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Fungal cellulases: protein engineering and post-translational modifications
Ruiqin Zhang1,2, Chenghao Cao2, Jiahua Bi2
1College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|December 10, 2021
Summary
Computer-aided protein engineering enhances fungal cellulases for biofuel production by improving degradation efficiency and reducing costs. Modifying protein structures and post-translational modifications are key to developing superior enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
- Enzymology
- Protein Engineering
Background:
- Enzymatic degradation of lignocelluloses into fermentable sugars is crucial for sustainable biofuels and biomaterials.
- Current enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis faces challenges including complex cellulase composition, low efficiency, high costs, and unclear post-translational modifications (PTMs).
- These limitations hinder the widespread application of cellulases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the application of computer-aided protein engineering in developing fungal cellulases.
- To summarize recent literature on protein engineering strategies and PTMs for improving cellulase properties.
- To identify potential engineering sites for enhancing cellulase performance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review focusing on computer-aided protein engineering and PTMs of fungal cellulases.
- Analysis of recent studies on virtual mutagenesis and protein side chain/glycan modification.
- Review of strategies for N-terminal glutamine-pyroglutamate conversion in fungal cellulases.
Main Results:
- Rational design using virtual mutagenesis can significantly improve cellulase properties.
- Modification of protein side chains and glycans leads to the development of superior cellulases.
- N-terminal glutamine-pyroglutamate conversion effectively stabilizes fungal cellulases.
Conclusions:
- Computer-aided protein engineering offers a promising approach to overcome limitations in cellulase application.
- Targeted modifications of protein structure and PTMs are effective strategies for enhancing cellulase efficiency and stability.
- This review provides a reference for future research aimed at improving cellulase properties for industrial applications.
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