Functional characterization of a thermostable endoglucanase belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 45 from Fomitopsis palustris

A gene encoding an endoglucanase belonging to subfamily C of glycoside hydrolase family 45 (GH45) was identified in the brown rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris and functionally expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant protein displayed hydrolytic activities toward various substrates such as carboxymethyl cellulose, phosphoric acid swollen cellulose, glucomannan, lichenan, and beta-glucan. In particular, the enzyme had a unique catalytic efficiency on beta-1,4-glucans rather than mixed beta-1,3/1,4-glucans as compared to other GH45 endoglucanases. The fungal enzyme was relatively thermostable, retaining more than 91.4% activity at 80 A degrees C for 1 h. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed that the mutants N95D and D117N had significantly reduced enzymatic activities, indicating that both residues are essential for the catalytic reaction. Our study expands knowledge and understanding of the catalytic mechanism of GH45 subfamily C enzymes and also suggests that this thermostable endoglucanase from F. palustris has great potential in industrial applications.