Bioproduction of D-Psicose from Allitol with Enterobacter aerogenes IK7: A New Frontier in Rare Ketose Production

D-Psicose, a new alternative sweetener, was produced from allitol by microbial oxidation of the newly isolated strain Enterobacter aerogenes IK7. Cells grown in tryptic soy broth medium (TSB) supplemented with D-mannitol at 37 °C were found to have the best oxidation potential. The cells, owing to broad substrate specificity, oxidized various polyols (tetritol, pentitol, and hexitol) to corresponding rare ketoses. By a resting cell reaction, 10% of allitol was completely transformed to the product D-psicose, which thus becomes economically feasible for the mass production of D-psicose. Finally, the product was crystallized and confirmed to be D-psicose by analytical methods.     

以D-果糖为原料利用新型异构酶转化生产D-阿洛糖

稀少糖是自然界中含量稀少、化学合成困难的一类低热量单糖。D-阿洛糖是一种重要的稀少己醛糖,其具有减少活性自由基、抑制癌细胞增殖等独特的生理学功能。因此,以微生物发酵生产D-阿洛酮糖-3-差向异构酶(DPE)和L-鼠李糖异构酶(L-RhI)转化生产D-阿洛糖,成为近几年来国际研究的热点之一。文中分别克隆了来源于解纤维梭菌Clostridium cellulolyticum H10的DPE基因以及来源于枯草芽胞杆菌Bacillussubtilis 168的L-RhI基因,并分别使其在宿主菌B.subtilis及大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)中得到了表达。进一步利用镍亲和层析和阴离子交换色谱等手段对这两种酶进行了纯化,并对这两种纯化后酶的转化能力进行了分析测定。结果表明,以D-果糖为原料利用两种异构酶依次转化获得D-阿洛酮糖及D-阿洛糖,其两步转化效率分别为27.34%和34.64%。     

Crystal structures of D-psicose 3-epimerase from Clostridium cellulolyticum H10 and its complex with ketohexose sugars

D-Psicose 3-epimerase (DPEase) is demonstrated to be useful in the bioproduction of D-psicose, a rare hexose sugar, from D-fructose, found plenty in nature. Clostridium cellulolyticum H10 has recently been identified as a DPEase that can epimerize D-fructose to yield D-psicose with a much higher conversion rate when compared with the conventionally used DTEase. In this study, the crystal structure of the C. cellulolyticum DPEase was determined. The enzyme assembles into a tetramer and each subunit shows a (β/α)₈ TIM barrel fold with a Mn²⁺ metal ion in the active site. Additional crystal structures of the enzyme in complex with substrates/ products (D-psicose, D-fructose, D-tagatose and D-sorbose) were also determined. From the complex structures of C. cellulolyticum DPEase with D-psicose and D-fructose, the enzyme has much more interactions with D-psicose than D-fructose by forming more hydrogen bonds between the substrate and the active site residues. Accordingly, based on these ketohexosebound complex structures, a C3-O3 proton-exchange mechanism for the conversion between D-psicose and D-fructose is proposed here. These results provide a clear idea for the deprotonation/protonation roles of E150 and E244 in catalysis.     

Characterization of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens D-psicose 3-epimerase that converts D-fructose to D-psicose

The noncharacterized gene previously proposed as the D-tagatose 3-epimerase gene from Agrobacterium tumefaciens was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed enzyme was purified by three-step chromatography with a final specific activity of 8.89 U/mg. The molecular mass of the purified protein was estimated to be 132 kDa of four identical subunits. Mn2+ significantly increased the epimerization rate from D-fructose to D-psicose. The enzyme exhibited maximal activity at 50 degrees C and pH 8.0 with Mn2+. The turnover number (k(cat)) and catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/Km) of the enzyme for D-psicose were markedly higher than those for d-tagatose, suggesting that the enzyme is not D-tagatose 3-epimerase but D-psicose 3-epimerase. The equilibrium ratio between D-psicose and D-fructose was 32:68 at 30 degrees C. D-Psicose was produced at 230 g/liter from 700-g/liter D-fructose at 50 degrees C after 100 min, corresponding to a conversion yield of 32.9%.     

