Heterologous expression of the Pleurotus ostreatus MnP3 gene by the laccase gene promoter in Lentinula edodes

Lentinula edodes (shiitake), which have a powerful ligninolytic system, is one of the most important edible mushrooms in Asia. In this study, we introduced the manganese peroxidase (MnP, EC 1.11.1.13) gene from Pleurotus ostreatus driven by L. edodes laccase 1 gene promoter into L. edodes for expression. The resulting transformant expressed the recombinant gene and showed a higher level of MnP activity than that of the wild-type strain.     

Purification of a novel extracellular laccase from solid-state culture of the edible mushroom <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lentinula edodes</Emphasis>

The laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) secreted into solid-state culture by Lentinula edodes were analyzed. The fungus secreted at least two laccases in the solid-state culture. One laccase was purified to a homogeneous preparation using anion-exchange, hydrophobic, and size-exclusion chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the purified laccase, Lcc6, was a monomeric protein of 58.5 kDa. The optimum pH for enzyme activity was about 3.5, and the laccase was most active at 40°C. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of Lcc6 did not correspond to the sequence of Lcc1, which was previously purified from L. edodes. Lcc6 had decolorization activity to some chemical dyes.     

Effect of nitrogen source on lignocellulolytic enzyme production by white-rot basidiomycetes under solid-state cultivation

Summary The effect of additional nitrogen sources on lignocellulolytic enzyme production by four species of white-rot fungi (Funalia trogii IBB 146, Lentinus edodes IBB 363, Pleurotus dryinus IBB 903, and P. tuberregium IBB 624) in solid-state fermentation (SSF) of wheat straw and beech tree leaves was strain- and substrate-dependent. In general, the yields of hydrolytic enzymes and laccase increased by supplementation of medium with an additional nitrogen source. This stimulating effect of additional nitrogen on enzyme accumulation was due to higher biomass production. Only xylanase specific activity of P. dryinus IBB 903 and laccase specific activity of L. edodes IBB 363 increased significantly (by 66% and 73%, respectively) in SSF of wheat straw by addition of nitrogen source to the control medium. Additional nitrogen (20 mM) repressed manganese peroxidase (MnP) production by all fungi tested. The study of the nitrogen concentration effect revealed that 10 mM peptone concentration was optimal for cellulase and xylanase accumulation by P. dryinus IBB 903. While variation of the peptone concentration did not cause the change in MnP yield, elevated concentrations of this nutrient (20–40 mM) led to a 2–3-fold increase of P. dryinus IBB 903 laccase activity. About 10–20 mM concentration of NH₄NO₃ was optimal for cellulase and xylanase production by F. trogii IBB 146. However, neither the laccase nor the MnP yield was significantly changed by the additional nitrogen source.     

Degradation of endocrine disrupting chemicals by genetic transformants with two lignin degrading enzymes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phlebia tremellosa</Emphasis>

A white rot fungus Phlebia tremellosa produced lignin degrading enzymes, which showed degrading activity against various recalcitrant compounds. However, manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity, one of lignin degrading enzymes, was very low in this fungus under various culture conditions. An expression vector that carried both the laccase and MnP genes was constructed using laccase genomic DNA of P. tremellosa and MnP cDNA from Polyporus brumalis. P. tremellosa was genetically transformed using the expression vector to obtain fungal transformants showing increased laccase and MnP activity. Many transformants showed highly increased laccase and MnP activity at the same time in liquid medium, and three of them were used to degrade endocrine disrupting chemicals. The transformant not only degraded bisphenol A and nonylphenol more rapidly but also removed the estrogenic activities of the chemicals faster than the wild type strain.     

Production,partial purification and characterization of ligninolytic enzymes from selected basidiomycetes mushroom fungi

In recent years, many research on the quantity of lignocellulosic waste have been developed. The production, partial purification, and characterisation of ligninolytic enzymes from various fungi are described in this work. On the 21st day of incubation in Potato Dextrose (PD) broth, Hypsizygus ulmarius developed the most laccase (14.83 × 10⁻⁶ IU/ml) and manganese peroxidase (24.11 × 10⁻⁶ IU/ml), while Pleurotus florida produced the most lignin peroxidase (19.56 × ⁻⁶ IU/ml). Laccase (Lac), lignin peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP), all generated by selected basidiomycetes mushroom fungi, were largely isolated using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by dialysis. Laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase purification findings indicated 1.83, 2.13, and 1.77 fold purity enhancements, respectively. Specific activity of purified laccase enzyme preparations ranged from 305.80 to 376.85 IU/mg, purified lignin peroxidase from 258.51 to 336.95 IU/mg, and purified manganese peroxidase from 253.45 to 529.34 IU/mg. H. ulmarius laccase (376.85 IU/mg) with 1.83 fold purification had the highest specific activity of all the ligninolytic enzymes studied, followed by 2.13 fold purification in lignin peroxidase (350.57 IU/mg) and manganese peroxidase (529.34 IU/mg) with 1.77-fold purification. Three notable bands with molecular weights ranging from 43 to 68 kDa and a single prominent band with a molecular weight of 97.4 kDa were identified on a Native PAGE gel from mycelial proteins of selected mushroom fungus. The SDS PAGE profiles of the mycelial proteins from the selected mushroom fungus were similar to the native PAGE. All three partially purified ligninolytic isozymes display three bands in native gel electrophoresis, with only one prominent band in enzyme activity staining. The 43 kDa, 55 kDa, and 68 kDa protein bands correspond to laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase, respectively.     

Overexpression of the laccase gene,lcc1, in Lentinula edodes using the pChG vector

Lentinula edodes secretes laccase (Lcc: EC 1.10.3.2), an industrially useful enzyme. In this study, we introduced and expressed the L. edodes Lcc gene, lcc1, driven by L. edodes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene promoter into L. edodes. The resulting transformants showed 2-fold Lcc activity than that of the host strain, and expression of the recombinant lcc1 was confirmed by RT-PCR.     

Production of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes employing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium solani</Emphasis> F-552

In this work, capability of Fusarium solani F-552 of producing lignocellulose-degrading enzymes in submerged fermentation was investigated. The enzyme cocktail includes hydrolases (cellulases, xylanases, and proteinases) as well as ligninolytic enzymes: manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP), lignin peroxidase (LiP), and laccase (Lac). To our knowledge, this is the first report on production of MnP, LiP, and Lac together by one F. solani strain. The enzyme productions were significantly influenced by application of either lignocellulosic material or chemical inducers into the fermentation medium. Among them, corn bran significantly enhanced especially productions of cellulases and xylanases (248 and 170 U/mL, respectively) as compared to control culture (11.7 and 29.2 U/mL, respectively). High MnP activity (9.43 U/mL, control 0.45 U/mL) was observed when (+)-catechin was applied into the medium, the yield of LiP was maximal (33.06 U/mL, control 2.69 U/mL) in gallic acid, and Lac was efficiently induced by, 2,2′-azino-bis-[3-ethyltiazoline-6-sulfonate] (6.74 U/mL, not detected in control). Finally, in order to maximize the ligninolytic enzymes yields, a novel strategy of introduction of mild oxidative stress conditions caused by hydrogen peroxide into the fermentation broth was tested. Hydrogen peroxide significantly increased activities of MnP, LiP, and Lac which may indicate that these enzymes could be partially involved in stress response against H₂O₂. The concentration of H₂O₂ and the time of the stress application were optimized; hence, when 10 mmol/L H₂O₂ was applied at the second and sixth day of cultivation, the MnP, LiP, and Lac yields reached 21.67, 77.42, and 12.04 U/mL, respectively.     

