Potential of a Funalia trogii laccase enzyme as an anticancer agent

Funalia trogii extract has been reported to have antitumour properties, selectively killing cancer cells without affecting normal cells in vitro; the extract has also been found to be effective in reducing tumour growth in vivo. The present study was carried out to identify the bioactive constituents in the extract; in particular, the enzyme components (laccase and peroxidase). Results confirmed that laccase (molecular size 65 kDa) was one of the bioactive agents present in the extract. Native gels were stained for protein and the excised bands were analysed using Mascot and Blastp search tools. Laccase was confirmed to be one of the protein bands; however, the identity of the second band could not be confirmed. Also, the role of enzyme peroxidase could not be established in the cytotoxicity of the F. trogii extract. In conclusion, the results indicate that laccase may be one of the potential bioactive components of F. trogii extract, and further studies are required to understand its course of action in conferring cytotoxic properties. The ability to produce these enzymes under liquid fermentation conditions in relatively pure form lends itself for large scale industrial production.