Laccase-mediated biotransformation potential for fluorinated compounds by geographically diverse human gut microbiota.

Human gut microbiomes across diverse populations widely contain laccase genes, with abundance and diversity linked to urbanization levels.

• Why it matters: Understanding microbial enzymes that transform fluorinated compounds is crucial because these stable chemicals are increasingly present in human diets and may impact health.
• What they did: The study analyzed 1,578 human gut metagenomes globally, heterologously expressed eight gut-derived laccases, and tested six for activity, including their ability to deplete food-associated chemicals.
• The result: One gut microbial laccase from Veillonella degraded certain agrochemicals and bisphenol AF, highlighting the potential of gut microbiome enzymes to modify industrial and agricultural chemicals.