Modified Benzalacetone Synthase Enzyme T281A Mutation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing BAS enzymes from Rheum palmatum are inefficient in converting coumaroyl-CoA into 4-hydroxybenzalacetone and ferulic acid into 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one, limiting the production of raspberry ketone and zingerone in biotechnological applications due to low catalytic constants, which slows down metabolic flux and yields.

Innovation Solution

A modified benzalacetone synthase enzyme with a T281A substitution is developed, derived from wild-type BAS enzymes, which enhances catalytic activity, allowing for more efficient conversion of coumaroyl-CoA into 4-hydroxybenzalacetone and ferulic acid into 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one, using genetic engineering techniques to introduce non-natural mutations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wild-type BAS enzyme is used, then the enzyme structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the catalytic activity is low and productivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidenzyme structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the BAS enzyme through site-directed mutagenesis. Specifically, threonine at position 281 is substituted with alanine (T281A mutation), which changes the local chemical environment and sterics of the active site, thereby enhancing catalytic activity while maintaining the overall enzyme structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by making a targeted mutation at position 281 of the BAS enzyme. This local modification alters the properties of a specific region (the active site vicinity) without changing the entire enzyme structure, thus improving catalytic activity while keeping the rest of the enzyme simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If wild-type BAS enzyme is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the metabolic flux is slow and yield is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetabolic flux and yieldVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the kinetic parameters of the BAS enzyme by introducing the T281A mutation, which increases the turnover number (kcat) and/or decreases the Michaelis constant (Km) for the substrates. This parameter change accelerates the enzymatic reaction rate, thereby increasing metabolic flux and product yield without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If BAS enzyme with higher catalytic activity is developed, then productivity increases, but the risk of altering enzyme stability and specificity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic efficiencyVSAvoidenzyme stability and specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by making a targeted mutation at position 281 of the BAS enzyme. This local modification alters the properties of a specific region (the active site vicinity) without changing the entire enzyme structure, thus improving catalytic activity while keeping the rest of the enzyme simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the wild-type BAS enzyme with a specific mutation (T281A). This mutant enzyme retains the overall structure and function of the wild-type enzyme but with improved catalytic properties, allowing for reliable performance while achieving higher productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified BAS enzyme significantly increases the production of 4-hydroxybenzalacetone and raspberry ketone, with Pseudomonas putida strains expressing this enzyme achieving up to 6 times higher yields compared to strains with wild-type BAS, making the process more economically viable and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

Benzalacetone Synthases ("BAS" or "BAS enzyme") catalyze the transformation of coumaroyl-coA into 4-hydroxybenzalacetone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

the modified BAS has the capability to produce 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one from ferulic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP4410972A1Modified benzalacetone synthase enzymes and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 BGENE GENETICS
  • EP4410972A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4410972A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4410972A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is in the field of genetically modified enzyme and microorganism comprising such a modified enzyme for the production of raspberry ketone or zingerone. The modified enzyme is a recombinant benzalacetone synthase (BAS) issued or derived from a wild-type BAS. The modified BAS has the capability to produce 4-hydroxybenzalacetone from 4-coumaroyl-CoA in a more effective way as compared to wild-type BAS.