Role of Glu445 in the substrate binding of β-glucosidase

► We characterize a β-glucosidase (NfBGL1) from Neosartorya fischeri. ► NfBGL1 is distinguished from other BGLs by its high turnover rate. ► E445 in NfBGL1 is identified as an important residue affecting its substrate affinity. ► An acidic amino acid at position 445 is a determinant for the substrate binding of BGLs.