Effect of growth substrate,method of fermentation,and nitrogen source on lignocellulose-degrading enzymes production by white-rot basidiomycetes

The exploration of seven physiologically different white rot fungi potential to produce cellulase, xylanase, laccase, and manganese peroxidase (MnP) showed that the enzyme yield and their ratio in enzyme preparations significantly depends on the fungus species, lignocellulosic growth substrate, and cultivation method. The fruit residues were appropriate growth substrates for the production of hydrolytic enzymes and laccase. The highest endoglucanase (111 U ml⁻¹) and xylanase (135 U ml⁻¹) activities were revealed in submerged fermentation (SF) of banana peels by Pycnoporus coccineus. In the same cultivation conditions Cerrena maxima accumulated the highest level of laccase activity (7,620 U l⁻¹). The lignified materials (wheat straw and tree leaves) appeared to be appropriate for the MnP secretion by majority basidiomycetes. With few exceptions, SF favored to hydrolases and laccase production by fungi tested whereas SSF was appropriate for the MnP accumulation. Thus, the Coriolopsis polyzona hydrolases activity increased more than threefold, while laccase yield increased 15-fold when tree leaves were undergone to SF instead SSF. The supplementation of nitrogen to the control medium seemed to have a negative effect on all enzyme production in SSF of wheat straw and tree leaves by Pleurotus ostreatus. In SF peptone and ammonium containing salts significantly increased C. polyzona and Trametes versicolor hydrolases and laccase yields. However, in most cases the supplementation of media with additional nitrogen lowered the fungi specific enzyme activities. Especially strong repression of T. versicolor MnP production was revealed.     

Optimization of manganese peroxidase and laccase production in the South American fungus<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Fomes sclerodermeus</Emphasis> (Lév.) Cke

Fomes sclerodermeus produces manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase as part of its ligninolytic system. A Doehlert experimental design was applied in order to find the optimum conditions for MnP and laccase production. The factors studied were Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺ and asparagine. The present model and data analysis allowed us not only to define optimal media for production of both laccase and MnP, but also to show the combined effects between the factors. MnP was strongly influenced by Mn²⁺, which acts as an inducer. Under these conditions Cu²⁺ negatively affected MnP activity. At 13 days of growth 0.75 U ml^–1 were produced in the optimized culture medium supplemented with 1 mM MnSO₄ and 4 g l^–1 asparagine. The laccase titer under optimized conditions reached maximum values at 16 days of growth: 13.5 U ml^–1 in the presence of 0.2 mM CuSO₄, 0.4 mM MnSO₄ and 6 g l^–1 asparagine. Mn²⁺ promoted production of both enzymes. There were important interactions among the nutrients evaluated, the most significant being those between Cu²⁺ and asparagine.     

Extracellular Enzyme Production and Synthetic Lignin Mineralization by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora

The ability of the white rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora to mineralize ¹⁴C-synthetic lignin was studied under different culture conditions, and the levels of two extracellular enzymes were monitored. The highest mineralization rates (28% after 28 days) were obtained in cultures containing a growth-limiting amount of nitrogen source (1.0 mM ammonium tartrate); under this condition, the levels of manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase present in the culture supernatant solutions were very low compared with cultures containing 10 mM of the nitrogen source. In contrast, cultures containing a limiting concentration of the carbon source (0.1% glucose) showed low levels of both enzymes and also very low mineralization rates compared with cultures containing 1% glucose. Cultures containing 11 ppm of Mn(II) showed a higher rate of mineralization than those containing 0.3 or 40 ppm of this cation. Levels of MnP and laccase were higher when 40 ppm of Mn(II) was used. Mineralization rates were slightly higher in cultures flushed daily with oxygen, whereas laccase levels were lower and MnP levels were approximately the same as in cultures maintained under an air atmosphere. The presence of 0.4 mM veratryl alcohol reduced both mineralization rates and MnP levels, without affecting laccase levels. Lignin peroxidase activity was not detected under any condition. Addition of purified lignin peroxidase to the cultures in the presence or absence of veratryl alcohol did not enhance mineralization rates significantly.     

