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Oehlmann NN, Rebelein JG. Generating Site Saturation Mutagenesis Libraries and Transferring Them to Broad Host-Range Plasmids Using Golden Gate Cloning. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2850:251-264. [PMID: 39363076 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4220-7_14] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Protein engineering is an established method for tailoring enzymatic reactivity. A commonly used method is directed evolution, where the mutagenesis and natural selection process is mimicked and accelerated in the laboratory. Here, we describe a reliable method for generating saturation mutagenesis libraries by Golden Gate cloning in a broad host range plasmid containing the pBBR1 replicon. The applicability is demonstrated by generating a mutant library of the iron nitrogenase gene cluster (anfHDGK) of Rhodobacter capsulatus, which is subsequently screened for the improved formation of molecular hydrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels N Oehlmann
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes G Rebelein
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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2
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Aza P, Camarero S. Fungal Laccases: Fundamentals, Engineering and Classification Update. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1716. [PMID: 38136587 PMCID: PMC10741624 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) share a common catalytic mechanism of activation by oxygen and cupredoxin-like folding, along with some common structural determinants. Laccases constitute the largest group of MCOs, with fungal laccases having the greatest biotechnological applicability due to their superior ability to oxidize a wide range of aromatic compounds and lignin, which is enhanced in the presence of redox mediators. The adaptation of these versatile enzymes to specific application processes can be achieved through the directed evolution of the recombinant enzymes. On the other hand, their substrate versatility and the low sequence homology among laccases make their exact classification difficult. Many of the ever-increasing amounts of MCO entries from fungal genomes are automatically (and often wrongly) annotated as laccases. In a recent comparative genomic study of 52 basidiomycete fungi, MCO classification was revised based on their phylogeny. The enzymes clustered according to common structural motifs and theoretical activities, revealing three novel groups of laccase-like enzymes. This review provides an overview of the structure, catalytic activity, and oxidative mechanism of fungal laccases and how their biotechnological potential as biocatalysts in industry can be greatly enhanced by protein engineering. Finally, recent information on newly identified MCOs with laccase-like activity is included.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susana Camarero
- Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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3
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Rabapane KJ, Ijoma GN, Matambo TS. Insufficiency in functional genomics studies, data, and applications: A case study of bio-prospecting research in ruminant microbiome. Front Genet 2022; 13:946449. [PMID: 36118848 PMCID: PMC9472250 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.946449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, biotechnology has advanced at a rapid pace, propelled by the incorporation of bio-products into various aspects of pharmaceuticals, industry, and the environment. These developments have sparked interest in the bioprospecting of microorganisms and their products in a variety of niche environments. Furthermore, the use of omics technologies has greatly aided our analyses of environmental samples by elucidating the microbial ecological framework, biochemical pathways, and bio-products. However, the more often overemphasis on taxonomic identification in most research publications, as well as the data associated with such studies, is detrimental to immediate industrial and commercial applications. This review identifies several factors that contribute to the complexity of sequence data analysis as potential barriers to the pragmatic application of functional genomics, utilizing recent research on ruminants to demonstrate these limitations in the hopes of broadening our horizons and drawing attention to this gap in bioprospecting studies for other niche environments as well. The review also aims to emphasize the importance of routinely incorporating functional genomics into environmental metagenomics analyses in order to improve solutions that drive rapid industrial biocatalysis developments from derived outputs with the aim of achieving potential benefits in energy-use reduction and environmental considerations for current and future applications.
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4
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Babakhanova S, Jung EE, Namikawa K, Zhang H, Wang Y, Subach OM, Korzhenevskiy DA, Rakitina TV, Xiao X, Wang W, Shi J, Drobizhev M, Park D, Eisenhard L, Tang H, Köster RW, Subach FV, Boyden ES, Piatkevich KD. Rapid directed molecular evolution of fluorescent proteins in mammalian cells. Protein Sci 2022; 31:728-751. [PMID: 34913537 PMCID: PMC8862398 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In vivo imaging of model organisms is heavily reliant on fluorescent proteins with high intracellular brightness. Here we describe a practical method for rapid optimization of fluorescent proteins via directed molecular evolution in cultured mammalian cells. Using this method, we were able to perform screening of large gene libraries containing up to 2 × 107 independent random genes of fluorescent proteins expressed in HEK cells, completing one iteration of directed evolution in a course of 8 days. We employed this approach to develop a set of green and near-infrared fluorescent proteins with enhanced intracellular brightness. The developed near-infrared fluorescent proteins demonstrated high performance for fluorescent labeling of neurons in culture and in vivo in model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Spectral properties of the optimized near-infrared fluorescent proteins enabled crosstalk-free multicolor imaging in combination with common green and red fluorescent proteins, as well as dual-color near-infrared fluorescence imaging. The described method has a great potential to be adopted by protein engineers due to its simplicity and practicality. We also believe that the new enhanced fluorescent proteins will find wide application for in vivo multicolor imaging of small model organisms.
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5
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Hettinga K, Bijl E. Can recombinant milk proteins replace those produced by animals? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102690. [PMID: 35104717 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of animal proteins in general, and dairy proteins in particular, is associated with sustainability and animal welfare issues. Recombinant synthesis of milk proteins is therefore receiving increasing interest, with several studies showing synthesis of milk proteins using a wide range of expression systems. Achieving a high yield and purity is essential for economic production. Besides the synthesis, also the construction of the specific structure in which milk proteins are present in animal milks, casein micelles, is needed. Looking at the current state-of-the-art, the steps to produce recombinant dairy products are technically feasible, but whether it can be implemented at low cost, with the process being environmentally friendly, remains to be seen in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Hettinga
- Dairy Science & Technology, Food Quality and Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708WG Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Etske Bijl
- Dairy Science & Technology, Food Quality and Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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6
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Cadet XF, Gelly JC, van Noord A, Cadet F, Acevedo-Rocha CG. Learning Strategies in Protein Directed Evolution. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2461:225-275. [PMID: 35727454 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2152-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a fast-evolving research field that combines biology and engineering principles to develop new biological systems for medical, pharmacological, and industrial applications. Synthetic biologists use iterative "design, build, test, and learn" cycles to efficiently engineer genetic systems that are reliable, reproducible, and predictable. Protein engineering by directed evolution can benefit from such a systematic engineering approach for various reasons. Learning can be carried out before starting, throughout or after finalizing a directed evolution project. Computational tools, bioinformatics, and scanning mutagenesis methods can be excellent starting points, while molecular dynamics simulations and other strategies can guide engineering efforts. Similarly, studying protein intermediates along evolutionary pathways offers fascinating insights into the molecular mechanisms shaped by evolution. The learning step of the cycle is not only crucial for proteins or enzymes that are not suitable for high-throughput screening or selection systems, but it is also valuable for any platform that can generate a large amount of data that can be aided by machine learning algorithms. The main challenge in protein engineering is to predict the effect of a single mutation on one functional parameter-to say nothing of several mutations on multiple parameters. This is largely due to nonadditive mutational interactions, known as epistatic effects-beneficial mutations present in a genetic background may not be beneficial in another genetic background. In this work, we provide an overview of experimental and computational strategies that can guide the user to learn protein function at different stages in a directed evolution project. We also discuss how epistatic effects can influence the success of directed evolution projects. Since machine learning is gaining momentum in protein engineering and the field is becoming more interdisciplinary thanks to collaboration between mathematicians, computational scientists, engineers, molecular biologists, and chemists, we provide a general workflow that familiarizes nonexperts with the basic concepts, dataset requirements, learning approaches, model capabilities and performance metrics of this intriguing area. Finally, we also provide some practical recommendations on how machine learning can harness epistatic effects for engineering proteins in an "outside-the-box" way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier F Cadet
- PEACCEL, Artificial Intelligence Department, Paris, France
| | - Jean Christophe Gelly
- Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
- BIGR, DSIMB, UMR_S1134, INSERM, University of Paris & University of Reunion, Paris, France
| | | | - Frédéric Cadet
- Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
- BIGR, DSIMB, UMR_S1134, INSERM, University of Paris & University of Reunion, Paris, France
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7
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Maréchal E. Grand Challenges in Microalgae Domestication. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:764573. [PMID: 34630500 PMCID: PMC8495258 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.764573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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8
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Ouyang H, Hong J, Malroy J, Zhu X. An E. coli-Based Biosynthetic Platform Expands the Structural Diversity of Natural Benzoxazoles. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2151-2158. [PMID: 34530615 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Benzoxazoles are frequently found in synthetic pharmaceuticals and medicinally active natural products. To facilitate benzoxazole-based drug development, an eco-friendly and rapid platform for benzoxazole production is required. In this study, we have completed the biosynthesis of benzoxazoles in E. coli by coexpressing the minimal set of enzymes required for their biosynthesis. Moreover, by coupling this E. coli-based platform with precursor-directed biosynthesis, we have shown that the benzoxazole biosynthetic system is highly promiscuous in incorporating fluorine, chlorine, nitrile, picolinic, and alkyne functionalities into the scaffold. Our E. coli-based system thus paves the way for straightforward generation of novel benzoxazole analogues through future protein engineering and combinatorial biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Ouyang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Joshua Hong
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jeshua Malroy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xuejun Zhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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9
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Thermostable lipases and their dynamics of improved enzymatic properties. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7069-7094. [PMID: 34487207 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11520-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Thermal stability is one of the most desirable characteristics in the search for novel lipases. The search for thermophilic microorganisms for synthesising functional enzyme biocatalysts with the ability to withstand high temperature, and capacity to maintain their native state in extreme conditions opens up new opportunities for their biotechnological applications. Thermophilic organisms are one of the most favoured organisms, whose distinctive characteristics are extremely related to their cellular constituent particularly biologically active proteins. Modifications on the enzyme structure are critical in optimizing the stability of enzyme to thermophilic conditions. Thermostable lipases are one of the most favourable enzymes used in food industries, pharmaceutical field, and actively been studied as potential biocatalyst in biodiesel production and other biotechnology application. Particularly, there is a trade-off between the use of enzymes in high concentration of organic solvents and product generation. Enhancement of the enzyme stability needs to be achieved for them to maintain their enzymatic activity regardless the environment. Various approaches on protein modification applied since decades ago conveyed a better understanding on how to improve the enzymatic properties in thermophilic bacteria. In fact, preliminary approach using advanced computational analysis is practically conducted before any modification is being performed experimentally. Apart from that, isolation of novel extremozymes from various microorganisms are offering great frontier in explaining the crucial native interaction within the molecules which could help in protein engineering. In this review, the thermostability prospect of lipases and the utility of protein engineering insights into achieving functional industrial usefulness at their high temperature habitat are highlighted. Similarly, the underlying thermodynamic and structural basis that defines the forces that stabilize these thermostable lipase is discussed. KEY POINTS: • The dynamics of lipases contributes to their non-covalent interactions and structural stability. • Thermostability can be enhanced by well-established genetic tools for improved kinetic efficiency. • Molecular dynamics greatly provides structure-function insights on thermodynamics of lipase.
