Laccase multigene families in Agaricomycetes

Here we present the results of the exploration of laccase multigene families (MGFs) in basidiomycetous fungi from different taxonomic groups using a next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. In our study, multiple laccase genes were identified in all of the investigated fungi (13 species) from Polyporaceae, Phanerochaetaceae, Meruliaceae, Pleurotaceae, Physalacriaceae, and Peniophoraceae families. It was shown that phylogenetic positioning of the newly identified sequences exhibit patterns of clusterization with respect to enzyme properties. This can be a potentially useful tool for selecting naturally existing laccases with different physicochemical characteristics relevant to different biotechnological applications. Moreover, the method developed in this study can be used in the screening of environmental samples and fast characterization of laccase MGFs in newly identified fungal species.