Structure–Function Analysis of an Understudied Type of LPMO with Unique Redox Properties and Substrate Specificity

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are important biotechnological tools due to their ability to activate C-H bonds in recalcitrant polysaccharides. To-date, most research has focused on LPMOs from the AA9 and AA10 families, while LPMOs from the AA11 family have not received the same attention since their classification almost a decade ago, despite their wide abundance in fungi. Previous studies have shown that AfAA11B from Aspergillus fumigatus has exceptionally high oxidase activity, low reduction potential and the ability to degrade soluble chitooligomers. To better understand the catalytic capabilities of AfAA11B, its crystal structure was solved, revealing a unique flexible surface loop that mediates activity on soluble substrates, as shown by molecular dynamics simulations and mutagenesis. Mutation of an active site Glu residue to a Gln, Asp or Asn showed that this residue is crucial in controlling the low reduction potential and high oxidase activity of AfAA11B. The impact of these mutations on copper reactivity aligned well with results obtained for an AA9 LPMO, which naturally has a Gln in this position. However, the impact of these mutations on the productive peroxygenase reaction, measured using an electrochemical hydrogen peroxide sensor, and on protective hole hopping mechanisms, measured using stopped-flow ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry, differed from the AA9 LPMO. This shows that the impact of this Glu/Gln residue is dependent on additional structural or dynamic differences between the LPMOs. Despite the presence of several tryptophan residues in the protein core, the hole hopping studies revealed formation of only a tyrosyl feature with a lifespan distinct from similar features detected in other LPMOs, further highlighting the unique properties of AfAA11B.