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10
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Wiśniewska KM, Twarda-Clapa A, Białkowska AM. Novel Cold-Adapted Recombinant Laccase KbLcc1 from Kabatiella bupleuri G3 IBMiP as a Green Catalyst in Biotransformation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9593. [PMID: 34502503 PMCID: PMC8431773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold-adapted enzymes are useful tools in the organic syntheses conducted in mixed aqueous-organic or non-aqueous solvents due to their molecular flexibility that stabilizes the proteins in low water activity environments. A novel psychrophilic laccase gene from Kabatiella bupleuri, G3 IBMiP, was spliced by Overlap-Extension PCR (OE-PCR) and expressed in Pichia pastoris. Purified recombinant KbLcc1 laccase has an optimal temperature of 30 °C and pH of 3.5, 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0 in the reaction with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), guaiacol, sinapic acid, and syringaldazine, respectively. Moreover, laccase KbLcc1 is highly thermolabile, as it loses 40% of activity after 30 min at 40 °C and is inactivated at 50 °C after the same period of incubation. The new enzyme remained active with 1 mM of Ni2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ and with 2 mM of Co2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, but Fe2+ greatly inhibited the laccase activity. Moreover, 1% ethanol had no impact on KbLcc1, although acetone and ethyl acetate decreased the laccase activity. The presence of hexane (40%, v/v) caused a 58% increase in activity. Laccase KbLcc1 could be applied in the decolorization of synthetic dyes and in the biotransformation of ferulic acid to vanillin. After 5 days of reaction at 20 °C, pH 3.5, with 1 mM ABTS as a mediator, the vanillin concentration was 21.9 mg/L and the molar yield of transformation reached 14.39%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aneta M. Białkowska
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537 Łódź, Poland; (K.M.W.); (A.T.-C.)
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11
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Tohar R, Ansbacher T, Sher I, Afriat-Jurnou L, Weinberg E, Gal M. Screening Collagenase Activity in Bacterial Lysate for Directed Enzyme Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168552. [PMID: 34445258 PMCID: PMC8395246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagenases are essential enzymes capable of digesting triple-helical collagen under physiological conditions. These enzymes play a key role in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes. Collagenases are used for diverse biotechnological applications, and it is thus of major interest to identify new enzyme variants with improved characteristics such as expression yield, stability, or activity. The engineering of new enzyme variants often relies on either rational protein design or directed enzyme evolution. The latter includes screening of a large randomized or semirational genetic library, both of which require an assay that enables the identification of improved variants. Moreover, the assay should be tailored for microplates to allow the screening of hundreds or thousands of clones. Herein, we repurposed the previously reported fluorogenic assay using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid for the quantitation of collagen, and applied it in the detection of bacterial collagenase activity in bacterial lysates. This enabled the screening of hundreds of E. coli colonies expressing an error-prone library of collagenase G from C. histolyticum, in 96-well deep-well plates, by measuring activity directly in lysates with collagen. As a proof-of-concept, a single variant exhibiting higher activity than the starting-point enzyme was expressed, purified, and characterized biochemically and computationally. This showed the feasibility of this method to support medium-high throughput screening based on direct evaluation of collagenase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Tohar
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.T.); (T.A.); (I.S.); (E.W.)
| | - Tamar Ansbacher
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.T.); (T.A.); (I.S.); (E.W.)
- Hadassah Academic College, 7 Hanevi’im Street, Jerusalem 9101001, Israel
| | - Inbal Sher
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.T.); (T.A.); (I.S.); (E.W.)
| | - Livnat Afriat-Jurnou
- Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel;
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
| | - Evgeny Weinberg
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.T.); (T.A.); (I.S.); (E.W.)
| | - Maayan Gal
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.T.); (T.A.); (I.S.); (E.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-50-7987058
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12
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Kinner A, Rosenthal K, Lütz S. Identification and Expression of New Unspecific Peroxygenases - Recent Advances, Challenges and Opportunities. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:705630. [PMID: 34307325 PMCID: PMC8293615 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.705630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2004, the fungal heme-thiolate enzyme subfamily of unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) was first described in the basidiomycete Agrocybe aegerita. As UPOs naturally catalyze a broad range of oxidative transformations by using hydrogen peroxide as electron acceptor and thus possess a great application potential, they have been extensively studied in recent years. However, despite their versatility to catalyze challenging selective oxyfunctionalizations, the availability of UPOs for potential biotechnological applications is restricted. Particularly limiting are the identification of novel natural biocatalysts, their production, and the description of their properties. It is hence of great interest to further characterize the enzyme subfamily as well as to identify promising new candidates. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the state of the art in identification, expression, and screening approaches of fungal UPOs, challenges associated with current protein production and screening strategies, as well as potential solutions and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kinner
- Chair for Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Katrin Rosenthal
- Chair for Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stephan Lütz
- Chair for Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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13
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Hendel SJ, Shoulders MD. Directed evolution in mammalian cells. Nat Methods 2021; 18:346-357. [PMID: 33828274 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-021-01090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Directed evolution experiments are typically carried out using in vitro systems, bacteria, or yeast-even when the goal is to probe or modulate mammalian biology. Performing directed evolution in systems that do not match the intended mammalian environment severely constrains the scope and functionality of the targets that can be evolved. We review new platforms that are now making it possible to use the mammalian cell itself as the setting for directed evolution and present an overview of frontier challenges and high-impact targets for this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Hendel
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew D Shoulders
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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14
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Viña-Gonzalez J, Alcalde M. In vivo site-directed recombination (SDR): An efficient tool to reveal beneficial epistasis. Methods Enzymol 2020; 643:1-13. [PMID: 32896276 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2020.04.021] [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] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Employing the homologous DNA recombination apparatus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a dynamic engineering tool allows mutant libraries to be constructed in a rapid and efficient manner. Among the plethora of methods based on the yeast's splicing apparatus, site-directed recombination (SDR) is often useful to gather information from mutations discovered in directed evolution experiments. When using SDR, the target gene is divided in segments carrying the selected mutation positions so that the resulting PCR fragments show 50% mutated and 50% wild type residues at the codons of interest. The PCR products are then assembled and cloned into yeast through one-pot transformations with the help of homologous overlapping flanking regions. By screening SDR libraries, the effect of the mutations/reversions at the different positions can be rapidly sorted out in a combinatorial manner. As such, SDR can serve as the `final polishing step´ in a laboratory evolution campaign, revealing beneficial synergies among mutations and/or overriding deleterious mutations. In practice, using SDR it is possible to discern between beneficial and negative epistasis, that is, it should be possible to collect positive synergistic mutations while discarding detrimental substitutions that affect the enzyme's fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Viña-Gonzalez
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, Madrid, Spain; EvoEnzyme S.L, C/Marie Curie nº2, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Alcalde
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, Madrid, Spain; EvoEnzyme S.L, C/Marie Curie nº2, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Viña-Gonzalez J, Alcalde M. Directed evolution of the aryl-alcohol oxidase: Beyond the lab bench. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:1800-1810. [PMID: 32695272 PMCID: PMC7358221 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl-alcohol oxidase (AAO) is a fungal GMC flavoprotein secreted by white-rot fungi that supplies H2O2 to the ligninolytic consortium. This enzyme can oxidize a wide array of aromatic alcohols in a highly enantioselective manner, an important trait in organic synthesis. The best strategy to adapt AAO to industrial needs is to engineer its properties by directed evolution, aided by computational analysis. The aim of this review is to describe the strategies and challenges we faced when undertaking laboratory evolution of AAO. After a comprehensive introduction into the structure of AAO, its function and potential applications, the different directed evolution enterprises designed to express the enzyme in an active and soluble form in yeast are described, as well as those to unlock new activities involving the oxidation of secondary aromatic alcohols and the synthesis of furandicarboxylic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Viña-Gonzalez
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, CSIC, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Alcalde
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, CSIC, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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16
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Ma C, Tan ZL, Lin Y, Han S, Xing X, Zhang C. Gel microdroplet–based high-throughput screening for directed evolution of xylanase-producing Pichia pastoris. J Biosci Bioeng 2019; 128:662-668. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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17
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Chiu FWY, Stavrakis S. High-throughput droplet-based microfluidics for directed evolution of enzymes. Electrophoresis 2019; 40:2860-2872. [PMID: 31433062 PMCID: PMC6899980 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural enzymes have evolved over millions of years to allow for their effective operation within specific environments. However, it is significant to note that despite their wide structural and chemical diversity, relatively few natural enzymes have been successfully applied to industrial processes. To address this limitation, directed evolution (DE) (a method that mimics the process of natural selection to evolve proteins toward a user‐defined goal) coupled with droplet‐based microfluidics allows the detailed analysis of millions of enzyme variants on ultra‐short timescales, and thus the design of novel enzymes with bespoke properties. In this review, we aim at presenting the development of DE over the last years and highlighting the most important advancements in droplet‐based microfluidics, made in this context towards the high‐throughput demands of enzyme optimization. Specifically, an overview of the range of microfluidic unit operations available for the construction of DE platforms is provided, focusing on their suitability and benefits for cell‐based assays, as in the case of directed evolution experimentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora W Y Chiu
