Cloning and characterization of a novel oleic acid hydratase from the filamentous fungus Fusarium sp. D2

Abstract

The filamentous fungus Fusarium sp. D2 strain produces hydroxy fatty acids via the hydration of unsaturated fatty acids under anaerobic or microaerobic conditions. In this study, the oleate hydratase gene (D2Ohy) derived from Fusarium sp. D2 was cloned for the first time from a fungal source. The amino acid sequence of D2Ohy was up to 69.7% homologous to bacterial oleate hydratases (Ohys) and contained the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-binding motif, FAD-lid, and active loop, all of which are crucial for hydration activity. D2Ohy was stable over a temperature range of 40–50°C and a pH range of 6.0–8.0, demonstrating properties distinct from previously reported bacterial-derived Ohys. Compared to bacterial Ohys, D2Ohy efficiently utilized oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic, γ-linolenic, and ricinoleic acids as substrates. This study reports novel functional properties of D2Ohy, identified for the first time in fungi.