The structure and folding/unfolding kinetics of Cyathus bulleri laccase 1 (Lcc1), expressed in Pichia pastoris, were analyzed by spectroscopic methods to understand the role of central metal ion. Far UV CD structure analysis revealed major β-sheet and minor α helical segments present in the Lcc1. A significant change in the spectrum of Lcc1, indicative of unfolding of secondary structures, was observed with increasing concentrations of guanidinium chloride (GdnHCl) during Trp fluorescence, absorption and CD measurements. A similar trend was also noticed for enzyme activity with respect to GdnHCl concentrations. To establish the role of copper ion in the catalytic activity of laccase, a complete removal of copper was carried out and addition of copper was found to restore the structure and activity during the refolding process. The apo form was also reconstituted by addition of zinc ion which restored nearly 84% of enzyme activity, indicating non-essential role of copper in maintaining conformation and activity. Structural studies and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry data supported these observations.
Keywords: Apoenzyme formation; GdnHCl-induced denaturation; Laccase; Metal replacement; Structure-function relationships; Unfolding/refolding.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.