WO2015091089A1

WO2015091089A1 - Fungal proteases and the use thereof in washing and cleaning agents

Info

Publication number: WO2015091089A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/076976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Hellmuth; Thomas Weber; Timothy O'connell; Susanne Tondera; Diana Linke; Ralf G. Berger; Robin-Hagen LEONHARDT
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-09
Publication date: 2015-06-25
Also published as: DE102013226729A1; EP3083955A1

Abstract

The invention relates to proteases comprising an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 1 and variants thereof, and to the production and use thereof. Proteases of the above kind show a good cleaning performance when used in washing and cleaning agents.

Description

Fungal proteases and their use in detergents and cleaners

The invention is in the field of enzyme technology. In particular, the invention relates to fungal proteases which are suitable for use in detergents and cleaners, all sufficiently similar proteases and nucleic acids coding for them and their preparation. The invention further relates to methods and uses of these proteases and agents containing them, in particular washing and cleaning agents.

Proteases are among the most technically important enzymes of all. For detergents and cleaners, they are the longest established and contained in virtually all modern, powerful detergents and cleaners enzymes. They cause the degradation of protein-containing stains on the items to be cleaned. Of these, in turn, proteases of the subtilisin type (subtilases, subtilopeptidases, EC 3.4.21 .62) are particularly important, which are serine proteases due to the catalytically active amino acids. They act as nonspecific endopeptidases and hydrolyze any acid amide linkages that are internal to peptides or proteins. Their pH optimum is usually in the clearly alkaline range. An overview of this family is provided, for example, by the article "Subtilases: Subtilisin-like Proteases" by R. Siezen, pages 75-95 in "Subtilisin enzymes", edited by R. Bott and C. Betzel, New York, 1996. Subtilases are naturally occurring formed by microorganisms. Of these, in particular, the subtilisins formed and secreted by Bacillus species are to be mentioned as the most important group within the subtilases.

Examples of the proteases preferably used in detergents and cleaners from

Subtilisin type are the subtilisins BPN 'and Carlsberg, the protease PB92, the subtilisins 147 and 309, the protease from Bacillus lentus, in particular from Bacillus lentus DSM 5483,

Subtilisin DY and the enzymes thermitase, proteinase K and the proteases TW3 and TW7 attributable to the subtilases, but no longer to the subtilisins in the narrower sense, as well as variants of said proteases which have an altered amino acid sequence compared to the starting protease.

The proteases mentioned above are all of bacterial origin and belong to protein families which have a high degree of homology with each other. Despite the widespread use of proteases as constituents of detergents and cleaners, there is still a need for alternative proteases, especially with improved performance in certain applications. In particular, there is a need for alternative proteases that do not fall within the narrow sequence space of known bacterial proteases, but provide new sequence spaces that can then be subsequently optimized for particular applications.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that a fungal protease from Pleurotus pulmonarius when used in detergents or cleaners shows a good cleaning performance, which is even partially better than that of the known bacterial reference enzymes.

The invention therefore in a first aspect, a protease comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the in SEQ ID NO. 1 amino acid sequence over its entire length has a sequence identity of at least 95.4% or sequence homology of at least 98%.

Further subject matters of the invention include the nucleic acids coding for these proteases, the non-human host cells containing proteases or nucleic acids according to the invention.

The invention relates, in further aspects, to agents, in particular detergents and cleaners, which comprise a protease comprising an amino acid sequence which corresponds to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO. 1 amino acid sequence throughout its length has a sequence identity or sequence homology of at least 70%, preferably of at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, or contains functional fragments thereof. Other aspects also concern processes using these agents and the uses as such.

The present invention is based on the surprising finding of the inventors that a protease of the invention in detergents and cleaners causes a good cleaning performance, which is even better than the established reference enzymes in certain areas.

A protease according to the invention has a proteolytic activity, that is, it is capable of hydrolysing peptide bonds of a polypeptide or protein, in particular in a washing or cleaning agent. A protease according to the invention is therefore an enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds and thereby is able to cleave peptides or proteins. Furthermore, a protease according to the invention is preferably a mature protease, ie the catalytically active molecule without signal and / or propeptide (s). Unless otherwise stated, the sequences given refer to each mature enzyme. In a further embodiment of the invention, the protease comprises an amino acid sequence which corresponds to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO. 1 amino acid sequence over its total length to at least 95.4%, 95.5%, 95.6%, 95.7%, 95.8%, 95.9%, 96.0%, 96, 1%, 96, 2%, 96.3%, 96.4%, 96.5%, 96.6%, 96.7%, 96.8%, 96.9%, 97.0%, 97.1%, 97, 2%, 97.3%, 97.4%, 97.5%, 97.6%, 97.7%, 97.8%, 97.9%, 98.0%, 98.1%, 98, 2%, 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99.1%, 99, 2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% or 100.0% is identical or to 98, 1% , 98.2%, 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99, 1% , 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% or 100.0% is homologous or consists thereof ,

In a further embodiment of the agents of the invention, the protease comprises a

Amino acid sequence corresponding to that shown in SEQ ID NO. 1 at least 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, of their total length. 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 90.5%, 91%, 91, 5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95.3%, 95.5%, 95.6%, 95.7%, 95.8%, 95.9%, 96.0%, 96, 1%, 96, 2%, 96.3%, 96.4%, 96.5%, 96.6%, 96.7%, 96.8%, 96.9%, 97.0%, 97.1%, 97, 2%, 97.3%, 97.4%, 97.5%, 97.6%, 97.7%, 97.8%, 97.9%, 98.0%, 98, 1%, 98, 2%, 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99, 1%, 99, 2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% or 100.0% is identical or homologous or consists thereof.

