonding between Asn(462) and xylose at the nonreducing end subsite +2 was important for the higher activity of substituted arabinofuranosyl residues than that for terminal arabinofuranoses.

β-xylosidases and α-L-arabinofuranosidases: accessory enzymes for arabinoxylan degradation

Arabinoxylan (AX) is among the most abundant hemicelluloses on earth and one of the major components of feedstocks that are currently investigated as a source for advanced biofuels. As global research into these sustainable biofuels is increasing, scientific knowledge about the enzymatic breakdown of AX advanced significantly over the last decade. This review focuses on the exo-acting AX hydrolases, such as α-arabinofuranosidases and β-xylosidases. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse substrate specificities and corresponding structural features found in the different glycoside hydrolase families. A careful review of the available literature reveals a marked difference in activity between synthetically labeled and naturally occurring substrates, often leading to erroneous enzymatic annotations. Therefore, special attention is given to enzymes with experimental evidence on the hydrolysis of natural polymers.

Crystal structure of an Exo-1,5-{alpha}-L-arabinofuranosidase from Streptomyces avermitilis provides insights into the mechanism of substrate discrimination between exo- and endo-type enzymes in glycoside hydrolase family 43

Exo-1,5-α-L-arabinofuranosidases belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 43 have strict substrate specificity. These enzymes hydrolyze only the α-1,5-linkages of linear arabinan and arabino-oligosaccharides in an exo-acting manner. The enzyme from Streptomyces avermitilis contains a core catalytic domain belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 43 and a C-terminal arabinan binding module belonging to carbohydrate binding module family 42. We determined the crystal structure of intact exo-1,5-α-L-arabinofuranosidase. The catalytic module is composed of a 5-bladed β-propeller topologically identical to the other family 43 enzymes. The arabinan binding module had three similar subdomains assembled against one another around a pseudo-3-fold axis, forming a β-trefoil-fold. A sugar complex structure with α-1,5-L-arabinofuranotriose revealed three subsites in the catalytic domain, and a sugar complex structure with α-L-arabinofuranosyl azide revealed three arabinose-binding sites in the carbohydrate binding module. A mutagenesis study revealed that substrate specificity was regulated by residues Asn-159, Tyr-192, and Leu-289 located at the aglycon side of the substrate-binding pocket. The exo-acting manner of the enzyme was attributed to the strict pocket structure of subsite -1, formed by the flexible loop region Tyr-281-Arg-294 and the side chain of Tyr-40, which occupied the positions corresponding to the catalytic glycon cleft of GH43 endo-acting enzymes.

Novel bifunctional alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase/xylobiohydrolase (ABF3) from Penicillium purpurogenum

The soft rot fungus Penicillium purpurogenum grows on a variety of natural substrates and secretes various isoforms of xylanolytic enzymes, including three arabinofuranosidases. This work describes the biochemical properties as well as the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of arabinofuranosidase 3 (ABF3). This enzyme has been purified to homogeneity. It is a glycosylated monomer with a molecular weight of 50,700 and can bind cellulose. The enzyme is active with p-nitrophenyl alpha-L-arabinofuranoside and p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xylopyranoside with a K(m) of 0.65 mM and 12 mM, respectively. The enzyme is active on xylooligosaccharides, yielding products of shorter length, including xylose. However, it does not hydrolyze arabinooligosaccharides. When assayed with polymeric substrates, little arabinose is liberated from arabinan and debranched arabinan; however, it hydrolyzes arabinose and releases xylooligosaccharides from arabinoxylan. Sequencing both ABF3 cDNA and genomic DNA reveals that this gene does not contain introns and that the open reading frame is 1,380 nucleotides in length. The deduced mature protein is composed of 433 amino acids residues and has a calculated molecular weight of 47,305. The deduced amino acid sequence has been validated by mass spectrometry analysis of peptides from purified ABF3. A total of 482 bp of the promoter were sequenced; putative binding sites for transcription factors such as CreA (four), XlnR (one), and AreA (three) and two CCAAT boxes were found. The enzyme has two domains, one similar to proteins of glycosyl hydrolase family 43 at the amino-terminal end and a family 6 carbohydrate binding module at the carboxyl end. ABF3 is the first described modular family 43 enzyme from a fungal source, having both alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase and xylobiohydrolase functionalities.

Characterization of a modular enzyme of exo-1,5-alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase and arabinan binding module from Streptomyces avermitilis NBRC14893

A gene encoding an α-l-arabinofuranosidase, designated SaAraf43A, was cloned from Streptomyces avermitilis. The deduced amino acid sequence implies a modular structure consisting of an N-terminal glycoside hydrolase family 43 module and a C-terminal family 42 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM42). The recombinant enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 45°C and was stable over the pH range of 5.0–6.5 at 30°C. The enzyme hydrolyzed p-nitrophenol (PNP)-α-l-arabinofuranoside but did not hydrolyze PNP-α-l-arabinopyranoside, PNP-β-d-xylopyranoside, or PNP-β-d-galactopyranoside. Debranched 1,5-arabinan was hydrolyzed by the enzyme but arabinoxylan, arabinogalactan, gum arabic, and arabinan were not. Among the synthetic regioisomers of arabinofuranobiosides, only methyl 5-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside was hydrolyzed by the enzyme, while methyl 2-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside and methyl 3-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside were not. These data suggested that the enzyme only cleaves α-1,5-linked arabinofuranosyl linkages. The analysis of the hydrolysis product of arabinofuranopentaose suggested that the enzyme releases arabinose in exo-acting manner. These results indicate that the enzyme is definitely an exo-1,5-α-l-arabinofuranosidase. The C-terminal CBM42 did not show any affinity for arabinogalactan and debranched arabinan, although it bound arabinan and arabinoxylan, suggesting that the CBM42 bound to branched arabinofuranosyl residues. Removal of the module decreased the activity of the enzyme with regard to debranched arabinan. The CBM42 plays a role in enhancing the debranched arabinan hydrolytic action of the catalytic module in spite of its preference for binding arabinofuranosyl side chains.

Mutagenesis and mechanistic study of a glycoside hydrolase family 54 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Trichoderma koningii

A GH (glycoside hydrolase) family 54 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Trichoderma koningii G-39 (termed Abf) was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified to near homogeneity by cation-exchange chromatography. To determine the amino acid residues essential for the catalytic activity of Abf, extensive mutagenesis of 24 conserved glutamate and aspartate residues was performed. Among the mutants, D221N, E223Q and D299N were found to decrease catalytic activity significantly. The kcat values of the D221N and D299N mutants were 7000- and 1300-fold lower respectively, than that of the wild-type Abf. E223Q was nearly inactive. These results are consistent with observations obtained from the Aspergillus kawachii alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase three-dimensional structure. This structure indicates that Asp221 of T. koningii Abf is significant for substrate binding and that Glu223 as well as Asp299 function as a nucleophile and a general acid/base catalyst for the enzymatic reaction respectively. The catalytic mechanism of wild-type Abf was further investigated by NMR spectroscopy and kinetic analysis. The results showed that Abf is a retaining enzyme. It catalyses the hydrolysis of various substrates via the formation of a common intermediate that is probably an arabinosyl-enzyme intermediate. A two-step, double-displacement mechanism involving first the formation, and then the breakdown, of an arabinosyl-enzyme intermediate was proposed. Based on the kcat values of a series of aryl-alpha-L-arabinofuranosides catalytically hydrolysed by wild-type Abf, a relatively small Brønsted constant, beta(lg)=-0.18, was obtained, suggesting that the rate-limiting step of the enzymatic reaction is the dearabinosylation step. Further kinetic studies with the D299G mutant revealed that the catalytic activity of this mutant depended largely on the pK(a) values (>6) of leaving phenols, with beta(lg)=-1.3, indicating that the rate-limiting step of the reaction becomes the arabinosylation step. This kinetic outcome supports the idea that Asp299 is the general acid/base residue. The pH activity profile of D299N provided further evidence strengthening this suggestion.

The family 42 carbohydrate-binding module of family 54 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase specifically binds the arabinofuranose side chain of hemicellulose

Alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase catalyses the hydrolysis of the alpha-1,2-, alpha-1,3-, and alpha-1,5-L-arabinofuranosidic bonds in L-arabinose-containing hemicelluloses such as arabinoxylan. AkAbf54 (the glycoside hydrolase family 54 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Aspergillus kawachii) consists of two domains, a catalytic and an arabinose-binding domain. The latter has been named AkCBM42 [family 42 CBM (carbohydrate-binding module) of AkAbf54] because homologous domains are classified into CBM family 42. In the complex between AkAbf54 and arabinofuranosyl-alpha-1,2-xylobiose, the arabinose moiety occupies the binding pocket of AkCBM42, whereas the xylobiose moiety is exposed to the solvent. AkCBM42 was found to facilitate the hydrolysis of insoluble arabinoxylan, because mutants at the arabinose binding site exhibited markedly decreased activity. The results of binding assays and affinity gel electrophoresis showed that AkCBM42 interacts with arabinose-substituted, but not with unsubstituted, hemicelluloses. Isothermal titration calorimetry and frontal affinity chromatography analyses showed that the association constant of AkCBM42 with the arabinose moiety is approximately 10(3) M(-1). These results indicate that AkCBM42 binds the non-reducing-end arabinofuranosidic moiety of hemicellulose. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a CBM that can specifically recognize the side-chain monosaccharides of branched hemicelluloses.

Mutational analysis of N-glycosylation recognition sites on the biochemical properties of Aspergillus kawachii alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase 54

A role for N-linked oligosaccharides on the biochemical properties of recombinant alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase 54 (AkAbf54) defined in glycoside hydrolase family 54 from Aspergillus kawachii expressed in Pichia pastoris was analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis. Two N-linked glycosylation motifs (Asn(83)-Thr-Thr and Asn(202)-Ser-Thr) were found in the AkAbf54 sequence. AkAbf54 comprises two domains, a catalytic domain and an arabinose-binding domain classified as carbohydrate-binding module 42. Two N-linked glycosylation sites are located in the catalytic domain. Asn(83), Asn(202), and the two residues together were replaced with glutamine by site-directed mutagenesis. The biochemical properties and kinetic parameters of the wild-type and mutant enzymes expressed in P. pastoris were examined. The N83Q mutant enzyme had the same catalytic activity and thermostability as the wild-type enzyme. On the other hand, the N202Q and N83Q/N202Q mutant enzymes exhibited a considerable decrease in thermostability compared to the glycosylated wild-type enzyme. The N202Q and N83Q/N202Q mutant enzymes also had slightly less specific activity towards arabinan and debranched arabinan. However, no significant effect on the affinity of the mutant enzymes for the ligands arabinan, debranched arabinan, and wheat and rye arabinoxylans was detected by affinity gel electrophoresis. These observations suggest that the glycosylation at Asn(202) may contribute to thermostability and catalysis.

Alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases: the potential applications in biotechnology

Recently, alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases (EC3.2.1.55) have received increased attention primarily due to their role in the degradation of lignocelluloses as well as their positive effect on the activity of other enzymes acting on lignocelluloses. As a result, these enzymes are used in many biotechnological applications including wine industry, clarification of fruit juices, digestion enhancement of animal feedstuffs and as a natural improver for bread. Moreover, these enzymes could be used to improve existing technologies and to develop new technologies. The production, mechanisms of action, classification, synergistic role, biochemical properties, substrate specificities, molecular biology and biotechnological applications of these enzymes have been reviewed in this article.

