Cloning of beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene from Bacillus licheniformis EGW039 (CGMCC 0635) and its expression in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)

Expression and biochemical characterization of a novel thermostable alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) from an alkaliphilic Bacillus lehensis G1

New thermostable β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) designated as Blg29 was expressed and purified from a locally isolated alkaliphilic bacteria Bacillus lehensis G1. The genome sequence of B. lehensis predicted an open reading frame of Blg29 with a deduced of 249 amino acids and a molecular weight of 28.99 kDa. The gene encoding for Blg29 was successfully amplified via PCR and subsequently expressed as a recombinant protein using the E. coli expression system. Recombinant Blg29 was produced as a soluble form and further purified via immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). Based on biochemical characterization, recombinant Blg29 showed optimal activity at pH9 and temperature 60 °C respectively. This enzyme was stable for more than 2 h, incubated at 50 °C, and could withstand ∼50 % of its activity at 70 °C for an hour and a half. No significant effect on Blg29 was observed when incubated with metal ions except for a small increase with ion Ca2+. Blg29 showed high substrate activity towards lichenan where Vm, Km, Kcat, and kcat/Km values were 2040.82 μmolmin‾1mg‾1, 4.69 mg/mL, and 986.39 s‾1 and 210.32 mLs‾1mg‾1 respectively. The high thermostability and activity make this enzyme useable for a broad prospect in industry applications.

Biochemical properties and application of a multi-domain β-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Fibrobacter sp

A novel glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 16 multi-domain β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (FsGlc16A) from Fibrobacter sp. UWP2 was identified, heterogeneously expressed, and its enzymatic properties, protein structure and application potential were characterized. Enzymological characterization showed that FsGlc16A performed the optimal catalytic activity at pH 4.5 and 50 °C with a specific activity of 3263 U/mg. FsGlc16A exhibited the substrate specificity towards oat β-glucan, barley β-glucan and lichenan, and in addition, it hydrolyzed oat β-glucan and lichenan into different β-glucooligosaccharides with polymerization degrees of 3-4, which further illustrated that it belonged to the endo-type β-1,3-1,4-glucanase. FsGlc16A was classified in subfamily25 of GH16. A 'PXSSSS' repeats domain was identified at the C-terminus of FsGlc16A, which was distinct from the typical GH family 16 β-1,3-1,4-glucanases. Removing the 'PXSSSS' repeats domain affected the binding of the substrate to FsGlc16A and reduced the enzyme activity. FsGlc16A displayed good potential for the applications, which hydrolyzed oat bran into β-glucooligosaccharides, and reduced filtration time (18.89 %) and viscosity (3.64 %) in the saccharification process. This study investigated the enzymatic properties and domain function of FsGlc16A, providing new ideas and insights into the study of β-1,3-1,4-glucanase.

Digestion and utilization of plant-based diets by transgenic pigs secreting β-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase in their salivary glands

Novel transgenic (TG) pigs co-expressing three microbial enzymes, β-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase, in their salivary glands were previously generated, which exhibited reduced phosphorus and nitrogen emissions and improved growth performances. In the present study, we attempted to explore the age-related change of the TG enzymic activity, the residual activity of the enzymes in the simulated gastrointestinal tract, and the effect of the transgenes on the digestion of nitrogen and phosphorus content in the fiber-rich, plant-based diets. Results showed that all the three enzymes were stably expressed over the growing and finishing periods in the F2 generation TG pigs. In simulated gastric juice, all the three enzymes exhibited excellent gastrointestinal environment adaptability. The apparent total tract digestibility of phosphorus was increased by 69.05% and 499.64%, while fecal phosphate outputs were decreased by 56.66% and 37.32%, in the TG pigs compared with the wild-type littermates fed with low non-starch polysaccharides diets and high fiber diets, respectively. Over half of available phosphorus and water-soluble phosphorus in fecal phosphorus were reduced. We also found the performance of phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen retention rates were significantly improved, resulting in faster growth performance in TG pigs. The results indicate that TG pigs can effectively digest the high-fiber diets and exhibit good growth performance compared with wild type pigs.