The identity of nucleic acid or amino acid sequences is determined by a sequence comparison. This sequence comparison is based on the BLAST algorithm established and commonly used in the prior art (see, for example, Altschul, SF, Gish, W., Miller, W., Myers, EW & Lipman, DJ. (1990) "Basic local alignment search Biol. 215: 403-410; and Altschul, Stephan F., Thomas L. Madden, Alejandro A. Schaffer, Jinghui Zhang, Hheng Zhang, Webb Miller, and David J. Lipman (1997): "Gapped BLAST and PSI-BLAST: a new generation of protein database search programs"; Nucleic Acids Res., 25, pp.3389-3402) and is in principle accomplished by similar sequences of nucleotides or amino acids in the nucleic acid or amino acid sequences of each other be assigned. A tabular assignment of the respective positions is referred to as alignment. Another algorithm available in the prior art is the FASTA algorithm. Sequence comparisons (alignments), in particular multiple sequence comparisons, are created with computer programs. For example, the Clustal series (see, for example, Chenna et al., 2003, Multiple Sequence Alignment with the Clinical Series of Programs, Nucleic Acid Research 31, 3497-3500), T-Coffee (see, for example, Notredame et al (2000): T-Coffee: A novel method for multiple sequence alignments, J. Mol. Biol. 302, 205-217) or programs based on these programs or algorithms. In the present patent application, all sequence comparisons (alignments) with the computer program Vector NTI® Suite 10.3 (Invitrogen Corporation, 1600 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, USA) with the given

Standard parameters whose AlignX module for sequence comparisons is based on ClustalW.

Such a comparison also allows a statement about the similarity of the compared sequences to each other. It is usually given in percent identity, that is, the proportion of identical nucleotides or amino acid residues at the same or in an alignment corresponding positions. The broader concept of homology involves conserved amino acid substitutions in the consideration of amino acid sequences, that is, amino acids with similar chemical activity, since these usually have similar chemical properties within the protein

Exercise activities. Therefore, the similarity of the compared sequences is also given in percent homology. Identity and / or homology information can be made about whole polypeptides or genes or only over individual regions. Homologous or identical regions of different nucleic acid or amino acid sequences are therefore defined by matches in the sequences. Such areas often have identical functions. They can be small and comprise only a few nucleotides or amino acids. Often, such small regions exert essential functions for the overall activity of the protein. It may therefore be useful to relate sequence matches only to individual, possibly small areas. Unless otherwise indicated, identity or homology information in the present application, however, refers to the total length of the particular nucleic acid or amino acid sequence indicated.

In the context of the present invention, the statement means that a

Amino acid position of a numerically designated position in SEQ ID NO. 1 therefore corresponds to the corresponding position being assigned to the numerically designated position in SEQ ID NO. 1 in an alignment as defined above.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the protease is characterized in that its purification performance is not significantly reduced compared to that of a protease comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 1, i. has at least 80% of the reference washing performance. The cleaning performance can be determined in a washing system containing a detergent in a dosage between 4.5 and 7.0 grams per liter of wash liquor and the protease, wherein the proteases to be compared in concentration (based on active protein) are used and the cleaning performance against A cotton soiling is determined by measuring the whiteness of the washed fabrics, washing for 70 minutes at one

Temperature of 40 ° C takes place and the water has a water hardness between 15.5 and 16.5 °

(German hardness). The concentration of the protease in the detergent intended for this washing system is from 0.001-0, 1 wt .-%, preferably from 0.01 to 0.06 wt .-%, based on active protein. A preferred liquid detergent for such a washing system is composed as follows (all figures in weight percent): 0.3-0.5% xanthan gum, 0.2-0.4% anti-foaming agent, 6-7%

Glycerine, 0.3-0.5% ethanol, 4-7% FAEOS (fatty alcohol ether sulfate), 24-28% nonionic surfactants, 1% boric acid, 1 -2% sodium citrate (dihydrate), 2-4% soda, 14-16 % Coconut fatty acids, 0.5% HEDP (1-hydroxyethane- (1, 1-di-phosphonic acid)), 0-0.4% PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), 0-0.05% optical brightener, 0-0.001% Dye, remainder demineralized water. Preferably, the dosage of the liquid detergent is between 4.5 and 6.0 grams per liter of wash liquor, for example, 4.7, 4.9 or 5.9 grams per liter of wash liquor. Preference is given to washing in a pH range between pH 8 and pH 10.5, preferably between pH 8 and pH 9.

A preferred powdered detergent for such a washing system is composed as follows (all figures in weight percent): 10% linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (sodium salt), 1.5% C12-C18 fatty alcohol sulfate (sodium salt), 2.0% C12-C18 fatty alcohol with 7 EO, 20%

Sodium carbonate, 6.5% sodium bicarbonate, 4.0% amorphous sodium disilicate, 17% sodium carbonate peroxohydrate, 4.0% TAED, 3.0% polyacrylate, 1.0% carboxymethylcellulose, 1.0% phosphonate, 27% sodium sulfate , Rest: foam inhibitors, optical brightener, fragrances.

Preferably, the dosage of the powdered detergent is between 4.5 and 7.0 grams per liter of wash liquor, for example, and more preferably 4.7 grams per liter of wash liquor, or 5.5, 5.9 or 6.7 grams per liter of wash liquor. Preference is given to washing in a pH range between pH 9 and pH 11.

In the context of the invention, the determination of the cleaning performance at 40 ° C under

Use of a liquid detergent as stated above, wherein the washing process is preferably carried out for 70 minutes.

The degree of whiteness, i. the brightening of the stains, as a measure of the cleaning performance is preferably determined by optical measurement methods, preferably photometrically. A suitable device for this purpose is for example the spectrometer Minolta CM508d. Usually, the devices used for the measurement are previously calibrated with a white standard, preferably a supplied white standard.