Role of two alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases in arabinoxylan degradation and characteristics of the encoding genes from shochu koji molds, Aspergillus kawachii and Aspergillus awamori

Two different alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases from Aspergillus kawachii were purified and characterized. The two enzymes acted synergically with xylanase in the degradation of arabinoxylan and resulted in an increase in the amount of ferulic acid release by feruloyl esterase. Both enzymes were acidophilic and acid stable enzymes which had an optimum pH of 4.0 and were stable at pH 3.0-7.0. The general properties of the enzymes including pH optima and pH stability were similar to those of Aspergillus awamori. These results suggest that the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases contribute to an increase in cereal utilization and formation of aroma in shochu brewing. Two different genes encoding alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases from A. kawachii, designated as AkabfA and AkabjB, and those from A. awamori, designated as AwabfA and AwabjB, were also cloned and characterized. The difference between the sequences of AkabfA and AwabfA was only one nucleotide, resulting in an amino acid difference in the sequence, and the enzymes were assigned to family 51 of glycoside hydrolases. On the other hand, the differences between the sequences of AkabjB and AwabjB and between their encoding proteins were two nucleotides and one amino acid residue, respectively, and the enzymes were assigned to family 54 of glycoside hydrolases. On comparison of the abfA and abjB genes among A. kawachii, A. awamori, and A. niger, the relationship between the two genes for A. kawachii and A. awamori was much closer than those between A. niger and the others. Northern analyses showed that transcription of AkabfB was greater than that of AkabfA in the presence of L-arabitol and L-arabinose, and that transcriptions of both genes were not induced in the presence of sucrose and glucose.

Crystal structure of a family 54 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase reveals a novel carbohydrate-binding module that can bind arabinose

As the first known structures of a glycoside hydrolase family 54 (GH54) enzyme, we determined the crystal structures of free and arabinose-complex forms of Aspergillus kawachii IFO4308 alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase (AkAbfB). AkAbfB comprises two domains: a catalytic domain and an arabinose-binding domain (ABD). The catalytic domain has a beta-sandwich fold similar to those of clan-B glycoside hydrolases. ABD has a beta-trefoil fold similar to that of carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) family 13. However, ABD shows a number of characteristics distinctive from those of CBM family 13, suggesting that it could be classified into a new CBM family. In the arabinose-complex structure, one of three arabinofuranose molecules is bound to the catalytic domain through many interactions. Interestingly, a disulfide bond formed between two adjacent cysteine residues recognized the arabinofuranose molecule in the active site. From the location of this arabinofuranose and the results of a mutational study, the nucleophile and acid/base residues were determined to be Glu(221) and Asp(297), respectively. The other two arabinofuranose molecules are bound to ABD. The O-1 atoms of the two arabinofuranose molecules bound at ABD are both pointed toward the solvent, indicating that these sites can both accommodate an arabinofuranose side-chain moiety linked to decorated arabinoxylans.

Substrate specificity of the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1

The alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase (AF) from the fungus Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1 released arabinose at appreciable rates from (1-->5)-alpha-L-arabinofuranooligosaccharides, sugar beet arabinan and debranched arabinan. This enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed the terminal arabinofuranosyl residue [alpha-(1-->5)-linked] of the arabinan backbone rather than the arabinosyl side chain [alpha-(1-->3)-linked residues]. The enzyme-hydrolyzed arabinan reacted at and debranched the arabinan almost at the same rate, and the degree of conversion for both cases was 65%. Methylation analysis of arabinan showed that the arabinosyl-linkage proportions were 2:2:2:1, respectively, for (1-->5)-Araf, T-Araf, (1-->3, 5)-Araf and (1-->3)-Araf, while the ratios for the AF-digested arabinan shifted to 3:1:2:1. Enzyme digestion resulted in an increase in the proportion of (1-->5)-linked arabinose and a decrease in the proportion of terminal arabinose indicated this AF cleaved the terminal arabinosyl residue of the arabinan back bone [alpha-(1-->5)-linked residues]. Peak assignments in the 13C NMR spectra also confirmed this linkage composition of four kinds of arabinose residues. Both 1H and 13C NMR spectra are dominated by signals of the alpha-anomeric configuration of the arabinofuranosyl moieties. No signals were recorded for arabinopyranosyl moieties in the NMR spectra. Methylation and NMR analysis of native and AF-digested arabinan revealed that this alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase can only hydrolyse alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl residues of arabinan.