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Markel U, Sauer DF, Schiffels J, Okuda J, Schwaneberg U. Towards the Evolution of Artificial Metalloenzymes—A Protein Engineer's Perspective. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:4454-4464. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201811042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Markel
- Institute of Biotechnology RWTH Aachen University Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Daniel F. Sauer
- Institute of Biotechnology RWTH Aachen University Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Johannes Schiffels
- Institute of Biotechnology RWTH Aachen University Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Jun Okuda
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Landoltweg 1 52056 Aachen Germany
| | - Ulrich Schwaneberg
- DWI Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
- Institute of Biotechnology RWTH Aachen University Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Germany
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Markel U, Sauer DF, Schiffels J, Okuda J, Schwaneberg U. Auf dem Weg zur Evolution artifizieller Metalloenzyme – aus einem Protein‐Engineering‐Blickwinkel. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201811042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Markel
- Institut für Biotechnologie RWTH Aachen Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Deutschland
| | - Daniel F. Sauer
- Institut für Biotechnologie RWTH Aachen Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Deutschland
| | - Johannes Schiffels
- Institut für Biotechnologie RWTH Aachen Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Deutschland
| | - Jun Okuda
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie RWTH Aachen Landoltweg 1 52056 Aachen Deutschland
| | - Ulrich Schwaneberg
- DWI Leibniz-Institut für Interaktive Materialien Forckenbeckstraße 50 52074 Aachen Deutschland
- Institut für Biotechnologie RWTH Aachen Worringer Weg 3 52074 Aachen Deutschland
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Brand Shwartz M, Assor M, Dotan N, Ratzon E, Cohen E, Ruimi N, Bloch I, Gal M, Yadid I. Inhibition of PD1:PD-L1 interaction by an E. coli-derived optimized PD1 variant. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:731-738. [PMID: 30384998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.147] [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: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint receptors are a set of signal transduction proteins that can stimulate or inhibit specific anti-tumor responses. It is well established that cancer cells interact with different immune checkpoints to shut down T-cell response, thereby enabling cancer proliferation. Given the importance of immune checkpoint receptors, a structure-function analysis of these systems is imperative. However, recombinant expression and purification of these membrane originated proteins is still a challenge. Therefore, many attempts are being made to improve their expression and solubility while preserving their biological relevance. For this purpose, we designed an E. coli-based optimization system that enables the acquisition of mutations that increases protein solubility and affinity towards its native ligand, while maintaining biological activity. Here we focused on the well-characterized extracellular domain of the 'programmed cell death protein 1' (PD1), an immune checkpoint receptor known to inhibit T-cell proliferation by interacting with its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. The simple ELISA-based screening system shown here enabled the identification of high-affinity, highly soluble, functional variants derived from the extracellular domain of human PD1. The system was based on the expression of a GST-tagged variants library in E. coli, which enabled the selection of improved PD1 variants after a single optimization round. Within only two screening rounds, the most active variant showed a 5-fold higher affinity and 2.4-fold enhanced cellular activity as compared to the wild type protein. This scheme can be translated toward other types of challenging receptors toward development of research tools or alternative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Brand Shwartz
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel
| | - Mayan Assor
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel
| | - Nesly Dotan
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel
| | - Einav Ratzon
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel
| | - Elad Cohen
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel
| | - Nili Ruimi
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel
| | - Itai Bloch
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel
| | - Maayan Gal
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel.
| | - Itamar Yadid
- Biochemistry Department, MIGAL -Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona, 11016, Israel; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel.
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Abstract
Directed evolution (DE) is a powerful tool for optimizing an enzyme's properties toward a particular objective, such as broader substrate scope, greater thermostability, or increased kcat. A successful DE project requires the generation of genetic diversity and subsequent screening or selection to identify variants with improved fitness. In contrast to random methods (error-prone PCR or DNA shuffling), site-directed mutagenesis enables the rational design of variant libraries and provides control over the nature and frequency of the encoded mutations. Knowledge of protein structure, dynamics, enzyme mechanisms, and natural evolution demonstrates that multiple (combinatorial) mutations are required to discover the most improved variants. To this end, we describe an experimentally straightforward and low-cost method for the preparation of combinatorial variant libraries. Our approach employs a two-step PCR protocol, first producing mutagenic megaprimers, which can then be combined in a "mix-and-match" fashion to generate diverse sets of combinatorial variant libraries both quickly and accurately.
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Hu J, Nagarajan D, Zhang Q, Chang JS, Lee DJ. Heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae for pigment production: A review. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:54-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Alcalde
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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Yishai O, Lindner SN, Gonzalez de la Cruz J, Tenenboim H, Bar-Even A. The formate bio-economy. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2016; 35:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Dey TB, Kumar A, Banerjee R, Chandna P, Kuhad RC. Improvement of microbial α-amylase stability: Strategic approaches. Process Biochem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Johnson TJ, Gibbons JL, Gu L, Zhou R, Gibbons WR. Molecular genetic improvements of cyanobacteria to enhance the industrial potential of the microbe: A review. Biotechnol Prog 2016; 32:1357-1371. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tylor J. Johnson
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
- Dept. of MicrobiologyThe University of TennesseeKnoxville TN37996
| | - Jaimie L. Gibbons
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Liping Gu
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Ruanbao Zhou
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - William R. Gibbons
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