Methods for determining protease activity are known to those skilled in the art

Enzyme technology and are routinely used by him. For example, such methods are disclosed in Tenside, Vol. 7 (1970), pp. 125-132. Alternatively, the protease activity can be determined via the release of the chromophore para-nitroaniline (pNA) from the substrate suc-L-Ala-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Phe-p-Nitroanilide (AAPF). The protease cleaves the substrate and releases pNA. The release of pNA causes an increase in absorbance at 410 nm, the time course of which is a measure of enzymatic activity (see Del Mar et al., 1979). The Measurement takes place at a temperature of 25 ° C, at pH 8.6, and a wavelength of 410 nm. The measuring time is 5 min and the measuring interval 20s to 60s. The protease activity is usually indicated in protease units (PE). Suitable protease activities are, for example, 2.25, 5 or 10 PE per ml wash liquor. However, the protease activity is not equal to zero.

The protein concentration can be determined by known methods, for example, the BCA method (bicinchoninic acid, 2,2'-biquinolyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) or the biuret method (AG Gornall, CS Bardawill and MM David, J. Biol. Chem., 177 (1948), pp. 751-766). The determination of the active protein concentration in this regard can be carried out by titration of the active sites using a suitable irreversible inhibitor (for proteases, for example phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)) and determination of the residual activity (see M. Bender et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc 24 (1966), pp. 5890-5913).

Proteins can be grouped into groups of immunologically related proteins by reaction with an antiserum or antibody. The members of such a group are characterized by having the same antigenic determinant recognized by an antibody. They are therefore structurally so similar to each other that they are recognized by an antiserum or specific antibodies. A further subject of the invention therefore proteases, which are characterized in that they have at least one and increasingly preferably two, three or four matching antigenic determinants with a protease according to the invention. Due to their immunological similarities, such proteases are structurally so structurally similar to the proteases according to the invention that a similar function can also be assumed.

Proteases of the invention may have one or more amino acid changes, in particular amino acid substitutions, insertions or deletions. Such proteases are, for example, by targeted genetic modification, i. by mutagenesis, further developed and optimized for specific applications or specific properties (for example, in terms of catalytic activity, stability, etc.). Furthermore, nucleic acids according to the invention can be introduced into recombination mixtures and thus used for

Generation of completely novel proteases or other polypeptides.

The goal is to introduce into the known molecules targeted mutations such as substitutions, insertions or deletions, for example, to improve the cleaning performance of enzymes of the invention. For this purpose, in particular the surface charges and / or the isoelectric point of the molecules and thereby their interactions with the substrate can be changed. Thus, for example, the net charge of the enzymes can be changed in order to influence the substrate binding, in particular for use in detergents and cleaners. Alternatively or additionally, the stability of the protease can be further increased by one or more corresponding mutations, thereby improving its purification performance.

Advantageous properties of individual mutations, e.g. individual substitutions can complement each other. An already optimized with respect to certain properties protease, for example, in terms of their stability to surfactants and / or bleaching agents and / or others

Components, therefore, may be further developed within the scope of the invention.

For the description of substitutions concerning exactly one amino acid position

(Amino acid exchanges), the following convention is used: first, the naturally occurring amino acid in the form of the international one-letter code is called, then follows the associated sequence position and finally the inserted amino acid. Several exchanges within the same polypeptide chain are separated by slashes. For insertions, additional amino acids are named after the sequence position. In the case of deletions, the missing amino acid is replaced by a symbol, for example a star or a dash, or a Δ is specified in front of the corresponding position. For example, A95G describes the substitution of alanine at position 95 by glycine, A95AG the insertion of glycine after the amino acid alanine at position 95 and A95 ^* or ΔΑ95 the deletion of alanine at position 95. This nomenclature is known to those skilled in the art of enzyme technology.

Another object of the invention is therefore a protease which is characterized in that it is obtainable from a protease as described above as the starting molecule by one or more conservative amino acid substitution. The term "conservative

"Amino acid substitution" means the replacement of one amino acid residue with another amino acid residue, which substitution does not result in a change in polarity or charge at the position of the exchanged amino acid, e.g., the replacement of a nonpolar amino acid residue with another nonpolar amino acid residue For example, amino acid substitutions in the invention include: G = A = S, L = V = L = M, D = E, N = Q, K = R, Y = F, S = T, G = A = I = V = L = M = Y = F = W = P = S = T.

Alternatively or additionally, the protease is characterized in that it is obtainable from a protease according to the invention as starting molecule by fragmentation, deletion,

Insertion or substitution mutagenesis and an amino acid sequence over a length of at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 285, 287, 289, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, or 296 are consistent with the parent molecule.

Thus, for example, it is possible to delete individual amino acids at the termini or in the loops of the enzyme, without the proteolytic activity being lost or diminished. Furthermore, such fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis can also reduce, for example, the allergenicity of the enzymes concerned and thus improve their overall applicability. Advantageously, the enzymes retain even after the

Mutagenesis their proteolytic activity, i. their proteolytic activity is at least equal to that of the parent enzyme, i. In a preferred embodiment, the proteolytic activity is at least 80, preferably at least 90% of the activity of the

Starting enzyme. Other substitutions can also show beneficial effects. Both single and multiple contiguous amino acids can be substituted for other amino acids.

Another object of the invention is a protease described above, which is additionally stabilized, in particular by one or more mutations, for example substitutions, or by coupling to a polymer. For an increase in stability during storage and / or during use, for example during the washing process, causes the enzymatic activity to last longer and thus improve the cleaning performance. In principle, all stabilization options described in the prior art and / or appropriate considerations come into consideration. Preference is given to those stabilizations which are achieved via mutations of the enzyme itself, since such stabilizations do not require any further working steps following the recovery of the enzyme. Examples of sequence changes suitable for this purpose are mentioned above. Other suitable sequence changes are known from the prior art. For example, proteases can also be stabilized by replacing one or more tyrosine residues with other amino acids.

