The
small subunit, ssPOXA3a/b, and the large subunit, POXA3, are
indispensable components of typical heterodimeric laccase (Lacc2)
in white rot fungi. However, the enzymatic and biological functions
of ssPOXA3a/b remain unclear. The present study revealed that neither
ssPOXA3a nor ssPOXA3b per se has a catalytic ability, whereas their
combination with POXA3 (and especially ssPOXA3b) enhances the activity,
thermostability, and pH stability of POXA3. In Pleurotus
eryngii var. ferulae, there was no regulatory relationship
between ssPOXA3a/b and POXA3 at the transcriptional level. However, sspoxa3a/b overexpression had a negative feedback effect
on lacc6 transcription. By contrast, poxa3 transcripts had no effect on any other laccase isoenzyme. Overexpression
of sspoxa3a/b resulted in small fungal pellets, thin
mycelial walls, and facilitated laccase secretion. However, poxa3 overexpression had no influence on pellet morphology.
Collectively, this work elucidated the functions of ssPOXA3a/b and
laid an empirical foundation for the development of high-yield laccase.