Purification, characterization, immobilization and applications of an enzybiotic β-1,3-1,4-glucanase produced from halotolerant marine Halomonas meridiana ES021

Extracellular β-1,3-1,4-glucanase-producing strain Halomonas meridiana ES021 was isolated from Gabal El-Zeit off shore, Red Sea, Egypt. The Extracellular enzyme was partially purified by precipitation with 75% acetone followed by anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, where a single protein band was determined with molecular mass of approximately 72 kDa. The K_m value was 0.62 mg β-1,3-1,4-glucan/mL and V_max value was 7936 U/mg protein. The maximum activity for the purified enzyme was observed at 40 °C, pH 5.0, and after 10 min of the reaction. β-1,3-1,4-glucanase showed strong antibacterial effect against Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Vibrio damsela. It also showed antifungal effect against Penicillium sp. followed by Aspergillus niger. No toxicity was observed when tested on Artemia salina. Semi-purified β-1,3-1,4-glucanase was noticed to be effective in clarification of different juices at different pH values and different time intervals. The maximum clarification yields were 51.61% and 66.67% on mango juice at 40 °C and pH 5.3 for 2 and 4 h, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of β-1,3-1,4-glucanase enzyme from halotolerant Halomonas species.

Comparative genomic and transcriptome analysis of Bacillus velezensis CL-4 fermented corn germ meal

Bacillus, an excellent organic-degrading agent, can degrade lignocellulose. Notably, some B. velezensis strains encode lignocellulases. However, their ability to degrade lignocellulose in fermented feed is not much appreciated. This study performed a comparative genomic analysis of twenty-three B. velezensis strains to find common carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) encoding genes and evaluated their potential to degrade lignocellulose. The comparative genomic and CAZyme database-based analyses identified several potential CAZymes genes that degrade cellulose (GH1, GH4, GH5, GH13, GH16, GH32, PL1, and PL9), hemicellulose (GH11, GH26, GH43, GH51, and CE3) and lignin (AA4, AA6, AA7, and AA10). Furthermore, Illumina RNA-seq transcriptome analysis revealed the expression of more than 1794 genes in B. velezensis CL-4 fermented corn germ meal at 48 h (FCGM 48 h). Gene ontology analysis of expressed genes revealed their enrichment in hydrolase activity (breaking the glycosyl bonds during carbohydrate metabolism), indicating the upregulation of CAZymes. In total, 58 differentially upregulated CAZymes-encoding genes were identified in FCGM 48 h compared to FCGM 0 h. The upregulated CAZymes-encoding genes were related to cellulose (6-phospho-β-galactosidase and 6-phospho-α-glucosidase), starch (α-glucosidase and α-amylase), pectin (pectin lyase), and hemicellulose (arabinan endo-1,5-α-L-arabinosidase, xylan 1,4-beta-xylosidase, α-N-arabinofuranosidase, and acetyl xylan esterase). Importantly, arabinoxylan degradation mainly occurred in FCGM 48 h, followed by partial degradation of cellulose, pectin, and starch. This study can support the development of enzymatic cocktails for the solid-state fermented feed (SFF).

Comparative genomic and secretomic characterisation of endophytic Bacillus velezensis LC1 producing bioethanol from bamboo lignocellulose

Bacillus is an excellent organic matter degrader, and it has exhibited various abilities required for lignocellulose degradation. Several B. velezensis strains encode lignocellulosases, however their ability to efficiently transform biomass has not been appreciated. In the present study, through the comparative genomic analysis of the whole genome sequences of 21 B. velezensis strains, CAZyome related to lignocellulose degradation was identified and their similarities and differences were compared. Subsequently, the secretome of B. velezensis LC1 by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were identified and confirmed that a considerable number of proteins were involved in lignocellulose degradation. Moreover, after 6-day treatment, the degradation efficiency of the B. velezensis LC1 toward cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were 59.90%, 75.44% and 23.41%, respectively, the hydrolysate was subjected to ethanol fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli KO11, yielded 10.44 g/L ethanol after 96 h. These results indicate that B. velezensis LC1 has the ability to effectively degrade bamboo lignocellulose and has the potential to be used in bioethanol production.

Production of Highly Active Extracellular Amylase and Cellulase From Bacillus subtilis ZIM3 and a Recombinant Strain With a Potential Application in Tobacco Fermentation

In this study, a series of bacteria capable of degrading starch and cellulose were isolated from the aging flue-cured tobacco leaves. Remarkably, there was a thermophilic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis ZIM3, that can simultaneously degrade both starch and cellulose at a wide range of temperature and pH values. Genome sequencing, comparative genomics analyses, and enzymatic activity assays showed that the ZIM3 strain expressed a variety of highly active plant biomass-degrading enzymes, such as the amylase AmyE1 and cellulase CelE1. The in vitro and PhoA-fusion assays indicated that these enzymes degrading complex plant biomass into fermentable sugars were secreted into ambient environment to function. Besides, the amylase and cellulase activities were further increased by three- to five-folds by using overexpression. Furthermore, a fermentation strategy was developed and the biodegradation efficiency of the starch and cellulose in the tobacco leaves were improved by 30–48%. These results reveal that B. subtilis ZIM3 and the recombinant strain exhibited high amylase and cellulase activities for efficient biodegradation of starch and cellulose in tobacco and could potentially be applied for industrial tobacco fermentation.

Fungal β-1,3-1,4-glucanases: production, proprieties and biotechnological applications

β-1,3-1,4-glucanases (or lichenases; EC 3.2.1.73) comprise one of the main enzymes used in industry during recent decades. These enzymes hydrolyze β-glucans containing β-1,3 and β-1,4 linkages, such as cereal β-glucans and lichenan. The β-1,3-1,4-glucanases are produced by a variety of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. A large number of microbial β-1,3-1,4-glucanases have potential application in industrial processes, such as feed, food and detergent industries. The present review summarizes the available studies with respect to β-1,3-1,4-glucanases production conditions, enzyme biochemical properties and potential industrial application. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improvement of cellulose degradation by cloning of endo-β-1, 3-1, 4 glucanase (bgls) gene from Bacillus subtilis BTN7A strain

The aim of this study is to construct a new recombinant strain able to degrade cellulose efficiently. The endo-β-1, 3-1, 4 glucanase (bgls) gene was cloned from Bacillus subtilis BTN7A strain by using PCR technique. The specific primers of bgls gene were deduced. Optimization of PCR mixture and program were identified. The nucleotide sequence of bgls was placed in the public domain (GenBank accession number KM009051.1). The obtained bgls DNA was cloned with pGEM®-T Easy Vector. The recombinant plasmid designated as Bgls-NRC-1 was transformed into E. coli DH5α. The successful cloning of the bgls gene was tested either by PCR or by evaluating its expression in its new bacterial host. The bgls gene was expressed efficiently in E. coli and the enzyme activity of the transformant was compared to the enzyme activity of the donor bacterial strain. The new constructs produce much higher enzyme yields than the donor bacterial strain, they produce about 29% and about 57% higher cellulase specific activity at 37 °C and 55 °C respectively. Optimization of cellulolytic activity of the new recombinant strain were described. The effect of minimal medium supplemented with CMC or cellulose, or complete medium (LB) on bgls expression were tested, the order of cellulase activity production was CMC27.2 > cellulose 21.9 > LB 19.8 U/mg protein, respectively at 24 h. CMC was proved to be the best medium for cellulase production. Results also showed that double the initial inoculum resulted in more cellulase activities in all media.

Novel transgenic pigs with enhanced growth and reduced environmental impact

In pig production, inefficient feed digestion causes excessive nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen to be released to the environment. To address the issue of environmental emissions, we established transgenic pigs harboring a single-copy quad-cistronic transgene and simultaneously expressing three microbial enzymes, β-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase in the salivary glands. All the transgenic enzymes were successfully expressed, and the digestion of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and phytate in the feedstuff was enhanced. Fecal nitrogen and phosphorus outputs in the transgenic pigs were reduced by 23.2–45.8%, and growth rate improved by 23.0% (gilts) and 24.4% (boars) compared with that of age-matched wild-type littermates under the same dietary treatment. The transgenic pigs showed an 11.5–14.5% improvement in feed conversion rate compared with the wild-type pigs. These findings indicate that the transgenic pigs are promising resources for improving feed efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

The bodily waste that pigs produce contains high levels of chemicals that can damage the environment, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. For example, when excessive amounts of these two compounds make their way into the water, they can cause blue-green algae to grow too much, which asphyxiates other life in the water.

Pigs produce a lot of nitrogen and phosphorus because they cannot efficiently digest their food. In particular, the animals lack the enzymes required to break down two types of molecules present in their feedstuff: phytates and non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs).

Zhang, Li et al. take four microbial genes which code for the enzymes needed to digest NSPs and phytates, and they add these DNA sequences into the genomes of pigs. The animals then produce enzymes in their saliva that transform NSPs and phytates into molecules which can be used by their digestive system. The pigs thus get more energy from their food, and they grow faster and bigger. They also produce less nitrogen and phosphorus in their waste.

Over 1.2 billion pigs are farmed each year, and they are the most economically important meat source in the world. Raising animals that can digest their food better would reduce the need for pig feed, increase productivity and reduce environmental pollution. However, discussions with policy makers and with the public will be necessary before these results can be adopted by the farming industry.

Variation in barley (1 → 3, 1 → 4)-β-glucan endohydrolases reveals novel allozymes with increased thermostability

Novel barley (1 → 3, 1 → 4)-β-glucan endohydrolases with increased thermostability. Rapid and reliable degradation of (1 → 3, 1 → 4)-β-glucan to produce low viscosity wort is an essential requirement for malting barley. The (1 → 3, 1 → 4)-β-glucan endohyrolases are responsible for the primary hydrolysis of cell wall β-glucan. The variation in β-glucanase genes HvGlb1 and HvGlb2 that encode EI and EII, respectively, were examined in elite and exotic germplasm. Six EI and 14 EII allozymes were identified, and significant variation was found in β-glucanase from Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum (wild barley), the progenitor of modern cultivated barley. Allozymes were examined using prediction methods; the change in Gibbs free energy of the identified amino acid substitutions to predict changes in enzyme stability and homology modelling to examine the structure of the novel allozymes using the existing solved EII structure. Two EI and four EII allozymes in wild barley accessions were predicted to have improved barley β-glucanase thermostability. One novel EII candidate was identified in existing backcross lines with contrasting HvGlb2 alleles from wild barley and cv Flagship. The contrasting alleles in selected near isogenic lines were examined in β-glucanase thermostability analyses. The EII from wild barley exhibited a significant increase in β-glucanase thermostability conferred by the novel HvGlb2 allele. Increased β-glucanase thermostability is heritable and candidates identified in wild barley could improve malting and brewing quality in new varieties.

NaCl-, protease-tolerant and cold-active endoglucanase from Paenibacillus sp. YD236 isolated from the feces of Bos frontalis

Bos frontalis, which consumes bamboo and weeds, may have evolved unique gastrointestinal microorganisms that digest cellulase. A Paenibacillus sp. YD236 strain was isolated from B. frontalis feces, from which a GH8 endoglucanase gene, pglue8 (1107 bp, 54.5 % GC content), encoding a 368-residue polypeptide (PgluE8, 40.4 kDa) was cloned. PgluE8 efficiently hydrolyzed barley-β-d-glucan followed by CMC-Na, soluble starch, laminarin, and glucan from black yeast optimally at pH 5.5 and 50 °C, and retained 78.6, 41.6, and 34.5 % maximum activity when assayed at 20, 10, and 0 °C, respectively. Enzyme activity remained above 176.6 % after treatment with 10.0 mM β-mercaptoethanol, and was 83.0, 78, and 56 % after pre-incubation in 30 % (w/v) NaCl, 16.67 mg/mL trypsin, and 160.0 mg/mL protease K, respectively. Cys23 and Cys364 residues were critical for PgluE8 activity. pglue8, identified from B. frontalis feces for the first time in this study, is a potential alternative for applications including food processing, washing, and animal feed preparation.

Crystal structural basis for Rv0315, an immunostimulatory antigen and inactive beta-1,3-glucanase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, as two billion people are latently infected with Mtb. To address Mtb drug resistance and the limitations of current vaccines, the characteristics of candidate Mtb vaccines need to be explored. Here, we report the three-dimensional structure of Rv0315 at 1.70 Å resolution, a novel immunostimulatory antigen of Mtb, and demonstrate that Rv0315 is an inactive β-1,3-glucanase of the glycoside hydrolase 16 (GH16) family. Our study further elaborates the molecular basis for the lack of glucan recognition by Rv0315. Rv0315 has a large open groove, and this particular topology cannot bind oligosaccharide chains in solution, thus explaining the lack of detectable hydrolytic activity towards its substrate. Additionally, we identified Glu-176, a conserved catalytic residue in GH16 endo-β-1,3-glucanases, as essential for Rv0315 to induce immunological responses. These results indicate that Rv0315 likely diverged from a broad-specificity ancestral GH16 glucanase, and this inactive member of the GH16 family offers new insights into the GH16 glucanase. Together, our findings suggest that an inactive β-1,3-glucanase in Mtb drives T-helper 1 (Th1) immune responses, which may help develop more effective vaccines against Mtb infection.

Salecan Enhances the Activities of β-1,3-Glucanase and Decreases the Biomass of Soil-Borne Fungi

Salecan, a linear extracellular polysaccharide consisting of β-1,3-D-glucan, has potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of salecan on soil microbial communities in a vegetable patch. Compositional shifts in the genetic structure of indigenous soil bacterial and fungal communities were monitored using culture-dependent dilution plating, culture-independent PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative PCR. After 60 days, soil microorganism counts showed no significant variation in bacterial density and a marked decrease in the numbers of fungi. The DGGE profiles revealed that salecan changed the composition of the microbial community in soil by increasing the amount of Bacillus strains and decreasing the amount of Fusarium strains. Quantitative PCR confirmed that the populations of the soil-borne fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Trichoderma spp. were decreased approximately 6- and 2-fold, respectively, in soil containing salecan. This decrease in the amount of fungi can be explained by salecan inducing an increase in the activities of β-1,3-glucanase in the soil. These results suggest the promising application of salecan for biological control of pathogens of soil-borne fungi.

Purification and characterization of a novel lichenase from Bacillus licheniformis GZ-2

A novel lichenase from Bacillus licheniformis GZ-2 was purified to homogeneity by two steps ion-exchange chromatography with a specific activity of 8231.3 U/mg. The purified enzyme showed as a single protein band with a molecular mass of 25 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme activity were 6.5 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme exhibited strict specificity for β-1,3-1,4-d-glucans. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmax were 5.11 mg/mL and 2097 µmol/Min/mg for lichenan and 7.42 mg/mL and 1440 µmol/Min/mg for barley β-glucan. Compared to most of the reported β-1,3-1,4-glucanases (lichenase), the activity of the purified enzyme for lichenan was much higher than that for barley β-glucan. The main products of β-glucan hydrolyzed by the lichenase were cellubiosyltriose (DP3) and cellutriosyltraose (DP4). The lichenase gene from B. licheniformis GZ-2 was cloned and sequenced. The open reading frame of gene gz-2 contained 642 bp coding for a 214 amino acid mature protein. The gene was cloned into an expression vector pET 28a and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The activity in cell lysate supernatant was 137.9 U/mg.

Cheonggukjang ethanol extracts inhibit a murine allergic asthma via suppression of mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions

Cheonggukjang (CGJ), a traditional Korean fermented soybean food, exerts immunomodulatory effects. Asthma is the most common chronic allergic disease to be associated with immune response to environmental allergens. In the pathogenesis of asthma, histamine is one of the important inflammatory mediators released from granules of mast cells. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of CGJ on a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma via the suppression of histamine release. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA or a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control and then challenged with OVA inhalation. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with either 70% ethanol-extracted CGJ (CGJE) (100 mg/kg/day) or equivalent PBS. Asthma-related inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell counts and histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of lung tissues. To elucidate the mechanisms of asthma inhibition by CGJE treatment, we also examined degranulation and histamine release of compound 48/80-induced rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). Treatment with CGJE downregulated the number of eosinophils and monocytes in the lungs of mice challenged with OVA and suppressed histopathological changes, such as eosinophil infiltration, mucus accumulation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and collagen fiber deposits. Moreover, CGJE alleviated compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release from RPMCs through inhibition of calcium (Ca²⁺) uptake as well as ear swelling by infiltration of inflammatory cells. These findings demonstrated that CGJE can be used as an antiasthmatic dietary supplements candidate for histamine-mediated asthma.

Cloning, expression of b-1,3-1,4 glucanase from Bacillus subtilis SU40 and the effect of calcium ion on the stability of recombinant enzyme: in vitro and in silico analysis

A new glucanolytic bacterial strain, SU40 was isolated, and identified as Bacillus subtilis on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence homology and phylogenetic tree analysis. The gene encoding β-1,3-1,4-glucanase was delineated, cloned into pET 28a+ vector and heterologously overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The purified recombinant enzyme was about 24 kDa. The enzyme exhibited maximum activity (36.84 U/ml) at 60°C, pH 8.0 and maintained 54% activity at 80°C after incubation for 60 min. The enzyme showed activity against β-glucan, lichenan, and xylan. Amino acid sequence shared a conserved motif EIDIEF. The predicted three-dimensional homology model of the enzyme showed the presence of catalytic residues Glu105, Glu109 and Asp107, single disulphide bridge between Cys32 and Cys61 and three calcium binding site residues Pro9, Gly45 and Asp207. Presence of calcium ion improves the thermal stability of SU40 β-1,3-1,4-glucanase. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that the absence of calcium ion fluctuate the active site residues which are responsible for thermostability. The high catalytic activity and its stability to temperature, pH and metal ions indicated that the enzyme β-1,3-1,4-glucanase by B. subtilis SU40 is a good candidate for biotechnological applications.

Purification, characterization, and heterologous expression of a thermostable β-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Bacillus altitudinis YC-9

Purification, characterization, gene cloning, and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli of a thermostable β-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Bacillus altitudinis YC-9 have been investigated in this paper. The donor strain B. altitudinis YC-9 was isolated from spring silt. The native enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, diethylaminoethyl-cellulose anion exchange chromatography, and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. The purified β-1,3-1,4-glucanase was observed to be stable at 60 °C and retain more than 90% activity when incubated for 2 h at 60 °C and remain about 75% and 44% activity after incubating at 70 °C and 80 °C for 10 min, respectively. Acidity and temperature optimal for this enzyme was pH 6 and 65 °C. The open reading frame of the enzyme gene was measured to be 732 bp encoding 243 amino acids, with a predicted molecular weight of 27.47 kDa. The gene sequence of β-1,3-1,4-glucanase showed a homology of 98% with that of Bacillus licheniformis. After being expressed in E. coli BL21, active recombinant enzyme was detected both in the supernatants of the culture and the cell lysate, with the activity of 102.7 and 216.7 U/mL, respectively. The supernatants of the culture were used to purify the recombinant enzyme. The purified recombinant enzyme was characterized to show almost the same properties to the wild enzyme, except that the specific activity of the recombinant enzyme reached 5392.7 U/mg, which was higher than those ever reported β-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Bacillus strains. The thermal stability and high activity make this enzyme broad prospect for industry application. This is the first report on β-1,3-1,4-glucanase produced by B. altitudinis.

Purification and characterization of a novel β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) from thermophilic Rhizomucor miehei with high specific activity and its gene sequence

Production, purification, and characterization of a novel β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) from thermophilic Rhizomucor miehei CAU432 were investigated. High-level extracellular β-1,3-1,4-glucanase production of 6230 U/mL was obtained when oat flour (3%, w/v) was used as a carbon source at 50 °C. The crude enzyme was purified to homogeneity with a specific activity of 28818 U/mg. The molecular weight of purified enzyme was estimated to be 35.4 kDa and 33.7 kDa by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature of the enzyme were pH 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. The K(m) values of purified β-1,3-1,4-glucanase for barley β-glucan and lichenan were 2.0 mM and 1.4 mM, respectively. Furthermore, the gene (RmLic16A) encoding the β-1,3-1,4-glucanase was cloned and its deduced amino acid sequence showed the highest identity (50%) to characterized β-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Paecilomyces thermophila. The high-level production and biochemical properties of the enzyme enable its potential industrial applications.

Expression of novel β-glucanase Cel12A from Stachybotrys atra in bacterial and fungal hosts

β-glucanase Cel12A from Stachybotrys atra has been cloned and expressed in Aspergillus niger. The purified enzyme showed high activity of β-1,3-1,4-mixed glucans, was also active on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), while it did not hydrolyze crystalline cellulose or β-1,3 glucans as laminarin. Cel12A showed a marked substrate preference for β-1,3-1,4 glucans, showing maximum activity on barley β-glucans (27.69 U mg(-1)) while the activity on CMC was much lower (0.51 U mg(-1)). Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), isoelectric focussing (IEF), and zymography showed the recombinant enzyme has apparent molecular weight of 24 kDa and a pI of 8.2. Optimal temperature and pH for enzyme activity were 50°C and pH 6.5. Thin layer chromatography analysis showed that major hydrolysis products from barley β-glucan and lichean were 3-O-β-cellotriosyl-D-glucose and 3-O-β-cellobiosyl-D-glucose, while glucose and cellobiose were released in smaller amounts. The amino acid sequence deduced from cel12A revealed that it is a single domain enzyme belonging to the GH12 family, a family that contains several endoglucanases with substrate preference for β-1,3-1,4 glucans. We believe that S. atra Cel12A should be considered as a lichenase-like or nontypical endoglucanase.

