Shotgun metagenomic mining reveals a new FAD-dependent D-lactate dehydrogenase in an isopod gut microbiome.

ABSTRACT: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring microbial diversity and uncovering genes encoding novel biocatalysts from complex environments. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a new FAD-dependent D-lactate dehydrogenase (PdG-D-LDH) from the gut microbiome of the isopod Porcellio dilatatus. The enzyme was identified through in silico screening using BLAST and AlphaFold3 and functionally characterized as a homodimeric, thermoactive, and thermostable protein, demonstrating the robustness required for biotechnological applications. PdG-D-LDH exhibits a strong catalytic preference toward D-lactate and preferentially reduces quinones over cytochrome c or molecular oxygen. X-ray crystallography revealed a VAO/PCMH-like fold wi

SUBMITTER: Coelho C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12724367 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature