Studies on the Laccase of Lentinus edodes: Specificity, Localization and Association with the Development of Fruiting Bodies

• Published in: Journal of general microbiology Vol. 125; no. 1; pp. 147 - 157
• Main Authors: LEATHAM, GARY F, STAHMANN, MARK A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Soc General Microbiol 01-07-1981
• ISSN: 0022-1287; 1350-0872; 1465-2080
• DOI: 10.1099/00221287-125-1-147

1 Department of Biochemistry, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT
The phenol oxidases from mature fruiting bodies of Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing., a commercially cultivated mushroom, were studied. The major phenol oxidase was a laccase with a pH optimum near 4.0 and an apparent molecular weight of 100000. Catechol oxidase and tyrosinase were also present. The laccase investigated was primarily extracellular; the highest activity was in the pigmented rind of the pileus and in the stipe. Increased laccase activity was associated with rapid growth of non-pigmented aerial mycelium and formation of pigmented primordia and fruiting bodies. Possible functions of the laccase and its regulation during the development of fruiting bodies are discussed.
Present address: USD A Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, P.O. Box 5130, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, U.S.A.