An improved system for the surface immobilisation of proteins on Bacillus thuringiensis vegetative cells and spores through a new spore cortex-lytic enzyme anchor

An improved surface-immobilisation system was engineered to target heterologous proteins onto vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus thuringiensis plasmid-free recipient strain BMB171. The sporulation-dependent spore cortex-lytic enzyme from B. thuringiensis YBT-1520, SceA, was expressed in vegetative cells and used as the surface anchoring motif. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a Bacillus endo-β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (BglS) were used as the fusion partners to test the binding efficiency and the functional activities of immobilised surface proteins. The surface localisation of the SceA-GFP fusion protein on vegetative cells and spores was confirmed by Western blot, immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The GFP fluorescence intensity from both vegetative cells and spores was measured and compared to a previously characterised surface display system using a peptidoglycan hydrolase anchor (Mbg). Results demonstrated comparable efficiency of SceA- and Mbg-mediated immobilisation on vegetative cells but a more efficient immobilisation on spores using the SceA anchor, suggesting SceA has greater potential for spore-based applications. The SceA protein was then applied to target BglS onto vegetative cells and spores, and the surface immobilisation was verified by the substantial whole-cell enzymatic activity and enhanced whole-spore enzymatic activity compared to vegetative cells. A dually active B. thuringiensis vegetative cell and spore display system could prove especially valuable for the development of regenerable and heat-stable biocatalysts that function under adverse environmental conditions, for example, an effective feed additive for improved digestion and nutrient absorption by livestock.

A food-grade industrial arming yeast expressing beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase with enhanced thermal stability

The aim of this work was to construct a novel food-grade industrial arming yeast displaying beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase and to evaluate the thermal stability of the glucanase for practical application. For this purpose, a bi-directional vector containing galactokinase (GAL1) and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) promoters in different orientations was constructed. The beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene from Bacillus subtilis was fused to alpha-agglutinin and expressed under the control of the GAL1 promoter. alpha-galactosidase induced by the constitutive PGK1 promoter was used as a food-grade selection marker. The feasibility of the alpha-galactosidase marker was confirmed by the growth of transformants harboring the constructed vector on a medium containing melibiose as a sole carbon source, and by the clear halo around the transformants in Congo-red plates owing to the expression of beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase. The analysis of beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase activity in cell pellets and in the supernatant of the recombinant yeast strain revealed that beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase was successfully displayed on the cell surface of the yeast. The displayed beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase activity in the recombinant yeast cells increased immediately after the addition of galactose and reached 45.1 U/ml after 32-h induction. The thermal stability of beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase displayed in the recombinant yeast cells was enhanced compared with the free enzyme. These results suggest that the constructed food-grade yeast has the potential to improve the brewing properties of beer.

Influence of signal-peptide truncations on the functional expression of Escherichia coli gamma -glutamyltranspeptidase

The full-length Escherichia coli gamma -glutamyltranspeptidase (EcGGT) gene and five truncations lacking 33, 51, 54, 60, and 78 bp respectively at the 5' end were prepared by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the expression vector pQE-30. Isopropyl-beta -D-thiogalactopyranoside induction of E. coli M15 cells bearing the recombinant plasmids resulted in the intracellular production of the expressed proteins, EcGGT, EcGGT/DeltaN11, EcGGT/DeltaN17, EcGGT/DeltaN18, EcGGT/DeltaN20, and EcGGT/DeltaN26. The overexpressed enzymes were purified to near homogeneity by Ni(2+)-NTA resin. The specific activity for EcGGT, EcGGT/DeltaN11 and EcGGT/DeltaN17 was 5.3, 4.9, and 4.8 U/mg protein respectively, whereas the rest three enzymes had shown no GGT activity under the enzyme assay conditions. More than 94% of the activity was found in the cytoplasmic fraction of E. coli M15 cells harboring pQE-EcGGT, pQE-EcGGT/DeltaN11 or pQE-EcGGT/DeltaN17. Western blot analysis confirmed that the majority of N-terminally truncated enzymes were present in the cytoplasm.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucosyl oligosaccharides by 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase from Synechocystis PCC6803: a comparison with assays using polymer and chromophoric oligosaccharide substrates

