Expression, purification, cristalization and functional assays of the enzime beta-galactosidase from the arqueobacteria haloterrigena turkmenica

• Grant number: 12/08402-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2012
• End date: June 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Molecular Biophysics
• Principal Investigator: Igor Polikarpov
• Grantee: Fernando Peron Magrini
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 08/56255-9 - Structure and function of enzymes and auxiliary proteins from Trichoderma, active in cell-wall hydrolysis, AP.BIOEN.TEM

Abstract

The cell wall is based on lignocellulose, including three primordial components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Enzymes of the glycosyl hydrolases kind act on this type of bond between cell wall components. For this reason, those enzymes became an important target for cell wall hydrolysis. The beta-galactosidase acts on bonds ²(1’4) between sugars of lactose. This enzyme is the major producer of galactooligosaccharides, an important type of prebiotic used in functional food, such as yogurts. Being the main source of galactooligosaccharides, the beta-galactosidase has grown in interest in industry and biotechnology. Our goal is to express, purify, crystallize and perform biochemicals and cinematics assays in beta-galactosidase from the archaebacteria Haloterrigena turkmenica, which grows at extreme conditions of salinity and temperature. The results of this study will help to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of these enzymes.(AU)