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Identification of a type-D feruloyl esterase from Neurospora crassa

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Abstract

Feruloyl esterases constitute an interesting group of enzymes that have the potential for use over a broad range of applications in the agri–food industries. In order to expand the range of available enzymes, we have examined the presence of feruoyl esterase genes present in the genome sequence of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We have identified an orphan gene (contig 3.544), the translation of which shows sequence identity with known feruloyl esterases. This gene was cloned and the corresponding recombinant protein expressed in Pichia pastoris to confirm that the enzyme (NcFaeD-3.544) exhibits feruloyl esterase activity. Unusually the enzyme was capable of p-coumaric acid release from untreated crude plant cell wall materials. The substrate utilisation preferences of the recombinant enzyme place it in the recently recognised type-D sub-class of feruloyl esterase.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), UK, and the Department of Trade and Industry, UK for their support through the LINK Applied Biocatalysts programme (grant number BTL/27/12). We are expressly grateful to Scottish Courage and ARD for supplying the BSG and WB, respectively, and to Giusy Mandalari for preparing the cell wall AIR.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough , LE12 5RD, UK

    V. F. Crepin & I. F. Connerton

  2. Food Materials Science Division, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich , NR4 7UA, UK

    C. B. Faulds

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  1. V. F. Crepin
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  2. C. B. Faulds
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  3. I. F. Connerton
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Correspondence to I. F. Connerton.

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Crepin, V.F., Faulds, C.B. & Connerton, I.F. Identification of a type-D feruloyl esterase from Neurospora crassa . Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 63, 567–570 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-003-1466-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-003-1466-5

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