Molecular cloning, expression, and enzymatic characterization of Solanum tuberosum hydroperoxide lyase

A cDNA encoding hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) was isolated from Solanum tuberosum, cloned into pQE-30 vector, and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant protein was purified by nickel affinity chromatography and showed an approximate molecular weight of 54 kDa by SDS-PAGE analysis, which was similar to the predicted value based on the putative amino acid sequences (53.9 kDa). 13-Hydroperoxy-linolenic acid (13-HPOT) was the preferred substrate for the enzyme compared with 13-hydroperoxy-linoleic acid (13-HPOD). The corresponding volatile products were 2(E)-hexenal and n-hexanal tested by headspace-gas chromatography, respectively. The enzyme was optimally active at 25 A degrees C and pH 6.5. The K (m), V (max), and the catalytic efficiency (V (max)/K (m)) for 13-HPOT were 56.6 mu M, 71.3 units/mg, and 1.26 units/mg center dot mu M, respectively. Activity of the recombinant potato HPL increased when Triton X-100, sodium chloride, or potassium chloride was added in the reaction mixture, while calcium chloride decreased activity of the recombinant enzyme.