Effects of dietary D-psicose on diurnal variation in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations of rats

The effects of supplemental D-psicose in the diet on diurnal variation in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were investigated in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Each group except for the control group was fed a diet of 5% D-fructose, D-psicose, or psico-rare sugar (3:1 mixture of D-fructose and D-psicose) for 8 weeks. Plasma glucose levels were lower and plasma insulin levels were higher at all times of day in the psicose and psico-rare sugar groups than in the control and fructose groups. Weight gain was significantly lower in the psicose group than in the control and fructose groups. Liver glycogen content, both before and after meals was higher in the psicose group than in the control and fructose groups. These results suggest that supplemental D-psicose can lower plasma glucose levels and reduce body fat accumulation. Hence, D-psicose might be useful in preventing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.     

Crystal structure of D-psicose 3-epimerase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and its complex with true substrate D-fructose: a pivotal role of metal in catalysis, an active site for the non-phosphorylated substrate, and its conformational changes

D-psicose, a rare sugar produced by the enzymatic reaction of D-tagatose 3-epimerase (DTEase), has been used extensively for the bioproduction of various rare carbohydrates. Recently characterized D-psicose 3-epimerase (DPEase) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens was found to belong to the DTEase family and to catalyze the interconversion of D-fructose and D-psicose by epimerizing the C-3 position, with marked efficiency for D-psicose. The crystal structures of DPEase and its complex with the true substrate D-fructose were determined; DPEase is a tetramer and each monomer belongs to a TIM-barrel fold. The active site in each subunit is distinct from that of other TIM-barrel enzymes, which use phosphorylated ligands as the substrate. It contains a metal ion with octahedral coordination to two water molecules and four residues that are absolutely conserved across the DTEase family. Upon binding of D-fructose, the substrate displaces water molecules in the active site, with a conformation mimicking the intermediate cis-enediolate. Subsequently, Trp112 and Pro113 in the beta4-alpha4 loop undergo significant structural changes, sealing off the active site. Structural evidence and site-directed mutagenesis of the putative catalytic residues suggest that the metal ion plays a pivotal role in catalysis by anchoring the bound D-fructose, and Glu150 and Glu244 carry out an epimerization reaction at the C-3 position.     

新型低热量甜味剂——D-阿洛酮糖的研究进展

寻找适合糖尿病人服用的甜味剂具有重要的经济价值。D-阿洛酮糖是D-果糖的C3差向异构体,是一种稀有糖。作为一种新型低热量甜味剂,D-阿洛酮糖近年来日益引起人们的重视。本文对国际上近年来发表的关于D-阿洛酮糖的药理活性资料进行了系统的总结。D-阿洛酮糖几乎不提供热量,具有显著的降血糖、降血脂效果,对糖尿病动物的胰岛β细胞有明显的保护作用。此外,D-阿洛酮糖无毒副作用,是一种食用安全的糖。这些研究结果说明:D-阿洛酮糖在预防和治疗糖尿病方面具有极大的潜力,可以作为糖尿病人食用的新型甜味剂,具有良好的市场前景。     

来源于瘤胃菌Ruminococcus sp.的D-阿洛酮糖3-差向异构酶的底物结合位点分析

【目的】研究来源于瘤胃菌Ruminococcus sp.的D-阿洛酮糖3-差向异构酶的底物结合机制。【方法】通过同源模拟和同源序列比对,筛选与其底物结合相关的关键位点,进而通过定点突变构建突变体并对其动力学性质进行研究。【结果】筛选得到关键位点Y6和A109,构建了突变体Y6F、Y6I、A109P及A109L。【结论】Y6既与底物结合又与催化能力相关,其-OH只与底物结合相关,芳香环则与催化能力和结合能力均相关;而A109则只是底物结合的位点。该研究结果为D-阿洛酮糖3-差向异构酶的催化机理研究及分子改造提供了借鉴。     

Thermodynamics of carbohydrate isomerization reactions. The conversion of aqueous allose to psicose

The thermodynamics of the conversion of aqueous D-psicose to D-allose has been investigated using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The reaction was carried out in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 over the temperature range 317.25-349.25 K. The following results are obtained for the conversion process at 298.15 K: DeltaG degrees = - 1.41 +/- 0.09 kJ mol(-1), DeltaH degrees = 7.42 +/- 1.7 kJ mol(-1), and DeltaC(p) degrees = 67 +/- 50 J mol(-1) K(-1). An approximate equilibrium constant of 0.30 is obtained at 333.15 K for the conversion of aqueous D-psicose to D-altrose. Available thermodynamic data for isomerization reactions involving aldohexoses and aldopentoses are summarized.     

