MHETase

MHETase (Mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate hydrolase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (MHET) into terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). MHETase plays a crucial role in the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common type of plastic.

MHETase, working in conjunction with PETase (polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase), breaks down PET into its constituent monomers. PETase initially hydrolyzes PET into MHET, among other products. MHETase then further hydrolyzes MHET into TPA and EG. These monomers can then be further metabolized by microorganisms, ultimately leading to the complete biodegradation of PET.

The discovery and characterization of MHETase, alongside PETase, have significant implications for bioremediation of plastic waste. These enzymes represent a potential biological solution for addressing the global plastic pollution crisis by offering a pathway to depolymerize PET into its building blocks, which can then be either recycled or safely disposed of.

The enzyme's structure has been determined through X-ray crystallography, providing insights into its catalytic mechanism and substrate binding. Ongoing research focuses on improving the activity and stability of MHETase through protein engineering, with the aim of developing more efficient biocatalysts for PET degradation.