Trametes versicolor carboxylate reductase uncovered

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Carboxylate reductases (CARs) are crucial enzymes for converting carboxylic acids into aldehydes.
• Understanding the substrate specificity and catalytic mechanisms of novel CARs is essential for biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify, clone, and express the first carboxylate reductase from the fungus Trametes versicolor.
• To characterize the substrate scope of the identified Trametes versicolor carboxylate reductase (TvCAR).

Main Methods:

• Gene identification and cloning from Trametes versicolor.
• Heterologous expression of TvCAR in Escherichia coli.
• Enzymatic assays using various aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids.

Main Results:

• The first carboxylate reductase from Trametes versicolor (TvCAR) was successfully identified, cloned, and expressed.
• TvCAR demonstrated broad substrate specificity, reducing aromatic acids like benzoic acid and its derivatives, cinnamic acid, and 3-phenylpropanoic acid.
• The enzyme also effectively reduced aliphatic acids, including octanoic acid.

Conclusions:

• Trametes versicolor harbors a versatile carboxylate reductase with potential for diverse biocatalytic applications.
• The characterization of TvCAR expands the known repertoire of enzymes capable of carboxylic acid reduction.