Purification and properties of two type-B alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases produced by Penicillium chrysogenum

Two distinct extracellular alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases (AFases; EC 3.2.1.55) were purified from the culture filtrate of Penicillium chrysogenum 31B. The molecular masses of the enzymes were estimated to be 79 kDa (AFQ1) and 52 kDa (AFS1) by SDS-PAGE. Both enzymes had their highest activities at 50 degrees C and were stable up to 50 degrees C. Enzyme activities of AFQ1 and AFS1 were highest at pH 4.0 to 6.5 and pH 3.3 to 5.0, respectively. Addition of 10 mg/ml arabinose to the reaction mixture decreased the AFS1 activity but hardly affected AFQ1. Both enzymes displayed broad substrate specificities; they released arabinose from branched arabinan, debranched arabinan, arabinoxylan, arabinogalactan, and arabino-oligosaccharides. AFS1 also showed low activity towards p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside. An exo-arabinanase, which catalyzes the release of arabinobiose from linear arabinan at the nonreducing terminus, acted synergistically with both enzymes to produce L-arabinose from branched arabinan.

Detailed kinetic analysis and identification of the nucleophile in alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T-6, a family 51 glycoside hydrolase

alpha-l-Arabinofuranosidases cleave the l-arabinofuranoside side chains of different hemicelluloses and are key enzymes in the complete degradation of the plant cell wall. The alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T-6, a family 51 glycoside hydrolase, was subjected to a detailed mechanistic study. Aryl-alpha-l-arabinofuranosides with various leaving groups were synthesized and used to verify the catalytic mechanism and catalytic residues of the enzyme. The steady-state constants and the resulting Brønsted plots for the E175A mutant are consistent with the role of Glu-175 as the acid-base catalytic residue. The proposed nucleophile residue, Glu-294, was replaced to Ala by a double-base pairs substitution. The resulting E294A mutant, with 4-nitrophenyl alpha-l-arabinofuranoside as the substrate, exhibited eight orders of magnitude lower activity and a 10-fold higher K(m) value compared with the wild type enzyme. Sodium azide accelerated by more than 40-fold the rate of the hydrolysis of 2',4',6'-trichlorophenyl alpha-l-arabinofuranoside by the E294A mutant. The glycosyl-azide product formed during this reaction was isolated and characterized as beta-l-arabinofuranosyl-azide by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The anomeric configuration of this product supports the assignment of Glu-294 as the catalytic nucleophile residue of the alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase T-6 and allows for the first time the unequivocal identification of this residue in glycoside hydrolases family 51.

The identification of the acid-base catalyst of alpha-arabinofuranosidase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T-6, a family 51 glycoside hydrolase

The alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T-6 (AbfA T-6) belongs to the retaining family 51 glycoside hydrolases. The conserved Glu175 was proposed to be the acid-base catalytic residue. AbfA T-6 exhibits residual activity towards aryl beta-D-xylopyranosides. This phenomenon was used to examine the catalytic properties of the putative acid-base mutant E175A. Data from kinetic experiments, pH profiles, azide rescue, and the identification of the xylopyranosyl azide product provide firm support to the assignment of Glu175 as the acid-base catalyst of AbfA T-6.

Physicochemical properties of a novel alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1

The zygomycete fungus Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1, cultured on L(+)arabinose as a sole carbon source, produced extracellular alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase. The enzyme was purified by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of this monomeric enzyme was 88 kDa. The native enzyme had a pI of 4.2 and displayed a pH optimum and stability of 4.0 and 7.0-10.0, respectively. The temperature optimum was 65 degrees C, and it was stable up to 70 degrees C. The Km and Vmax for p-nitrophenyl alpha-L-arabinofuranoside were 0.59 mM and 387 micromol x min(-1) x mg(-1) protein, respectively. Activity was not stimulated by metal cofactors. The N-terminal amino acid sequence did not show any similarity to other arabinofuranosidases. Higher hydrolytic activity was recorded with pnitrophenyl alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, arabinotriose, and sugar beet arabinan; lower hydrolytic activity was recorded with oat-spelt xylan and arabinogalactan, indicating specificity for the low molecular mass L(+)-arabinose containing oligosaccharides with furanoside configuration.

