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The Family Keeps on Growing: Four Novel Fungal OYEs Characterized
Marina Simona Robescu1, Giovanni Loprete1, Matteo Gasparotto1
1Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 25, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered four new Old Yellow Enzymes (OYEs) from filamentous fungi. These biocatalysts show varied substrate specificities and structural features, expanding options for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Old Yellow Enzymes (OYEs) are valuable biocatalysts for chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
- Filamentous fungi represent a largely untapped resource for novel enzyme discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the OYE enzyme family by exploring filamentous fungi genomes.
- To characterize newly identified OYE members for potential biocatalytic applications.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of *Aspergillus niger* and *Botryotinia fuckeliana*.
- Biochemical characterization of identified OYE enzymes.
- Determination of crystal structures for selected OYEs and modeling of others.
Main Results:
- Four new OYE superfamily members were identified from *A. niger* and *B. fuckeliana*.
- Enzymes exhibit distinct substrate spectra, with *Bf*OYEs showing broader activity than *An*OYEs.
- Structural analysis revealed conserved and unique features, including an N-terminal loop in thermophilic-like OYEs and open active sites in classical OYEs.
Conclusions:
- The identified OYEs represent novel biocatalysts with potential for industrial use.
- Structural insights provide a basis for understanding OYE function and engineering efforts.
- The study highlights the potential of filamentous fungi for discovering new enzyme families.
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