Potential of ligninolytic enzymatic complex produced by white‐rot fungi from genus Trametes isolated from Bulgarian forest soil

Because of the crucial role of ligninolytic enzymes in a variety of industrial processes, the demand for a new effective producer has been constantly increasing. Furthermore, information on enzyme synthesis by autochthonous fungal strains is very seldom found. Two fungal strains producing ligninolytic enzymes were isolated from Bulgarian forest soil. They were identified as being Trametes trogii and T. hirsuta. These two strains were assessed for their enzyme activities, laccase (Lac), lignin peroxidase (LiP) and Mn‐dependent peroxidase (MnP) in culture filtrate depending on the temperature and the type of nutrient medium. T. trogii was selected as the better producer of ligninolytic enzymes. The production process was further improved by optimizing a number of parameters such as incubation time, type of cultivation, volume ratio of medium/air, inoculum size and the addition of inducers. The maximum activities of enzymes synthesized by T. trogii was detected as 11100 U/L for Lac, 2.5 U/L for LiP and 4.5 U/L for MnP after 14 days of incubation at 25°C under static conditions, volume ratio of medium/air 1:6, and 3 plugs as inoculum. Among the supplements tested, 5% glycerol increased Lac activity to a significant extent. The addition of 1% veratryl alcohol had a positive effect on MnP.     

Effects of Mn2+ and NH+ 4 concentrations on laccase and manganese peroxidase production and Amaranth decoloration by Trametes versicolor

Extracellular lignin peroxidase (LiP) was not detected during decoloration of the azo dye, Amaranth, by Trametes versicolor. Approximately twice as much laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) was produced by decolorizing cultures compared to when no dye was added. At a low Mn²⁺ concentration (3 M), N-limited (1.2 mM NH₄ ⁺) cultures decolorized eight successive additions of Amaranth with no visible sorption to the mycelial biomass. At higher Mn²⁺ concentrations (200 M), production of MnP increased and that of laccase decreased, but the rate or number of successive Amaranth decolorations was unaffected. There was always a 6-h to 8-h lag prior to decoloration of the first aliquot of Amaranth, regardless of MnP and laccase concentrations. Although nitrogen-rich (12 mM NH₄ ⁺) cultures at an initial concentration of 200 M Mn²⁺ produced high laccase and MnP levels, only three additions of Amaranth were decolorized, and substantial mycelial sorption of the dye occurred. While the results did not preclude roles for MnP and laccase, extracellular MnP and laccase alone were insufficient for decoloration. The cell-free supernatant did not decolorize Amaranth, but the mycelial biomass separated from the whole broth and resuspended in fresh medium did. This indicates the involvement of a mycelial-bound, lignolytic enzyme or a H₂O₂-generating mechanism in the cell wall. Nitrogen limitation was required for the expression of this activity. Received: 19 May 1998 / Received revision: 22 October 1998 / Accepted: 7 November 1998     

Production of laccase, manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase by Brazilian marine-derived fungi

Marine-derived fungi are a potential for the search of new compounds with relevant features. Among these, the ligninolytic enzymes have potential applications in a large number of fields, including the environmental and industrial sectors. This is the work aimed to evaluate the enzymatic activities of three marine-derived fungi (Aspergillus sclerotiorum CBMAI 849, Cladosporium cladosporioides CBMAI 857 and Mucor racemosus CBMAI 847) under different carbon sources and salinity conditions by using statistical experimental design. MnP, LiP and laccase were detected when these fungi were cultured in malt extract, however when grown on basal medium containing glucose and wheat bran LiP was not detected and yet an increase in MnP and laccase was observed. Statistical analysis through surface responses was performed and results showed high values of MnP and laccase activities under 12.5% and 23% (w/v) salinity, highlighting the potential use of these fungi for industrial applications and in bioremediation of contaminated sites having high salt concentrations. The highest values for LiP (75376.34 UI L⁻¹), MnP (4484.30 IU L⁻¹) and laccase (898.15 UI L⁻¹) were obtained with the fungus M. racemosus CBMAI 847 and it is the first report concerning ligninolytic enzymes production by a zygomycete from this genus.     

