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Barone GD, Tagliaro I, Oliver-Simancas R, Radice M, Kalossaka LM, Mattei M, Biundo A, Pisano I, Jiménez-Quero A. Keratinous and corneous-based products towards circular bioeconomy: A research review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 22:100444. [PMID: 39183760 PMCID: PMC11342888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Keratins and corneous proteins are key components of biomaterials used in a wide range of applications and are potential substitutes for petrochemical-based products. Horns, hooves, feathers, claws, and similar animal tissues are abundant sources of α-keratin and corneous β-proteins, which are by-products of the food industry. Their close association with the meat industry raises environmental and ethical concerns regarding their disposal. To promote an eco-friendly and circular use of these materials in novel applications, efforts have focused on recovering these residues to develop sustainable, non-animal-related, affordable, and scalable procedures. Here, we review and examine biotechnological methods for extracting and expressing α-keratins and corneous β-proteins in microorganisms. This review highlights consolidated research trends in biomaterials, medical devices, food supplements, and packaging, demonstrating the keratin industry's potential to create innovative value-added products. Additionally, it analyzes the state of the art of related intellectual property and market size to underscore the potential within a circular bioeconomic model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Tagliaro
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Oliver-Simancas
- Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Matteo Radice
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Livia M. Kalossaka
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Mattei
- Libera Università Internazionale Degli Studi Sociali “Guido Carli”, I-00198, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Biundo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Isabella Pisano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
- CIRCC – Interuniversity Consortium Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis, Via C. Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Amparo Jiménez-Quero
- Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
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Kumari P, Abhinand CS, Kumari R, Upadhyay A, Satheeshkumar PK. Design, development and characterization of a chimeric protein with disulfide reductase and protease domain showing keratinase activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:135025. [PMID: 39187103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Keratin is one of the major components of solid waste, and the degradation products have extensive applications in various commercial industries. Due to the complexity of the structure of keratin, especially the disulfide bonds between keratin polypeptides, keratinolytic activity is efficient with a mixture of proteins with proteases, peptidases, and oxidoreductase activity. The present work aimed to create an engineered chimeric protein with a disulfide reductase domain and a protease domain connected with a flexible linker. The structure, stability, and substrate interaction were analyzed using the protein modeling tools and codon-optimized synthetic gene cloned, expressed, and purified using Ni2+-NTA chromatography. The keratinolytic activity of the protein was at its maximum at 70 °C. The suitable pH for the enzyme activity was pH 8. While Ni2+, Mg2+, and Na+ inhibited the keratinolytic activity, Cu2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ enhanced it significantly. Biochemical characterization of the protease domain indicated significant keratinolytic activity at 70 °C at pH 10.0 but was less efficient than the chimeric protein. Experiments using feathers as the substrate showed a clear degradation pattern in the SEM analysis. The samples collected from the degradation experiments indicated the release of proteins (2-fold) and amino acids (8.4-fold) in a time-dependent manner. Thus, the protease with an added disulfide reductase domain showed excellent keratin degradation activity and has the potential to be utilized in the commercial industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kumari
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Chandran S Abhinand
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Ritu Kumari
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Astha Upadhyay
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Padikara K Satheeshkumar
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India.
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Pan Y, Qi Z, Hu J, Zheng X, Wang X. Bio-molecular analyses enable new insights into the taphonomy of feathers. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae341. [PMID: 39228813 PMCID: PMC11368126 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Exceptionally preserved feathers from the Mesozoic era have provided valuable insights into the early evolution of feathers and enabled color reconstruction of extinct dinosaurs, including early birds. Mounting chemical evidence for the two key components of feathers-keratins and melanins-in fossil feathers has demonstrated that exceptional preservation can be traced down to the molecular level. However, the chemical changes that keratin and eumelanin undergo during fossilization are still not fully understood, introducing uncertainty in the identification of these two molecules in fossil feathers. To address this issue, we need to examine their taphonomic process. In this study, we analyzed the structural and chemical composition of fossil feathers from the Jehol Biota and compared them with the structural and chemical changes observed in modern feathers during the process of biodegradation and thermal degradation, as well as the structural and chemical characteristics of a Cenozoic fossil feather. Our results suggest that the taphonomic process of feathers from the Cretaceous Jehol Biota is mainly controlled by the process of thermal degradation. The Cretaceous fossil feathers studied exhibited minimal keratin preservation but retained strong melanin signals, attributed to melanin's higher thermal stability. Low-maturity carbonaceous fossils can indeed preserve biosignals, especially signals from molecules with high resistance to thermal degradation. These findings provide clues about the preservation potential of keratin and melanin, and serve as a reference for searching for those two biomolecules in different geological periods and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Centre for Research and Education on Biological Evolution and Environment, Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zeming Qi
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianfang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi City, Shandong 276005, China
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature, Pingyi, Shandong 273300, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi City, Shandong 276005, China
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature, Pingyi, Shandong 273300, China
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4
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Boukeroui Y, González-Siso MI, DeCastro ME, Arab M, Aissaoui N, Nas F, Saibi ANE, Klouche Khelil N. Characterization, whole-genome sequence analysis, and protease production of a new thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis strain isolated from Debagh hot spring, Algeria. Int Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s10123-024-00569-9. [PMID: 39129036 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00569-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
A new thermophilic strain, designated as Bacillus sp. LMB3902, was isolated from Hammam Debagh, the hottest spring in Algeria (up to 98 °C). This isolate showed high protease production in skim milk media at 55 °C and exhibited significant specific protease activity by using azocasein as a substrate (157.50 U/mg). Through conventional methods, chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and comparative genomic analysis with the closely related strain Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13 (ATCC 14580 T), the isolate Bacillus sp. LMB3902 was identified as a potentially new strain of Bacillus licheniformis. In addition, the gene functions of Bacillus sp. LMB3902 strain were predicted using the Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Clusters of Orthologous Groups, Non-Redundant Protein Sequence Database, Swiss-Prot, and Pfam databases. The results showed that the genome size of Bacillus sp. LMB3902 was 4.279.557 bp, with an average GC content of 46%. The genome contained 4.760 predicted genes, including 8 rRNAs, 78 tRNAs, and 24 sRNAs. A total of 235 protease genes were annotated including 50 proteases with transmembrane helix structures and eight secreted proteases with signal peptides. Additionally, the majority of secondary metabolites found by antiSMASH platform showed low similarity to identified natural products, such as fengicin (53%), lichenysin (57%), and surfactin (34%), suggesting that this strain may encode for novel uncharacterized natural products which can be useful for biotechnological applications. This study is the first report that describes the complete genome sequence, taxono-genomics, and gene annotation as well as protease production of the Bacillus genus in this hydrothermal vent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Boukeroui
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology in Food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE Laboratory), Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - María-Isabel González-Siso
- Grupo EXPRELA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química E Bioloxía (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - María-Eugenia DeCastro
- Grupo EXPRELA, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química E Bioloxía (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mounia Arab
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology in Food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE Laboratory), Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nadia Aissaoui
- Laboratory of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Arid and Semi Arid Areas (GDRN), Institute of Sciences, University Center of Naâma, 45000, Naâma, Algeria
| | - Fatima Nas
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology in Food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE Laboratory), Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Amina Nour Elhouda Saibi
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology in Food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE Laboratory), Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Nihel Klouche Khelil
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology in Food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE Laboratory), Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria.
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Dental Surgery Department, Medical Faculty, University of Tlemcen, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria.
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5
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Das S, Das A, Das N, Nath T, Langthasa M, Pandey P, Kumar V, Choure K, Kumar S, Pandey P. Harnessing the potential of microbial keratinases for bioconversion of keratin waste. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34233-6. [PMID: 38985428 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34233-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The increasing global consumption of poultry meat has led to the generation of a vast quantity of feather keratin waste daily, posing significant environmental challenges due to improper disposal methods. A growing focus is on utilizing keratinous polymeric waste, amounting to millions of tons annually. Keratins are biochemically rigid, fibrous, recalcitrant, physiologically insoluble, and resistant to most common proteolytic enzymes. Microbial biodegradation of feather keratin provides a viable solution for augmenting feather waste's nutritional value while mitigating environmental contamination. This approach offers an alternative to traditional physical and chemical treatments. This review focuses on the recent findings and work trends in the field of keratin degradation by microorganisms (bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi) via keratinolytic and proteolytic enzymes, as well as the limitations and challenges encountered due to the low thermal stability of keratinase, and degradation in the complex environmental conditions. Therefore, recent biotechnological interventions such as designing novel keratinase with high keratinolytic activity, thermostability, and binding affinity have been elaborated here. Enhancing protein structural rigidity through critical engineering approaches, such as rational design, has shown promise in improving the thermal stability of proteins. Concurrently, metagenomic annotation offers insights into the genetic foundations of keratin breakdown, primarily predicting metabolic potential and identifying probable keratinases. This may extend the understanding of microbial keratinolytic mechanisms in a complex community, recognizing the significance of synergistic interactions, which could be further utilized in optimizing industrial keratin degradation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Das
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India
| | - Ankita Das
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India
| | - Nandita Das
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India
| | - Tamanna Nath
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India
| | | | - Prisha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Royal Global University, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India, 248016
| | - Kamlesh Choure
- Department of Biotechnology, AKS University, Satna, 485001, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India
| | - Piyush Pandey
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India.