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Tachioka M, Sugimoto N, Nakamura A, Sunagawa N, Ishida T, Uchiyama T, Igarashi K, Samejima M. Development of simple random mutagenesis protocol for the protein expression system in Pichia pastoris. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2016; 9:199. [PMID: 27660653 PMCID: PMC5028916 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-016-0613-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Random mutagenesis is a powerful technique to obtain mutant proteins with different properties from the wild-type molecule. Error-prone PCR is often employed for random mutagenesis in bacterial protein expression systems, but has rarely been used in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris system, despite its significant advantages, mainly because large (μg-level) amounts of plasmids are required for transformation. RESULTS We developed a quick and easy technique for random mutagenesis in P. pastoris by sequential Phi29 DNA polymerase-based amplification methods, error-prone rolling circle amplification (RCA) and multiple displacement amplification (MDA). The methodology was validated by applying it for random mutation of the gene encoding cellulase from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCel6A), a key enzyme in degradation of cellulosic biomass. In the error-prone RCA step, the concentrations of manganese ion (Mn(2+)) and cellulase gene-containing plasmid were varied, and the products obtained under each condition were subjected to the second MDA step in the absence of Mn(2+). The maximum error rate was 2.6 mutations/kb, as evaluated from the results of large-scale sequencing. Several μg of MDA products was transformed by electroporation into Pichia cells, and the activities of extracellularly expressed PcCel6A mutants towards crystalline and amorphous celluloses were compared with those of wild-type enzyme to identify key amino acid residues affecting degradation of crystalline cellulose. CONCLUSIONS We present a rapid and convenient random mutagenesis method that does not require laborious steps such as ligation, cloning, and synthesis of specific primers. This method was successfully applied to the protein expression system in P. pastoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikako Tachioka
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Naohisa Sugimoto
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
- Biomaterial in Tokyo Co., Ltd., Fukuoka Lab, Ōnojō, Fukuoka 816-0905 Japan
| | - Akihiko Nakamura
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institute of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8787 Japan
| | - Naoki Sunagawa
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Takuya Ishida
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Taku Uchiyama
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Igarashi
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Masahiro Samejima
- Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
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Engineering a microbial platform for de novo biosynthesis of diverse methylxanthines. Metab Eng 2016; 38:191-203. [PMID: 27519552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Engineered microbial biosynthesis of plant natural products can support manufacturing of complex bioactive molecules and enable discovery of non-naturally occurring derivatives. Purine alkaloids, including caffeine (coffee), theophylline (antiasthma drug), theobromine (chocolate), and other methylxanthines, play a significant role in pharmacology and food chemistry. Here, we engineered the eukaryotic microbial host Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the de novo biosynthesis of methylxanthines. We constructed a xanthine-to-xanthosine conversion pathway in native yeast central metabolism to increase endogenous purine flux for the production of 7-methylxanthine, a key intermediate in caffeine biosynthesis. Yeast strains were further engineered to produce caffeine through expression of several enzymes from the coffee plant. By expressing combinations of different N-methyltransferases, we were able to demonstrate re-direction of flux to an alternate pathway and develop strains that support the production of diverse methylxanthines. We achieved production of 270μg/L, 61μg/L, and 3700μg/L of caffeine, theophylline, and 3-methylxanthine, respectively, in 0.3-L bench-scale batch fermentations. The constructed strains provide an early platform for de novo production of methylxanthines and with further development will advance the discovery and synthesis of xanthine derivatives.
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Abstract
Current directions and emerging possibilities under investigation for the integration of synthetic and semi-synthetic multivalent architectures with biology are discussed. Attention is focussed around multivalent interactions, their fundamental role in biology, and current and potential approaches in emulating them in terms of structure and functionality using synthetic architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Mahon
- Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Mihail Barboiu
- Adaptative Supramolecular Nanosystems Group, Institut Européen des Membranes, ENSCM/UMII/UMR-CNRS 5635, Pl. Eugène Bataillon, CC 047, 34095 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France.
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Li Y, Hou J, Wang F, Sheng J. High-throughput assays of leloir-glycosyltransferase reactions: The applications of rYND1 in glycotechnology. J Biotechnol 2016; 227:10-18. [PMID: 27059478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glycosyltransferases (GTs) play a critical role in the enzymatic and chemoenzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. However, the development of these synthetic approaches has been limited by a lack of sensitive screening methods for the isolation of novel natural GTs or their active variants. Herein, we describe the results of our investigation towards the soluble expression and potential application of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae apyrase YND1. By replacing the hydrophobic transmembrane domain of YND1 with three glycine-serine repeats, this protein was successfully expressed in a soluble form in Escherichia coli. This new protein was then used to develop a two-step nucleoside diphosphate (NDP)-based Leloir-GT high-throughput assay. Purified rYND1 was initially added to a GT reaction to hydrolyze NDP to nucleoside phosphate plus inorganic phosphate, which was determined using a phosphorus molybdenum blue chromogenic reaction. Purified rYND1 was shown to have a positive effect on saccharide synthesis by eliminating the potential by-product inhibition from NDP. Most of the mono-sugar donors used for Leloir-GTs are activated by uridine diphosphate and guanosine diphosphate, which can be catalyzed by rYND1. The rYND1 is amenable to screening methods and could be applied to a wide range of Leloir-GT-catalyzed reactions, therefore representing a remarkable step forward in glycotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jin Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Fengshan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Juzheng Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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Viña-Gonzalez J, Gonzalez-Perez D, Alcalde M. Directed Evolution Method in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Mutant Library Creation and Screening. J Vis Exp 2016:e53761. [PMID: 27077451 DOI: 10.3791/53761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Directed evolution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae offers many attractive advantages when designing enzymes for biotechnological applications, a process that involves the construction, cloning and expression of mutant libraries, coupled to high frequency homologous DNA recombination in vivo. Here, we present a protocol to create and screen mutant libraries in yeast based on the example of a fungal aryl-alcohol oxidase (AAO) to enhance its total activity. Two protein segments were subjected to focused-directed evolution by random mutagenesis and in vivo DNA recombination. Overhangs of ~50 bp flanking each segment allowed the correct reassembly of the AAO-fusion gene in a linearized vector giving rise to a full autonomously replicating plasmid. Mutant libraries enriched with functional AAO variants were screened in S. cerevisiae supernatants with a sensitive high-throughput assay based on the Fenton reaction. The general process of library construction in S. cerevisiae described here can be readily applied to evolve many other eukaryotic genes, avoiding extra PCR reactions, in vitro DNA recombination and ligation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miguel Alcalde
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, CSIC;
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In Vitro Selection of Cancer Cell-Specific Molecular Recognition Elements from Amino Acid Libraries. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:186586. [PMID: 26436100 PMCID: PMC4576012 DOI: 10.1155/2015/186586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an in vitro selection method for obtaining molecular recognition elements (MREs) that specifically bind to individual cell types with high affinity. MREs are selected from initial large libraries of different nucleic or amino acids. This review outlines the construction of peptide and antibody fragment libraries as well as their different host types. Common methods of selection are also reviewed. Additionally, examples of cancer cell MREs are discussed, as well as their potential applications.