Further possibilities of stabilization are, for example:

Changing the binding of metal ions, in particular the calcium binding sites,

for example, by replacing one or more of the amino acid (s) involved in the calcium binding with one or more negatively charged amino acids and / or by introducing sequence changes in at least one of the sequences of the two amino acids arginine / glycine;

Protection against the influence of denaturing agents, such as surfactants, on mutations causing an alteration of the amino acid sequence on or at the surface of the protein;

Replacement of amino acids located near the N-terminus against those likely to contact non-covalent interactions with the rest of the molecule, thus contributing to the maintenance of the globular structure.

Preferred embodiments are those in which the enzyme is stabilized in several ways, as several stabilizing mutations act additive or synergistic. Another object of the invention is a protease as described above, which is characterized in that it has at least one chemical modification. A protease with such a change is called a derivative, ie the protease is derivatized.

For the purposes of the present application, derivatives are understood as meaning those proteins whose pure amino acid chain has been chemically modified. Such

Derivatizations can be made, for example, in vivo by the host cell expressing the protein. In this regard, couplings of low molecular weight compounds such as lipids or oligosaccharides are particularly noteworthy. However, derivatizations can also be carried out in vitro, for example by the chemical transformation of a side chain of an amino acid or by covalent binding of another compound to the protein. For example, the coupling of amines to carboxyl groups of an enzyme to alter the isoelectric point is possible. Such another compound may also be another protein that is bound to a protein of the invention via bifunctional chemical compounds, for example. Similarly, derivatization is the covalent bond to a

to understand macromolecular carrier, or even a non-covalent inclusion in suitable macromolecular cage structures. Derivatizations may, for example, affect the substrate specificity or binding strength to the substrate or cause a temporary blockage of the enzymatic activity when the coupled substance is an inhibitor. This can be useful, for example, for the period of storage. Such modifications may further affect stability or enzymatic activity. They can also serve to reduce the allergenicity and / or immunogenicity of the protein and thus, for example, increase its skin compatibility. For example, couplings with macromolecular compounds, for example, polyethylene glycol, can improve the protein in terms of stability and / or skin tolerance.

Derivatives of a protein according to the invention can also be used in the broadest sense

Preparations of these proteins are understood. Depending on the extraction, processing or preparation, a protein may be associated with various other substances, for example from the culture of the producing microorganisms. A protein may also have been deliberately added to other substances, for example to increase its storage stability.

Therefore, all preparations of a protein according to the invention are also according to the invention. This is also independent of whether or not it actually exhibits this enzymatic activity in a particular preparation. Because it may be desired that it has no or only low activity during storage, and unfolds its enzymatic function only at the time of use. This can be controlled, for example, via appropriate accompanying substances.

In particular, the joint preparation of proteases with protease inhibitors is possible in this regard. With regard to all the proteases or protease variants and / or derivatives described above, those whose stability and / or activity corresponds at least to those of the protease according to SEQ ID NO ID NO. 1, whereby the cleaning performance in a washing system is determined as described above.

Another object of the invention is a nucleic acid encoding a protease of the invention, and a vector containing such a nucleic acid, in particular a

Cloning vector or an expression vector. The nucleic acid can comprise or consist of the nucleotide sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 or the parts of the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 4 coding for the protease according to SEQ ID NO.1 or their precursors according to SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6.

These may be DNA or RNA molecules. They can be present as a single strand, as a single strand that is complementary to this single strand, or as a double strand. Especially in the case of DNA molecules, the sequences of both complementary strands must be taken into account in all three possible reading frames. Furthermore, it should be noted that different codons, so base triplets, can code for the same amino acids, so that a particular amino acid sequence can be encoded by several different nucleic acids. Due to this degeneracy of the genetic code, all nucleic acid sequences are included in this subject of the invention which can encode any of the proteases described above. The person skilled in the art is able to determine these nucleic acid sequences unequivocally since, despite the degeneracy of the genetic code, individual codons are assigned defined amino acids. Therefore, the person skilled in the art can easily determine nucleic acids coding for this amino acid sequence on the basis of an amino acid sequence. Furthermore, with nucleic acids according to the invention, one or more codons may be replaced by synonymous codons. This aspect relates in particular to the heterologous expression of the enzymes according to the invention. Thus, each organism, for example a host cell of a production strain, has a particular codon usage. Codon usage is understood to mean the translation of the genetic code into amino acids by the particular organism. Bottlenecks in protein biosynthesis can occur if the codons lying on the nucleic acid in the organism face a comparatively small number of loaded tRNA molecules. Although coding for the same amino acid, this results in a codon being translated less efficiently in the organism than a synonymous codon encoding the same amino acid. Due to the presence of a higher number of tRNA molecules for the synonymous codon, it can be more efficiently translated in the organism. A person skilled in the art can use well-known methods such as chemical synthesis or the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in combination with molecular biological and / or proteinchemical standard methods, using known DNA and / or amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleic acids to complete genes manufacture. Such methods are known, for example, from Sambrook, J., Fritsch, EF and Maniatis, T. 2001. Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual, 3rd Edition Cold Spring Laboratory Press.

For the purposes of the present invention, vectors are understood as consisting of nucleic acids which contain a nucleic acid according to the invention as a characteristic nucleic acid region. They can establish these in a species or cell line over several generations or cell divisions as a stable genetic element. Vectors, especially when used in bacteria, are special plasmids, ie circular genetic elements. In the context of the present invention, a nucleic acid according to the invention is cloned into a vector. The vectors include, for example, those whose origin are bacterial plasmids, viruses or bacteriophages, or predominantly synthetic vectors or plasmids with elements of various origins. With the other genetic elements present in each case, vectors are able to establish themselves as stable units in the relevant host cells over several generations. They may be extra chromosomally present as separate units or integrated into a chromosome or chromosomal DNA.

