Structure and mechanism of novel polysaccharide oxidases

Important results from the project

The main purpose of the project was to advance current knowledge on Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases (LPMOs), which cleave oxidatively recalcitrant polysaccharides and can boost cellulase activity in commercial enzyme preparations. We have expressed and characterized selected LPMOs originating from fungal biomass degraders. Our findings promote a better undrestanding of LPMO activity through the correlation of structural and biochemical data.

Expected long term effects

The heterologous expression of LPMOs with different substrate specificities and their biochemical and structural study has advanced our understanding of LPMO activity and the structural determinants of their mode of action. This will contribute towards a more efficient exploitation of LPMOs as additional components of lignocellulose degrading enzyme cocktails and the engineering of biocatalysts with desired properties.

Approach and implementation

Due to the complicated nature of LPMOs, a multidisciplinary approach was required for the study of their mechanism. Thus, the present project involved various biochemical and biophysical experiments, the implementation of which was facilitated by the host´s experience in the field and the extensive collaborators network. The majority of planned work has been successfully carried out and part of the results have already been published in high impact factor journals.