Proteolysin, a novel highly thermostable and cosolvent-compatible protease from the thermophilic bacterium Coprothermobacter proteolyticus

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2013 Sep;79(18):5625-32. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01479-13. Epub 2013 Jul 12.

Abstract

Through genome mining, we identified a gene encoding a putative serine protease of the thermitase subgroup of subtilases (EC 3.4.21.66) in the thermophilic bacterium Coprothermobacter proteolyticus. The gene was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, and the enzyme, which we called proteolysin, was purified to near homogeneity from crude cell lysate by a single heat treatment step. Proteolysin has a broad pH tolerance and is active at temperatures of up to 80°C. In addition, the enzyme shows good activity and stability in the presence of organic solvents, detergents, and dithiothreitol, and it remains active in 6 M guanidinium hydrochloride. Based on its stability and activity profile, proteolysin can be an excellent candidate for applications where resistance to harsh process conditions is required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Enzyme Stability
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / enzymology*
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / genetics
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Phylogeny
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Serine Proteases / chemistry
  • Serine Proteases / genetics
  • Serine Proteases / isolation & purification*
  • Serine Proteases / metabolism*
  • Solvents / metabolism
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Solvents
  • Serine Proteases