Production of dihydroxy C50-carotenoid by Aureobacterium sp. FERM P-18698

The dihydroxy C(50)-carotenoid, decaprenoxanthin, was produced by Aureobacterium sp. collected from sea water. The addition of D-psicose to the culture medium improved the growth of cells and the yield of the carotenoid. The (13)C-NMR spectrum of decaprenoxanthin, which has not previously been reported, was successfully measured.     

Membrane-bound glycerol dehydrogenase catalyzes oxidation of D-pentonates to 4-keto-D-pentonates,D-fructose to 5-keto-D-fructose,and D-psicose to 5-keto-D-psicose

A novel oxidation of D-pentonates to 4-keto-D-pentonates was analyzed with Gluconobacter thailandicus NBRC 3258. D-Pentonate 4-dehydrogenase activity in the membrane fraction was readily inactivated by EDTA and it was reactivated by the addition of PQQ and Ca²⁺. D-Pentonate 4-dehydrogenase was purified to two different subunits, 80 and 14 kDa. The absorption spectrum of the purified enzyme showed no typical absorbance over the visible regions. The enzyme oxidized D-pentonates to 4-keto-D-pentonates at the optimum pH of 4.0. In addition, the enzyme oxidized D-fructose to 5-keto-D-fructose, D-psicose to 5-keto-D-psicose, including the other polyols such as, glycerol, D-ribitol, D-arabitol, and D-sorbitol. Thus, D-pentonate 4-dehydrogenase was found to be identical with glycerol dehydrogenase (GLDH), a major polyol dehydrogenase in Gluconobacter species. The reaction versatility of quinoprotein GLDH was notified in this study.     

Conversion of d-psicose to allitol by Enterobacter agglomerans strain 221e

Enterobacter agglomerans strain 221e transformed d-psicose to allitol at a faster rate in the presence of d-glucose in the reaction mixture when the entrance of oxygen was restricted. Cells grown on glycerol were found to be suitable for the transformation reaction. The transformation rates were about 97.0, 95.0 and 62.5%, respectively, when 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% substrates were used. No consumption of substrate or product was observed in any case. In flask and jar fermentor reactions, the cells of strain 221e showed similar transformation activities. Cells stored at −20°C for 10 d showed almost same transformation activity as intact cells.     

D-阿洛酮糖的功能及其生物合成研究进展

随着肥胖、糖尿病等代谢性疾病的发病率在全球范围急剧上升,人们对食品营养和健康等问题日益关注。D-阿洛酮糖作为重要的天然稀有己酮糖,不仅保持良好的甜度,而且具有降血糖、降血脂、抗氧化等功效,逐渐成为食品、保健和医疗领域的研究热点。文中阐述了D-阿洛酮糖的主要生理功能,综述了D-阿洛酮糖的生物合成研究进展及其酮糖3-差向异构酶的晶体结构,为筛选D-阿洛酮糖的产生菌株及提高合成酶的热稳定性和转化率提供理论指导,以满足工业化生产的需求。     

Metabolism of 14C-labelled D-glucose, D-fructose and allitol by Itea plants

The metabolism of D-[1-¹⁴C]glucose, D-[6-¹⁴C]glucose, D-[1-¹⁴C]fructose and D-[6-¹⁴C]fructose by leafy spurs of Itea plants results in rapid incorporation of label into allitol and D-allulose. The patterns of labelling found in the allitol and D-allulose are discussed, a direct interconversion from D-glucose and D-fructose being indicated. Allitol has been found to be an active metabolite in Itea plants.     

Oxidised guanidinohydantoin (Ghox) and spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) are major products of iron- and copper-mediated 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine oxidation

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua), an important biomarker of DNA damage in oxidatively generated stress, is highly reactive towards further oxidation. Much work has been carried out to investigate the oxidation products of 8-oxoGua by one-electron oxidants, singlet oxygen, and peroxynitrite. This report details for the first time, the iron- and copper-mediated Fenton oxidation of 8-oxoGua and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo). Oxidised guanidinohydantoin (Gh(ox)) was detected as the major product of oxidation of 8-oxoGua with iron or copper and hydrogen peroxide, both at pH 7 and pH 11. Oxaluric acid was identified as a final product of 8-oxoGua oxidation. 8-oxodGuo was subjected to oxidation under the same conditions as 8-oxoGua. However, dGh(ox) was not generated. Instead, spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) was detected as the major product for both iron and copper mediated oxidation at pH 7. It was proposed that the oxidation of 8-oxoGua was initiated by its one-electron oxidation by the metal species, which leads to the reactive intermediate 8-oxoGua (+), which readily undergoes further oxidation. The product of 8-oxoGua and 8-oxodGuo oxidation was determined by the 2'-deoxyribose moiety of the 8-oxodGuo, not whether copper or iron was the metal involved in the oxidation.     