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Mashzhan A, Kistaubayeva A, Javier-López R, Bissenbay A, Birkeland NK. Caldanaerobacter subterraneus subsp. keratinolyticus subsp. nov., a Novel Feather-Degrading Anaerobic Thermophile. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1277. [PMID: 39065046 PMCID: PMC11278675 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Caldanaerobacter subterraneus subsp. keratinolyticus subsp. nov. strain KAk was isolated from a geothermal hot spring located in Kazakhstan. Growth occurred at temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 °C, with approximately 70 °C as optimum. It also thrived in pH conditions ranging from 4.0 to 9.0, with the best growth occurring at 6.8. Under optimal conditions in a glucose-containing medium, the cells were predominantly observed singly, in pairs, or less frequently in chains, and did not form endospores. However, under conditions involving growth with merino wool or feathers, or under suboptimal conditions, the cells of strain KAk exhibited a notably elongated and thinner morphology, with lengths ranging from 5 to 8 µm, and spores were observed. The KAk strain exhibited efficient degradation of feather keratin and merino wool at temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 °C. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed KAk within the genus Caldanaerobacter, family Thermoanaerobacteraceae, with the highest similarity to C. subterraneus subsp. tengcongensis MB4T (98.84% sequence identity). Furthermore, our analysis of the draft genome sequence indicated a genome size of 2.4 Mbp, accompanied by a G+C value of 37.6 mol%. This study elucidated the physiological and genomic characteristics of strain KAk, highlighting its keratinolytic capabilities and distinctiveness compared to other members of the genus Caldanaerobacter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akzhigit Mashzhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan; (A.K.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Science Research Institute of Biology and Biotechnology Peoblem, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Almaty Branch of National Center for Biotechnology in Central Reference Laboratory (CRL), Zhahanger St. 14, 050054 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Department of Botany, E.A. Buketov Karaganda State University, Universitet St. 28, 100028 Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Aida Kistaubayeva
- Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan; (A.K.); (A.B.)
- Science Research Institute of Biology and Biotechnology Peoblem, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Rubén Javier-López
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Akerke Bissenbay
- Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan; (A.K.); (A.B.)
- Almaty Branch of National Center for Biotechnology in Central Reference Laboratory (CRL), Zhahanger St. 14, 050054 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nils-Kåre Birkeland
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway;
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Gahatraj I, Roy R, Sharma A, Phukan BC, Kumar S, Kumar D, Pandey P, Bhattacharya P, Borah A. Identification of molecular interactions of pesticides with keratinase for their potential to inhibit keratin biodegradation. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:54. [PMID: 38860143 PMCID: PMC11162408 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The recalcitrant, fibrous protein keratin is found in the outermost layer of vertebrate skin, feathers, hair, horn, and hooves. Approximately, 10 million tons of keratin wastes are produced annually worldwide, of which around 8.5 million tons are from feather wastes. The biodegradation of keratin has been a challenge due to the lack of understanding of biological parameters that modulate the process. Few soil-borne microbes are capable of producing keratinase enzyme which has the potential to degrade the hard keratin. However, various pesticides are abundantly used for the management of poultry farms and reports suggest the presence of the pesticide residues in feather. Hence, it was hypothesized that pesticides would interact with the substrate-binding or allosteric sites of the keratinase enzyme and interferes with the keratin-degradation process. In the present study, molecular interactions of 20 selected pesticides with the keratinase enzyme were analyzed by performing molecular docking. In blind docking, 14 out of 20 pesticides showed higher inhibitory potential than the known inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl flouride, all of which exhibited higher inhibitory potential in site-specific docking. The stability and strength of the protein complexes formed by the top best potential pesticides namely fluralaner, teflubenzuron, cyhalothrin, and cyfluthrin has been further validated by molecular dynamic simulation studies. The present study is the first report for the preliminary investigation of the keratinase-inhibitory potential of pesticides and highlights the plausible role of these pesticides in hindering the biological process of keratin degradation and thereby their contribution in environmental pollution. Graphical abstract Illustration depicting the hypothesis, experimental procedure, and the resultant keratinase-inhibitory potential of selected pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Gahatraj
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, 788011 India
| | - Rubina Roy
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, 788011 India
| | - Anupama Sharma
- Department of Computational Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401 India
| | | | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, 788011 India
| | - Diwakar Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011 India
| | - Piyush Pandey
- Department of Microbiology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011 India
| | - Pallab Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, 382355 Gandhinagar, Gujarat India
| | - Anupom Borah
