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Expression of a Manganese Peroxidase Isozyme 2 Transgene in the Ethanologenic White Rot Fungus Phlebia sp. Strain MG-60

Summary

This research focused on genetically modifying a wood-degrading fungus to enhance its ability to break down lignin, a tough component of wood that makes it difficult to process plant materials into biofuels. The scientists successfully developed a method to introduce new genes into the fungus and increased its production of an important enzyme that breaks down lignin. This work has several practical implications: • Could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly biofuel production • May reduce the cost of processing wood and plant materials • Demonstrates a new way to improve industrial microorganisms through genetic engineering • Could help develop better ways to recycle wood waste • May contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels

Background

The white-rot fungus Phlebia sp. strain MG-60 was identified as a candidate for integrated fungal fermentation process (IFFP), which combines aerobic delignification and semi-aerobic consolidated biological processing in a single microorganism. This strain can efficiently degrade lignin and ferment sugars from cellulose. To improve this biorefinery process, developing molecular breeding methods for strain MG-60 was necessary.

Objective

The study aimed to establish a transformation method for Phlebia sp. strain MG-60 and obtain transformants that over-express manganese peroxidase, a key lignin-degrading enzyme.

Results

The transformation method showed high efficiency, and the MGmnp2 transformants demonstrated higher MnP activity compared to control transformants. The transformed strains exhibited enhanced selective lignin degradation on Quercus wood powder, with transformants M12 and M14 showing significantly higher lignin mass loss compared to other strains.

Conclusion

This first successful transformation of MG-60 provides a useful methodology for genetic modification of the strain. The results demonstrate the possibility of metabolic engineering of strain MG-60 for improving the integrated fungal fermentation process, though some original lignin-degrading capabilities were affected by the protoplast regeneration process.
  • Published in:SpringerPlus,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-699
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