Single-domain flavoenzymes trigger lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases for oxidative degradation of cellulose

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 17:6:28276. doi: 10.1038/srep28276.

Abstract

The enzymatic conversion of plant biomass has been recently revolutionized by the discovery of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) that carry out oxidative cleavage of polysaccharides. These very powerful enzymes are abundant in fungal saprotrophs. LPMOs require activation by electrons that can be provided by cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs), but as some fungi lack CDH-encoding genes, other recycling enzymes must exist. We investigated the ability of AA3_2 flavoenzymes secreted under lignocellulolytic conditions to trigger oxidative cellulose degradation by AA9 LPMOs. Among the flavoenzymes tested, we show that glucose dehydrogenase and aryl-alcohol quinone oxidoreductases are catalytically efficient electron donors for LPMOs. These single-domain flavoenzymes display redox potentials compatible with electron transfer between partners. Our findings extend the array of enzymes which regulate the oxidative degradation of cellulose by lignocellulolytic fungi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases / chemistry*
  • Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases / genetics
  • Flavoproteins / chemistry*
  • Flavoproteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / chemistry*
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / genetics
  • Podospora / enzymology*
  • Podospora / genetics
  • Protein Domains

Substances

  • Flavoproteins
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases
  • cellobiose-quinone oxidoreductase