Cloning and expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase from potato

Chemoproteomics Reveals the Pan-HER Kinase Inhibitor Neratinib To Target an Arabidopsis Epoxide Hydrolase Related to Phytohormone Signaling

Plant phytohormone pathways are regulated by an intricate network of signaling components and modulators, many of which still remain unknown. Here, we report a forward chemical genetics approach for the identification of functional SA agonists in Arabidopsis thaliana that revealed Neratinib (Ner), a covalent pan-HER kinase inhibitor drug in humans, as a modulator of SA signaling. Instead of a protein kinase, chemoproteomics unveiled that Ner covalently modifies a surface-exposed cysteine residue of Arabidopsis epoxide hydrolase isoform 7 (AtEH7), thereby triggering its allosteric inhibition. Physiologically, the Ner application induces jasmonate metabolism in an AtEH7-dependent manner as an early response. In addition, it modulates PATHOGENESIS RELATED 1 (PR1) expression as a hallmark of SA signaling activation as a later effect. AtEH7, however, is not the exclusive target for this physiological readout induced by Ner. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms of AtEH7-dependent modulation of jasmonate signaling and Ner-induced PR1-dependent activation of SA signaling and thus defense response regulation remain unknown, our present work illustrates the powerful combination of forward chemical genetics and chemical proteomics for identifying novel phytohormone signaling modulatory factors. It also suggests that marginally explored metabolic enzymes such as epoxide hydrolases may have further physiological roles in modulating signaling.

Highly regio- and enantio-selective hydrolysis of two racemic epoxides by GmEH3, a novel epoxide hydrolase from Glycine max

A novel epoxide hydrolase from Glycine max, designated GmEH3, was excavated based on the computer-aided analysis. Then, gmeh3, a GmEH3-encoding gene, was cloned and successfully expressed in E. coli Rosetta(DE3). Among the ten investigated rac-epoxides, GmEH3 possessed the highest and best complementary regioselectivities (regioselectivity coefficients, αS = 93.7% and βR = 97.2%) in the asymmetric hydrolysis of rac-m-chlorostyrene oxide (5a), and the highest enantioselectivity (enantiomeric ratio, E = 55.6) towards rac-phenyl glycidyl ether (7a). The catalytic efficiency (kcatS/KmS = 2.50 mM-1 s-1) of purified GmEH3 for (S)-5a was slightly higher than that (kcatR/KmR = 1.52 mM-1 s-1) for (R)-5a, whereas the kcat/Km (5.16 mM-1 s-1) for (S)-7a was much higher than that (0.09 mM-1 s-1) for (R)-7a. Using 200 mg/mL wet cells of E. coli/gmeh3 as the biocatalyst, the scale-up enantioconvergent hydrolysis of 150 mM rac-5a at 25 °C for 1.5 h afforded (R)-5b with 90.2% eep and 95.4% yieldp, while the kinetic resolution of 500 mM rac-7a for 2.5 h retained (R)-7a with over 99% ees and 43.2% yields. Furthermore, the sources of high regiocomplementarity of GmEH3 for (S)- and (R)-5a as well as high enantioselectivity towards rac-7a were analyzed via molecular docking (MD) simulation.

Genetic Deletion or Pharmacological Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Ameliorates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Attenuating NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome cascade has a role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. There is growing evidence indicating cytochrome p450 (CYP450)-derived metabolites of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess both adverse and protective effects in the heart. CYP-derived epoxy metabolites are rapidly hydrolyzed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The current study hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of inhibiting sEH involves limiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Isolated hearts from young wild-type (WT) and sEH null mice were perfused in the Langendorff mode with either vehicle or the specific sEH inhibitor t-AUCB. Improved post-ischemic functional recovery and better mitochondrial respiration were observed in both sEH null hearts or WT hearts perfused with t-AUCB. Inhibition of sEH markedly attenuated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex and limited the mitochondrial localization of the fission protein dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp-1) triggered by IR injury. Cardioprotective effects stemming from the inhibition of sEH included preserved activities of both cytosolic thioredoxin (Trx)-1 and mitochondrial Trx-2 antioxidant enzymes. Together, these data demonstrate that inhibiting sEH imparts cardioprotection against IR injury via maintaining post-ischemic mitochondrial function and attenuating a detrimental innate inflammatory response.

New Thermophilic α/β Class Epoxide Hydrolases Found in Metagenomes From Hot Environments

Two novel epoxide hydrolases (EHs), Sibe-EH and CH65-EH, were identified in the metagenomes of samples collected in hot springs in Russia and China, respectively. The two α/β hydrolase superfamily fold enzymes were cloned, over-expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. The new EHs were active toward a broad range of substrates, and in particular, Sibe-EH was excellent in the desymmetrization of cis-2,3-epoxybutane producing the (2R,3R)-diol product with ee exceeding 99%. Interestingly these enzymes also hydrolyse (4R)-limonene-1,2-epoxide with Sibe-EH being specific for the trans isomer. The Sibe-EH is a monomer in solution whereas the CH65-EH is a dimer. Both enzymes showed high melting temperatures with the CH65-EH being the highest at 85°C retaining 80% of its initial activity after 3 h thermal treatment at 70°C making it the most thermal tolerant wild type epoxide hydrolase described. The Sibe-EH and CH65-EH have been crystallized and their structures determined to high resolution, 1.6 and 1.4 Å, respectively. The CH65-EH enzyme forms a dimer via its cap domains with different relative orientation of the monomers compared to previously described EHs. The entrance to the active site cavity is located in a different position in CH65-EH and Sibe-EH in relation to other known bacterial and mammalian EHs.

Epoxide hydrolysis as a model system for understanding flux through a branched reaction scheme

The epoxide hydrolase StEH1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of trans-methylstyrene oxide to 1-phenyl-propane-1,2-diol. The (S,S)-epoxide is exclusively transformed into the (1R,2S)-diol, while hydrolysis of the (R,R)-epoxide results in a mixture of product enantiomers. In order to understand the differences in the stereoconfigurations of the products, the reactions were studied kinetically during both the pre-steady-state and steady-state phases. A number of closely related StEH1 variants were analyzed in parallel, and the results were rationalized by structure-activity analysis using the available crystal structures of all tested enzyme variants. Finally, empirical valence-bond simulations were performed in order to provide additional insight into the observed kinetic behaviour and ratios of the diol product enantiomers. These combined data allow us to present a model for the flux through the catalyzed reactions. With the (R,R)-epoxide, ring opening may occur at either C atom and with similar energy barriers for hydrolysis, resulting in a mixture of diol enantiomer products. However, with the (S,S)-epoxide, although either epoxide C atom may react to form the covalent enzyme intermediate, only the pro-(R,S) alkylenzyme is amenable to subsequent hydrolysis. Previously contradictory observations from kinetics experiments as well as product ratios can therefore now be explained for this biocatalytically relevant enzyme.

The transcriptome, extracellular proteome and active secretome of agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana uncover a large, diverse protease repertoire

Infiltration of disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens into leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana (agroinfiltration) facilitates quick and safe production of antibodies, vaccines, enzymes and metabolites for industrial use (molecular farming). However, yield and purity of proteins produced by agroinfiltration are hampered by unintended proteolysis, restricting industrial viability of the agroinfiltration platform. Proteolysis may be linked to an immune response to agroinfiltration, but understanding of the response to agroinfiltration is limited. To identify the proteases, we studied the transcriptome, extracellular proteome and active secretome of agroinfiltrated leaves over a time course, with and without the P19 silencing inhibitor. Remarkably, the P19 expression had little effect on the leaf transcriptome and no effect on the extracellular proteome. 25% of the detected transcripts changed in abundance upon agroinfiltration, associated with a gradual up-regulation of immunity at the expense of photosynthesis. By contrast, 70% of the extracellular proteins increased in abundance, in many cases associated with increased efficiency of extracellular delivery. We detect a dynamic reprogramming of the proteolytic machinery upon agroinfiltration by detecting transcripts encoding for 975 different proteases and protease homologs. The extracellular proteome contains peptides derived from 196 proteases and protease homologs, and activity-based proteomics displayed 17 active extracellular Ser and Cys proteases in agroinfiltrated leaves. We discuss unique features of the N. benthamiana protease repertoire and highlight abundant extracellular proteases in agroinfiltrated leaves, being targets for reverse genetics. This data set increases our understanding of the plant response to agroinfiltration and indicates ways to improve a key expression platform for both plant science and molecular farming.

Stereoselective Hydrolysis of Epoxides by reVrEH3, a Novel Vigna radiata Epoxide Hydrolase with High Enantioselectivity or High and Complementary Regioselectivity

To provide more options for the stereoselective hydrolysis of epoxides, an epoxide hydrolase (VrEH3) gene from Vigna radiata was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant VrEH3 displayed the maximum activity at pH 7.0 and 45 °C and high stability at pH 4.5-7.5 and 55 °C. Notably, reVrEH3 exhibited high and complementary regioselectivity toward styrene oxides 1a-3a and high enantioselectivity (E = 48.7) toward o-cresyl glycidyl ether 9a. To elucidate these interesting phenomena, the interactions of the three-dimensional structure between VrEH3 and enantiomers of 1a and 9a were analyzed by molecular docking simulation. Using E. coli/vreh3 whole cells, gram-scale preparations of (R)-1b and (R)-9a were performed by enantioconvergent hydrolysis of 100 mM rac-1a and kinetic resolution of 200 mM rac-9a in the buffer-free water system at 25 °C. These afforded (R)-1b with >99% ee_p and 78.7% overall yield after recrystallization and (R)-9a with >99% ee_s, 38.7% overall yield, and 12.7 g/L/h space-time yield.

Arabidopsis thaliana EPOXIDE HYDROLASE1 (AtEH1) is a cytosolic epoxide hydrolase involved in the synthesis of poly-hydroxylated cutin monomers

Epoxide hydrolases (EHs) are present in all living organisms. They have been extensively characterized in mammals; however, their biological functions in plants have not been demonstrated. Based on in silico analysis, we identified AtEH1 (At3g05600), a putative Arabidopsis thaliana epoxide hydrolase possibly involved in cutin monomer synthesis. We expressed AtEH1 in yeast and studied its localization in vivo. We also analyzed the composition of cutin from A. thaliana lines in which this gene was knocked out. Incubation of recombinant AtEH1 with epoxy fatty acids confirmed its capacity to hydrolyze epoxides of C18 fatty acids into vicinal diols. Transfection of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with constructs expressing AtEH1 fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) indicated that AtEH1 is localized in the cytosol. Analysis of cutin monomers in loss-of-function Ateh1-1 and Ateh1-2 mutants showed an accumulation of 18-hydroxy-9,10-epoxyoctadecenoic acid and a concomitant decrease in corresponding vicinal diols in leaf and seed cutin. Compared with wild-type seeds, Ateh1 seeds showed delayed germination under osmotic stress conditions and increased seed coat permeability to tetrazolium red. This work reports a physiological role for a plant EH and identifies AtEH1 as a new member of the complex machinery involved in cutin synthesis.

Molecular characterization of NbEH1 and NbEH2, two epoxide hydrolases from Nicotiana benthamiana

Plant epoxide hydrolases (EH) form two major clades, named EH1 and EH2. To gain a better understanding of the biochemical roles of the two classes, NbEH1.1 and NbEH2.1 were isolated from Nicotiana benthamiana and StEH from potato and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant proteins were assayed with a variety of substrates. NbEH1.1 only accepted some aromatic epoxides, and displayed the highest enzyme activity towards phenyl glycidyl ether. In contrast, NbEH2.1 displayed a broad substrate range and similar substrate specificity as StEH. The latter enzymes showed activity towards all fatty acid epoxides examined. The activity (Vmax) of NbEH1.1 towards phenyl glycidyl ether was 10 times higher than that of NbEH2.1. On the contrary, NbEH2.1 converted cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid with Vmax of 3.83μmolminmg(-1) but NbEH1.1 could not hydrolyze cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid. Expression analysis revealed that NbEH1.1 is induced by infection with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and wounding, whereas NbEH2.1 is present at a relatively constant level, not influenced by treatment with TMV and wounding. NbEH1.1 transcripts were present predominantly in roots, whereas NbEH2.1 mRNAs were detected primarily in leaves and stems. Overall, these two types of tobacco EH enzymes are distinguished not only by their gene expression, but also by different substrate specificities. EH1 seems not to participate in cutin biosynthesis and it may play a role in generating signals for activation of certain defence and stress responses in tobacco. However, members of the EH2 group hydrate fatty acid epoxides and may be involved in cutin monomer production in plants.

Obtaining optical purity for product diols in enzyme-catalyzed epoxide hydrolysis: contributions from changes in both enantio- and regioselectivity

Enzyme variants of the plant epoxide hydrolase StEH1 displaying improved stereoselectivities in the catalyzed hydrolysis of (2,3-epoxypropyl)benzene were generated by directed evolution. The evolution was driven by iterative saturation mutagenesis in combination with enzyme activity screenings where product chirality was the decisive selection criterion. Analysis of the underlying causes of the increased diol product ratios revealed two major contributing factors: increased enantioselectivity for the corresponding epoxide enantiomer(s) and, in some cases, a concomitant change in regioselectivity in the catalyzed epoxide ring-opening half-reaction. Thus, variant enzymes that catalyzed the hydrolysis of racemic (2,3-epoxypropyl)benzene into the R-diol product in an enantioconvergent manner were isolated.

