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Bioinformatics-aided identification, characterization and applications of mushroom linalool synthases

Summary

Scientists discovered a special enzyme from mushrooms that efficiently produces linalool, a fragrance ingredient found in most perfumes and cosmetics. This fungal enzyme is much more efficient and selective than similar enzymes from plants or bacteria, making it ideal for mass-producing natural linalool through fermentation. The study used advanced computer analysis to identify the enzyme and revealed specific parts of the enzyme responsible for its excellent performance, which could help design even better enzymes in the future.

Background

Linalool is an important fragrance monoterpene used in 60-80% of cosmetic and personal care products. Plant linalool synthases have low activities when expressed in microbes. Fungal linalool synthases have not been previously identified until recently.

Objective

To identify and characterize linalool synthases from fungal species using bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. To discover a highly active and selective linalool synthase suitable for microbial production.

Results

Four bifunctional linalool/nerolidol synthases and one monofunctional linalool synthase from Agaricomycetes were identified. Agrocybe pediades linalool synthase (Ap.LS) showed 44-fold and 287-fold higher efficiency than bacterial and plant counterparts respectively, producing enantiopure (R)-linalool. Mutation studies identified key residues (A59-V61 region) responsible for substrate specificity.

Conclusion

Fungal linalool synthase Ap.LS is superior for microbial linalool bioproduction due to exceptional selectivity and activity. The bioinformatics workflow is universally applicable for identifying unknown enzymes. Structural insights and mutation data provide foundation for rational enzyme design and engineering.
  • Published in:Communications Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 33597725, DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01715-z
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