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Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Functional Cloning Using a Xenopus Oocyte Expression System
Published on: January 30, 2016
Cloning, expression, and characterization of a novel nitrilase, PaCNit, from Pannonibacter carbonis Q4.6
Dejian Liu1, Lijun Xi2, Danyang Han1
1State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China.
Objective:
Identification of a heavy metal ion-stimulated nitrilase with broad-spectrum substrate specificity.
Results:
A novel nitrilase, PaCNit, was identified from Pannonibacter carbonis Q4.6 and its enzymatic properties were investigated. The maximum activity of PaCNit was observed at 65 °C and pH 7.0. PaCNit showed broad substrate specificity towards aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic nitriles, and was tolerant to different organic solvents. Remarkably, PaCNit activity was highly stimulated by metal ions, particularly by Ag+ and Hg2+.
Conclusion:
PaCNit nitrilase has a broad range of substrate specificity and can be activated by heavy metal ions. This specific characteristic makes it have a great potential for industrial application.
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