Cost-Effective Production of L-DOPA by Tyrosinase-Immobilized Polyhydroxyalkanoate Nanogranules in Engineered Halomonas bluephagenesis TD01

3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA) is a preferred drug for Parkinson's disease, with an increasing demand worldwide that mainly relies on costly and environmentally problematic chemical synthesis. Yet, biological L-DOPA production is unfeasible at the industrial scale due to its low L-DOPA yield and high production cost. In this study, low-cost Halomonas bluephagenesis TD01 was engineered to produce tyrosinase TyrVs-immobilized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) nanogranules in vivo, with the improved PHA content and increased immobilization efficiency of TyrVs accounting for 6.85% on the surface of PHA. A higher L-DOPA-forming monophenolase activity of 518.87 U/g PHA granules and an L-DOPA concentration of 974.36 mg/L in 3 h catalysis were achieved, compared to those of E. coli. Together with the result of L-DOPA production directly by cell lysates containing PHA-TyrVs nanogranules, our study demonstrated the robust and cost-effective production of L-DOPA by H. bluephagenesis, further contributing to its low-cost industrial production based on next-generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB).

L-Glutaminase Synthesis by Marine Halomonas meridiana Isolated from the Red Sea and Its Efficiency against Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

L-glutaminase is an important anticancer agent that is used extensively worldwide by depriving cancer cells of L-glutamine. The marine bacterium, Halomonas meridian was isolated from the Red Sea and selected as the more active L-glutaminase-producing bacteria. L-glutaminase fermentation was optimized at 36 h, pH 8.0, 37 °C, and 3.0% NaCl, using glucose at 1.5% and soybean meal at 2%. The purified enzyme showed a specific activity of 36.08 U/mg, and the molecular weight was found to be 57 kDa by the SDS-PAGE analysis. The enzyme was highly active at pH 8.0 and 37 °C. The kinetics’ parameters of Km and Vmax were 12.2 × 10⁻⁶ M and 121.95 μmol/mL/min, respectively, which reflects a higher affinity for its substrate. The anticancer efficiency of the enzyme showed significant toxic activity toward colorectal adenocarcinoma cells; LS 174 T (IC50 7.0 μg/mL) and HCT 116 (IC50 13.2 μg/mL). A higher incidence of cell death was observed with early apoptosis in HCT 116 than in LS 174 T, whereas late apoptosis was observed in LS 174 T more than in HCT 116. Also, the L-glutaminase induction nuclear fragmentation in HCT 116 was more than that in the LS 174T cells. This is the first report on Halomonas meridiana as an L-glutaminase producer that is used as an anti-colorectal cancer agent.

Hyperproduction of 3-hydroxypropionate by Halomonas bluephagenesis

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), an important three carbon (C3) chemical, is designated as one of the top platform chemicals with an urgent need for improved industrial production. Halomonas bluephagenesis shows the potential as a chassis for competitive bioproduction of various chemicals due to its ability to grow under an open, unsterile and continuous process. Here, we report the strategy for producing 3HP and its copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxypropionate) (P3HB3HP) by the development of H. bluephagenesis. The transcriptome analysis reveals its 3HP degradation and synthesis pathways involving endogenous synthetic enzymes from 1,3-propanediol. Combing the optimized expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (AldDHb), an engineered H. bluephagenesis strain of whose 3HP degradation pathway is deleted and that overexpresses alcohol dehydrogenases (AdhP) on its genome under a balanced redox state, is constructed with an enhanced 1.3-propanediol-dependent 3HP biosynthetic pathway to produce 154 g L-1 of 3HP with a yield and productivity of 0.93 g g-1 1,3-propanediol and 2.4 g L-1 h-1, respectively. Moreover, the strain could also accumulate 60% poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-32-45% 3-hydroxypropionate) in the dry cell mass, demonstrating to be a suitable chassis for hyperproduction of 3HP and P3HB3HP.

Recombinant production and characterization of a novel esterase from a hypersaline lake, Acıgöl, by metagenomic approach

The aim of this study was to isolate a novel esterase from a hypersaline lake by sequence-based metagenomics. The metagenomic DNA was isolated from the enriched hypersaline lake sediment. Degenerate primers targeting the conserved regions of lipolytic enzymes of halophilic microorganisms were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a whole gene was identified by genome walking. The gene was composed of 783 bp, which corresponds to 260 amino acids with a molecular weight of 28.2 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence best matched with the esterase from Halomonas gudaonensis with an identity of 91%. Recombinantly expressed enzyme exhibited maximum activity towards pNP-hexanoate with a k_cat value of 12.30 s^-1. The optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were found as 9 and 30 °C, respectively. The effects of NaCl, solvents, metal ions, detergents and enzyme inhibitors were also studied. In conclusion, a novel enzyme, named as hypersaline lake "Acıgöl" esterase (hAGEst), was identified by sequence-based metagenomics. The high expression level, the ability to maintain activity at cold temperatures and tolerance to DMSO and metal ions are the most outstanding properties of the hAGEst.