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Focused Directed Evolution of Aryl-Alcohol Oxidase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Using Chimeric Signal Peptides. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:6451-62. [PMID: 26162870 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01966-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl-alcohol oxidase (AAO) is an extracellular flavoprotein that supplies ligninolytic peroxidases with H2O2 during natural wood decay. With a broad substrate specificity and highly stereoselective reaction mechanism, AAO is an attractive candidate for studies into organic synthesis and synthetic biology, and yet the lack of suitable heterologous expression systems has precluded its engineering by directed evolution. In this study, the native signal sequence of AAO from Pleurotus eryngii was replaced by those of the mating α-factor and the K1 killer toxin, as well as different chimeras of both prepro-leaders in order to drive secretion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The secretion of these AAO constructs increased in the following order: preproα-AAO > preαproK-AAO > preKproα-AAO > preproK-AAO. The chimeric preαproK-AAO was subjected to focused-directed evolution with the aid of a dual screening assay based on the Fenton reaction. Random mutagenesis and DNA recombination was concentrated on two protein segments (Met[α1]-Val109 and Phe392-Gln566), and an array of improved variants was identified, among which the FX7 mutant (harboring the H91N mutation) showed a dramatic 96-fold improvement in total activity with secretion levels of 2 mg/liter. Analysis of the N-terminal sequence of the FX7 variant confirmed the correct processing of the preαproK hybrid peptide by the KEX2 protease. FX7 showed higher stability in terms of pH and temperature, whereas the pH activity profiles and the kinetic parameters were maintained. The Asn91 lies in the flavin attachment loop motif, and it is a highly conserved residue in all members of the GMC superfamily, except for P. eryngii and P. pulmonarius AAO. The in vitro involution of the enzyme by restoring the consensus ancestor Asn91 promoted AAO expression and stability.
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Currin A, Swainston N, Day PJ, Kell DB. Synthetic biology for the directed evolution of protein biocatalysts: navigating sequence space intelligently. Chem Soc Rev 2015; 44:1172-239. [PMID: 25503938 PMCID: PMC4349129 DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00351a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The amino acid sequence of a protein affects both its structure and its function. Thus, the ability to modify the sequence, and hence the structure and activity, of individual proteins in a systematic way, opens up many opportunities, both scientifically and (as we focus on here) for exploitation in biocatalysis. Modern methods of synthetic biology, whereby increasingly large sequences of DNA can be synthesised de novo, allow an unprecedented ability to engineer proteins with novel functions. However, the number of possible proteins is far too large to test individually, so we need means for navigating the 'search space' of possible protein sequences efficiently and reliably in order to find desirable activities and other properties. Enzymologists distinguish binding (Kd) and catalytic (kcat) steps. In a similar way, judicious strategies have blended design (for binding, specificity and active site modelling) with the more empirical methods of classical directed evolution (DE) for improving kcat (where natural evolution rarely seeks the highest values), especially with regard to residues distant from the active site and where the functional linkages underpinning enzyme dynamics are both unknown and hard to predict. Epistasis (where the 'best' amino acid at one site depends on that or those at others) is a notable feature of directed evolution. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the approaches that are being developed to allow us to use directed evolution to improve enzyme properties, often dramatically. We note that directed evolution differs in a number of ways from natural evolution, including in particular the available mechanisms and the likely selection pressures. Thus, we stress the opportunities afforded by techniques that enable one to map sequence to (structure and) activity in silico, as an effective means of modelling and exploring protein landscapes. Because known landscapes may be assessed and reasoned about as a whole, simultaneously, this offers opportunities for protein improvement not readily available to natural evolution on rapid timescales. Intelligent landscape navigation, informed by sequence-activity relationships and coupled to the emerging methods of synthetic biology, offers scope for the development of novel biocatalysts that are both highly active and robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Currin
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK . ; http://dbkgroup.org/; @dbkell ; Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4492
- School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL , UK
- Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM) , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK
| | - Neil Swainston
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK . ; http://dbkgroup.org/; @dbkell ; Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4492
- Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM) , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK
- School of Computer Science , The University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL , UK
| | - Philip J. Day
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK . ; http://dbkgroup.org/; @dbkell ; Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4492
- Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM) , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PT , UK
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK . ; http://dbkgroup.org/; @dbkell ; Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4492
- School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL , UK
- Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM) , The University of Manchester , 131, Princess St , Manchester M1 7DN , UK
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Marietou A, Nguyen ATT, Allen EE, Bartlett DH. Adaptive laboratory evolution of Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 for growth at high hydrostatic pressure. Front Microbiol 2015; 5:749. [PMID: 25610434 PMCID: PMC4285802 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of microbial life on Earth grows and reproduces under the elevated hydrostatic pressure conditions that exist in deep-ocean and deep-subsurface environments. In this study adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments were conducted to investigate the possible modification of the piezosensitive Escherichia coli for improved growth at high pressure. After approximately 500 generations of selection, a strain was isolated that acquired the ability to grow at pressure non-permissive for the parental strain. Remarkably, this strain displayed growth properties and changes in the proportion and regulation of unsaturated fatty acids that indicated the acquisition of multiple piezotolerant properties. These changes developed concomitantly with a change in the gene encoding the acyl carrier protein, which is required for fatty acid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Marietou
