Mechanism of Laccase Induction via Emodin in Trametes versicolor

Summary

This research discovered how a compound called emodin from the medicinal plant Polygonum cuspidatum can dramatically increase production of an important industrial enzyme called laccase in fungi. The findings help optimize sustainable enzyme production for various applications. Impacts on everyday life: – More efficient production of enzymes used in eco-friendly paper manufacturing – Better methods for treating industrial wastewater and pollutants – Advances in developing biosensors for environmental monitoring – More sustainable industrial processes using natural compounds – Reduced costs for enzyme-based products and treatments

Background

Secondary metabolites from traditional Chinese herbs can stimulate laccase production in white rot fungi during submerged fermentation, but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Laccase is an important industrial enzyme used in applications like pulp delignification, dye decolorization, pollutant detoxification and biosensors.

Objective

To investigate how the Chinese herbal medicine Polygonum cuspidatum and specifically its component emodin induces laccase production in Trametes versicolor, and to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms through proteomics analysis and bioimaging experiments.

Results

Emodin was identified as the key inducer of laccase production, increasing enzyme activity 4-12 fold compared to controls. Proteomics revealed emodin affects laccase gene expression through three mechanisms: reducing bioenergy productivity, the AHR/XRE pathway, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway. Flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging showed emodin reduces ATP synthesis by lowering mitochondrial membrane potential.

Conclusion

Emodin induces laccase production in T. versicolor by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential, promoting glucose consumption, and activating stress response pathways. This provides new insights into using natural compounds to enhance industrial laccase production and regulation of secondary metabolism.
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