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Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are copper-dependent enzymes that oxidize polysaccharides, leading to their cleavage. LPMOs are classified into eight CAZY families (AA9-11, AA13-17), with the functionality of AA16 being poorly characterized. This study presents biochemical and structural data for an AA16 LPMO (PnAA16) from the marine sponge symbiont Peniophora sp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PnAA16 clusters separately from previously characterized AA16s. However, the structural modelling of PnAA16 showed the characteristic immunoglobulin-like fold of LPMOs, with a conserved his-brace motif coordinating a copper ion. The copper-bound PnAA16 showed greater thermal stability than its apo-form, highlighting copper's role in enzyme stability. Functionally, PnAA16 demonstrated oxidase activity, producing 5 µM H2O2 after 30 min, but showed 20 times lower peroxidase activity (0.27 U/g) compared to a fungal AA9. Specific activity assays indicated that PnAA16 acts only on cellohexaose, generating native celloligosaccharides (C3 to C5) and oxidized products with regioselective oxidation at C1 and C4 positions. Finally, PnAA16 boosted the activity of a cellulolytic cocktail for cellulose saccharification in the presence of ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or both. In conclusion, the present work provides insights into the AA16 family, expanding the understanding of their structural and functional relationships and biotechnological potential.

RESUMEN

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are metalloenzymes that cleave structural polysaccharides through an oxidative mechanism. The enzymatic activity of LPMOs relies on the presence of a Cu2+ histidine-brace motif in their flat catalytic surface. Upon reduction by an external electron donor and in the presence of its co-substrates, O2 or H2O2, LPMOs can generate reactive oxygen species to oxidize the substrates. Fungal and bacterial LPMOs are involved in the catabolism of polysaccharides, such as chitin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses, and virulence mechanisms. Based on the reports on the discovery of LPMOs from the family AA15 in termites, firebrats, and flies, the functional role of the LPMO in the biosphere could expand, as these enzymes may be correlated with chitin remodeling and molting in insects. However, there is limited knowledge of AA15 LPMOs due to difficulties in recombinant expression of soluble proteins and purification protocols. In this study, we describe a protocol for the cloning, expression, and purification of insect AA15 LPMOs from Arthropoda, mainly from termites, followed by the expression and purification of an AA15 LPMO from the silkworm Bombyx mori, which contains a relatively high number of disulfide bonds. We also report the recombinant expression and purification of a protein with homology to AA15 family from the western European honeybee Apis mellifera, an LPMO-like enzyme lacking the canonical histidine brace. Therefore, this work can support future studies concerning the role of LPMOs in the biology of insects and inspire molecular entomologists and insect biochemists in conducting activities in this field.

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The lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that are highly specific to sugar groups associated to other molecules. In addition to interacting with carbohydrates, a number of studies have reported the ability of these proteins to modulate the activity of several antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. In this study, we report the enhanced antibacterial activity of the gentamicin against MDR strains when complexed with a lectin from Canavalia ensiformis seeds (ConA). Hemagglutination activity test and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the gentamicin can interact with ConA most likely via the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with binding constant (Kb) value estimated of (0.44 ± 0.04) x 104 M-1. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) obtained for ConA against all strains studied were not clinically relevant (MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL). However, when ConA was combined with gentamicin, a significant increase in antibiotic activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The present study showed that ConA has an affinity for gentamicin and modulates its activity against MDR strains. These results indicate that ConA improves gentamicin performance and is a promising candidate for structure/function analyses.

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Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat infections of various origins. In the last few decades, the constant use of gentamicin has resulted in increased bacterial resistance and nephrotoxicity in some cases. In this study, we examined the ability of Dioclea violacea lectin (DVL) in modulate the antimicrobial activity of gentamicin and reduce the nephrotoxicity induced by this drug. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) obtained for DVL against all strains studied was not clinically relevant (MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL). However, when DVL was combined with gentamicin, a significant increase in antibiotic action was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. DVL also reduced antibiotic tolerance in S. aureus during 10 days of continuous treatment. In addition, DVL presented a nephroprotective effect, reducing sodium excretion, N-Gal expression and urinary protein, that are important markers of glomerular and tubular injuries. Taken together, studies of inhibition of hemagglutinating activity, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking revealed that gentamicin can interact with DVL via the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), suggesting that the results obtained in this study may be directly related to the interaction of DVL-gentamicin and with the ability of the lectin to interact with glycans present in the cells of the peritoneum.

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