Cloning and identification of novel hydrolase genes from a dairy cow rumen metagenomic library and characterization of a cellulase gene.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Interest in cellulose degrading enzymes has increased in recent years due to the expansion of the ellulosic biofuel industry. The rumen is a highly adapted environment for the degradation of cellulose and a promising source of enzymes for industrial use. To identify cellulase enzymes that may be of such use we have undertaken a functional metagenomic screen to identify cellulase enzymes from the bacterial community in the rumen of a grass-hay fed dairy cow.

Results

Twenty five clones specifying cellulose activity were identified. Subcloning and sequence analysis of a subset of these hydrolase-positive clones identified 10 endoglucanase genes. Preliminary characterization of the encoded cellulases was carried out using crude extracts of each of the subclones. Zymog

SUBMITTER: Gong X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3545987 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature