Gene cloning, heterologous expression, and partial characterization of a novel cold-adapted subfamily I.3 lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescence KE38

A novel cold-active true lipase from Pseudomonas sp. KE38 was cloned, sequencing and expressed in E. coli by degenerate PCR and genome walking technique. The open reading frame of the cloned gene encoded a polypeptide chain of 617 amino acids with a confirmed molecular weight of 64 kD. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the lipase indicated that it had high similarity with lipases of subfamily Iota .3 of bacterial lipases. Recombinant lipase was purified in denatured form as inclusion bodies, which were then renatured by urea followed by dialysis. Lipase activity was determined titrimetrically using olive oil as substrate. The enzyme showed optimal activity at 25 degrees C, pH 8.5 and was highly stable in the presence of various metal ions and organic solvents. Low optimal temperature and high activity in the presence of methanol and ethanol make this lipase a potential candidate for transesterification reactions and biodiesel production.