Characterization of a Cyanobacterial Haloperoxidase and Evaluation of its Biocatalytic Halogenation Potential

Abstract

Vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases (VHPOs) are a class of halogenating enzymes found in fungi, lichen, algae, and bacteria. We report the cloning, purification, and characterization of a functional VHPO from the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina (AmVHPO), including its structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Compared to other VHPOs, the AmVHPO features a unique set of disulfide bonds that stabilize the dodecameric assembly of the protein. Easy access by high-yield recombinant expression, as well as resistance towards organic solvents and temperature, together with a distinct halogenation reactivity, make this enzyme a promising starting point for the development of biocatalytic transformations.

Keywords: enzyme catalysis; halogenation; peroxidases; protein structures; vanadium.