Cytochrome c peroxidase from a methylotrophic yeast: physiological role and isolation

Mutant strains of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha defective in catalase (cat) and in glucose repression of alcohol oxidase synthesis (gcr1) have been isolated following multiple UV mutagenesis steps. One representative gcr1 cat mutant C-105 grows during batch cultivation in a glucose/methanol medium. However, growth is preceded by a prolonged lag period. C-105 and other gcr1 cat mutants do not grow on methanol medium without an alternative carbon source. A large collection of second-site suppressor catalase-defective (scd) revertants were isolated with restored ability for methylotrophic growth (Mth⁺) in the absence of catalase activity. These Mth⁺ gcr1 cat scd strains utilize methanol as a sole source of carbon and energy, although biomass yields are reduced relative to the wild-type strain. In contrast to the parental C-105 strain, H₂O₂ does not accumulate in the methanol medium of the revertants. We show that restoration of methylotrophic growth in the suppressor strains is strongly correlated with increased levels of the alternative H₂O₂-destroying enzyme, cytochrome c peroxidase. Cytochrome c peroxidase from cell-free extracts of one of the scd revertants has been purified to homogeneity and crystallized. Received: 9 December 1996 / Received revision: 5 May 1997 / Accepted: 25 May 1997