Publication:

Cell wall-associated redox enzymes in white rot fungi

Many enzymes of white rot fungi involved in wood degradation belong to the class of redox enzymes. The most important are laccase (copper-containing polyphenol oxidase), lignin peroxidase, manganese- dependent peroxidase and manganese-independent peroxidase. However, the role of these enzymes in wood degradation remains unclear and complex redox processes or unknown redox enzymes also may contribute to this process. Several oxidative enzymes secreted by white rot fungi into the environment have been studied in the past, but little attention has been paid to the cell wall-associated redox enzymes. Cell wall-associated laccase activity in the purified cell walls of copper induced cultures of Trametes versicolor has been found. Laccases have been extracted by establishing new methods for cell wall purification and for protein release from the cell walls of basidiomycetes.