Metagenomic discovery of lipases with predicted structural similarity to Candida antarctica lipase B

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 6;18(12):e0295397. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295397. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Here we employed sequence-based and structure-based screening for prospecting lipases that have structural homolog to Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB). CalB, a widely used biocatalyst, was used as structural template reference because of its enzymatic properties. Structural homolog could aid in the discovery of novel wild-type enzymes with desirable features and serve as a scaffold for further biocatalyst design. The available metagenomic data isolated from various environments was leveraged as a source for bioprospecting. We identified two bacteria lipases that showed high structural similarity to CalB with <40% sequence identity. Partial purification was conducted. In comparison to CalB, the enzymatic characteristics of two potential lipases were examined. A candidate exhibited optimal pH of 8 and temperature of 50°C similar to CalB. The second lipase candidate demonstrated an optimal pH of 8 and a higher optimal temperature of 55°C. Notably, this candidate sustained considerable activity at extreme conditions, maintaining high activity at 70°C or pH 9, contrasting with the diminished activity of CalB under similar conditions. Further comprehensive experimentation is warranted to uncover and exploit these novel enzymatic properties for practical biotechnological purposes.

MeSH terms

  • Enzymes, Immobilized* / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Lipase* / chemistry
  • Lipase* / genetics
  • Metagenomics
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Lipase
  • lipase B, Candida antarctica