[Cloning of feruloyl esterase gene from Aspergillus niger h408 and high-efficient expression in Pichia pastoris].

Objective: To achieve the high-efficiency expression of feruloyl estrase gene (AnfaeA) from Aspergillus niger h408 in Pichia pastoris and characterize the recombinant feruloyl esterase (FAE).

Methods: Using gene splicing by overlap extension (SOE), we cloned AnfaeA gene from A. niger h408 and subcloned into T vector for sequencing analysis. The expression vector pPIC9K-Anfae was constructed by the ligation of the Anfae A gene into the shuttle vector pPIC9K. The plasmid pPIC9K-Anfae was linearized and then electrotransformed into P. pastoris GS115. The recombinant strain with high level of FAE activity was obtained through plate screening. Effects of pH and temperature on recombinant FAE were determined by ultraviolet (UV) methods.

Results: We have successfully cloned and high-efficiently expressed the AnfaeA gene (GenBank: KF911349) from A. niger h408 in P. pastoris GS115. The sequencing result showed that the length of Anfae A was 783bp. The gene contained an Open Reading Frame encoding 260 amino acids and was similar to feruloyl esterase A from A. niger by homology analysis. The deduced amino acids contained a typical active lid and catalytic triad of lipase. The SDS-PAGE result indicated that molecular weight of the recombinant FAE was about 30 kDa and the activity of the recombinant enzyme was 24.72 U/mL. The specific activity of the recombinant FAE was 40.84 U/mg. Compared with A. niger h408, the recombinant enzyme activity increased about to 1100 times. The optimal temperature and pH for recombinant FAE was 50 degrees C and 5.0, respectively. Recombinant FAE showed nearly 80% of its maximal activity at 60 degrees C and was active in the pH range 4.0-9.0.

Conclusions: The high-efficient expression of AnfaeA gene in P. pastoris provided a prerequisite for achieving industrial application in feed and paper-making industry. In addition, the results established the experimental basis for further improvement of recombinant feruloyl esterase by directed evolution.