α-l-Arabinofuranosidases

Interest in the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases has increased in recent years because of their application in the conversion of various hemicellulosic substrates to fermentable sugars for subsequent production of fuel alcohol. Xylanases, in conjunction with alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases and other accessory enzymes, act synergistically to degrade xylan to component sugars. The induction of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase production, physico-chemical characteristics, substrate specificity, and molecular biology of the enzyme are described. The current state of research and development of the arabinofuranosidases and their role in biotechnology are presented.

Purification and characterization of a novel alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Pichia capsulata X91

An intracellular alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Pichia capsulata X91 was purified and characterized. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from a cell-free extract by ammonium sulfate treatment, Concanavalin A-Sepharose, ion-exchange chromatography with DEAE Bio-Gel A agarose, arabinose-Sepharose 6B affinity chromatography, and hydroxyapatite column chromatography. The apparent molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 250 kDa by native-PAGE. The enzyme molecule was suggested to be a tetramer with a subunit molecular mass of 72 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme had an isoelectric point at 5.1, and was most active at pH 6.0 and at around 50 degrees C. The alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase was active at ethanol concentrations of wine. The enzyme was inhibited by Cu2+, Hg2+, and p-chloromercuribenzoate. The enzyme hydrolyzed beet arabinan and arabinogalactan, and efficiently released monoterpenols from an aroma precursor extracted from Muscat grape juice. A considerable amount of monoterpenols was produced in the Muscat wine coupled with the enzyme addition.

Genetic and biochemical characterization of a highly thermostable alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Thermobacillus xylanilyticus

The gene encoding an alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Thermobacillus xylanilyticus D3, AbfD3, was isolated. Characterization of the purified recombinant alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase produced in Escherichia coli revealed that it is highly stable with respect to both temperature (up to 90 degrees C) and pH (stable in the pH range 4 to 12). On the basis of amino acid sequence similarities, this 56, 071-Da enzyme could be assigned to family 51 of the glycosyl hydrolase classification system. However, substrate specificity analysis revealed that AbfD3, unlike the majority of F51 members, displays high activity in the presence of polysaccharides.

Purification, characterization and gene cloning of two alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases from streptomyces chartreusis GS901

alpha-L-Arabinofuranosidases I and II were purified from the culture filtrate of Streptomyces chartreusis GS901 and were found to have molecular masses of 80 and 37 kDa and pI values of 6.6 and 7.5 respectively. Both enzymes demonstrated slight reactivity towards arabinoxylan and arabinogalactan as substrates but did not hydrolyse gum arabic or arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides. alpha-L-Arabinofuranosidase I hydrolysed all of the alpha-linkage types that normally occur between two alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl residues, with the following decreasing order of reactivity being observed for the respective disaccharide linkages: alpha-(1-->2) alpha-(1-->3) alpha-(1-->5). This enzyme cleaved the (1-->3) linkages of the arabinosyl side-chains of methyl 3, 5-di-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside in preference to the (1-->5) linkages. alpha-L-Arabinofuranosidase I hydrolysed approx. 30% of the arabinan but hydrolysed hardly any linear arabinan. In contrast, alpha-L-Arabinofuranosidase II hydrolysed only (1-->5)-arabinofuranobioside among the regioisomeric methyl arabinobiosides and did not hydrolyse the arabinotrioside. Linear 1-->5-linked arabinan was a good substrate for this enzyme, but it hydrolysed hardly any of the arabinan. Synergism between the two enzymes was observed in the conversion of arabinan and debranched arabinan into arabinose. Complete amino acid sequencing of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase I indicated that the enzyme consists of a central catalytic domain that belongs to family 51 of the glycoside hydrolases and additionally that unknown functional domains exist in the N-terminal and C-terminal regions. The amino acid sequence of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase II indicated that this enzyme belongs to family 43 of the glycoside hydrolase family and, as this is the first report of an exo-1, 5-alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase, it represents a novel type of enzyme.