Metagenomic cosmid libraries containing 1.26 x 10(5) clones, covering about 4.8 x 10(6) kb metagenomic DNA of uncultured microorganisms from the contents of buffalo rumens were constructed, and 118 independent clones expressing beta-glucosidase activity were isolated from the libraries. Screening of these clones showed that eight clones expressed relatively higher beta-glucosidase activity at pH 5.0 and 37 degrees C. One out of the eight clones was subcloned. Sequencing analysis showed that an open reading frame (ORF) of 2223 bp, termed umcel3G, potentially encodes a beta-glucosidase. The encoded product shared highest homology with a beta-glucosidase from Bacillus sp. at 60% identity and 73% similarity. The umcel3G was over-expressed in Escherichia coli and the size of the translated product Umcel3G on SDS-PAGE was in agreement with the predicted molecular mass. Zymogram analysis showed that Umcel3G exhibited beta-glucosidase activity, confirming that this ORF encodes a beta-glucosidase. The Umcel3G, purified with Ni-NTA column, exhibited optimal activity at pH 6.0-6.5 and 45 degrees C. Certain ions such as Ca2+, Zn2+ had significant positive effect on the activity of Umcel3G. However, some ions such as Fe3+, Cu2+ gave significant inhibitory effect on the enzyme. The Ni-NTA purified recombinant beta-glucosidase Umcel3G had a specific activity of 22.8 IU/mg at pH4.5, 35 degrees C and at the presence of 5 mmol/L Ca2+, indicating that this enzyme has potential applications in the fermentative production of ethanol by simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) of lignocelluloses.
Animals ; Bacteria ; enzymology ; genetics ; Buffaloes ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Open Reading Frames ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Rumen ; microbiology ; beta-Glucosidase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification