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Identification of Cellulase Genes from the Metagenomes of Compost Soils and Functional Characterization of One Novel Endoglucanase

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Abstract

Metagenomics, a new research field developed over the past decade, aims to identify potential enzymes from nonculturable microbes. In this study, genes encoding three glycoside hydrolase family (GHF) 9 endoglucanases and one GHF 5 endoglucanase were cloned and identified from the metagenome of the compost soils. The shared identities between the predicted amino acid sequences of these genes and their closest homologues in the database were less than 70%. One GHF 9 endoglucanase, Umcel9B, was further characterized. The recombinant protein, Umcel9B, showed activity against carboxymethyl cellulose, indicating that Umcel9B is an endoactive enzyme. Enzymatic activity occurs optimally at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 25°C.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by Grants for New Century Excellent Talents in Universities of China (NCET-05-0752), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30560003) and Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program 2007AA021307).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Subtropical Bioresources Conservation and Utilization, The Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Microbial and Plant Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530005, People’s Republic of China

    Hao Pang, Peng Zhang, Cheng-Jie Duan, Xin-Chun Mo, Ji-Liang Tang & Jia-Xun Feng

  2. Guangxi Key Laboratory of BioIndustry Technology, 98 Daling Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, People’s Republic of China

    Hao Pang, Peng Zhang, Cheng-Jie Duan, Xin-Chun Mo, Ji-Liang Tang & Jia-Xun Feng

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  1. Hao Pang
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  2. Peng Zhang
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  3. Cheng-Jie Duan
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  4. Xin-Chun Mo
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  5. Ji-Liang Tang
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  6. Jia-Xun Feng
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Correspondence to Jia-Xun Feng.

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Pang, H., Zhang, P., Duan, CJ. et al. Identification of Cellulase Genes from the Metagenomes of Compost Soils and Functional Characterization of One Novel Endoglucanase. Curr Microbiol 58, 404–408 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-008-9346-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-008-9346-y

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