Biocatalytic resolution of glycidyl phenyl ether using a novel epoxide hydrolase from a marine bacterium, Maritimibacter alkaliphilus KCCM 42376 [corrected]

As a continuous effort of developing highly enantioselective epoxide hydrolase from marine microorganisms, it was found that Maritimibacter alkaliphilus KCCM 42376 [corrected] was highly enantioselective toward racemic glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE). An open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative epoxide hydrolase (EHase) was cloned from the genome of Maritimibacter alkaliphilus KCCM 42376 [corrected], followed by expression and purification in Escherichia coli. The purified EHase (REH) hydrolyzed (S)-GPE preferentially over (R)-GPE. Enantiopure (R)-GPE from kinetic resolution of 29.2 mM racemic GPE using the purified REH could be obtained with enantiopurity of more than 99.9% enantiomeric excess (ee) and 38.4% yield (theoretical, 50%) within 20 min (enantiomeric ratio (E-value): 38.4). The enantioselective activity of REH toward GPE was also confirmed by the analysis of the vicinal diol, 3-phenoxy-1,2-propanediol. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates the highest enantioselective resolution of racemic GPE using a purified biocatalyst among the known native EHases.

Biochemical characterization and transcriptional analysis of the epoxide hydrolase from white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The white-rot basidiomycetes Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a model fungus used to investigate the secondary metabolism and lignin degradation. Genomic sequencing reveals the presence of at least 18 genes encoding putative epoxide hydrolases (EHs). One cDNA encoding EH (designated as PchEHA) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that the transcripts of PchEHA could be detected under the ligninolytic and nonligninolytic conditions as well as amended with anthracene. The recombinant enzyme exhibits broad hydrolytic activity toward several racemic epoxides including styrene oxide, epichlorohydrin, and 1,2-epoxybutane, but with different specificity. Using racemic styrene oxide as the substrate, the optimal pH and temperature are pH 9.0 and 40 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme is not sensitive to EDTA, and is inhibited by H2O2, and several metal ions including Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+) at various extents. Several organic cosolvents including acetone, dimethylsulfoxide, formamide, glycerol and ethanol at 10% (v/v) cause slight or no inhibition of the hydrolytic reaction. More importantly, the recombinant enzyme displays distinct enantioselective preference to several chiral epoxides. The enzyme showed good enantioselectivity toward chiral styrene oxide with preferential hydrolysis of (R)-enantiomer. PchEHA is likely a novel soluble EH based on the sequence analysis and catalytic properties, and is a great potential biocatalyst for the preparation of enantiopure styrene oxide in racemic kinetic resolution.

Arabidopsis thaliana CYP77A4 is the first cytochrome P450 able to catalyze the epoxidation of free fatty acids in plants

An approach based on an in silico analysis predicted that CYP77A4, a cytochrome P450 that so far has no identified function, might be a fatty acid-metabolizing enzyme. CYP77A4 was heterologously expressed in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (WAT11) engineered for cytochrome P450 expression. Lauric acid (C(12:0)) was converted into a mixture of hydroxylauric acids when incubated with microsomes from yeast expressing CYP77A4. A variety of physiological C(18) fatty acids were tested as potential substrates. Oleic acid (cis-Delta(9)C(18:1)) was converted into a mixture of omega-4- to omega-7-hydroxyoleic acids (75%) and 9,10-epoxystearic acid (25%). Linoleic acid (cis,cis-Delta(9),Delta(12)C(18:2)) was exclusively converted into 12,13-epoxyoctadeca-9-enoic acid, which was then converted into diepoxide after epoxidation of the Delta(9) unsaturation. Chiral analysis showed that 9,10-epoxystearic acid was a mixture of 9S/10R and 9R/10S in the ratio 33 : 77, whereas 12,13-epoxyoctadeca-9-enoic acid presented a strong enantiomeric excess in favor of 12S/13R, which represented 90% of the epoxide. Neither stearic acid (C(18:0)) nor linolelaidic acid (trans,trans-Delta(9),Delta(12)C(18:2)) was metabolized, showing that CYP77A4 requires a double bond, in the cis configuration, to metabolize C(18) fatty acids. CYP77A4 was also able to catalyze the in vitro formation of the three mono-epoxides of alpha-linolenic acid (cis,cis,cis-Delta(9),Delta(12),Delta(15)C(18:3)), previously described as antifungal compounds. Epoxides generated by CYP77A4 are further metabolized to the corresponding diols by epoxide hydrolases located in microsomal and cytosolic subcellular fractions from Arabidopsis thaliana. The concerted action of CYP77A4 with epoxide hydrolases and hydroxylases allows the production of compounds involved in plant-pathogen interactions, suggesting a possible role for CYP77A4 in plant defense.

Cloning and characterization of an epoxide hydrolase from Novosphingobium aromaticivorans

A gene encoding a putative epoxide hydrolase (EHase) was identified by analyzing an open reading frame of the genome sequence of Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, retaining the conserved catalytic residues such as the catalytic triad (Asp177, Glu328, and His355) and the oxyanion hole. The enantioselective EHase gene (neh) was cloned, and the recombinant EHase could be purified to apparent homogeneity by one step of metal affinity chromatography and further characterized. The purified N. aromaticivorans enantioselective epoxide hydrolase (NEH) showed enantioselective hydrolysis toward styrene oxide, glycidyl phenyl ether, epoxybutane, and epichlorohydrin. The optimal EHase activity toward styrene oxide occurred at pH 6.5 and 45 degrees C. The purified NEH could preferentially hydrolyze (R)-styrene oxide with enantiomeric excess of more than 99% and 11.7% yield after 20-min incubation at an optimal condition. The enantioselective hydrolysis of styrene oxide was also confirmed by the analysis of the vicinal diol, 1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol. The hydrolyzing rates of the purified NEH toward epoxide substrates were not affected by as high as 100 mM racemic styrene oxide.

The involvement of two epoxide hydrolase genes, NbEH1.1 and NbEH1.2, of Nicotiana benthamiana in the interaction with Colletotrichum destructivum, Colletotrichum orbiculare or Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci

Epoxide hydrolase hydrates epoxides to vicinal diols in the phyto-oxylipin peroxygenase pathway resulting in the production of epoxy alcohols, dihydrodiols, triols and epoxides, including many lipid epoxides associated with resistance. Two epoxide hydrolase genes from Nicotiana benthamiana L., NbEH1.1 and NbEH1.2, were amplified from coding DNA of leaves during a susceptible response to the hemibiotrophic pathogens, Colletotrichum destructivum O'Gara, Colletotrichum orbiculare Berk. and Mont. von Arx. or Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci Wolf and Foster, or the hypersensitive resistance response to P. syringae pv. tabaci expressing avrPto. Increases in expression of NbEH1.1 generally occurred during the late biotrophic and necrotrophic stages in the susceptible responses and before the hypersensitive response. NbEH1.2 expression was not significantly induced by C. orbiculare but was induced by C. destructivum, P. syringae pv. tabaci and P. syringae pv. tabaci expressing avrPto, although to a lesser degree than NbEH1.1. Virus-induced gene silencing of NbEH1.1 delayed the appearance of lesions for C. destructivum, reduced populations of P. syringae pv. tabaci and increased populations of P. syringae pv. tabaci expressing avrPto. The importance of epoxide hydrolase during pathogen attack may be related to its roles in detoxification, signalling, or metabolism of antimicrobial compounds.

