Characterization of a bifunctional xylanase/endoglucanase from yak rumen microorganisms

A new gene, RuCelA, encoding a bifunctional xylanase/endoglucanase, was cloned from a metagenomic library of yak rumen microorganisms. RuCelA showed activity against xylan and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), suggesting bifunctional xylanase/endoglucanase activity. The optimal conditions for xylanase and endoglucanase activities were 65°C, pH 7.0 and 50°C, pH 5.0, respectively. In addition, the presence of Co⁺ and Co²⁺ can greatly improve RuCelA's endoglucanase activity, while inhibits its xylanase activity. Further examination of substrate preference showed a higher activity against barley glucan and lichenin than against xylan and CMC. Using xylan and barley glucan as substrates, RuCelA displayed obvious synergistic effects with β-1,4-xylosidase and β-1,4-glucosidase. Generation of soluble oligosaccharides from lignocellulose is the key step in bioethanol production, and it is greatly notable that RuCelA can produce xylo-oligosaccharides and cello-oligosaccharides in the continuous saccharification of pretreated rice straw, which can be further degraded into fermentable sugars. Therefore, the bifunctional RuCelA distinguishes itself as an ideal candidate for industrial applications.