Structure-based interface engineering methodology in designing a thermostable amylose-forming transglucosylase

Many drugs and prebiotics derive their activities from sugar substituents. Due to the prevalence and complexity of these biologically active compounds, enzymatic glycodiversification that facilitates easier access to these compounds can make profound contributions to the pharmaceutical, food, and feed industries. Amylosucrases (ASases) are attractive tools for glycodiversification because of their broad acceptor substrate specificity, but the lack of structural information and their poor thermostability limit their industrial applications. Herein, we reported the crystal structure of ASase from Calidithermus timidus, which displays a homotetrameric quaternary organization not previously observed for other ASases. We employed a workflow composed of five common strategies, including interface engineering, folding energy calculations, consensus sequence, hydrophobic effects enhancement, and B-factor analysis, to enhance the thermostability of C. timidus ASase. As a result, we obtained a quadruple-point mutant M31 ASase with a half-life at 65 °C increased from 22.91 h to 52.93 h, which could facilitate biosynthesis of glucans with a degree of polymerization of more than 20 using sucrose as a substrate at 50 °C. In conclusion, this study provides a structural basis for understanding the multifunctional biocatalyst ASase and presents a powerful methodology to effectively and systematically enhance protein thermostability.