Cloning and characterization of three epoxide hydrolases from a marine bacterium, Erythrobacter litoralis HTCC2594

Previously, we reported that ten strains belonging to Erythrobacter showed epoxide hydrolase (EHase) activities toward various epoxide substrates. Three genes encoding putative EHases were identified by analyzing open reading frames of Erythrobacter litoralis HTCC2594. Despite low similarities to reported EHases, the phylogenetic analysis of the three genes showed that eeh1 was similar to microsomal EHase, while eeh2 and eeh3 could be grouped with soluble EHases. The three EHase genes were cloned, and the recombinant proteins (rEEH1, rEEH2, and rEEH3) were purified. The functionality of purified proteins was proved by hydrolytic activities toward styrene oxide. EEH1 preferentially hydrolyzed (R)-styrene oxide, whereas EEH3 preferred to hydrolyze (S)-styrene oxide, representing enantioselective hydrolysis of styrene oxide. On the other hand, EEH2 could hydrolyze (R)- and (S)-styrene oxide at an equal rate. The optimal pH and temperature for the EHases occurred largely at neutral pHs and 40-55 degrees C. The substrate selectivity of rEEH1, rEEH2, and rEEH3 toward various epoxide substrates were also investigated. This is the first representation that a strict marine microorganism possessed three EHases with different enantioselectivity toward styrene oxide.

Active site of epoxide hydrolases revisited: a noncanonical residue in potato StEH1 promotes both formation and breakdown of the alkylenzyme intermediate

The carboxylate of Glu35 in the active site of potato epoxide hydrolase StEH1 interacts with the catalytic water molecule and is the first link in a chain of hydrogen bonds connecting the active site with bulk solvent. To probe its importance to catalysis, the carboxylate was replaced with an amide through an E35Q mutation. Comparing enzyme activities using the two trans-stilbene oxide (TSO) enantiomers as substrates revealed the reaction with R,R-TSO to be the one more severely affected by the E35Q mutation, as judged by determined kinetic parameters describing the pre-steady states or the steady states of the catalyzed reactions. The hydrolysis of S,S-TSO afforded by the E35Q mutant was comparable with that of the wild-type enzyme, with only a minor decrease in activity, or a change in pH dependencies of kcat, and the rate of alkylenzyme hydrolysis, k3. The pH dependence of E35Q-catalyzed hydrolysis of R,R-TSO, however, exhibited an inverted titration curve as compared to that of the wild-type enzyme, with a minimal catalytic rate at pH values where the wild-type enzyme exhibited maximum rates. To simulate the pH dependence of the E35Q mutant, a shift in the acidity of the alkylenzyme had to be invoked. The proposed decrease in the pKa of His300 in the E35Q mutant was supported by computer simulations of the active site electrostatics. Hence, Glu35 participates in activation of the Asp nucleophile, presumably by facilitating channeling of protons out of the active site, and during the hydrolysis half-reaction by orienting the catalytic water for optimal hydrogen bonding, to fine-tune the acid-base characteristics of the general base His300.

Effect of ionic liquids on epoxide hydrolase-catalyzed synthesis of chiral 1,2-diols

Ionic liquids (ILs) offer new possibilities for epoxide hydrolase (EH) catalyzed resolution of epoxides and for synthesis of chiral 1,2-diols. Soluble EHs from cress and mouse (csEH and msEH) and microsomal EH from rat (rmEH) were tested in several ILs. For all the enzymes tested, higher enantioselectivities were obtained in [bmim][N(Tf)(2)] and [bmim][PF(6)]. The optimized amount of water for EH activity in these ILs was established. Classical problems arising from low solubility of epoxides in water or from the high tendency of the oxirane ring to undergo chemical hydrolysis were avoided using these new media.

Molecular engineering of epoxide hydrolase and its application to asymmetric and enantioconvergent hydrolysis

Safety and regulatory issues favor increasing use of enantiopure compounds in pharmaceuticals. Enantiopure epoxides and diols are valuable intermediates in organic synthesis for the production of optically active pharmaceuticals. Enantiopure epoxide can be prepared using epoxide hydrolase (EH)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrolysis of its racemate. Enantioconvergent hydrolysis of racemic epoxides by EHs possessing complementary enantioselectivity and regioselectivity can lead to the formation of enantiopure vicinal diols with high yield. EHs are cofactor-independent and easy-to-use catalysts. EHs will attract much attention as commercial biocatalysts for the preparation of enantiopure epoxides and diols. In this paper, recent progress in molecular engineering of EHs is reviewed. Some examples and prospects of asymmetric and enantioconvergent hydrolysis reactions are discussed as supplements to molecular engineering to improve EH performance.

Potato glycoalkaloids and metabolites: roles in the plant and in the diet

Potatoes, members of the Solanaceae plant family, serve as major, inexpensive low-fat food sources providing energy (starch), high-quality protein, fiber, and vitamins. Potatoes also produce biologically active secondary metabolites, which may have both adverse and beneficial effects in the diet. These include glycoalkaloids, calystegine alkaloids, protease inhibitors, lectins, phenolic compounds, and chlorophyll. Because glycoalkaloids are reported to be involved in host-plant resistance and to have a variety of adverse as well as beneficial effects in cells, animals, and humans, a need exists to develop a clearer understanding of their roles both in the plant and in the diet. To contribute to this effort, this integrated review presents data on the (a) history of glycoalkaloids; (b) glycoalkaloid content in different parts of the potato plant, in processed potato products, and in wild, transgenic, and organic potatoes; (c) biosynthesis, inheritance, plant molecular biology, and glycoalkaloid-plant phytopathogen relationships; (d) dietary significance with special focus on the chemistry, analysis, and nutritional quality of low-glycoalkaloid potato protein; (e) pharmacology and toxicology of the potato glycoalkaloids comprising alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine and their hydrolysis products (metabolites); (f) anticarcinogenic and other beneficial effects; and (g) possible dietary consequences of concurrent consumption of glycoalkaloids and other biologically active compounds present in fresh and processed potatoes. An enhanced understanding of the multiple and overlapping aspects of glycoalkaloids in the plant and in the diet will benefit producers and consumers of potatoes.

Enantioconvergent production of (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol from styrene oxide by combining the Solanum tuberosum and an evolved Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 epoxide hydrolases

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (EH) from the potato Solanum tuberosum and an evolved EH of the bacterium Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1, EchA-I219F, were purified for the enantioconvergent hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxide into the single product (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol, which is an important intermediate for pharmaceuticals. EchA-I219F has enhanced enantioselectivity (enantiomeric ratio of 91 based on products) for converting (R)-styrene oxide to (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol (2.0 +/- 0.2 micromol/min/mg), and the potato EH converts (S)-styrene oxide primarily to the same enantiomer, (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol (22 +/- 1 micromol/min/mg), with an enantiomeric ratio of 40 +/- 17 (based on substrates). By mixing these two purified enzymes, inexpensive racemic styrene oxide (5 mM) was converted at 100% yield to 98% enantiomeric excess (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol at 4.7 +/- 0.7 micromol/min/mg. Hence, at least 99% of substrate is converted into a single stereospecific product at a rapid rate.

