Crystal structure of an acetyl esterase complexed with acetate ion provides insights into the catalytic mechanism

Characterization, immobilization, and mutagenesis of a novel cold-active acetylesterase (EaAcE) from Exiguobacterium antarcticum B7

Cold-active enzymes with distinctive properties from a psychrophilic Exiguobacterium antarcticum B7 could be excellent biocatalysts in industrial and biotechnological processes. Here, the characterization, immobilization, and site-directed mutagenesis of a novel cold-active acetylesterase (EaAcE) from E. antarcticum B7 is reported. EaAcE does not belong to any currently known lipase/esterase family, although there are some sequence similarities with family III and V members. Biochemical characterization of EaAcE was carried out using activity staining, mass spectrometry analysis, circular dichroism spectra, freeze-thaw experiments, kinetic analysis, acetic acid release assays, and enantioselectivity determination. Furthermore, immobilization of EaAcE using four different approaches was explored to enhance its thermal stability and recyclability. Based on a homology model of EaAcE, four mutations (F45A, S118A, S141A, and T216A) within the substrate-binding pocket were investigated to elucidate their roles in EaAcE catalysis and substrate specificity. This work has provided invaluable information on the properties of EaAcE, which can now be used to understand the acetylesterase enzyme family.