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, 788011 India
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8
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Saeed M, Yan M, Ni Z, Hussain N, Chen H. Molecular strategies to enhance the keratinase gene expression and its potential implications in poultry feed industry. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103606. [PMID: 38479096 PMCID: PMC10951097 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The tons of keratin waste are produced by the poultry and meat industry which is an insoluble and protein-rich material found in hair, feathers, wool, and some epidermal wastes. These waste products could be degraded and recycled to recover protein, which can save our environment. One of the potential strategy to achieve this target is use of microbial biotreatment which is more convenient, cost-effective, and environment-friendly by formulating hydrolysate complexes that could be administered as protein supplements, bioactive peptides, or animal feed ingredients. Keratin degradation shows great promise for long-term protein and amino acid recycling. According to the MEROPS database, known keratinolytic enzymes currently belong to at least 14 different protease families, including S1, S8, S9, S10, S16, M3, M4, M14, M16, M28, M32, M36, M38, and M55. In addition to exogenous attack (proteases from families S9, S10, M14, M28, M38, and M55), the various keratinolytic enzymes also function via endo-attack (proteases from families S1, S8, S16, M4, M16, and M36). Biotechnological methods have shown great promise for enhancing keratinase expression in different strains of microbes and different protein engineering techniques in genetically modified microbes such as bacteria and some fungi to enhance keratinase production and activity. Some microbes produce specific keratinolytic enzymes that can effectively degrade keratin substrates. Keratinases have been successfully used in the leather, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the production and efficiency of existing enzymes need to be optimized before they can be used more widely in other processes, such as the cost-effective pretreatment of chicken waste. These can be improved more effectively by using various biotechnological applications which could serve as the best and novel approach for recycling and degrading biomass. This paper provides practical insights about molecular strategies to enhance keratinase expression to effectively utilize various poultry wastes like feathers and feed ingredients like soybean pulp. Furthermore, it describes the future implications of engineered keratinases for environment friendly utilization of wastes and crop byproducts for their better use in the poultry feed industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saeed
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Mingchen Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Zhong Ni
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Nazar Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Huayou Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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9
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Song C, Liu R, Yin D, Xie C, Liang Y, Yang D, Jiang M, Zhang H, Shen N. A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Unveils the Mechanisms of Response in Feather Degradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-7. Microorganisms 2024; 12:841. [PMID: 38674785 PMCID: PMC11052024 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial degradation of feathers offers potential for bioremediation, yet the microbial response mechanisms warrant additional investigation. In prior work, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-7, which demonstrated robust degradation of feathers at elevated concentrations, was isolated. However, the molecular mechanism of this degradation remains only partially understood. To investigate this, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine the genes that were expressed differentially in P. aeruginosa Gxun-7 when exposed to 25 g/L of feather substrate. The RNA-seq analysis identified 5571 differentially expressed genes; of these, 795 were upregulated and 603 were downregulated. Upregulated genes primarily participated in proteolysis, amino acid, and pyruvate metabolism. Genes encoding proteases, as well as those involved in sulfur metabolism, phenazine synthesis, and type VI secretion systems, were notably elevated, highlighting their crucial function in feather decomposition. Integration of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) taxonomies, combined with a review of the literature, led us to propose that metabolic feather degradation involves environmental activation, reducing agent secretion, protease release, peptide/amino acid uptake, and metabolic processes. Sulfite has emerged as a critical activator of keratinase catalysis, while cysteine serves as a regulatory mediator. qRT-PCR assay results for 11 selected gene subset corroborated the RNA-seq findings. This study enhances our understanding of the transcriptomic responses of P. aeruginosa Gxun-7 to feather degradation and offers insights into potential degradation mechanisms, thereby aiding in the formulation of effective feather waste management strategies in poultry farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaodong Song
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Rui Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Doudou Yin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Chenjie Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Ying Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Dengfeng Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Guangxi Beibu Gulf Marine Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, No. 98, Daxue Road, Nanning 530007, China;
| | - Mingguo Jiang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Naikun Shen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning 530000, China; (C.S.); (R.L.); (D.Y.); (C.X.); (Y.L.); (M.J.)
