Related Experiment Videos
Raffinose-induced mutanase production from Trichoderma harzianum
1Department of Dental Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|September 15, 1993
Summary
Raffinose, a sugar, can induce the production of alpha(1-->3),3-glucanohydrolase (mutanase) in Trichoderma harzianum. This enzyme degrades dental plaque glucan, offering a new method for its synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Enzymology
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Dental Biochemistry
Background:
- Dental plaque contains water-insoluble glucan, a target for enzymatic degradation.
- Alpha(1-->3),3-glucanohydrolase (mutanase) from Trichoderma harzianum degrades this glucan.
- Previous methods required in vitro mutan production to induce mutanase synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify alternative carbon sources that induce mutanase production.
- To investigate the metabolic effects of raffinose on fungal cultures.
- To characterize other proteins regulated by carbon source and illumination.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Trichoderma harzianum OMZ 779 with raffinose as a carbon source.
- Analyzing secreted proteins via SDS-PAGE and molecular weight estimation.
- Comparing metabolic end products and protein profiles with other sugars.
Main Results:
- Raffinose effectively induces mutanase production in Trichoderma harzianum.
- Raffinose metabolism yields distinct end products and secreted protein profiles compared to other sugars.
- A ~15,000 M(r) protein was co-regulated with mutanase by carbon source and light.
Conclusions:
- Raffinose serves as an effective inducer for mutanase synthesis, simplifying its production.
- The unique metabolic profile suggests specific regulatory pathways for raffinose utilization.
- Further research into the ~15,000 M(r) protein may reveal additional biotechnological applications.