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Laccases and their occurrence in prokaryotes.
1Institut für Mikrobiologie und Weinforschung, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Becherweg 15, Germany. hclaus@uni-mainz.de
Archives of Microbiology
|March 1, 2003
Summary
Laccase enzymes, previously found only in eukaryotes, are now identified in prokaryotes, including bacteria and archaea. This discovery expands our understanding of these versatile biocatalysts and their evolutionary origins.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Laccases are multi-copper oxidases catalyzing electron transfer reactions.
- They are involved in microbial morphogenesis and degradation of complex organic matter.
- Laccases have biotechnological potential due to their oxidation capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of laccase enzymes in prokaryotic organisms.
- To explore the evolutionary origins of laccases.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic searches of genomic databases.
- Experimental validation of laccase-like enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- Laccase-like enzymes were found in numerous Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- Genes for these enzymes were identified in early-branching prokaryotes like Aquifex aeolicus and Pyrobaculum aerophilum.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates laccases evolved from prokaryotic azurins.
Conclusions:
- Laccases are not exclusive to eukaryotes and are present in prokaryotes.
- The discovery broadens the known distribution and evolutionary history of laccases.
- Prokaryotic laccases represent a significant finding for biotechnology and evolutionary studies.