Glucanases and chitinases ofBacillus circulans WL-12

Summary Lysis of cell walls of various yeast species by -1,3- and -1,6-glucanases ofBacillus circulans WL-12 was investigated. Selective enzymolysis of cell walls ofPyricularia oryzae by single and combined actions of -1,3-, -1,6-glucanases and chitinase was followed. Chemical structure of the cell wall glucan ofP. oryzae was determined by chemical and enzymatic methods. Multiple component nature of glucanases ofB. circulans WL-12, their induction and lytic actions on cell walls of various yeasts were studied. Genes specifying glucanases and chitinases ofB. circulans WL- 12 were cloned inE. coli, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. Fibronectin type III modules were found in the chitinases. Functions of the domains of the deduced structures of the glucanases and the chitinases were studied by various methods including molecular genetic techniques.This paper is dedicated to Professor Herman Jan Phaff in honor of his 50 years of active research which still continues.