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10
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Li K, Li G, Liang Y, Zhang R, Peng S, Tan M, Ma D. Structural and enzymatic characterization of a novel metallo-serine keratinase KerJY-23. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129659. [PMID: 38266845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
KerJY-23 was a novel keratinase from feather-degrading Ectobacillus sp. JY-23, but its enzymatic characterization and structure are still unclear. In this study, the KerJY-23 was obtained by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), and enzymatic properties indicated that KerJY-23 was optimal at 60 °C and pH 9.0 and could be promoted by divalent metal ions or reducing agents. Furthermore, KerJY-23 had a broad substrate specificity towards casein, soluble keratin, and expanded feather powder, but its in vitro degradation against chicken feathers required an additional reducing agent. Homology modeling indicated that KerJY-23 contained a highly conserved zinc-binding HELTH motif and a His-Asp-Ser catalytic triad that belonged to the typical characteristics of M4-family metallo-keratinase and serine-keratinase, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that KerJY-23 achieved a reinforced binding on feather keratin via abundant hydrogen bonding interactions. This work not only deepened understanding of the novel and interesting metallo-serine keratinase KerJY-23, but also provided a theoretical basis for realizing the efficient use of waste feather keratin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntai Li
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ganghui Li
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yingyin Liang
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Shuaiying Peng
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
| | - Minghui Tan
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Donglin Ma
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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11
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Li K, Li G, Peng S, Tan M. Effective biodegradation on chicken feather by the recombinant KerJY-23 Bacillus subtilis WB600: A synergistic process coupled by disulfide reductase and keratinase. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127194. [PMID: 37793516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Keratin wastes are abundantly available but rich in hard-degrading fibrous proteins, and the keratinase-producing microorganisms have gained significant attention due to their biodegradation ability against keratinous materials. In order to improve the degradation efficiency of feather keratins, the keratinase gene (kerJY-23) from our previously isolated feather-degrading Ectobacillus sp. JY-23 was overexpressed in Bacillus subtilis WB600 strain. The recombinant KerJY-23 strain degraded chicken feathers rapidly within 48 h, during which the activities of disulfide reductase and keratinase KerJY-23 were sharply increased, and the free amino acids especially the essential phenylalanine and tyrosine were significantly accumulated in feather hydrolysate. The results of structural characterizations including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, demonstrated that the feather microstructure together with the polypeptide bonds and SS bonds in feather keratins were attacked and destroyed by the recombinant KerJY-23 strain. Therefore, the recombinant KerJY-23 strain contributed to feather degradation through the synergistic action of the secreted disulfide reductase to break the SS bonds and keratinase (KerJY-23) to hydrolyze the polypeptide bonds in keratins. This study offers a new insight into the underlying mechanism of keratin degradation, and provides a potential recombinant strain for the valorization of keratin wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntai Li
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ganghui Li
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Shuaiying Peng
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
| | - Minghui Tan
- College of Food Science and Technology of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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12
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Zhou B, Guo Y, Xue Y, Ji X, Huang Y. Comprehensive insights into the mechanism of keratin degradation and exploitation of keratinase to enhance the bioaccessibility of soybean protein. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:177. [PMID: 37978558 PMCID: PMC10655438 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Keratin is a recalcitrant protein and can be decomposed in nature. However, the mechanism of keratin degradation is still not well understood. In this study, Bacillus sp. 8A6 can completely degrade the feather in 20 h, which is an efficient keratin degrader reported so far. Comprehensive transcriptome analysis continuously tracks the metabolism of Bacillus sp. 8A6 throughout its growth in feather medium. It reveals for the first time how the strain can acquire nutrients and energy in an oligotrophic feather medium for proliferation in the early stage. Then, the degradation of the outer lipid layer of feather can expose the internal keratin structure for disulfide bonds reduction by sulfite from the newly identified sulfite metabolic pathway, disulfide reductases and iron uptake. The resulting weakened keratin has been further proposedly de-assembled by the S9 protease and hydrolyzed by synergistic effects of the endo, exo and oligo-proteases from S1, S8, M3, M14, M20, M24, M42, M84 and T3 families. Finally, bioaccessible peptides and amino acids are generated and transported for strain growth. The keratinase has been applied for soybean hydrolysis, which generates 2234 peptides and 559.93 mg/L17 amino acids. Therefore, the keratinases, inducing from the poultry waste, have great potential to be further applied for producing bioaccessible peptides and amino acids for feed industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beiya Zhou
- College of Mathematical Sciences, Bohai University, Jinzhou, 121013, Liaoning, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Huizhou Institute of Green Energy and Advanced Materials, Huizhou, 516000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yandong Guo
- College of Mathematical Sciences, Bohai University, Jinzhou, 121013, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yaju Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiuling Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
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