Diversity and biocatalytic potential of epoxide hydrolases identified by genome analysis

Epoxide hydrolases play an important role in the biodegradation of organic compounds and are potentially useful in enantioselective biocatalysis. An analysis of various genomic databases revealed that about 20% of sequenced organisms contain one or more putative epoxide hydrolase genes. They were found in all domains of life, and many fungi and actinobacteria contain several putative epoxide hydrolase-encoding genes. Multiple sequence alignments of epoxide hydrolases with other known and putative alpha/beta-hydrolase fold enzymes that possess a nucleophilic aspartate revealed that these enzymes can be classified into eight phylogenetic groups that all contain putative epoxide hydrolases. To determine their catalytic activities, 10 putative bacterial epoxide hydrolase genes and 2 known bacterial epoxide hydrolase genes were cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The production of active enzyme was strongly improved by fusion to the maltose binding protein (MalE), which prevented inclusion body formation and facilitated protein purification. Eight of the 12 fusion proteins were active toward one or more of the 21 epoxides that were tested, and they converted both terminal and nonterminal epoxides. Four of the new epoxide hydrolases showed an uncommon enantiopreference for meso-epoxides and/or terminal aromatic epoxides, which made them suitable for the production of enantiopure (S,S)-diols and (R)-epoxides. The results show that the expression of epoxide hydrolase genes that are detected by analyses of genomic databases is a useful strategy for obtaining new biocatalysts.

X-ray structure of potato epoxide hydrolase sheds light on substrate specificity in plant enzymes

Epoxide hydrolases catalyze the conversion of epoxides to diols. The known functions of such enzymes include detoxification of xenobiotics, drug metabolism, synthesis of signaling compounds, and intermediary metabolism. In plants, epoxide hydrolases are thought to participate in general defense systems. In the present study, we report the first structure of a plant epoxide hydrolase, one of the four homologous enzymes found in potato. The structure was solved by molecular replacement and refined to a resolution of 1.95 A. Analysis of the structure allows a better understanding of the observed substrate specificities and activity. Further, comparisons with mammalian and fungal epoxide hydrolase structures reported earlier show the basis of differing substrate specificities in the various epoxide hydrolase subfamilies. Most plant enzymes, like the potato epoxide hydrolase, are expected to be monomers with a preference for substrates with long lipid-like substituents of the epoxide ring. The significance of these results in the context of biological roles and industrial applications is discussed.

Catalysis of potato epoxide hydrolase, StEH1

The kinetic mechanism of epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3) from potato, StEH1 (Solanum tuberosum epoxide hydrolase 1), was studied by presteady-state and steady-state kinetics as well as by pH dependence of activity. The specific activities towards the different enantiomers of TSO (trans-stilbene oxide) as substrate were 43 and 3 micromol x min(-1) x mg(-1) with the R,R- or S,S-isomers respectively. The enzyme was, however, enantioselective in favour of the S,S enantiomer due to a lower K(m) value. The pH dependences of kcat with R,R or S,S-TSO were also distinct and supposedly reflecting the pH dependences of the individual kinetic rates during substrate conversion. The rate-limiting step for TSO and cis- and trans-epoxystearate was shown by rapid kinetic measurements to be the hydrolysis of the alkylenzyme intermediate. Functional characterization of point mutants verified residues Asp105, Tyr154, Tyr235 and His300 as crucial for catalytic activity. All mutants displayed drastically decreased enzymatic activities during steady state. Presteady-state measurements revealed the base-deficient H300N (His300-->Asn) mutant to possess greatly reduced efficiencies in catalysis of both chemical steps (alkylation and hydrolysis).

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae ORF YNR064c protein has characteristics of an ‘orphaned’ epoxide hydrolase

The open reading frame YNR064c in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a protein tentatively assigned as similar to a bacterial dehalogenase. In this study we conclude that the YNR064c protein displays characteristics of an epoxide hydrolase belonging to the alpha/beta-hydrolase fold family of enzymes. Endogenous expression of the protein in S. cerevisiae was confirmed and a His-tagged variant of the protein was heterologously expressed in both Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris for isolation and characterization. The YNR064c protein displayed low but reproducible epoxide hydrolase activity with racemic phenanthrene 9,10-oxide and trans- or cis-stilbene oxide. Phylogenetic analysis of related gene products found in various microorganisms suggested that the YNR064c protein is a member of a new subclass of alpha/beta-hydrolase fold enzymes.

Epoxide hydrolases: mechanisms, inhibitor designs, and biological roles

Organisms are exposed to epoxide-containing compounds from both exogenous and endogenous sources. In mammals, the hydration of these compounds by various epoxide hydrolases (EHs) can not only regulate their genotoxicity but also, for lipid-derived epoxides, their endogenous roles as chemical mediators. Recent findings suggest that the EHs as a family represent novel drug discovery targets for regulation of blood pressure, inflammation, cancer progression, and the onset of several other diseases. Knowledge of the EH mechanism provides a solid foundation for the rational design of inhibitors, and this review summarizes the current understanding of the catalytic mechanism of the EHs. Although the overall EH mechanism is now known, the molecular basis of substrate selectivity, possible allosteric regulation, and many fine details of the catalytic mechanism remain to be solved. Finally, recent development in the design of EH inhibitors and the EH biological role are discussed.

Soybean epoxide hydrolase: identification of the catalytic residues and probing of the reaction mechanism with secondary kinetic isotope effects

Soybean epoxide hydrolase catalyzes the oxirane ring opening of 9,10-epoxystearate via a two-step mechanism involving the formation of an alkylenzyme intermediate, which, in contrast to most epoxide hydrolases studied so far, was found to be the rate-limiting step. We have probed residues potentially involved in catalysis by site-directed mutagenesis. Mutation of His(320), a residue predicted from sequence analysis to belong to the catalytic triad of the enzyme, considerably slowed down the second half-reaction. This kinetic manipulation provoked an accumulation of the reaction intermediate, which could be trapped and characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. As expected, mutation of Asp(126) totally abolished the activity of the enzyme from its crucial function as nucleophile involved in the formation of the alkylenzyme. In line with its role as the partner of His(320) in the "charge relay system," mutation of Asp(285) dramatically reduced the rate of catalysis. However, the mutant D285L still exhibited a very low residual activity, which, by structural analysis and mutagenesis, has been tentatively attributed to Glu(195), another acidic residue of the active site. Our studies have also confirmed the fundamental role of the conserved Tyr(175) and Tyr(255) residues, which are believed to activate the oxirane ring. Finally, we have determined the secondary tritium kinetic isotope effects on the epoxide opening step of 9,10-epoxystearate. The large observed values, i.e. (T)(V/K(m)) approximately 1.30, can be interpreted by the occurrence of a very late transition state in which the epoxide bond is broken before the nucleophilic attack by Asp(126) takes place.

Epoxide hydrolases: their roles and interactions with lipid metabolism

The epoxide hydrolases (EHs) are enzymes present in all living organisms, which transform epoxide containing lipids by the addition of water. In plants and animals, many of these lipid substrates have potent biologically activities, such as host defenses, control of development, regulation of inflammation and blood pressure. Thus the EHs have important and diverse biological roles with profound effects on the physiological state of the host organisms. Currently, seven distinct epoxide hydrolase sub-types are recognized in higher organisms. These include the plant soluble EHs, the mammalian soluble epoxide hydrolase, the hepoxilin hydrolase, leukotriene A4 hydrolase, the microsomal epoxide hydrolase, and the insect juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase. While our understanding of these enzymes has progressed at different rates, here we discuss the current state of knowledge for each of these enzymes, along with a distillation of our current understanding of their endogenous roles. By reviewing the entire enzyme class together, both commonalities and discrepancies in our understanding are highlighted and important directions for future research pertaining to these enzymes are indicated.

Analysis of biologically active compounds in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), and jimson weed (Datura stramonium) seeds

Potatoes and tomatoes, members of the Solanaceae plant family, serve as major, inexpensive low-fat food sources providing for energy, high-quality protein, fiber, vitamins, pigments, as well as other nutrients. These crops also produce biologically active secondary metabolites, which may have both adverse and beneficial effects in the diet. This limited overview, based largely on our studies with the aid of HPLC, TLC, ELISA, GC-MS, and UV spectroscopy, covers analytical aspects of two major potato trisaccharide glycoalkaloids, alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine, and their hydrolysis products (metabolites) with two, one, and zero carbohydrate groups; the potato water-soluble nortropane alkaloids calystegine A3 and B2; the principal potato polyphenolic compound chlorogenic acid; potato inhibitors of digestive enzymes; the tomato tetrasaccharide glycoalkaloids dehydrotomatine and alpha-tomatine and hydrolysis products; the tomato pigments beta-carotene, lycopene, and chlorophyll; and the anticholinergic alkaloids atropine and scopolamine present in Datura stramonium (jimson weed) seeds that contaminate grain and animal feed. Related studies by other investigators are also mentioned. Accurate analytical methods for these food ingredients help assure the consumer of eating a good-quality and safe diet.

Expressed sequence tag-based gene expression analysis under aluminum stress in rye

To understand the mechanisms responsible for aluminum (Al) toxicity and tolerance in plants, an expressed sequence tag (EST) approach was used to analyze changes in gene expression in roots of rye (Secale cereale L. cv Blanco) under Al stress. Two cDNA libraries were constructed (Al stressed and unstressed), and a total of 1,194 and 774 ESTs were generated, respectively. The putative proteins encoded by these cDNAs were uncovered by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool searches, and those ESTs showing similarity to proteins of known function were classified according to 13 different functional categories. A total of 671 known function genes were used to analyze the gene expression patterns in rye cv Blanco root tips under Al stress. Many of the previously identified Al-responsive genes showed expression differences between the libraries within 6 h of Al stress. Certain genes were selected, and their expression profiles were studied during a 48-h period using northern analysis. A total of 13 novel genes involved in cell elongation and division (tonoplast aquaporin and ubiquitin-like protein SMT3), oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase, and ascorbate peroxidase), iron metabolism (iron deficiency-specific proteins IDS3a, IDS3b, and IDS1; S-adenosyl methionine synthase; and methionine synthase), and other cellular mechanisms (pathogenesis-related protein 1.2, heme oxygenase, and epoxide hydrolase) were demonstrated to be regulated by Al stress. These genes provide new insights about the response of Al-tolerant plants to toxic levels of Al.

Brassica napus soluble epoxide hydrolase (BNSEH1)

Epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3) in plants is involved in the metabolism of epoxy fatty acids and in mediating defence responses. We report the cloning of a full-length epoxide hydrolase cDNA (BNSEH1) from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) obtained by screening of a cDNA library prepared from methyl jasmonate induced leaf tissue, and the 5'-RACE technique. The cDNA encodes a soluble protein containing 318 amino acid residues. The identity on the protein level is 85% to an Arabidopsis soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and 50-60% to sEHs cloned from other plants. A 5 x His tag was added to the N-terminus of the BNSEH1 and the construct was over-expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant protein was recovered at high levels after Ni-agarose chromatography of lysed cell extracts, had a molecular mass of 37 kDa on SDS/PAGE and cross-reacted on Western blots with antibodies raised to a sEH from Arabidopsis thaliana. BNSEH1 was shown to be a monomer by gel filtration analysis. The activity was low towards cis-stilbene oxide but much higher using trans-stilbene oxide as substrate with Vmax of 0.47 micro mol.min.mg-1, Km of 11 micro m and kcat of 0.3 s-1. The optimum temperature of the recombinant enzyme was 55 degrees C and the optimum pH 6-7 for trans-stilbene oxide hydrolysis. The isolation of BNSEH1 will facilitate metabolic engineering of epoxy fatty acid metabolism for functional studies of resistance and seed oil modification in this important oilcrop.

Overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana soluble epoxide hydrolase 1 in Pichia pastoris and characterisation of the recombinant enzyme

Epoxide hydrolases are enzymes involved in metabolism and defense of plants. Genome scanning suggested the presence of several genes encoding epoxide hydrolase in Arabidopsis thaliana. To assure that the predicted genes are functional and the translated products have epoxide hydrolase activity analysis at the protein level is needed. We have started to clone the cDNAs and overexpress them for catalytic and physico-chemical analysis. We here report that Pichia pastoris serves as an efficient system for overexpression of soluble epoxide hydrolase 1 (AtsEH1) from A. thaliana. A tag containing six histidine residues was added to the N-terminus to enable efficient one-step purification on nickel-agarose. The enzyme was expressed at levels >18 mg.L(-1) of culture and a French Press was found to be effective to achieve cell lysis. The recombinant enzyme had a molecular mass of 37 or 38 kDa based on SDS-PAGE or MALDI-TOF analysis, respectively. The enzyme was highly active towards the substrate trans-stilbene oxide (TSO) and had a pH optimum at 7 and a temperature optimum at 54 degrees C. Using TSO as substrate the K(m) and V(max) values were determined to 5 micro M and 2 micromol min(-1) mg protein(-1), respectively. The activity was 50-fold lower towards cis-stilbene oxide. The stability over time was tested from 20 to 54 degrees C and the enzyme lost activity at varying degrees at the temperatures tested but was stable for several months at 4 degrees C.

