ObjectiveWe aimed to characterize a novel SGNH (Ser-Gly-Asn-His) family hydrolase from the annotated genome of marine bacteria with new features.ResultsA novel esterase Ali5 from Altererythrobacter ishigakiensis has been identified and classified into SGNH family. Ali5 presented a novel GNSL (Gly-Asn-Ser-Leu(X)) motif that differs from the classic GDSL (Gly-Asp-Ser-Leu(X)) motif of SGNH family. The enzyme has esterase and thioesterase activity and exhibited apparent temperature and pH optima of 40 degrees C and pH 7.5 (in phosphate buffer), respectively. Ali5 was found to be halotolerant and thermostable, and exhibited strong resistance to several organic solvents and metal ions. The residue Tyr(196) has a great influence on the catalytic activity, which was proved by site-directed mutagenesis and subsequent kinetic characterization.ConclusionThe esterase Ali5 with esterase and thioesterase activities, salt and metal ions resistance and unique structural features was identified, which holds promise for research on the SGNH family of hydrolases.