Biodegradation of pentachlorophenol by white rot fungi under ligninolytic and nonligninolytic conditions

The roles of lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and laccase were investigated in the biodegradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by several white rot fungi. The disappearance of pentachlorophenol from cultures of wild type strains,P. chrysosporium, Trametes sp. andPleurotus sp., was observed. The activities of manganese peroxidase and laccase were detected inTiametes sp. andPleurotus sp. cultures. However, the activities of ligninolytic enzymes were not detected inP. chrysosporium cultures. Therefore, our results showed that PCP was degraded under ligninolytic as well as nonligninolytic conditions. Indicating that lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and laccase are not essential in the biodegradation of PCP by white rot fungi.     

The selective visualization of lignin peroxidase,manganese peroxidase and laccase,produced by white rot fungi on solid media

A visual method for the selective screening of lignin degrading enzymes, produced by white rot fungi (WRF), was investigated by the addition of coloring additives to solid media. Of the additives used in the enzyme production media, guaiacol and RBBR could be used for the detection of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase. Syringaldazine and Acid Red 264 were able for the detection of both the MnP and laccase, and the LiP and laccase, respectively, and a combination of these two additives was able to detect each of the ligninases produced by the WRF on solid media.     

Implication of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dichomitus squalens</Emphasis> manganese-dependent peroxidase in dye decolorization and cooperation of the enzyme with laccase

Three new chromatographic forms of Dichomitus squalens manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) were isolated from wheat-straw cultures using Mono Q and connective interaction media (CIM) fast protein liquid chromatography. Enzymes revealed identical molar mass of 50 kDa (estimated by SDS-PAGE) and pI values of 3.5, however, they varied in Km values obtained for Mn2+ oxidation. The addition of wood and straw methanol extracts to the cultures showed that the production of MnPs in wheat-straw cultures was influenced rather by the type of cultivation than by phenolic compounds from lignocellulosic material which induced laccase production. The purified CIM1 MnP was able to decolorize selected azo and anthraquinone dyes more rapidly than laccase Lc1. In vitro dye decolorization showed a synergistic cooperation of MnP and laccase. In the case of CSB degradation MnP prevented from the production of a differently colored substance that could be produced after CSB degradation by laccase-HBT system.     

Ligninolytic Enzymes of the White Rot Basidiomycete Trametes trogii

The white rot fungus Trametes trogii strain BAFC 463 produced laccase, manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase and cellobiose dehydrogenase, as well as two hydrogen peroxide‐producing activities: glucose oxidizing activity and glyoxal oxidase. In high‐N (40 mM N) cultures, the titres of laccase, MnP and GLOX were 27 (6.55 U/ml), 45 (403.00 mU/ml)and 8 (32,14 mU/ml) fold higher, respectively, than those measured in an N‐limited medium. This is consistent with the fact that the ligninolytic system of T. trogii is expressed constitutively. Lower activities of all the enzymes tested were recorded upon decreasing the initial pH of the medium from 6.5 to 4.5. Adding veratryl alcohol improved GLOX production, while laccase activity was stimulated by tryptophan. Supplying Tween 80 strongly reduced the activity of both MnP and GLOX, but increased laccase production. The titre of MnP was affected by the concentration of Mn in the culture medium, the highest levels were obtained with 90 μM Mn (II). LiP activity, as CDH activity, were detected only in the mediumsupplemented with sawdust. In this medium, laccase production reached a maximum of 4.75 U/ml, MnP 747.60 mU/ml and GLOX 117.11 mU/ml. LiP, MnP and GLOX activities were co‐induced, attaining their highest levels at the beginning of secondary metabolism, but while MnP, laccase, GLOX and CDH activities were also present in the primary growth phase, LiP activity appears to beidiophasic. The simultaneous presence of high ligninolytic and hydrogen peroxide producing activities in this fungus makes it an attractive microorganism for future biotechnological applications.     

