A novel alkaline protease from wild edible mushroom Termitomyces albuminosus

Suyue Zheng1, Hexiang Wang, Guoqing Zhang

  • 1Hebei Engineering University, Handan, China.

Insights

A novel serine protease was isolated from the wild mushroom Termitomyces albuminosus. This enzyme exhibits optimal activity at pH 10.6 and 60°C, showing stability under various conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Enzymology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Wild edible mushrooms are a source of bioactive compounds.
  • Proteases play crucial roles in various biological processes.
  • Termitomyces albuminosus is a mushroom species with potential biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel protease from Termitomyces albuminosus.
  • To determine the biochemical properties and potential applications of the purified protease.

Main Methods:

  • Protease isolation using ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, SP-Sepharose) and FPLC-gel filtration (Superdex 75).
  • Determination of optimal pH, temperature, and stability under various chemical conditions.
  • Enzyme inhibition studies using PMSF, DTT, pepstatin, and lima bean trypsin inhibitor.
  • Kinetic analysis (K(m) and V(max)) using casein as a substrate.

Main Results:

  • A 30 kDa protease was purified with the N-terminal sequence GLQTNAPWGLARSS.
  • Optimal activity was observed at pH 10.6 and 60 °C.
  • The enzyme demonstrated stability in Tween 80 and urea, and retained significant activity in Triton X 100, EDTA, and SDS.
  • Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) strongly inhibited the enzyme, indicating it is a serine protease, but it was not inhibited by DTT, pepstatin, or lima bean trypsin inhibitor.
  • The protease was inhibited by heavy metal ions (Hg(2+), Cu(2+), Fe(3+)).
  • Kinetic parameters for casein hydrolysis were determined (K(m) = 8.26 mg/ml, V(max) = 0.668 mg/ml/min).

Conclusions:

  • A novel alkaline serine protease was successfully isolated and characterized from Termitomyces albuminosus.
  • The enzyme's stability and kinetic properties suggest potential applications in industrial processes requiring high pH and temperature conditions.
  • Further research could explore its specific substrate range and potential uses in biotechnology.