The specificity of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase from Synechocystis PCC6803 (SsGlc) was investigated using novel substrates 1,3-1,4-beta-glucosyl oligosaccharides, in which 1,3- and 1,4-linkages are located in various arrangements. After the enzymatic reaction, the reaction products were separated and determined by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). As a result, SsGlc was found to hydrolyze the pentasaccharides, which possess three contiguous 1,4-beta-glycosidic linkages (cellotetraose sequence) adjacent to 1,3-beta-linkage, but none of the other oligosaccharides were hydrolyzed. To further analyze the specificity, kinetic measurements were performed using polymeric substrates and 4-methylumbelliferyl derivatives of laminaribiose and cellobiose (1,3-beta-(Glc)(2)-MU and 1,4-beta-(Glc)(2)-MU). The k(cat)/K(m) value obtained for barley beta-glucan was considerably larger than that for lichenan, indicating that SsGlc prefers 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan possessing a larger amount of cellotetraose sequence. This is consistent with the data obtained for 1,3-1,4-beta-glucosyl oligosaccharides. However, the k(cat)/K(m) value obtained for 1,4-beta-(Glc)(2)-MU was considerably lower than that for 1,3-beta-(Glc)(2)-MU, suggesting inconsistency with the data obtained from the other natural substrates. It is likely that the kinetic data obtained from such chromophoric substrates do not always reflect the true enzymatic properties.

Biochemical characterization of a novel thermostable beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) from Paecilomyces thermophila

The purification and characterization of a novel extracellular beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from the thermophilic fungus Paecilomyces thermophila J18 were studied. The strain produced the maximum level of extracellular beta-glucanase (135.6 U mL(-1)) when grown in a medium containing corncob (5%, w/v) at 50 degrees C for 4 days. The crude enzyme solution was purified by 122.5-fold with an apparent homogeneity and a recovery yield of 8.9%. The purified enzyme showed as a single protein band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular mass of 38.6 kDa. The molecular masses were 34.6 kDa and 31692.9 Da when detected by gel filtration and mass spectrometry, respectively, suggesting that it is a monomeric protein. The enzyme was a glycoprotein with a carbohydrate content of 19.0% (w/w). Its N-terminal sequence of 10 amino acid residues was determined as H2N-A(?)GYVSNIVVN. The purified enzyme was optimally active at pH 7.0 and 70 degrees C. It was stable within pH range 4.0-10.0 and up to 65 degrees C, respectively. Substrate specificity studies revealed that the enzyme is a true beta-1,3-1,4-D-glucanase. The K m values determined for barley beta-D-glucan and lichenan were 2.46 and 1.82 mg mL(-1), respectively. The enzyme hydrolyzed barley beta-D-glucan and lichenan to yield bisaccharide, trisaccharide, and tetrasaccharide as the main products. Circular dichroism studies indicated that the protein contains 28% alpha-helix, 24% beta-sheet, and 48% random coil. Circular dichroism spectroscopy is also used to investigate the thermostability of the purified enzyme. This is the first report on the purification and characterization of a beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Paecilomyces sp. These properties make the enzyme highly suitable for industrial applications.

Crystal structure of a family 16 endoglucanase from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus--structural basis of substrate recognition

Bacterial and archaeal endo-beta-1,3-glucanases that belong to glycoside hydrolase family 16 share a beta-jelly-roll fold, but differ significantly in sequence and in substrate specificity. The crystal structure of the laminarinase (EC 3.2.1.39) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (pfLamA) has been determined at 2.1 A resolution by molecular replacement. The pfLamA structure reveals a kink of six residues (72-77) at the entrance of the catalytic cleft. This peptide is absent in the endoglucanases from alkaliphilic Nocardiopsis sp. strain F96 and Bacillus macerans, two proteins displaying an overall fold similar to that of pfLamA, but with different substrate specificity. A deletion mutant of pfLamA, lacking residues 72-75, hydrolyses the mixed-linkage beta-1,3-1,4-glucan lichenan 10 times more efficiently than the wild-type protein, indicating the importance of the kink in substrate preference.

Production, purification and application-relevant characterisation of an endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase from Rhizomucor miehei

Growth on a wheat bran media induced production of an extracellular beta-glucanase by Rhizomucor miehei (DSM 1330). The enzyme was purified to homogeneity. Substrate specificity studies coupled with protein database similarity searching using mass spectrometry-derived sequence data indicate it to be an endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6). The enzyme was characterised in terms of potential suitability for use in animal (poultry) feed. Significant activity was observed over the entire pH range typical of the avian upper digestive tract (pH 2.6-6.5). The enzyme was also found to be more thermostable than current commercialized beta-glucanases, particularly when heated at a high enzyme concentration, and retained twice as much residual activity as the latter upon exposure to simulated avian digestive tract conditions. There are no previous reports of the production, purification or characterization of a beta-glucanase from a Rhizomucor, and the enzyme's application-relevant physicochemical characteristics render it potentially suited for use in animal feed.