Enzymatic procedures in the preparation of regioprotected D-fructose derivatives

A combination of different lipases from Pseudomonas cepacia, Candida antarctica B, Candida rugosa and Mucor miehei, aided the regioesterification of the free fructose allowing the synthesis of 1,6-di-O-acetyl-D-fructofuranose, 1,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-D-fructofuranose, 1,6-di-O-acetyl-4-O-benzoyl-D-fructofuranose and 1,6-di-O-benzoyl-D-fructofuranose. Using C. antarctica B and C. rugosa lipases the alcoholysis of fructose peracetate (alpha, beta-form) has furnished 1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-fructofuranose and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-fructofuranose. 1,4,6-Tri-O-acetyl-D-fructofuranose was successfully employed to produce a rare ketohexose, namely D-psicose.     

A rapid fluorescence-based assay for detecting soluble methane monooxygenase

A fluorescence-based assay was developed to estimate soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) activity in solution. Whole cells of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b expressing sMMO were used to oxidize various compounds to screen for fluorescent products. Of the 12 compounds tested, only coumarin yielded a fluorescent product. The UV absorbance spectrum of the product matches that of 7-hydroxycoumarin, and this identification was confirmed by 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The dependence of the fluorescent reaction on sMMO activity was investigated by pre-incubation with acetylene, a known inhibitor of sMMO activity. Apparent kinetic parameters for whole cells were determined to be Km(app)=262 microM and Vmax(app)=821 nmol 7-hydroxycoumarin min(-1) mg protein(-1). The rate of coumarin oxidation by sMMO correlates well with those of trichloroethylene degradation and naphthalene oxidation. Advantages of the fluorescence-based coumarin oxidation assay over the naphthalene oxidation assay include a more stable product, direct detection of the product without additional reagents, and greater speed and convenience.     

The reaction of allitol with hydrogen halides

The reaction of allitol with fuming hydrochloric acid at 100° afforded 1,4-anhydro-5,6-dichloro-5,6-dideoxy-DL-talitol (14) and 1,4-anhydro-6-chloro-6-deoxy-DL-allitol (3). 1,4-Anhydro-6-bromo-6-deoxy-DL-allitol (4) and 1,4-anhydro-DL-allitol (6) were obtained from a similar reaction with excess of hydrogen bromide.     

Improvement in the thermostability of D-psicose 3-epimerase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens by random and site-directed mutagenesis

The S213C, I33L, and I33L S213C variants of D-psicose 3-epimerase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which were obtained by random and site-directed mutagenesis, displayed increases of 2.5, 5, and 7.5°C in the temperature for maximal enzyme activity, increases of 3.3-, 7.2-, and 29.9-fold in the half-life at 50°C, and increases of 3.1, 4.3, and 7.6°C in apparent melting temperature, respectively, compared with the wild-type enzyme. Molecular modeling suggests that the improvement in thermostability in these variants may have resulted from increased putative hydrogen bonds and formation of new aromatic stacking interactions. The immobilized wild-type enzyme with and without borate maintained activity for 8 days at a conversion yield of 70% (350 g/liter psicose) and for 16 days at a conversion yield of 30% (150 g/liter psicose), respectively. After 8 or 16 days, the enzyme activity gradually decreased, and the conversion yields with and without borate were reduced to 22 and 9.6%, respectively, at 30 days. In contrast, the activities of the immobilized I33L S213C variant with and without borate did not decrease during the operation time of 30 days. These results suggest that the I33L S213C variant may be useful as an industrial producer of D-psicose.     

Recent advances on applications and biotechnological production of d-psicose

D-Psicose is a hexoketose monosaccharide sweetener, which is a C-3 epimer of D-fructose and is rarely found in nature. It has 70 % relative sweetness but 0.3 % energy of sucrose, and is suggested as an ideal sucrose substitute for food products. It shows important physiological functions, such as blood glucose suppressive effect, reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, and neuroprotective effect. It also improves the gelling behavior and produces good flavor during food process. This article presents a review of recent studies on the properties, physiological functions, and food application of D-psicose. In addition, the biochemical properties of D-tagatose 3-epimerase family enzymes and the D-psicose-producing enzyme are compared, and the biotechnological production of D-psicose from D-fructose is reviewed.