Decolourization of synthetic dyes by a newly isolated strain of Serratia marcescens

A novel dye-decolourizing strain of the bacterium Serratia marcescens efficiently decolourized two chemically different dyes Ranocid Fast Blue (RFB) and Procion Brilliant Blue-H-GR (PBB-HGR) belonging respectively to the azo and anthraquinone groups. Extracellular laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity were detected during dye decolourization. The involvement of MnP activity was found in the decolourization of both dyes. More than 90% decolourization of PBB-HGR and RFB was obtained on days 8 and 5, respectively at 26 °C under static conditions at pH 7.0. MnP activity was increased by the addition of Mn²⁺ · At 50 M Mn²⁺, high MnP (55.3 U/ml) but low laccase activity (8.3 U/ml) was observed. Influence of oxalic acid on MnP activity was also observed.     

Production of ligninolytic enzymes and synthetic lignin mineralization by the bird's nest fungus Cyathus stercoreus

Production of ligninolytic enzymes and degradation of ¹⁴C-ring labeled synthetic lignin by the white-rot fungus Cyathus stercoreus ATCC 36910 were determined under a variety of conditions. The highest mineralization rate for ¹⁴C dehydrogenative polymerizates (DHP; 38% ¹⁴CO₂ after 30 days) occurred with 1 mM ammonium tartrate as nitrogen source and 1% glucose as additional carbon source, but levels of extracellular laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were low. In contrast, 10 mM ammonium tartrate with 1% glucose gave low mineralization rates (10% ¹⁴CO₂ after 30 days) but higher levels of laccase and manganese peroxidase. Lignin peroxidase was not produced by C. stercoreus under any of the studied conditions. Mn(II) at 11 ppm gave a higher rate of ¹⁴C DHP mineralization than 0.3 or 40 ppm, but the highest manganese peroxidase level was obtained with Mn(II) at 40 ppm. Cultivation in aerated static flasks gave rise to higher levels of both laccase and manganese peroxidase compared to the levels in shake cultures. 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid at 500 μM concentration was the most effective inducer of laccase of those tested. The purified laccase was a monomeric glycoprotein having an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa, as determined by calibrated gel filtration chromatography. The pH optimum and isoelectric point of the purified laccase were 4.8 and 3.5, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of C. stercoreus laccase showed close homology to the N-terminal sequences determined from other basidiomycete laccases. Information on C. stercoreus, whose habitat and physiological requirements for lignin degradation differ from many other white-rot fungi, expands the possibilities for industrial application of biological systems for lignin degradation and removal in biopulping and biobleaching processes. Received: 29 January 1999 / Received revision: 5 July 1999 / Accepted: 9 July 1999     

Characteristics and N-terminal amino acid sequence of a manganese peroxidase purified from Lentinula edodes cultures grown on a commercial wood substrate

Summary Extracellular culture filtrates from ligninolytic cultures of the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Lentinula (syn. Lentinus) edodes (Berk.) Pegler contained one major peroxidase when grown on a commercial oak-wood substrate. The peroxidase was purified by polyethylenimine clarification, anion-exchange chromatography, and hydrophobic-interaction HPLC. The enzyme (MnP1) was a heme-iron protein with an apparent molecular weight of 44 600 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels and an isoelectric point of pH 3.2. The native enzyme had an absorption maximum at 407 nm, which shifted to 420 nm upon H₂O₂ addition. The pyridine-hemochrome-absorption spectrum indicated that one heme group was present per enzyme as protoporphyrin IX. N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed that MnP1 had higher sequence homology with manganese peroxidases than with lignin peroxidases reported from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. L. edodes MnP1 was capable of oxidizing lignin and lignin-model compounds in the presence of manganese and H₂O₂.On leave from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, P. O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.Research carried out while a visiting scientist at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory from the National Chemistry Laboratory, Pune, India 41 1008 Offprint requests to: I. T. Forrester