Screening of microbial amide-bond forming enzyme for stabilization and functionalization of bioactive fatty acids

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05340
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 38020:Applied microbiology-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Hara Ryotaro 京都大学, 農学研究科, 特定准教授 (70553535)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪酸アミド / アミド結合 / セリンペプチダーゼ / オレアミド / エルカミド / Mycobacterium / スクリーニング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Fatty acid amides are compounds formed by the combination of fatty acids and amines, and they are useful as plasticizers in the manufacturing of plastics in the chemical industry. Recently, their potential as pharmaceuticals has attracted much attention. The current chemical synthesis methods include significant environmental issues. This study aimed to develop a bioprocess with lower environmental impact as an alternative to conventional manufacturing methods, and a novel microbial enzyme was screened and characterized. Consequently, oleamide- and erucamide-synethsizing activities were found in Mycobacterium sp. AKU 2014. Then, purification and identification of the enzyme responsible for this activity. Furthermore, the gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, and various enzymatic properties were uncovered.

Free Research Field

応用微生物学、酵素工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脂肪酸アミドは化成品や医薬品として有用な化合物である。本研究では、脂肪酸アミドを環境負荷の少ない製法によって生産することを目指し、微生物酵素の探索を行った。見いだした酵素を用いることで、オレアミドやエルカミドのみならず、様々な種類の脂肪酸アミドも合成できた。本成果が起点とり、多様な脂肪酸アミドを低環境負荷条件下で製造することが期待される。