Stereochemical features of the hydrolysis of 9,10-epoxystearic acid catalysed by plant and mammalian epoxide hydrolases

cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid was used as a tool to probe the active sites of epoxide hydrolases (EHs) of mammalian and plant origin. We have compared the stereochemical features of the hydrolysis of this substrate catalysed by soluble and membrane-bound rat liver EHs, by soluble EH (purified to apparent homogeneity) obtained from maize seedlings or celeriac roots, and by recombinant soybean EH expressed in yeast. Plant EHs were found to differ in their enantioselectivity, i.e. their ability to discriminate between the two enantiomers of 9,10-epoxystearic acid. For example, while the maize enzyme hydrated both enantiomers at the same rate, the EH from soybean exhibited very high enantioselectivity in favour of 9R,10S-epoxystearic acid. This latter enzyme also exhibited a strict stereoselectivity, i.e. it hydrolysed the racemic substrate with a very high enantioconvergence, yielding a single chiral diol product, threo-9R,10R-dihydroxystearic acid. Soybean EH shared these distinctive stereochemical features with the membrane-bound rat liver EH. The stereochemical outcome of these enzymes probably results from a stereoselective attack by the nucleophilic residue on the oxirane ring carbon having the (S)-configuration, leading to the presumed (in plant EH) covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate. In sharp contrast, the reactions catalysed by cytosolic rat liver EH exhibited a complete absence of enantioselectivity and enantioconvergence; this latter effect might be ascribed to a regioselective formation of the acyl-enzyme intermediate involving C-10 of 9,10-epoxystearic acid, independent of its configuration. Thus, compared with soybean EH, the active site of rat liver soluble EH displays a very distinct means of anchoring the oxirane ring of the fatty acid epoxides, and therefore appears to be a poor model for mapping the catalytic domain of plant EHs.

Polyesters in higher plants

Polyesters occur in higher plants as the structural component of the cuticle that covers the aerial parts of plants. This insoluble polymer, called cutin, attached to the epidermal cell walls is composed of interesterified hydroxy and hydroxy epoxy fatty acids. The most common chief monomers are 10,16-dihydroxy C16 acid, 18-hydroxy-9,10 epoxy C18 acid, and 9,10,18-trihydroxy C18 acid. These monomers are produced in the epidermal cells by omega hydroxylation, in-chain hydroxylation, epoxidation catalyzed by P450-type mixed function oxidase, and epoxide hydration. The monomer acyl groups are transferred to hydroxyl groups in the growing polymer at the extracellular location. The other type of polyester found in the plants is suberin, a polymeric material deposited in the cell walls of a layer or two of cells when a plant needs to erect a barrier as a result of physical or biological stress from the environment, or during development. Suberin is composed of aromatic domains derived from cinnamic acid, and aliphatic polyester domains derived from C16 and C18 cellular fatty acids and their elongation products. The polyesters can be hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase and cutinase, a polyesterase produced by bacteria and fungi. Catalysis by cutinase involves the active serine catalytic triad. The major function of the polyester in plants is as a protective barrier against physical, chemical, and biological factors in the environment, including pathogens. Transcriptional regulation of cutinase gene in fungal pathogens is being elucidated at a molecular level. The polyesters present in agricultural waste may be used to produce high value polymers, and genetic engineering might be used to produce large quantities of such polymers in plants.

Tracer studies on the incorporation of [2-14C]-DL-mevalonate into chlorophylls a and b, alpha-chaconine, and alpha-solanine of potato sprouts

Chlorophyll and glycoalkaloids are synthesized in different parts of the potato plant including leaves, tubers, and sprouts. Although light stimulates the biosynthesis of both constituents, the question of whether the two biosynthetic pathways are under the same genetic control has not been resolved. This study investigated the dynamics of incorporation of labeled [2-(14)C]-DL-mavalonate into chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the glycoalkaloids alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine in potato sprouts after 7 and 14 days of storage in the light and in the dark. No chlorophyll synthesis occurred in the dark. Fractionation of the "glycoalkaloid" extract followed by high-performance liquid chromatography produced four peaks. The fractions were collected and analyzed for radioactivity. About 80% of the radioactivity resided in fraction 1, the composition of which is unknown. Two of the fractions, with 1-14% of the original label, were alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine. The radioactivity derived from mevalonate largely resides in unidentified compound(s) eluting as a single peak on the HPLC column before the peaks associated with the glycoalkaloids. The specific radioactivity of alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine increased approximately 2-fold in going from 7 to 14 days of exposure in the light and in the dark. These and additional observations point to the near identity of the dynamics of biosynthesis of the two glycoalkaloids. These data also implicate a non-mevalonate pathway for the synthesis of both chlorophylls and the glycoalkaloids and are consistent with independent genetic control of the concurrent formation of the two classes of compounds during greening of potatoes.

Epoxide hydrolases: biochemistry and molecular biology

Epoxides are organic three-membered oxygen compounds that arise from oxidative metabolism of endogenous, as well as xenobiotic compounds via chemical and enzymatic oxidation processes, including the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. The resultant epoxides are typically unstable in aqueous environments and chemically reactive. In the case of xenobiotics and certain endogenous substances, epoxide intermediates have been implicated as ultimate mutagenic and carcinogenic initiators Adams et al. (Chem. Biol. Interact. 95 (1995) 57-77) Guengrich (Properties and Metabolic roles 4 (1982) 5-30) Sayer et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 260 (1985) 1630-1640). Therefore, it is of vital importance for the biological organism to regulate levels of these reactive species. The epoxide hydrolases (E.C. 3.3.2. 3) belong to a sub-category of a broad group of hydrolytic enzymes that include esterases, proteases, dehalogenases, and lipases Beetham et al. (DNA Cell Biol. 14 (1995) 61-71). In particular, the epoxide hydrolases are a class of proteins that catalyze the hydration of chemically reactive epoxides to their corresponding dihydrodiol products. Simple epoxides are hydrated to their corresponding vicinal dihydrodiols, and arene oxides to trans-dihydrodiols. In general, this hydration leads to more stable and less reactive intermediates, however exceptions do exist. In mammalian species, there are at least five epoxide hydrolase forms, microsomal cholesterol 5,6-oxide hydrolase, hepoxilin A(3) hydrolase, leukotriene A(4) hydrolase, soluble, and microsomal epoxide hydrolase. Each of these enzymes is distinct chemically and immunologically. Table 1 illustrates some general properties for each of these classes of hydrolases. Fig. 1 provides an overview of selected model substrates for each class of epoxide hydrolase.

Identification and functional characterization of human soluble epoxide hydrolase genetic polymorphisms

Human soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), an enzyme directing the functional disposition of a variety of endogenous and xenobiotic-derived chemical epoxides, was characterized at the genomic level for interindividual variation capable of impacting function. RNA was isolated from 25 human liver samples and used to generate full-length copies of soluble epoxide hydrolase cDNA. The resulting cDNAs were polymerase chain reaction amplified, sequenced, and eight variant loci were identified. The coding region contained five silent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two variant loci resulting in altered protein sequence. An amino acid substitution was identified at residue 287 in exon 8, where the more common arginine was replaced by glutamine. A second variant locus was identified in exon 13 where an arginine residue was inserted following serine 402 resulting in the sequence, arginine 403-404, instead of the more common, arginine 403. This amino acid insertion was confirmed by analyzing genomic DNA from individuals harboring the polymorphic allele. Slot blot hybridization analyses of the liver samples indicated that sEH mRNA steady-state expression varied approximately 10-fold. Transient transfection experiments with CHO and COS-7 cells were used to demonstrate that the two new alleles possess catalytic activity using trans-stilbene oxide as a model substrate. Although the activity of the glutamine 287 variant was similar to the sEH wild type allele, proteins containing the arginine insertion exhibited strikingly lower activity. Allelic forms of human sEH, with markedly different enzymatic profiles, may have important physiological implications with respect to the disposition of epoxides formed from the oxidation of fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid-derived intermediates, as well in the regulation of toxicity due to xenobiotic epoxide exposures.

Cress and potato soluble epoxide hydrolases: purification, biochemical characterization, and comparison to mammalian enzymes

Affinity chromatographic methods were developed for the one-step purification to homogeneity of recombinant soluble epoxide hydrolases (sEHs) from cress and potato. The enzymes are monomeric, with masses of 36 and 39 kDa and pI values of 4.5 and 5.0, respectively. In spite of a large difference in sequence, the two plant enzymes have properties of inhibition and substrate selectivity which differ only slightly from mammalian sEHs. Whereas mammalian sEHs are highly selective for trans- versus cis-substituted stilbene oxide and 1,3-diphenylpropene oxide (DPPO), plant sEHs exhibit far greater selectivity for trans- versus cis-stilbene oxide, but little to no selectivity for DPPO isomers. The isolation of a covalently linked plant sEH-substrate complex indicated that the plant and mammalian sEHs have a similar mechanism of action. We hypothesize an in vivo role for plant sEH in cutin biosynthesis, based on relatively high plant sEH activity on epoxystearate to form a cutin precursor, 9,10-dihydroxystearate. Plant sEHs display a high thermal stability relative to mammalian sEHs. This stability and their high enantioselectivity for a single substrate suggest that their potential as biocatalysts for the preparation of enantiopure epoxides should be evaluated.

Purification, molecular cloning and ethylene-inducible expression of a soluble-type epoxide hydrolase from soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)

A soybean protein was purified from mature dry seeds. Amino-acid sequencing of the nine internal peptides derived from this N-terminally blocked protein showed that it has a significant similarity to the soluble epoxide hydrolases known to date. A degenerate series of 23-mer oligonucleotides with sequences corresponding to an internal region of eight amino-acid residues was synthesized as a probe mixture for detection of a putative epoxide hydrolase cDNA in a developing cotyledon cDNA library. The 1332-bp cDNA obtained was found to have an open-reading frame encoding the seed epoxide hydrolase-like precursor consisting of 341 amino-acid residues, suggesting that 25 amino-acid residues upstream from the second methionine correspond to a transit peptide. Employing an Escherichia coli expression system, the putative mature epoxide hydrolase-like protein was overexpressed and purified to homogeneity. This recombinant protein was confirmed to exhibit its epoxide-diol converting activity using styrene oxide as substrate. The Vmax and Km values for styrene oxide are 1.36 micromol x min-1 x mg-1 and 1500 microM, respectively. Sedimentation equilibrium experiments showed that the active form of this epoxide hydrolase is monomeric in solution. Using the above cDNA as a probe, a 12-kb genomic clone was selected and the sequence of a 1933-bp fragment from this clone was found to cover the entire coding region together with 5'- and 3'-flanking regions of the soybean epoxide hydrolase gene. The coding region of the gene, interrupted by two short introns, was identical to the corresponding regions of the cDNA. Northern blot analyses showed that this epoxide hydrolase gene was expressed strongly at a very early stage (13 days after flowering) and then the level of expression gradually decreased and almost ceased at a very late stage (58 days after flowering) of seed development, whereas its expression was markedly up-regulated by ethylene treatment. In stems (hypocotyl portion), the epoxide hydrolase transcript was detected at significant levels and was also up-regulated in response to ethylene. On the other hand, it is hardly expressed in leaves, even though they were treated with the phytohormone. Overall, the results obtained may indicate that soluble-type epoxide hydrolase mRNA is expressed at the maximum level in an early stage of seed development. Later, oil bodies are formed and subsequently epoxy fatty acids, naturally occurring metabolites, accumulate within those bodies. The temporal induction of this epoxide hydrolase transcript in some tissues in response to ethylene also indicates that this epoxide hydrolase may play a crucial role in self-defense systems of plant.

Isolation and characterization of the epoxide hydrolase-encoding gene from Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous

The epoxide hydrolase (EH)-encoding gene (EPH1) from the basidiomycetous yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous was isolated. The genomic sequence has a 1,236-bp open reading frame which is interrupted by eight introns that encode a 411-amino-acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 46.2 kDa. The amino acid sequence is similar to that of microsomal EH and belongs to the alpha/beta hydrolase fold family. The EPH1 gene was not essential for growth of X. dendrorhous in rich medium under laboratory conditions. The Eph1-encoding cDNA was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. A sixfold increase in specific activity was observed when we used resting cells rather than X. dendrorhous. The epoxides 1,2-epoxyhexane and 1-methylcyclohexene oxide were substrates for both native and recombinant Eph1. Isolation and characterization of the X. dendrorhous EH-encoding gene are essential steps in developing a yeast EH-based epoxide biotransformation system.

Cloning and molecular characterization of a soluble epoxide hydrolase from Aspergillus niger that is related to mammalian microsomal epoxide hydrolase

Aspergillus niger strain LCP521 harbours a highly processive epoxide hydrolase (EH) that is of particular interest for the enantioselective bio-organic synthesis of fine chemicals. In the present work, we report the isolation of the gene and cDNA for this EH by use of inverse PCR. The gene is composed of nine exons, the first of which is apparently non-coding. The deduced protein of the A. niger EH shares significant sequence similarity with the mammalian microsomal EHs (mEH). In contrast to these, however, the protein from A. niger lacks the common N-terminal membrane anchor, in line with the fact that this enzyme is, indeed, soluble in its native environment. Recombinant expression of the isolated cDNA in Escherichia coli yielded a fully active EH with similar characteristics to the fungal enzyme. Sequence comparison with mammalian EHs suggested that Asp(192), Asp(348) and His(374) constituted the catalytic triad of the fungal EH. This was subsequently substantiated by the analysis of respective mutants constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. The presence of an aspartic acid residue in the charge-relay system of the A. niger enzyme, in contrast to a glutamic acid residue in the respective position of all mEHs analysed to date, may be one important contributor to the exceptionally high turnover number of the fungal enzyme when compared with its mammalian relatives. Recombinant expression of the enzyme in E. coli offers a versatile tool for the bio-organic chemist for the chiral synthesis of a variety of fine chemicals.