Subcloning and Expression of a Gene Encoding an Organophosphorus Acid Anhydrolase

유기인화합물 분해효소 유전자의 재조합 및 단백질 발현

Organophosphorus acid anhydrolases(OPAA) catalyzing the hydrolysis of toxic organophosphates have been found in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Of the several kinds of OPAA that can degrade nerve agents, such as DFP, sarin and soman, a OPAA gene harbored in the chromosomal DNA of Alteromonas haloplanktis strain was subcloned in order to develope an enzymatic degradation method of toxic organophosphorus compounds. For this 1481 bp DNA fragment containing OPAA gene and its flanking regions has been synthesized through PCR using chromosomal DNA of A. haloplanktis strain. After subcloning and subsequent expression, crude OPA anhydrolase was prepared and assayed. It was shown that the OPAA had a very high hydrolytic activity on DFP. The specific activity of the enzyme was 1,110 $\mu$mole.$min^{p-1}.mg^{-1}$ protein. It seemed that OPAA with such a high hydrolytic activity may give a good prospects to its use, as a biodegradation tool, in detoxifying toxic organophosphorus compounds, such as pesticides and chemical stockpiles which are posing a potential threat to the field environment and human health.