Heterologous expression and functional characterization of a novel cellulose-disruptive protein LeEXP2 from Lycopersicum esculentum

- Bioactive LeEXP2 from tomato was expressed for the first time in Pichia pastoris.
- LeEXP2 shows disruptive activity but no hydrolytic activity towards filter paper.
- LeEXP2 synergistically cooperate with endoglucanase to enhance cellulose degradation.
- LeEXP2 exhibits a high level of robustness to metal ions, denaturants and heat.
- High thermostability of LeEXP2 may be resulted from glycosylation by Pichia pastoris.