Ectoine hydroxylase displays selective trans-3-hydroxylation activity towards L-proline

L-Hydroxyproline (Hyp) is a valuable intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals; consequently, a practical process for its production has been in high demand. To date, industrial processes have been developed by using L-Pro hydroxylases. However, a process for the synthesis of trans-3-Hyp has not yet been established, because of the lack of highly selective enzymes that can convert L-Pro to trans-3-Hyp. The present study was designed to develop a biocatalytic trans-3-Hyp production process. We speculated that ectoine hydroxylase (EctD), which is involved in the hydroxylation of the known compatible solute ectoine, may possess the ability to hydroxylate L-Pro, since the structures of ectoine and 5-hydroxyectoine resemble those of L-Pro and trans-3-Hyp, respectively. Consequently, we discovered that ectoine hydroxylases from Halomonas elongata, as well as some actinobacteria, catalyzed L-Pro hydroxylation to form trans-3-Hyp. Of these, ectoine hydroxylase from Streptomyces cattleya also utilized 3,4-dehydro-L-Pro, 2-methyl-L-Pro, and L-pipecolic acid as substrates. In the whole-cell bioconversion of L-Pro into trans-3-Hyp using Escherichia coli expressing the ectD gene from S. cattleya, only 12.4 mM trans-3-Hyp was produced from 30 mM L-Pro, suggesting a rapid depletion of 2-oxoglutarate, an essential component of enzyme activity as a cosubstrate, in the host. Therefore, the endogenous 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase gene was deleted. Using this deletion mutant as the host, trans-3-Hyp production was enhanced up to 26.8 mM from 30 mM L-Pro, with minimal loss of 2-oxoglutarate. This finding is not only beneficial for trans-3-Hyp production, but also for other E. coli bioconversion processes involving 2-oxoglutarate-utilizing enzymes.

A Highly Active Endo-Levanase BT1760 of a Dominant Mammalian Gut Commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Cleaves Not Only Various Bacterial Levans, but Also Levan of Timothy Grass

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, an abundant commensal of the human gut, degrades numerous complex carbohydrates. Recently, it was reported to grow on a β-2,6-linked polyfructan levan produced by Zymomonas mobilis degrading the polymer into fructooligosaccharides (FOS) with a cell surface bound endo-levanase BT1760. The FOS are consumed by B. thetaiotaomicron, but also by other gut bacteria, including health-promoting bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Here we characterize biochemical properties of BT1760, including the activity of BT1760 on six bacterial levans synthesized by the levansucrase Lsc3 of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, its mutant Asp300Asn, levansucrases of Zymomonas mobilis, Erwinia herbicola, Halomonas smyrnensis as well as on levan isolated from timothy grass. For the first time a plant levan is shown as a perfect substrate for an endo-fructanase of a human gut bacterium. BT1760 degraded levans to FOS with degree of polymerization from 2 to 13. At optimal reaction conditions up to 1 g of FOS were produced per 1 mg of BT1760 protein. Low molecular weight (<60 kDa) levans, including timothy grass levan and levan synthesized from sucrose by the Lsc3Asp300Asn, were degraded most rapidly whilst levan produced by Lsc3 from raffinose least rapidly. BT1760 catalyzed finely at human body temperature (37°C) and in moderately acidic environment (pH 5–6) that is typical for the gut lumen. According to differential scanning fluorimetry, the T_m of the endo-levanase was 51.5°C. All tested levans were sufficiently stable in acidic conditions (pH 2.0) simulating the gastric environment. Therefore, levans of both bacterial and plant origin may serve as a prebiotic fiber for B. thetaiotaomicron and contribute to short-chain fatty acids synthesis by gut microbiota. In the genome of Bacteroides xylanisolvens of human origin a putative levan degradation locus was disclosed.

Cultivation strategies for production of (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid from simultaneous consumption of glucose, xylose and arabinose by Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

Lignocellulosic waste is a desirable biomass for use in second generation biorefineries. Up to 40% of its sugar content consist of pentoses, which organisms either take up sequentially after glucose depletion, or not at all. A previously described Escherichia coli strain, PPA652ara, capable of simultaneous consumption of glucose, xylose and arabinose was in the present work utilized for production of (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (3HB) from a mixture of glucose, xylose and arabinose.

RESULTS

The Halomonas boliviensis genes for 3HB production were for the first time cloned into E. coli PPA652ara, leading to product secretion directly into the medium. Process design was based on comparisons of batch, fed-batch and continuous cultivation, where both excess and limitation of the carbon mixture was studied. Carbon limitation resulted in low specific productivity of 3HB (<2 mg g(-1) h(-1)) compared to carbon excess (25 mg g(-1) h(-1)), but the yield of 3HB/cell dry weight (Y3HB/CDW) was very low (0.06 g g(-1)) during excess. Nitrogen-exhausted conditions could be used to sustain a high specific productivity (31 mg g(-1) h(-1)) and to increase the yield of 3HB/cell dry weight to 1.38 g g(-1). Nitrogen-limited fed-batch process design led to further increased specific productivity (38 mg g(-1) h(-1)) but also to additional cell growth (Y3HB/CDW=0.16 g g(-1)). Strain PPA652ara did under all processing conditions simultaneously consume glucose, xylose and arabinose, which was not the case for a reference wild type E. coli, which also gave a higher carbon flux to acetic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that by using E. coli PPA652ara, it was possible to design a production process for 3HB from a mixture of glucose, xylose and arabinose where all sugars were consumed. An industrial 3HB production process is proposed to be divided into a growth and a production phase, and nitrogen depletion/limitation is a potential strategy to maximize the yield of 3HB/CDW in the latter. The specific productivity of 3HB reported here from glucose, xylose and arabinose by E. coli is further comparable to the current state of the art for production from glucose sources.

Removal of Cr (VI) by a halotolerant bacterium Halomonas sp. CSB 5 isolated from sāmbhar salt lake Rajastha (India)

A halotolerant chromate reducing bacterium CSB 5 isolated from the Sambhar Salt Lake (Rajasthan) was identified as Halomonas sp. CSB 5 by 16SrDNA sequence analysis. The isolate could tolerate up to 25% NaCl (w/v) and100 μg mL-1of Chromium hexavalent in the complex medium (CM). Removal of Cr (VI) at concentration of 20, 40 and 60 μg mL-1 was found to be 98%, 90.2%, and 65.7% within a period of 60 hour.Effect of factors like pH and temperature on the total removal of Cr (VI) at 60μg mL-1concentration showed maximum removal at pH 8.0 (77.9 %) and temperature 35°C (82.6%) in 60 hour. The maximum intracellular uptake and surface adsorption (3.22 ± 0.09 and 14.16 ± 0.49 μg mg-1 dry wt.) in CMB 5 bacterium was observed at 75 μg mL-1 of Cr (VI) concentration in 45 min.The results showed that contribution of surface binding was about 4-5 fold higher than the intracellular uptake. Bacterium showed concentration dependent increase in the chromate reductase activity with saturating rate at 60 μg mL-1 concentration of chromium. The values of Km and Vmax with NADH of the bacterium was found to be 0.818 μg mL-1 and 0.085 μg mL-1.min-1.mg-1 protein, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of Cr (VI) binding on membrane surface showed changes in wavenumber between 3300-2800 cm-1due to involvement of proteins and fatty acids in the binding of Cr (VI). The absorption peaks at wavenumbers 1654.9, 1580.3 cm-1, 1248 and 1085.6 cm-1 shifted to lower frequencies due to interaction of Cr (VI) with functional groups like amides and phosphodiester. These results suggested that the isolated CSB 5 bacterium can be used as potential bioremediating agent for removal of Cr (VI) in salt loaded waste water.

Draft genomic DNA sequence of strain Halomonas sp. FS-N4 exhibiting high catalase activity

Halomonas sp. FS-N4 is a bacterium, which can grow in the medium Marine Broth 2216 with 5M initial hydrogen peroxide concentration, shows a strong oxidation resistance, and the crude enzyme activity can reach as high as 13.33katal/mg. We reported the draft genome sequence of H. sp. FS-N4, showing that it contains 3434 protein-coding genes, including the genes putatively involved in the response to the oxidative stress, among which a phytochrome-like gene might be a key point to survive in the environment with high concentration of hydrogen peroxide and exhibit high catalase activity.

Alkali- and Halo-tolerant Catalase fromHalomonassp. SK1: Overexpression inEscherichia coli, Purification, Characterization, and Genetic Modification

A catalase gene, ohktA, from an alkali- and halo-tolerant bacterium, Halomonas sp. SK1, on the pKK223-3, was expressed in the catalase-lacking Escherichia coli strain UM2. Highly purified catalase showing a single band on SDS-PAGE was obtained by two liquid chromatography steps on DEAE-Toyopear1 and Chelating-Sepharose Fast Flow. The enzyme, oHktA, shows high catalase activity with a pH optimum at 10, and the activity was stable in 4 M KC1. This enzyme is thermo-sensitive, showing a significant loss of activity within 5 minutes at 37 degrees C. To modify the stability of the catalase, the addition of domain II of the heat stable Mn catalase from Thermus thermophilus to the C-terminus was made. When coexpressed with a chaperone (PhFKBP29) gene product, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, from a thermophilic bacterium, a chimeric catalase was produced in the soluble fraction. The stability of this catalase in the range of 37 degrees -45 degrees C was improved and it was stable for more than 1 h at 37 degrees C.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of α-glucosidase HaG from Halomonas sp. strain H11

The α-glucosidase HaG from the halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. strain H11 catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glucosidic linkage at the nonreducing end of α-glucosides, such as maltose and sucrose, to release α-glucose. Based on its amino-acid sequence, this enzyme is classified as a member of glycoside hydrolase family 13. HaG has three unique characteristics: (i) a very narrow substrate specificity, almost exclusively hydrolyzing disaccharides; (ii) activation by monovalent cations, such as K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+) and NH4(+); and (iii) high transfer activity of the glucose moiety to the OH group of low-molecular-weight compounds, including glycerol and 6-gingerol. Crystallographic studies have been performed in order to understand these special features. An expression vector was constructed and recombinant HaG protein was overexpressed, purified and crystallized. A data set to 2.15 Å resolution was collected and processed. The crystal belonged to space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 60.2, b = 119.2, c = 177.2 Å. The structure has been determined by molecular replacement using the isomaltulose synthase PalI as the search model (PDB entry 1m53).

Structural characteristics of alkaline phosphatase from the moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. 593

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) from the moderate halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. 593 (HaAP) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters over a wide salt-concentration range (1-4 M NaCl). In order to clarify the structural basis of its halophilic characteristics and its wide-range adaptation to salt concentration, the tertiary structure of HaAP was determined by X-ray crystallography to 2.1 Å resolution. The unit cell of HaAP contained one dimer unit corresponding to the biological unit. The monomer structure of HaAP contains a domain comprised of an 11-stranded β-sheet core with 19 surrounding α-helices similar to those of APs from other species, and a unique `crown' domain containing an extended `arm' structure that participates in formation of a hydrophobic cluster at the entrance to the substrate-binding site. The HaAP structure also displays a unique distribution of negatively charged residues and hydrophobic residues in comparison to other known AP structures. AP from Vibrio sp. G15-21 (VAP; a slight halophile) has the highest similarity in sequence (70.0% identity) and structure (C(α) r.m.s.d. of 0.82 Å for the monomer) to HaAP. The surface of the HaAP dimer is substantially more acidic than that of the VAP dimer (144 exposed Asp/Glu residues versus 114, respectively), and thus may enable the solubility of HaAP under high-salt conditions. Conversely, the monomer unit of HaAP formed a substantially larger hydrophobic interior comprising 329 C atoms from completely buried residues, whereas that of VAP comprised 264 C atoms, which may maintain the stability of HaAP under low-salt conditions. These characteristics of HaAP may be responsible for its unique functional adaptation permitting activity over a wide range of salt concentrations.

A novel cold-adapted β-galactosidase isolated from Halomonas sp. S62: gene cloning, purification and enzymatic characterization

A novel 1,170 bp β-galactosidase gene sequence from Halomonas sp. S62 (BGalH) was identified through whole genome sequencing and was submitted to GenBank (Accession No. JQ337961). The BGalH gene was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells, and the enzymatic properties of recombinant BGalH were studied. According to the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results and the sequence alignment analysis, BGalH is a dimeric protein and cannot be classified into one of the known β-galactosidase families (GH1, GH2, GH35, GH42). The optimal pH and temperature were determined to be 7.0 and 45 °C, respectively; the K m and K cat were 2.9 mM and 390.3 s(-1), respectively, for the reaction with the substrate ortho-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside. At 0-20 °C, BGalH exhibited 50-70 % activity relative to its activity under the optimal conditions. BGalH was stable over a wide range of pHs (6.0-8.5) after a 1 h incubation (>93 % relative activity) and was thermostable at 50 °C and below (>60 % relative activity). The enzyme hydrolyzes lactose completely in milk over 24 h at 7 °C. The characteristics of this novel β-galactosidase suggest that BGalH may be a good candidate for medical researches and food industry applications.

Bioremediation of strontium (Sr) contaminated aquifer quartz sand based on carbonate precipitation induced by Sr resistant Halomonas sp

Contamination of aquifers or sediments by radioactive strontium ((90)Sr) is a significant environmental problem. In the present study, microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) was evaluated for its potential to remediate strontium from aquifer quartz sand. A Sr resistant urease producing Halomonas sp. was characterized for its potential role in bioremediation. The bacterial strain removed 80% of Sr from soluble-exchangeable fraction of aquifer quartz sand. X-ray diffraction detected calcite, vaterite and aragonite along with calcite-strontianite (SrCO(3)) solid solution in bioremediated sample with indications that Sr was incorporated into the calcite. Scanning electron micrography coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray further confirmed MICP process in remediation. The study showed that MICP sequesters soluble strontium as biominerals and could play an important role in strontium bioremediation from both ecological and greener point of view.

Cloning, characterization and analysis of cat and ben genes from the phenol degrading halophilic bacterium Halomonas organivorans

Background

Extensive use of phenolic compounds in industry has resulted in the generation of saline wastewaters that produce significant environmental contamination; however, little information is available on the degradation of phenolic compounds in saline conditions. Halomonas organivorans G-16.1 (CECT 5995^T) is a moderately halophilic bacterium that we isolated in a previous work from saline environments of South Spain by enrichment for growth in different pollutants, including phenolic compounds. PCR amplification with degenerate primers revealed the presence of genes encoding ring-cleaving enzymes of the β-ketoadipate pathway for aromatic catabolism in H. organivorans.

Findings

The gene cluster catRBCA, involved in catechol degradation, was isolated from H. organivorans. The genes catA, catB, catC and the divergently transcribed catR code for catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (1,2-CTD), cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase, muconolactone delta-isomerase and a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, respectively. The benzoate catabolic genes (benA and benB) are located flanking the cat genes. The expression of cat and ben genes by phenol and benzoic acid was shown by RT-PCR analysis. The induction of catA gene by phenol and benzoic acid was also probed by the measurement of 1,2-CTD activity in H. organivorans growth in presence of these inducers. 16S rRNA and catA gene-based phylogenies were established among different degrading bacteria showing no phylogenetic correlation between both genes.

Conclusions/Significance

In this work, we isolated and determined the sequence of a gene cluster from a moderately halophilic bacterium encoding ortho-pathway genes involved in the catabolic metabolism of phenol and analyzed the gene organization, constituting the first report characterizing catabolic genes involved in the degradation of phenol in moderate halophiles, providing an ideal model system to investigate the potential use of this group of extremophiles in the decontamination of saline environments.

Metabolic versatility of halotolerant and alkaliphilic strains of Halomonas isolated from alkaline black liquor

Wheat straw black liquor is a notorious pulp mill wastewater with very high pH and pollution load. Two halotolerant and alkaliphilic bacteria, designated as Halomonas sp. 19-A and Y2, were isolated from wheat straw black liquor and shown to be able to use guaiacol, vanillin, dibenzo-p-dioxin, biphenyl and fluorene, as sole carbon and carbazole as sole carbon and nitrogen source at pH 9.5 and in the presence of 10% NaCl. The two strains produced carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), xylanase, lipase, amylase, and pullulanase. High activities of CMCase, xylanase, and amylase were observed at pH 5.0-11.0 and NaCl concentrations of 0-15%. The metabolic versatility of these Halomonas strains even under extreme pH and salinity conditions makes them promising agents for bioremediation and industrial processes.

Salt-adapted bacteria isolated from the Rouge River and potential for degradation of contaminants and biotechnological applications

The current work extends the phenotypic and molecular characterization of the bacterial culture collection from the Rouge River to gain an understanding of the physiology of the strains and their potential for biotechnological applications. Phenotypic and molecular analyses were performed on six unique strains. Most of the strains tested for hydrolytic activities were positive for the production of enzymes, in contrast to previously described species that showed very little hydrolase activities. Little antibiotic resistance was seen among the strains, although Halobacillus (strain 9-gw1-su5-2) was found to be the most resistant to antibiotics. Results revealed the physiological diversity of the strains in terms of their ability to metabolize unusual and refractory substrates. Of the 31 toxic organic compounds, 2 to 18 were used by the strains. Clostridium (strain 9-gw1-su5-2) exhibited the broadest utilization capability. The isolates were versatile in their nutrient abilities and represented a potential source of bacteria and/or genetic material for the degradation of contaminants and biotechnological applications.

Hydroxytyrosol from tyrosol using hydroxyphenylacetic acid-induced bacterial cultures and evidence of the role of 4-HPA 3-hydroxylase

Hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) is a potent natural antioxidant found in olive mill wastewaters. Bacterial conversion of 4-tyrosol (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanol) to HTyr was reported in a limited number of bacterial species including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this work, we studied this conversion, taking as a model the newly isolated Halomonas sp. strain HTB24. It was first hypothesized that the enzyme responsible for 4-tyrosol hydroxylation in HTyr was a 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid 3-hydroxylase (HPAH, EC 1.14.13.3), previously known to convert 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA) into 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (3,4-DHPA) in P. aeruginosa. Cloning and expression of hpaB (oxygenase component) and hpaC (reductase component) genes from P. aeruginosa confirmed this hypothesis. Furthermore, using cultures of HTB24 containing 4-tyrosol, it was shown that 4-HPA accumulation preceded 4-tyrosol hydroxylation. We further demonstrated that the synthesis of HPAH activity was induced by 4-HPA, with the latter compound being formed from 4-tyrosol oxidation by aryl-dehydrogenases. Interestingly, similar results were obtained with other 4-HPA-induced bacteria, including P. aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and other Halomonas, thus demonstrating general hydroxylating activity of 4-tyrosol by the HPAH enzyme. E. coli W did not have aryl-dehydrogenase activity and hence were unable to oxidize 4-tyrosol to 4-HPA and HTyr to 3,4-DHPA, making this bacterium a good candidate for achieving better HTyr production.

Halomonas sinaiensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake inside Ras Muhammad Park, Egypt

An alkalitolerant and halotolerant bacterium, designated strain Sharm was isolated from a salt lake inside Ras Muhammad. The morphological, physiological and genetic characteristics were compared with those of related species of the genus Halomonas. The isolate grew optimally at pH 7.0, 5-15% NaCl at 35 degrees C. The cells were Gram-negative rods, facultative anaerobes. They accumulated glycine-betaine, as a major osmolyte, and ectoine and glutamate as minor components. The strain Sharm(T) biosynthetised alpha-glucosidase. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and a novel phosphoglycolipid as major components. Ubiquinone with nine repetitive unities (Q9) was the only quinone found and, nC16:0 and C19:0 with cyclopropane were the main cellular fatty acids, accounting for 87.3% of total fatty acids. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 64.7 mol %. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that strain Sharm was a member of the genus Halomonas. The closest relatives of the strain Sharm were Halomonas elongata and Halomonas eurihalina. However, DNA-DNA hybridisation results clearly indicated that strain Sham was a distinct species of Halomonas. On the basis of the evidence, we propose to assign strain Sharm as a new species of the genus Halomonas, H. sinaiensis sp. nov, with strain Sharm(T) as the type strain (DSM 18067(T); ATCC BAA-1308(T)).

[Characterization of the ectC gene and its expression product in Halomonas sp. Nj223 from Antarctica deep-sea sediment]

A moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. NJ223 was isolated from Antarctica deep-sea sediment. This bacterium accumulates ectoine as the main compatible solute in response to severe osmotic stress. Ecoine synthase catalyzes circulation of gamma-N-acetyl-alpha, gamma-diaminobutyric acid (ADABA) to ectoine in the last step of the three enzymatic steps. The gene of ectoine synthase from this strain was amplified by PCR and the DNA sequence of a 393-bp segment was sequenced. The amino acid sequences of this enzyme present high homology to the known sequence. The significance of this gene was proved by the expression in Escherichia coli. Thus, the amplified fragment was cloned into the expression vector pET-his. The insert position, the size and the reading frame were identified by PCR, restriction digestion and the sequence analysis of the recombinant plasmids. SDS-PAGE shows that the relative molecular mass of the expression product was 15 kDa as predicted, which indicated that the recombinant plasmids could express the gene of ectoine synthase. The biosynthetic pathway of ectoine was partially elucidated by renaturation and enzyme activity detection of purified ectoine synthase in vitro. Determination of effect of pH and temperature on enzyme activity shows that the optimal reaction condition of pH was 8.0 and temperature was 25 degrees C.

Dimeric structure of nucleoside diphosphate kinase from moderately halophilic bacterium: contrast to the tetramericPseudomonascounterpart

Light scattering and chemical cross-linking analyses of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) from moderate halophile, Halomonas sp. 593 (HaNDK), unambiguously demonstrated that this enzyme formed a dimeric structure, in contrast to the Pseudomonas NDK (PaNDK), a nonhalophilic counterpart, and other NDKs from Gram-negative bacteria, which all formed a tetrameric structure. Comparison of HaNDK and PaNDK showed that the HaNDK was less thermally stable than the PaNDK: the optimum temperature of PaNDK enzyme activity was 20 degrees C higher than that of HaNDK. However, the HaNDK readily refolded and reassembled back to the active dimeric structure, upon heat denaturation at 0.2 M NaCl, as soon as the temperature was lowered. On the contrary, the thermally more stable PaNDK was irreversibly denatured at its melting temperature.

Contribution of halophilic nucleoside diphosphate kinase sequence to the heat stability of chimeric molecule

A halophilic nucleoside diphosphate kinase from a moderate halophile, Halomonas sp. 593 (593NDK), was found to be resistant to heat treatment, as indicated by the high level of activity recovery after heating at high temperatures. This is due to reversibility of thermal unfolding, not the high melting temperature, of the protein. The highly homologous NDK from non-halophilic organism, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed instability against heat treatment. Chimeric molecules consisting of each half of these two NDKs were constructed and characterized for their heat stability. The results showed that the N-terminal half of 593NDK contributes to the heat stability of the proteins. We discuss the possible reason for the observed difference in resistance to heat treatment between the 593NDK and PaNDK and between two chimeric proteins.

Cloning and expression of a 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase gene from Halomonas variabilis

A novel 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene of 1.35 kb was cloned from a cosmid library of Halomonas variabilis HTG7, inserted into vector pET-28a (+) and transformed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). EPSPS was over-expressed in soluble form after induction with IPTG at 30 degrees C and it showed a single band in SDS-PAGE, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 51 kD. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed that there is little homology with the aroA genes which encode glyphosate-tolerant EPSPS in known sources, such as E. coli K12 and Agrobacterium sp. CP4. The over-expressed EPSPS was purified on nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid resin and detected by Western blotting analysis. Enzyme activity measurements demonstrated that there were 4.27 units/mg in cell extract, compared with 0.049 units/mg of the control. There is an 87-fold increase in specific activity for EPSPS.

A membrane-bound nitrate reductase encoded by the narGHJI operon is responsible for anaerobic respiration in Halomonas maura

The halophilic bacterium Halomonas maura is capable of anaerobic respiration on nitrates. By insertional mutagenesis with the minitransposon Tn-5 we obtained the mutant Tc62, which was incapable of anaerobic respiration on nitrates. An analysis of the regions adjacent to the transposon allowed us to characterize the membrane-bound anaerobic-respiratory nitrate reductase narGHJI gene cluster in H. maura. We identified consensus sequences for fumarate and nitrate reductase regulator (FNR)-like protein-binding sites in the promoter regions of the nar genes and consensus sequences corresponding to the NarL binding sites upstream of the nar genes. RT-PCR analysis showed that the narGHJI operon was expressed in response to anaerobic conditions when nitrate was available as electron acceptor. This membrane-bound nitrate reductase is the only enzyme responsible for anaerobic respiration on nitrate in H. maura. In this article we discuss the possible relationship between this enzyme and a dissimilatory nitrate-reduction-to-ammonia process (DNRA) in H. maura and its role in the colonization of the rhizosphere.

Characterization of halophilic alkaline phosphatase from Halomonas sp. 593, a moderately halophilic bacterium

A halophilic alkaline phosphatase was highly purified (about 510-fold with about 21% yield) from a moderate halophile, Halomonas sp. 593. The N-terminal 35 amino acid sequence of this enzyme was found to be more acidic than those previously isolated from Vibrio spp., and this enzyme was partially resistant to SDS. Several enzymatic properties demonstrated that it showed higher halophilicity than those enzymes from Vibrio spp.

Diverse NO reduction by Halomonas halodenitrificans nitric oxide reductase

Reduction of the four Fe centers is not required to initiate the reaction of the Halomonas halodenitrificans nitric oxide reductase (NOR) based on the facts that NOR in the form that ferric heme b(3) and non-heme iron (Fe(B)) are not bridged and/or the interaction between them is weakened and reversibly binds NO molecules, and that NOR in the form that only heme b(3) is oxidized reacts with NO molecules.

Characterization of Molybdenum-Free Nitrate Reductase from Haloalkalophilic Bacterium Halomonas sp. Strain AGJ 1-3

Nitrate reductase from the haloalkalophilic denitrifying bacterium Halomonas sp. strain AGJ 1-3 was isolated and purified to homogeneity. The isolated enzyme belongs to a novel family of molybdenum-free nitrate reductases. It presents as a 130-140 kD monomeric protein with specific activity of 250 micromol/min per mg protein. The enzyme reduces not only nitrate, but also other anions, thus showing polyoxoanion reductase activity. Enzyme activity was maximal at pH 7.0 and 70-80 degrees C.

Functional expression of the ectoine hydroxylase gene (thpD) from Streptomyces chrysomallus in Halomonas elongata

The formation of hydroxyectoine in the industrial ectoine producer Halomonas elongata was improved by the heterologous expression of the ectoine hydroxylase gene, thpD, from Streptomyces chrysomallus. The efficient conversion of ectoine to hydroxyectoine was achieved by the concerted regulation of thpD by the H. elongata ectA promoter.

[Halomonas campisalis, an obligatorily alkaliphilic, nitrous oxide-reducing denitrifier with a Mo-cofactor-lacking nitrate reductase]

We isolated eight strains of denitrifying bacteria that reduce nitrate and nitrous oxide at pH 10 from Lake Magadi (Kenya). Despite certain differences between the strains, they are similar in terms of G+C content (66.1-68.1 mol %) and DNA-DNA homology (75-92%) and represent different morphotypes of the same species. Based on the results of partial 16S rRNA sequencing, strain Z-7398-2 was most closely related to the Halomonas campisalis isolate from Alkali Lake (USA). The DNA-DNA homology level between the tested strain and the type strain of H. campisalis 4A was 88%. These two strains were also similar phenotypically. However, the culture isolated by us was characterized by peculiar properties, such as obligate alkaliphily, which manifested itself in the culture dependence on carbonates and lack of growth at pH values below 7, a nitrous oxide-reducing capacity, and an unusual nitrate reductase that lacked molybdenum and a Mo cofactor.

Lipase-producing microorganisms from a Kenyan alkaline soda lake

Lipolytic enzyme production of 150 isolated strains from samples of Lake Bogoria (Kenya) was examined. Among these, fifteen isolates were selected on the basis of their lipolytic activities and subjected to morphological and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses for their identification. All the microorganisms have been selected under culture conditions with pH ranges between 7-10 and temperatures of 37-55 degrees C. Most of them showed optimal growth at 37 degrees C and tolerated salinity up to 10% (w/v). Ten of the isolates were Gram-negative, nine of which were closely related to the Pseudomonas cluster and one to the Halomonas cluster sharing high similarity profile with Halomonas desiderata. The remaining Gram-positive isolates were closely related to the Bacillus cluster, and were grouped with Bacillus halodurans, Bacillus alcalophilus and Bacillus licheniformis. Four members of the Bacillus cluster and the Halomonas sp. produced lipolytic activity under alkaline conditions, while others did so at neutral pH values.

Identification and characterization of the carAB genes responsible for encoding carbamoylphosphate synthetase in Halomonas eurihalina

Halomonas eurihalina is a moderately halophilic bacterium which produces exopolysaccharides potentially of great use in many fields of industry and ecology. Strain F2-7 of H. eurihalina synthesizes an anionic exopolysaccharide known as polymer V2-7, which not only has emulsifying activity but also becomes viscous under acidic conditions, and therefore we consider it worthwhile making a detailed study of the genetics of this strain. By insertional mutagenesis using the mini-Tn 5 Km2 transposon we isolated and characterized a mutant strain, S36 K, which requires both arginine and uracil for growth and does not excrete EPS. S36 K carries a mutation within the carB gene that encodes the synthesis of the large subunit of the carbamoylphosphate synthetase enzyme, which in turn catalyzes the synthesis of carbamoylphosphate, an important precursor of arginine and pyrimidines. We describe here the cloning and characterization of the carAB genes, which encode carbamoylphosphate synthetase in Halomonas eurihalina, and discuss this enzyme's possible role in the pathways for the synthesis of exopolysaccharides in strain F2-7.

Cloning, expression, and purification of choline dehydrogenase from the moderate halophile Halomonas elongata

Choline dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.1) catalyzes the four-electron oxidation of choline to glycine-betaine via a betaine-aldehyde intermediate. Such a reaction is of considerable interest for biotechnological applications in that transgenic plants engineered with bacterial glycine-betaine-synthesizing enzymes have been shown to have enhanced tolerance towards various environmental stresses, such as hypersalinity, freezing, and high temperatures. To date, choline dehydrogenase has been poorly characterized in its biochemical and kinetic properties, mainly because its purification has been hampered by instability of the enzyme in vitro. In the present report, we cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli the betA gene from the moderate halophile Halomonas elongata which codes for a hypothetical choline dehydrogenase. The recombinant enzyme was purified to more than 70% homogeneity as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by treatment with 30 to 50% saturation of ammonium sulfate followed by column chromatography using DEAE-Sepharose. The purified enzyme showed similar substrate specificities with either choline or betaine-aldehyde as the substrate, as indicated by the apparent V/K values (where V is the maximal velocity and K is the Michaelis constant) of 0.9 and 0.6 micro mol of O(2) min(-1) mg(-1) mM(-1) at pH 7 and 25 degrees C, respectively. With 1 mM phenazine methosulfate as the primary electron acceptor, the apparent V(max) values for choline and betaine-aldehyde were 10.9 and 5.7 micro mol of O(2) min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. These V(max) values decreased four- to sevenfold when molecular oxygen was used as the electron acceptor. Altogether, the kinetic data are consistent with the conclusion that H. elongata betA codes for a choline dehydrogenase that can also act as an oxidase when electron acceptors other than molecular oxygen are not available.

Diversity of moderately halophilic bacteria producing extracellular hydrolytic enzymes

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of moderately halophilic bacteria with hydrolase activities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Screening bacteria from different hypersaline environments in South Spain led to the isolation of a total of 122 moderately halophilic bacteria able to produce different hydrolases (amylases, DNases, lipases, proteases and pullulanases). These bacteria are able to grow optimally in media with 5-15% salts and in most cases up to 20-25% salts. In contrast to strains belonging to previously described species, that showed very little hydrolase activities, environmental isolates produced a great variety of hydrolases. These strains were identified as members of the genera: Salinivibrio (55 strains), Halomonas (25 strains), Chromohalobacter (two strains), Bacillus-Salibacillus (29 strains), Salinicoccus (two strains) and Marinococcus (one strain), as well as eight non-identified isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderately halophilic bacteria are a source of hydrolytic enzymes such as amylases, DNases, lipases, proteases and pullulanases.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Although most culture collection strains are not able to produce hydrolases, it has been shown that environmental isolates can produce these potentially biotechnological important enzymes.

Cloning, expression, and efficient purification in Escherichia coli of a halophilic nucleoside diphosphate kinase from the moderate halophile Halomonas sp. #593

Most typical halophilic enzymes from extremely halophilic archaea require high concentrations of salt for their activity and stability. These enzymes are inactive in Escherichia coli unless refolded in the presence of salts in vitro. In this report, we describe cloning of the ndk gene of nucleoside diphosphate kinase from a moderately halophilic eubacterium and overexpression of the protein in E. coli as an N-terminal hexa-His fusion to facilitate its purification on Ni-NTA affinity resin. We demonstrate evidence that the protein is properly folded and exhibits the same specific activity and stability as the native protein from Halomonas cells.

Screening and characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase gene from Halomonas salina strain AS11

A population survey was made of moderately halophilic bacteria in prawn pond sediment in the Songkla region of Thailand. Twenty-two isolated halophilic bacteria capable of growing on modified ATCC culture medium 1270 for halobacterium were then assayed for aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity which might be involved in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds. One isolate, designated AS11, was selected based on its high amount of ALDH activity. This organism can grow at sodium chloride concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 25%, although optimum growth occurs at 5% NaCl. Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies indicated that AS11 was an isolate of Halomonas salina. The aldh gene coding for this enzyme was then cloned. The open reading frame of the aldh gene was 1521-bp long and coded for a protein of 506 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 55 kDa. The aldh gene product proved to be 76% identical to the NAD-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene from Pseudomonase aeruginosa.

Purification, characterization, and gene sequencing of a catalase from an alkali- and halo-tolerant bacterium, Halomonas sp. SK1

An alkali- and halo-tolerant bacterium with high catalase activity was isolated and identified as a new species of the genus Halomonas. Its catalase (HktA) was simply purified by two steps of liquid chromatography. A 71.4% yield of the catalase was obtained with 97% purity on SDS-PAGE. The specific activity of HktA (57,900 U/mg protein) was two times higher than that of bovine liver catalase. The purified enzyme is inhibited by KCN, NH2OH, NaN3, and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, active at pH 5.0-11.0, thermo-sensitive, and KCl-tolerant. HktA is suggested to be a typical catalase, a homotetrameric protein containing heme groups in the active sites. The nucleotide sequence of the catalase gene (hktA) comprises 1,530 bp, encoding a protein of 509 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence of the hktA shares 99% identity with that of Vibrio rumoiensis S-1T.

Characterization of nucleoside diphosphate kinase from moderately halophilic eubacteria

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase was purified to apparent homogeneity from naturally isolated moderately halophilic eubacteria by ATP-agarose and phenyl-5PW column chromatographies. The molecular mass of this enzyme was 15 kDa by time-of-flight mass-spectrometry. This protein showed anomalous mobility on SDS-PAGE which is typical of a halophilic protein. It was stable and active over a wide range of salt concentrations, from 0 to 4.0 M NaCl.

Cloning and expression of glucose 3-dehydrogenase from Halomonas sp. alpha-15 in Escherichia coli

The gene encoding glucose 3-dehydrogenase (G3DH) from Halomonas sp. alpha-15 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. An open reading frame of 1686 nucleotides was shown to encode G3DH. The flavine adenine dinucleotide binding motif was found in the N-terminal region of G3DH. The deduced primary structure of G3DH showed about 30% identity to sorbitol dehydrogenase from Gluconobacter oxydans and 2-keto-d-gluconate dehydrogenases from Erwinia herbicola and Pantoea citrea. The folding prediction of G3DH suggested that the 3D structure of G3DH was similar with cholesterol oxidase from Brevibacterium sterolicum or glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger.

Enzymatic synthesis of a novel trehalose derivative, 3,3'-diketotrehalose, and its potential application as the trehalase enzyme inhibitor

We reported the preparation of a novel trehalose derivative based on enzymatic oxidation of trehalose by water-soluble glucose-3-dehydrogenase (G3DH) from marine bacterium Halomonas sp. alpha-15 cells. The product of G3DH enzymatic conversion was 3,3'-diketotrehalose (3,3'dkT), a novel trehalose derivative of which both third hydroxy groups of glucopyranosides were oxidized. 3,3'dkT was revealed to show an inhibitory effect toward pig-kidney and Bombyx mori trehalases. The IC(50) values of 3,3'dkT were 0.8 and 2.5 mM and K(i) values were 0.2 and 0.6 mM for pig-kidney and for B. mori trehalases, respectively. In addition, 3,3'dkT did not show any inhibitory effect on both maltase and mannosidase activities. Therefore, 3,3'dkT was a specific inhibitor of trehalases.

Enzyme electrochemical preparation of a 3-keto derivative of 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol using glucose-3-dehydrogenase

A novel enzymatic organic synthesis was reported, utilizing glucose-3-dehydrogenase (G3DH) and its regeneration via electrochemical methods. We combined the water-soluble G3DH prepared from a marine bacterium, Halomonas sp. alpha-15, and electron mediator with the electrode system in order to regenerate the enzyme. Using this system, the conversion of 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (1,5AG), a diabetes marker in human blood, was investigated. The final yield of the product, 3-keto anhydroglucitol (3-ketoAG), which was identified by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, was 82% based on the initial amount of 1,5AG. The electrochemical yield of the reaction proceeded almost stoichiometrically. The electrochemical conversion rate of 1,5AG was 1.24 mmol/(L.h), and the electrochemical yield of 1,5AG consumption was 80%, whereas that for 3-ketoAG was 60%.

Cloning and expression of alpha-amylase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus woesei in the moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas elongata

An extracellular alpha-amylase gene from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus woesei has been cloned and sequenced. The 1.4-kb protein-coding sequence is identical to that of the corresponding alpha-amylase gene of the closely related species P. furiosus. By using a shuttle cloning vector for halophilic bacteria, the P. woesei alpha-amylase was expressed in the moderate halophile Halomonas elongata, under the control of a native H. elongata promoter. The hyperthermophilic amylase activity expressed in the halophilic host was recovered completely in the crude membrane fraction of cell homogenates, suggesting the formation of inclusion bodies or that the secretion machinery of H. elongata may fail to recognize and release the pyrococcal alpha-amylase to the extracellular medium. However, thermal stability, metal ion interactions, optimal temperature and pH values for the crude and purified recombinant alpha-amylase were comparable with those of the native pyrococcal enzyme. The P. woesei amylase activity expressed in H. elongata was consistently detected in the cells upon growth on a wide range of NaCl concentrations (0.7-2.5 mol l-1). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the expression of an archaeal gene (P. woesei alpha-amylase) in a moderate halophilic host which serves as a cell factory able to grow under extreme salt conditions and with very simple nutritional requirements.

Production and biochemical characterization of an alpha-amylase from the moderate halophile Halomonas meridiana

Extracellular amylase production by the moderate halophile Halomonas meridiana was optimized and the enzyme was characterized biochemically. The highest amylase production was achieved by growing H. meridiana cultures in media with 5% salts and starch, in the absence of glucose until the end of the exponential phase. The amylase exhibited maximal activity at pH 7.0, being relatively stable in alkaline conditions. Optimal temperature and salinity for activity were 37 degrees C and 10% NaCl, respectively. Moreover, activity at salinity as high as 30% salts was detected. Maltose and maltotriose were the main end products of starch hydrolysis, indicating an alpha-amylase activity.