Systems analysis in Cellvibrio japonicus resolves predicted redundancy of β-glucosidases and determines essential physiological functions.

ABSTRACT: Degradation of polysaccharides forms an essential arc in the carbon cycle, provides a percentage of our daily caloric intake, and is a major driver in the renewable chemical industry. Microorganisms proficient at degrading insoluble polysaccharides possess large numbers of carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes), many of which have been categorized as functionally redundant. Here we present data that suggests that CAZymes that have overlapping enzymatic activities can have unique, non-overlapping biological functions in the cell. Our comprehensive study to understand cellodextrin utilization in the soil saprophyte Cellvibrio japonicus found that only one of four predicted β-glucosidases is required in a physiological context. Gene deletion analysis indicated that only the cel3B gene product

SUBMITTER: Nelson CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5398764 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature