High yield expression of novel glutaminase free L-asparaginase II of Pectobacterium carotovorum MTCC 1428 in Bacillus subtilis WB800N.

Gene encoding glutaminase-free L-asparaginase II (ans B2) from Pectobacterium carotovorum MTCC 1428 was cloned into pHT43, transformed in Bacillus subtilis WB800N and optimised the expression levels of recombinant enzyme. A three-fold higher enzyme production was observed with an efficient transformant as compared to native strain. Enzyme localization studies revealed that >90% of recombinant enzyme is secreted extracellularly, a little fraction is attached to the membrane (>6%) and localised intracellularly (3%). The expression of recombinant L-asparaginase II was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, IMAC (Immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography) purification followed by Western blotting. Process parameter optimization with OFAT (one factor at a time) revealed that rpm (120), temperature (37 °C), Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration (1 mM) and time of induction (0.8 OD600nm) plays a vital role where a maximum of 55 IU/ml was achieved. Further, consecutive induction by IPTG improved the enzyme production up to 105 IU/ml with a specific activity of 101 IU/mg of protein. Molecular modelling analysis depicted that amino acids, GLY60, GLY119 and ALA252 in the active site are responsible for the glutaminase free L-asparaginase II activity. This is the first report on enhanced expression of recombinant glutaminase-free L-asparaginase II by intermediate addition of IPTG.