Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are multicopper oxidases found in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Laccases oxidize a variety of phenolic substrates, performing one-electron oxidations, leading to crosslinking. For example, laccases play a role in the formation of lignin by promoting the oxidative coupling of monolignols, a family of naturally occurring phenols.[1] Other laccases, such as those produced by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, play a role in the degradation of lignin, and can therefore be classed as lignin-modifying enzymes.[2] Other laccases produced by fungi can facilitate the biosynthesis of melanin pigments.[3] Laccases catalyze ring cleavage of aromatic compounds.[4]
Laccase was first studied by Hikorokuro Yoshida in 1883 and then by Gabriel Bertrand[5] in 1894[6] in the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, where it helps to form lacquer, hence the name laccase.
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