Computational and Enzymatic Analyses Unveil the Catalytic Mechanism of Thermostable Trehalose Synthase and Suggest Strategies for Improved Bioconversion.

Trehalose synthase (TreS) catalyzes the reversible interconversion of maltose to trehalose, and is therefore essential for trehalose production. Consequently, dissecting the catalytic mechanism of TreS is important for enzyme optimization and industrial applications. TreS from Thermobaculum terrenum (TtTreS) is a thermostable enzyme. Here, we studied the composition of the TtTreS active site through computer calculation and enzyme analysis. The results were consistent with a two-step double-displacement mechanism, similar to that of glycoside hydrolase 13 family enzymes. However, our data suggested that glucose rotation, following breakage of the α-1,4 glycosidic bond, is a key factor determining the reaction direction and conversion rate. The N246 residue plays an important role in glucose rotation. Moreover, we established a saturated mutation model for the nonconserved amino acids around the substrate gateway domain. Finally, four TtTreS mutants (K136T, Y137D, K138N, and D139S) resulted in improved trehalose yield compared to that of the wild-type enzyme.