Expression vectors comprise nucleic acid sequences which enable them to replicate in the host cells containing them, preferably microorganisms, particularly preferably bacteria, and to express a contained nucleic acid there. In particular, expression is influenced by the promoter (s) that regulate transcription. In principle, the expression may be effected by the natural promoter originally located in front of the nucleic acid to be expressed, but also by a promoter of the host cell provided on the expression vector or also by a modified or completely different promoter of another organism or another host cell. In the present case, at least one promoter for the expression of a nucleic acid according to the invention is made available and used for its expression. Furthermore, expression vectors can be regulatable, for example by changing the culturing conditions or when a specific cell density of the host cells contained therein is reached or by addition of specific substances, in particular activators of gene expression. An example of such a substance is the galactose derivative isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), which is used as an activator of the bacterial lactose operon (lac operon). In contrast to expression vectors, the nucleic acid contained is not expressed in cloning vectors. A further subject of the invention is a non-human host cell which contains a nucleic acid according to the invention or a vector according to the invention or which contains a protease according to the invention, in particular one which secretes the protease into the medium surrounding the host cell. Preferably, a nucleic acid according to the invention or a vector according to the invention is transformed into a microorganism, which then represents a host cell according to the invention. Alternatively, individual components, ie nucleic acid parts or fragments of a nucleic acid according to the invention can be introduced into a host cell such that the resulting host cell contains a nucleic acid according to the invention or a vector according to the invention. This procedure is particularly suitable when the host cell already contains one or more constituents of a nucleic acid according to the invention or a vector according to the invention and the further constituents are then supplemented accordingly. Methods of transforming cells are well established in the art and well known to those skilled in the art. In principle, all cells, that is to say prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, are suitable as host cells. Preference is given to those host cells which can be handled genetically advantageously, for example as regards the transformation with the nucleic acid or the vector and its stable establishment, for example unicellular fungi or bacteria. Furthermore, preferred host cells are characterized by a good microbiological and

biotechnological handling. This concerns, for example, easy culturing, high growth rates, low demands on fermentation media and good production and secretion rates for foreign proteins. Preferred host cells according to the invention secrete the (transgenially) expressed protein into the medium surrounding the host cells. Furthermore, the proteases can be modified by the cells producing them after their production, for example by attachment of sugar molecules, formylations, aminations, etc. Such post-translational modifications can functionally influence the protease.

Further preferred embodiments are those host cells which are regulatable in their activity due to genetic regulatory elements which are provided, for example, on the vector, but may also be present in these cells from the outset.

For example, by controlled addition of chemical compounds that serve as activators, by changing the culture conditions or when reaching a specific cell density, these can be excited for expression. This enables an economical production of the proteins according to the invention. An example of such a compound is IPTG as described above.

Preferred host cells are prokaryotic or bacterial cells. Bacteria are characterized by short generation times and low demands on cultivation conditions. As a result, inexpensive cultivation methods or production methods can be established. In addition, the expert has a wealth of experience in bacteria in fermentation technology. For a special production can be made of different, in individual cases for reasons to be determined experimentally, such as nutrient sources, product formation rate, time requirement, etc., gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria.

In Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, a large number of proteins are secreted into the periplasmic space, ie into the compartment between the two membranes enclosing the cells. This can be advantageous for special applications. Furthermore, Gram-negative bacteria can also be designed such that they eject the expressed proteins not only into the periplasmic space but into the medium surrounding the bacterium. In contrast, Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacilli or Actinomycetes or other representatives of Actinomycetales have no outer membrane, so that secreted proteins readily into the medium surrounding the bacteria, usually the

Nutrient medium can be dispensed, from which the expressed proteins can be purified. They can be isolated directly from the medium or further processed. In addition, Gram-positive bacteria are related or identical to most of the organisms of origin for technically important enzymes and usually form even comparable enzymes, so they have a similar codon use and their protein synthesizer is naturally aligned accordingly.

Host cells according to the invention may be altered in their requirements of the culture conditions, have different or additional selection markers or express other or additional proteins. In particular, it may also be those host cells which express several proteins or enzymes transgene.

The present invention is applicable in principle to all microorganisms, in particular to all fermentable microorganisms, particularly preferably those of the genus Bacillus, and results in the production of proteins according to the invention by the use of such microorganisms. Such microorganisms then represent host cells in the sense of the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the host cell is characterized in that it is a bacterium, preferably one selected from the genera of Escherichia, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Arthrobacter, Streptomyces, Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas, more preferably one selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella planticola, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus alcalophilus, Bacillus globigii, Bacillus gibsonii, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus halodurans, Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus carnosus, Corynebacterium glutamicum , Arthrobacter oxidans, Streptomyces lividans, Streptomyces coelicolor and

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The host cell may also be a eukaryotic cell, which is characterized in that it has a cell nucleus. A further subject of the invention therefore represents a host cell, which is characterized in that it has a cell nucleus. In contrast to prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells are capable of producing the protein formed

post-translationally modify. Examples thereof are fungi such as Actinomycetes or yeasts such as Saccharomyces or Kluyveromyces. This may be particularly advantageous, for example, if the proteins are to undergo specific modifications in the context of their synthesis that enable such systems. Modifications that eukaryotic systems perform, especially in connection with protein synthesis, include, for example, the binding of low molecular weight compounds such as membrane anchors or oligosaccharides. Such oligosaccharide modifications may be desirable, for example, to lower the allergenicity of an expressed protein. Also, coexpression with the enzymes naturally produced by such cells, such as cellulases or lipases, may be advantageous. Furthermore, for example, thermophilic fungal expression systems may be particularly suitable for the expression of temperature-resistant proteins or variants.

The host cells according to the invention are conventionally cultivated and fermented, for example in discontinuous or continuous systems. In the first case, a suitable nutrient medium is inoculated with the host cells and the product is harvested from the medium after an experimentally determined period of time. Continuous fermentations are characterized by achieving a flow equilibrium, in which over a relatively long period of time cells partly die out but also regrow and at the same time the protein formed can be removed from the medium.

Host cells according to the invention are preferably used to produce proteases according to the invention. Another object of the invention is therefore a method for preparing a protease comprising

a) cultivating a host cell according to the invention, and

b) isolating the protease from the culture medium or from the host cell.

This subject invention preferably comprises fermentation processes. Fermentation processes are known per se from the prior art and represent the actual large-scale production step, usually followed by a suitable purification method of the product produced, for example the protease according to the invention. All fermentation processes which are based on a corresponding process for the preparation of a protease according to the invention represent embodiments of this subject matter of the invention.

Fermentation processes, which are characterized in that the fermentation is carried out via a feed strategy, come in particular into consideration. Here are the Supplied with media components consumed by ongoing cultivation.

As a result, considerable increases can be achieved both in the cell density and in the cell mass or dry mass and / or in particular in the activity of the protease of interest. Furthermore, the fermentation can also be designed so that undesired metabolic products are filtered out or neutralized by the addition of buffer or suitable counterions.

The protease produced can be harvested from the fermentation medium. Such a fermentation process is resistant to isolation of the protease from the host cell, i. a product preparation from the cell mass (dry matter) preferred, but requires the

Providing suitable host cells or one or more suitable secretion markers or mechanisms and / or transport systems for the host cells to secrete the protease into the fermentation medium. Alternatively, without secretion, the isolation of the protease from the host cell, i. a purification of the same from the cell mass, carried out, for example by precipitation with ammonium sulfate or ethanol, or by chromatographic purification.

All of the above-described facts can be combined to form methods for producing proteases according to the invention.

Another object of the invention is an agent which is characterized in that it contains a protease according to the invention as described above. The agent is preferably a washing or cleaning agent.

This subject matter of the invention includes all conceivable types of detergents or cleaners, both concentrates and undiluted agents, for use on a commercial scale, in the washing machine or in hand washing or cleaning. These include detergents for textiles, carpets, or natural fibers for which the

Label detergent is used. These include, for example, dishwashing detergents for dishwashers or manual dishwashing detergents or cleaners for hard surfaces such as metal, glass, porcelain, ceramics, tiles, stone, painted surfaces, plastics, wood or leather, for which the term detergent is used, ie in addition to manual and machine Dishwashing agents, for example, scouring agents, glass cleaners, toilet scenters, etc. The washing and cleaning agents in the invention also include washing aids which are added to the actual detergent in the manual or machine textile laundry to achieve a further effect. Furthermore count to washing and

Detergent in the context of the invention also Textilvor- and post-treatment agent, ie those means with which the garment is brought into contact before the actual laundry, for example, to dissolve stubborn dirt, and also such agents in one the actual textile laundry downstream step give the laundry further desirable properties such as comfortable grip, crease resistance or low static charge. Amongst others, the fabric softeners are calculated.

The washing or cleaning agents according to the invention, which may be in the form of homogeneous solutions or suspensions in the form of powdered solids, may contain, in addition to a protease according to the invention, all known ingredients customary in such agents, preferably at least one further ingredient being present in the composition , The agents according to the invention may in particular be surfactants, builders,

Containing peroxygen compounds or bleach activators. In addition, they may contain water-miscible organic solvents, further enzymes, sequestering agents, electrolytes, pH regulators and / or further auxiliaries such as optical brighteners, grayness inhibitors, foam regulators, as well as dyes and fragrances, and combinations thereof.

In particular, a combination of a protease according to the invention with one or more further ingredients of the composition is advantageous, since such an agent is preferred

Embodiments of the invention has improved cleaning performance by resulting synergisms. In particular, by combining a protease according to the invention with a surfactant and / or a builder (builder) and / or a peroxygen compound and / or a bleach activator, such a synergism can be achieved.

Advantageous ingredients of agents according to the invention are disclosed in International

Patent Application WO2009 / 121725, beginning on page 5, penultimate paragraph, and ending on page 13 after the second paragraph. This disclosure is incorporated herein by reference and the disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

An agent according to the invention advantageously contains the protease in an amount of from 2 μg to 20 mg, preferably from 5 μg to 17.5 mg, more preferably from 2 μg to 15 mg and very particularly preferably from 5 μg to 10 mg per g of the composition. The protease may be advantageously contained in the agent in an amount of 1 x 10 ^-8 to 5 weight percent based on active protein. More preferably, the protease is in an amount of from 1 x 10 ^-7 to 3 wt%, from 0.00001 to 1 wt%, from 0.00005 to 0.5 wt%, from 0.0001 to 0, 1 wt .-% and particularly preferably from 0.0001 to 0.05 wt .-% in inventive compositions. Further, the protease contained in the agent, and / or other ingredients of the agent, may be coated with a substance impermeable to the enzyme at room temperature or in the absence of water, which becomes permeable to the enzyme under conditions of use of the agent. Such an embodiment of the invention is thus characterized in that the protease is coated with a substance which is impermeable to the protease at room temperature or in the absence of water. Furthermore, the washing or cleaning agent itself in a Container, preferably an air-permeable container, be packaged, from which it is released shortly before use or during the washing process.

In further embodiments of the invention, the agent is characterized in that it

(A) is in solid form, in particular as a free-flowing powder having a bulk density of 300 g / l to 1200 g / l, in particular 500 g / l to 900 g / l, or

(b) is in pasty or liquid form, and / or

(c) is present as a one-component system, or

(d) is divided into several components.

These embodiments of the present invention include all solid, powdered, liquid, gelatinous or paste-like administration forms of compositions according to the invention, which if appropriate can also consist of several phases and can be present in compressed or uncompressed form. The agent can be present as a free-flowing powder, in particular with a bulk density of 300 g / l to 1200 g / l, in particular 500 g / l to 900 g / l or 600 g / l to 850 g / l. The solid dosage forms of the composition also include extrudates, granules, tablets or pouches. Alternatively, the agent can also be liquid, gelatinous or pasty, for example in the form of a non-aqueous liquid detergent or a non-aqueous paste or in the form of an aqueous liquid detergent or a water-containing paste.

Furthermore, the agent may be present as a one-component system. Such funds consist of one phase. Alternatively, an agent can also consist of several phases. Such an agent is therefore divided into several components.

Detergents or cleaning agents according to the invention may contain only one protease. Alternatively, they may also contain other hydrolytic enzymes or other enzymes in a concentration effective for the effectiveness of the agent. A further embodiment of the invention thus represents agents which further comprise one or more further enzymes. Other enzymes which can be used as further enzymes are all enzymes which can develop a catalytic activity in the agent according to the invention, in particular a further protease, an amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, mannanase, tannase, xylanase, xanthanase, xyloglucanase, β-glucosidase, pectinase, carrageenase, Perhydrolase, oxidase, oxidoreductase or a lipase, and mixtures thereof. Further enzymes are advantageously contained in the agent in each case in an amount of 1 × 10 ^-8 to 5 percent by weight, based on active protein. Increasing preference each additional enzyme is in an amount of 1 x 10 -3 ^{~ 7} wt .-%, of 0.00001-1 wt .-%, of 0.00005 to 0.5 wt .-%, from 0.0001 to 0, 1 wt .-% and particularly preferably from 0.0001 to 0.05 wt .-% in agents according to the invention, based on active protein. Particularly preferably, the enzymes show synergistic cleaning performance against certain stains or stains, ie the enzymes contained in the middle composition mutually support each other in their cleaning performance. Very particularly preferred such synergism between the protease according to the invention and another enzyme of an agent according to the invention, in particular between said protease and the amylase and / or a lipase and / or a mannanase and / or a cellulase and / or a pectinase. Synergistic effects can not only be between

different enzymes, but also between one or more enzymes and other ingredients of the composition according to the invention occur.

A further subject of the invention is a process for the purification of textiles or hard surfaces, which is characterized in that an agent according to the invention is used in at least one process step, or in at least one process step, a protease of the invention becomes catalytically active, in particular such that the protease in an amount of 4C ^ g to 4g, preferably from 5C ^ g to 3g, more preferably from 10C ^ g to 2g, and most preferably from 20C ^ g to 1g is used.

These include both manual and mechanical processes, with mechanical processes being preferred. Methods for cleaning textiles are generally distinguished by the fact that various cleaning-active substances are applied to the items to be cleaned and washed off after the contact time, or that the items to be cleaned are otherwise treated with a detergent or a solution or dilution of this product. The same applies to processes for cleaning all other materials than textiles, especially hard surfaces. All conceivable washing or cleaning processes can be enriched in at least one of the process steps by the use of a washing or cleaning agent or a protease according to the invention and then represent embodiments of the present invention. All facts, objects and embodiments, which proteases according to the invention and containing them Means are described are also applicable to this subject invention. Therefore, reference is made at this point expressly to the disclosure in the appropriate place with the statement that this disclosure also applies to the above inventive method.

Since proteases according to the invention naturally already have a hydrolytic activity and also unfold them in media which otherwise have no cleaning power, for example in bare buffer, a single and / or the sole step of such a method may be that, if desired, the only cleaning-active component is an inventive Protease is brought into contact with the soiling, preferably in a buffer solution or in water. This represents a further embodiment of this subject of the invention.

Alternative embodiments of this subject matter of the invention are also processes for the treatment of textile raw materials or for textile care, in which at least one Process step, a protease of the invention is active. Among these, methods for textile raw materials, fibers or textiles with natural components are preferred, and especially for those with wool or silk.

Another subject of the invention is the use of an agent according to the invention for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces, or a protease according to the invention for the purification of textiles or hard surfaces, in particular such that the protease in an amount of 4C ^ g to 4g, preferably 5C ^ g to 3g, more preferably from 10C ^ g to 2g, and most preferably from 20C ^ g to 1g is used.

All aspects, objects, and embodiments described for proteases of the invention and agents containing them are also applicable to this subject of the invention. Therefore, reference is made at this point expressly to the disclosure in the appropriate place with the statement that this disclosure also applies to the above inventive use.

Examples

All molecular biology procedures are followed by standard methods such as those described in the Handbook of Fritsch, Sambrook and Maniatis "Molecular Cloning: a Laboratory Manual", Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York, 1989, or similar pertinent works ) were according to the information of the respective

Used manufacturer.

Example 1: Preparation of proteases

Numerous supernatants from basidiomycete cultures were tested for their proteolytic activity. These samples were tested for their cleaning power on various proteinaceous soils in a small scale rapid test. The culture concentrate of Pleurotus pulmonarius showed a measurable washing performance. The culture supernatant of Pleurotus pulmonarius was therefore purified by ion exchange chromatography with a HiTrap SP Sepharose XL column (GE Healthcare, 1 ml) and 20 mM sodium acetate buffer pH 6 with 1 M sodium chloride. For this, 5 mL of the supernatant were mixed 1: 1 with the buffer and purified by chromatography at a flow rate of 1 mL / min with a stepwise gradient of increasing ionic strength. Fractionation yielded a 32 kDa proteolytic protein.

The protein was fractionated by gel electrophoresis, the band excised and analyzed by ESI tandem mass spectrometry. Three peptides were identified which showed homology to serine peptidases. All three peptides showed homology to the peptidase POP1 from Pleurotus ostreatus (ACR25273.1 JGI genome data base, protein ID 1088545).

Total P. pulmonarius DNA was isolated using the NucleoSpin® RNA Plant Kit (Macherey & Nagel, DE) from approximately 250 mg fresh mycelia taken after four days of culture. ssDNA synthesis was performed with a SMARTScribe reverse

Transcriptase (Clontech), followed by backbone synthesis with Phusion DNA Polymerase (Finnzymes). Primers were then generated based on the P. ostreatus sequence that bind in the untranslated region of the gene:

UTRJw: 5'-AGCCTCTAACCAGCCCACTT-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 2)

UTR_rev: 5'-CTATCTAGGCGATGCCGAAG-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 3)

After amplification, the gene sequence could be identified and translated into a protein sequence. The protein was identified as a protease with homology to the P. ostreatus peptidase POP1.

The cDNA of the identified gene is given in SEQ ID NO: 4. SEQ ID NO: 5 indicates the deduced protein sequence including signal and propeptide. SEQ ID NO: 6 is the protein sequence including propeptide.

For heterologous expression, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the protease including the propeptide, i. SEQ ID NO: 6 encoded in a Bacillus expression vector for the

Protease production cloned, which includes a Bacillus protease signal sequence. One

Fermentation process, which was originally developed for bacterial proteases, surprisingly gave sufficiently large amounts of the protease of the invention.

Example 2: Washing Performance

The washing performance of the protease compared to the reference enzymes Biotouch® ROC (available from ABEnzymes), the protease according to SeqlD. No2 from WO201 1/141358 (hereinafter:

Protease2), subtilisin Carlsberg & Liquanase® (available from Novozymes) in a wash test on various soils.

Standardized soiled textiles were used for this example. There were the following

Stains used:

A: Blood on cotton: EMPA No. 1 1 1

B: Blood milk / ink on cotton / polyester: EMPA No. 1 17

C: Blood milk on cotton: CFT C-05 available from CFT (Center For Testmaterials) B.V.

Viaardingen, Netherlands.

D: egg / soot on cotton: WFK 10N

E: egg yolk on cotton: WFK 10EG

Q: Cocoa / Coal on Cotton: CFT C-03 available from CFT (Center For Test Materials) B.V.

Viaardingen, Netherlands.

G: tallow / pigment: WFK 10D

H: tallow / pigment: WFK 20D

With this test material different detergent formulations were examined for their cleaning performance. For this, the batches were washed for 70 minutes at a temperature of 40 ° C. The dosage was 4.7 g of the detergent per liter of wash liquor. It was washed with city water with a water hardness of 16 ° German hardness.

The control detergent used was a detergent base formulation of the following composition (all figures in percentages by weight): 0.3-0.5% xanthan gum, 0.2-0.4% anti-foaming agent, 6-7%

Glycerine, 0.3-0.5% ethanol, 4-7% FAEOS (fatty alcohol ether sulfate), 24-28% nonionic surfactants, 1% boric acid, 1 -2% sodium citrate (dihydrate), 2-4% soda, 14-16 % Coconut fatty acids, 0.5% HEDP (1-hydroxyethane- (1, 1-di-phosphonic acid)), 0-0.4% PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), 0-0.05% optical brightener, 0-0.001% Dye, remainder demineralized water. The detergent base formulation was treated with the proteases for the different series of active protein (0.03% by weight active substance). The protease according to the invention used was the protease disclosed in SEQ ID NO.1.

After washing, the whiteness of the washed fabrics was measured. The measurement was carried out on a Minolta CM508d spectrometer (illuminant D65, 10 °). The device was previously calibrated with a supplied white standard. The results are summarized in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Wash results with a liquid detergent at 40 ° C

It becomes clear that the protease according to the invention shows comparable cleaning performance on the soiled soils tested as the established enzymes ROC and subtilisin Carlsberg.

In the following, the cleaning performance of the enzyme according to the invention in the same washing process was compared once again on selected soiling with that of commercially available detergent proteases. The results obtained are the difference between the remission units obtained for the protease according to the invention and that for the

Reference proteases obtained remission units (AREM = remission units

Reference protease - remission units protease according to the invention). Negative values thus indicate a reduced degree of whiteness compared to the protease according to the invention. The results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Wash results with a liquid detergent at 40 ° C

The results show the improved performance of the protease of the invention on certain soils.

Claims

claims

A protease comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to that described in SEQ ID NO. 1 amino acid sequence over its entire length has a sequence identity of at least 95.4% or sequence homology of at least 98% and functional fragments thereof.

2. Protease according to claim 1, characterized in that

(a) it comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO.1; or

(b) it is obtainable from a protease according to (a) as the starting molecule

(i) single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution; and or

(ii) comprises fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and an amino acid sequence over a length of at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 285, 287, 289, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295 or 296 contiguous amino acids matches the parent molecule.

3. Nucleic acid coding for a protease according to one of claims 1 or 2.

4. Vector containing a nucleic acid according to claim 4, in particular a cloning vector or an expression vector.

A non-human host cell which comprises a nucleic acid according to claim 3 or a vector according to claim 4, or which comprises a protease according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in particular one which secretes the protease into the medium surrounding the host cell.

6. A method for producing a protease comprising

a) culturing a host cell according to claim 5; and

b) isolating the protease from the culture medium or from the host cell.

7. agent, in particular a detergent or cleaning agent, characterized in that it comprises a protease comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the in SEQ ID NO. 1 amino acid sequence throughout its length has a sequence identity or sequence homology of at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and functional fragments thereof.

8. Composition according to claim 7, characterized in that the protease is obtainable from a protease as defined in claim 7 as starting molecule is obtainable by (i) single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution; and or

(ii) fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and a

Having a length of at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 285, 287, 289, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295 or 296, contiguous amino acids matches the parent molecule

9. Composition according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the protease

(i) a protease according to claim 1 or 2; and or

(ii) in an amount of from 2 μg to 20 mg per g of the agent in the composition; and or

(iii) enveloping the composition with a substance which is impermeable to the protease at room temperature or in the absence of water.

10. A method for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces, characterized in that in at least one method step, an agent according to any one of claims 7-9 is applied, in particular such that the protease is used in an amount of 40 micrograms to 4 g per application ,