Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase Activity of Tma12 Is Critical for Its Toxicity to Whitefly

Enzymes, Proteins, and Peptides as Promising Biosolutions for Crop Production

The development of environmentally friendly alternatives to plant protection products is essential for sustainable agriculture. In this context, natural compounds, such as enzymes, proteins, and peptides, represent a promising reservoir of bioactive molecules. Although little represented on the market, their potential as fertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides is highlighted by numerous reports and patents, which the present review aims to bring together. While fertilization and biostimulation are primarily aimed at improving plant yield and health, biopesticides can be used to target a wide range of microbial plant pathogens and pests. The nature and effects of proteinaceous molecules are discussed in light of restrictive regulations.

C-terminus processing in Tma12 is critical for its insecticidal activity

Tma12 is a fern-derived biopesticide (22 kDa) whose LPMO activity is associated with its insecticidal activity. The absence of the last 9 amino acids in the crystal structure of Tma12 suggested a possibility of its C-terminus processing. In this communication, we have shown the importance of protein C-terminus in the insecticidal activity. Additionally, we have also established the role of N-linked glycosylation in protein stability. Pichia produced (His)6 tagged Tma12 in two forms. The 30 kDa protein comprising 192 amino acid residues did not show insecticidal activity. Contrary, 24 kDa protein exhibited toxicity to whiteflies with an LC50 1.38 μg/ml. Absence of (His)6 tag in 24 kDa protein indicated processing at the C-terminus which was confirmed with deletion mutagenesis. Failure in expressing glycosylation defective mutant suggested the importance of glycans in the stability of Tma12. New findings together with earlier reports suggest that along with the N-terminal catalytic center, correct C-terminus is pivotal for anti-whitefly activity of Tma12.

Active roles of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases in human pathogenicity

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are redox enzymes widely studied for their involvement in microbial and fungal biomass degradation. The catalytic versatility of these enzymes is demonstrated by the recent discovery of LPMOs in arthropods, viruses, insects and ferns, where they fulfill diverse functions beyond biomass conversion. This mini-review puts a spotlight on a recently recognized aspect of LPMOs: their role in infectious processes in human pathogens. It discusses the occurrence and potential biological mechanisms of LPMOs associated with human pathogens and provides an outlook on future avenues in this emerging and exciting research field.