N-Acetylneuraminate lyase (NAL), also known as sialic acid aldolase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible cleavage of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) into N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (ManNAc) and pyruvate . This enzyme is part of the lyase family, specifically the oxo-acid-lyases, which cleave carbon-carbon bonds . The recombinant form of this enzyme, produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli), has significant applications in biochemical research and industrial processes.
NAL plays a crucial role in the metabolism of sialic acids, which are essential components of glycoproteins and glycolipids in many organisms . The enzyme’s activity involves the formation of a Schiff base intermediate, facilitating the aldol cleavage of Neu5Ac . This reaction is reversible, allowing NAL to also catalyze the synthesis of Neu5Ac from ManNAc and pyruvate .
Recombinant protein production in E. coli is a widely used method due to the bacterium’s well-characterized genetics, rapid growth, and high-yield production capabilities . The gene encoding NAL is cloned into an expression vector, which is then introduced into E. coli cells. Upon induction, the recombinant E. coli produces NAL, which can be purified using various chromatographic techniques .