ARS | Publication request: Plant pathogens as a source of diverse enzymes for lignocellulose digestion

Submitted to: Current Opinion in Microbiology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: June 5, 2011
Publication Date: June 10, 2011
Citation: Gibson, D.M., King, B.C., Hayes, M.L., Bergstrom, G.C. 2011. Plant pathogens as a source of diverse enzymes for lignocellulose digestion. Current Opinion in Microbiology. 14(3):264-270.

Technical Abstract: The plant cell wall is a major barrier that many plant pathogens must surmount for successful invasion of their plant hosts. Full genome sequencing of a number of plant pathogens has revealed often large, complex, and redundant enzyme systems for degradation of plant cell walls. Recent surveys have noted that plant pathogenic fungi are highly competent producers of lignocellulolytic enzymes, and their enzyme activity patterns reflect host specificity. We propose that plant pathogens may contribute to biofuel production as diverse sources of accessory enzymes for more efficient conversion of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars.