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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
Expression and characterization of a novel trehalase from Microvirga sp. strain MC18
Chaonan Dong1, Qiwen Fan1, Xu Li1
1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China.
Abstract:
Trehalase catalyzes the hydrolysis of trehalose into two glucose molecules and is present in nearly all tissues in various forms. In this study, a putative bacterial trehalase gene, encoding a glycoside hydrolase family 15 (GH15) protein was identified in Microvirga sp. strain MC18 and heterologously expressed in E. coli. The specific activity of the purified recombinant trehalase MtreH was 24 U/mg, with Km and Vmax values of 23.45 mg/mL and 184.23 μmol/mg/min, respectively. The enzyme exhibited optimal activity at 40 °C and pH 7.0, whereby Ca2+ had a considerable positive effects on the catalytic activity and thermostability. The optimized enzymatic reaction conditions for the bioconversion of trehalose using rMtreH were determined as 40 °C, pH 7.0, 10 h and 1% trehalose concentration. The characterization of this bacterial trehalase improves our understanding of the metabolism and biological role of trehalose in prokaryotic organism.
Insights
Researchers identified and characterized a bacterial trehalase from Microvirga sp. strain MC18. This glycoside hydrolase family 15 enzyme efficiently converts trehalose to glucose under optimized conditions.
Area of Science:
- Enzymology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trehalase is crucial for trehalose hydrolysis, yielding glucose.
- This enzyme exists in various forms across different tissues.
- Understanding microbial trehalases offers insights into carbohydrate metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a bacterial trehalase from Microvirga sp. strain MC18.
- To investigate the enzymatic properties of the recombinant trehalase (MtreH).
- To determine optimal conditions for trehalose bioconversion.
Main Methods:
- Identification of a putative trehalase gene (GH15) in Microvirga sp. strain MC18.
- Heterologous expression of the gene in E. coli.
- Purification and biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme (rMtreH).
Main Results:
- The purified recombinant trehalase MtreH showed a specific activity of 24 U/mg.
- Optimal activity was observed at 40°C and pH 7.0, with Ca2+ enhancing stability and activity.
- Optimized bioconversion conditions were 40°C, pH 7.0, 10 hours, and 1% trehalose.
Conclusions:
- The characterized bacterial trehalase (rMtreH) is a functional GH15 enzyme.
- This study enhances understanding of trehalose metabolism in prokaryotes.
- The enzyme shows potential for biotechnological applications in trehalose bioconversion.
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