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Exploring extreme environments in Türkiye for novel P450s through metagenomic analysis
Hande Mumcu1,2, Julian Zaugg3, Irem Keles1,2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Plos One
|September 8, 2025
Summary
Researchers discovered novel microbial Cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) from extreme environments in Türkiye. These biocatalysts show potential for industrial applications and understanding microbial adaptation to harsh conditions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Microbial Cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) are versatile biocatalysts.
- P450s from extremophiles offer unique tolerance to harsh conditions like high temperature, salinity, and acidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and classify novel microbial P450 enzymes from diverse extreme environments in Türkiye.
- To analyze the sequence diversity of P450 enzymes in these unique habitats.
Main Methods:
- Shotgun metagenomic analysis of six extreme sites.
- De novo binning, phylogenetic analysis, and functional gene annotation were employed.
- Identification of P450 sequences within metagenomic bins and high-quality genomes.
Main Results:
- Discovered 311 putative P450 sequences, belonging to 87 families and 158 subfamilies.
- Identified 8 novel P450 families and 49 new subfamilies.
- Observed variations in P450 family distribution correlating with distinct environmental conditions.
Conclusions:
- Türkiye's extreme habitats are a rich source of novel microbial biocatalysts.
- Extremophile-derived P450s have potential for biotechnological applications.
- These enzymes may play crucial roles in microbial adaptation to extreme environments.
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