ARS | Publication request: Cloning and expression of a beta-xylosidase from the fungus Fusarium verticillioides

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 28, 2011
Publication Date: July 28, 2011
Citation: Larson, T.M., Bischoff, K.M., Rich, J.O. 2011. Cloning and expression of a beta-xylosidase from the fungus Fusarium verticillioides [abstract]. Society for Industrial Microbiology. Abstract #P23.

Technical Abstract: In silico analysis of the genome of Fusarium verticillioides, an endophyte and pathogen of maize, revealed several genes with potential use in the hydrolysis of hemicelluloses. We have cloned a gene, FVEG_05677.3, with putative xylosidase and arabinofuranosidase activities. The gene was expressed in E. coli and the enzyme was subsequently purified. The 57 kDa protein has a specific activity for 4-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (4NPX) of 3.3 U/mg and for 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside (4NPA) of 0.78 U/mg. The optimum activity with 4NPX is at 60 deg C and pH 7.0 The optimum activity with 4NPA is at 50 deg C and pH 6.5. The activity of the enzyme is specific and did not act on substrates 4-nitrophophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 4-nitrophophenyl-beta-D-cellobioside. The beta-xylosidase produced by F. verticillioides may have industrial application for the hydrolysis of recalcitrant lignocellulosic feedstocks such as corn fiber.