Cloning, protein expression and biochemical characterization of Carica papaya esterase

Abstract

Background: GDSL-like esterase/lipase proteins (GELPs) are enzymes that possess unique characteristics, they contain four invariable catalytic residues. Advances in the study of these proteins are interesting. The cloning and functional expression of a papaya esterase have not been reported. Therefore, in this work we evaluated the heterologous production of Carica papaya esterase CpEST in the yeast Komogataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris). Results: The cloning and expression of the protein was performed under the PAOX1 promoter, and productions of up to 43 AU/mL were achieved using residual glycerol from biodiesel in the batch phase and methanol for the induction phase. Enzyme activity assays determined that CpEST has a high preference for short-chain substrates (p-NP C4 and p-NP C8), and optimal activity conditions were observed at 30°C and pH 10. The enzyme showed the highest stability to acetone, ethanol and tert-butanol solvents, retaining approximately 55% of its initial enzymatic activity after 1 h of exposure. Conclusions: Cloning and functional expression of papaya CpEST esterase was achieved. During fermentation, the yeasts used as a carbon source residual glycerol from biodiesel production. Based on the results obtained from the characterization of the esterase, it was found that it has a high potential for use in the bioenergy and detergent industry.How to cite: Reyes-Reyes AL, Valero F, Sandoval G. Cloning, protein expression and biochemical characterization of Carica papaya esterase. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.11.004.

Keywords

• Biodiesel residual glicerol
• Bioenergy
• Carica papaya
• Circular economy
• Fermentation
• GDSL-like esterase/lipase proteins