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Sordaria macrospora carbonic anhydrases
Niccolò Paoletti1, Claudiu T Supuran1, Clemente Capasso2
1Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy.
The Enzymes
|October 8, 2025
Summary
Sordaria macrospora carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are vital for fungal growth. Researchers characterized these enzymes, revealing their crucial roles and potential for carbon capture technologies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Sordaria macrospora, a model fungus, possesses four carbonic anhydrases (CAs): CAS1-CAS4.
- CAS1-CAS3 are β-CAs, while CAS4 is an α-class CA; all are essential for fungal growth.
- Subcellular localization varies: CAS4 is secreted, CAS2 mitochondrial, and CAS1/CAS3 cytosolic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical and structural properties of Sordaria macrospora carbonic anhydrases.
- To assess the catalytic activity and inhibition profiles of β-CAs (CAS1-CAS3).
- To explore potential biotechnological applications, particularly in carbon capture.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays for CO2 hydration.
- X-ray crystallography to determine enzyme structures.
- Inhibition studies using anions and sulfonamides.
Main Results:
- CAS1-CAS3 exhibit significant catalytic activity, with CAS3 being the most potent.
- X-ray structures reveal CAS1 and CAS2 are tetramers with distinct active site architectures (open for CAS1, closed for CAS2).
- Effective inhibitors for β-CAs were identified through detailed inhibition studies.
Conclusions:
- Sordaria macrospora CAs are crucial for fungal physiology.
- The characterized CAs display diverse structural and functional properties.
- These enzymes hold promise for biotechnological applications in CO2 capture.
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