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Isolation and characterization of a novel GH67 α-glucuronidase from a mixed culture

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Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology

Abstract

Hemicelluloses represent a large reservoir of carbohydrates that can be utilized for renewable products. Hydrolysis of hemicellulose into simple sugars is inhibited by its various chemical substituents. The glucuronic acid substituent is removed by the enzyme α-glucuronidase. A gene (deg75-AG) encoding a putative α-glucuronidase enzyme was isolated from a culture of mixed compost microorganisms. The gene was subcloned into a prokaryotic vector, and the enzyme was overexpressed and biochemically characterized. The DEG75-AG enzyme had optimum activity at 45 °C. Unlike other α-glucuronidases, the DEG75-AG had a more basic pH optimum of 7–8. When birchwood xylan was used as substrate, the addition of DEG75-AG increased hydrolysis twofold relative to xylanase alone.

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Abbreviations

GH:

Glycoside hydrolase

MeGlcA:

4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid

DEG75-AG:

α-Glucuronidase from compost microorganism

IPTG:

Isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside

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Acknowledgments

Mention of trade names or commercial products in this report is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS-WRRC, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA, 94710, USA

    Charles C. Lee, Rena E. Kibblewhite, Kurt Wagschal, George H. Robertson & William J. Orts

  2. Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China

    Ruiping Li

Authors
  1. Charles C. Lee
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  2. Rena E. Kibblewhite
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  3. Kurt Wagschal
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  4. Ruiping Li
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  5. George H. Robertson
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  6. William J. Orts
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Correspondence to Charles C. Lee.

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Lee, C.C., Kibblewhite, R.E., Wagschal, K. et al. Isolation and characterization of a novel GH67 α-glucuronidase from a mixed culture. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 39, 1245–1251 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-012-1128-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-012-1128-7

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