- Marine Biology Research Division, Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alice T T Nguyen
- Marine Biology Research Division, Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric E Allen
- Marine Biology Research Division, Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas H Bartlett
- Marine Biology Research Division, Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Laccase engineering: From rational design to directed evolution. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Directed evolution of unspecific peroxygenase from Agrocybe aegerita. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:3496-507. [PMID: 24682297 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00490-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) represents a new type of heme-thiolate enzyme with self-sufficient mono(per)oxygenase activity and many potential applications in organic synthesis. With a view to taking advantage of these properties, we subjected the Agrocybe aegerita UPO1-encoding gene to directed evolution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To promote functional expression, several different signal peptides were fused to the mature protein, and the resulting products were tested. Over 9,000 clones were screened using an ad hoc dual-colorimetric assay that assessed both peroxidative and oxygen transfer activities. After 5 generations of directed evolution combined with hybrid approaches, 9 mutations were introduced that resulted in a 3,250-fold total activity improvement with no alteration in protein stability. A breakdown between secretion and catalytic activity was performed by replacing the native signal peptide of the original parental type with that of the evolved mutant; the evolved leader increased functional expression 27-fold, whereas an 18-fold improvement in the kcat/Km value for oxygen transfer activity was obtained. The evolved UPO1 was active and highly stable in the presence of organic cosolvents. Mutations in the hydrophobic core of the signal peptide contributed to enhance functional expression up to 8 mg/liter, while catalytic efficiencies for peroxidative and oxygen transfer reactions were increased by several mutations in the vicinity of the heme access channel. Overall, the directed-evolution platform described is a valuable point of departure for the development of customized UPOs with improved features and for the study of structure-function relationships.
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Abatemarco J, Hill A, Alper HS. Expanding the metabolic engineering toolbox with directed evolution. Biotechnol J 2013; 8:1397-410. [PMID: 23857895 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular systems can be engineered into factories that produce high-value chemicals from renewable feedstock. Such an approach requires an expanded toolbox for metabolic engineering. Recently, protein engineering and directed evolution strategies have started to play a growing and critical role within metabolic engineering. This review focuses on the various ways in which directed evolution can be applied in conjunction with metabolic engineering to improve product yields. Specifically, we discuss the application of directed evolution on both catalytic and non-catalytic traits of enzymes, on regulatory elements, and on whole genomes in a metabolic engineering context. We demonstrate how the goals of metabolic pathway engineering can be achieved in part through evolving cellular parts as opposed to traditional approaches that rely on gene overexpression and deletion. Finally, we discuss the current limitations in screening technology that hinder the full implementation of a metabolic pathway-directed evolution approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Abatemarco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Mate DM, Gonzalez-Perez D, Kittl R, Ludwig R, Alcalde M. Functional expression of a blood tolerant laccase in Pichia pastoris. BMC Biotechnol 2013; 13:38. [PMID: 23627343 PMCID: PMC3655043 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-13-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basidiomycete high-redox potential laccases (HRPLs) working in human physiological fluids (pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl) arise great interest in the engineering of 3D-nanobiodevices for biomedical uses. In two previous reports, we described the directed evolution of a HRPL from basidiomycete PM1 strain CECT 2971: i) to be expressed in an active, soluble and stable form in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and ii) to be active in human blood. In spite of the fact that S. cerevisiae is suited for the directed evolution of HRPLs, the secretion levels obtained in this host are not high enough for further research and exploitation. Thus, the search for an alternative host to over-express the evolved laccases is mandatory. RESULTS A blood-active laccase (ChU-B mutant) fused to the native/evolved α-factor prepro-leader was cloned under the control of two different promoters (P(AOX1) and P(GAP)) and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The most active construct, which contained the P(AOX1) and the evolved prepro-leader, was fermented in a 42-L fed-batch bioreactor yielding production levels of 43 mg/L. The recombinant laccase was purified to homogeneity and thoroughly characterized. As happened in S. cerevisiae, the laccase produced by P. pastoris presented an extra N-terminal extension (ETEAEF) generated by an alternative processing of the α-factor pro-leader at the Golgi compartment. The laccase mutant secreted by P. pastoris showed the same improved properties acquired after several cycles of directed evolution in S. cerevisiae for blood-tolerance: a characteristic pH-activity profile shifted to the neutral-basic range and a greatly increased resistance against inhibition by halides. Slight biochemical differences between both expression systems were found in glycosylation, thermostability and turnover numbers. CONCLUSIONS The tandem-yeast system based on S. cerevisiae to perform directed evolution and P. pastoris to over-express the evolved laccases constitutes a promising approach for the in vitro evolution and production of these enzymes towards different biocatalytic and bioelectrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Mate
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
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van Rossum T, Kengen SWM, van der Oost J. Reporter-based screening and selection of enzymes. FEBS J 2013; 280:2979-96. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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