| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21573 | Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering | 2011 | 8 Pages |
A bacterium with potent agar-degrading capability was isolated from the surface of a red algae, Gracilaria tenuistipitata. Based on phenotypic characteristics, 16S rDNA gene sequence and a phylogenetic analysis, this bacterium was identified and named as Flammeovirga yaeyamensis strain YT. PCR using homology-based degenerate primers was employed to clone any agarase gene belonging to GH16 family encoded in F. yaeyamensis strain YT. The resolved 1512 nucleotides revealed that the cloned gene, namely AgaYT, encodes a protein of 503 amino acids comprising a signal peptide, a glycosyl hydrolase catalytic module and a C-terminal domain with an unknown function. The recombinant protein r-AgaYT is an endo-type β-agarase hydrolyzing agarose to yield neoagarobiose and neoagarotetraose as the main hydrolytic products. The specific activity of r-AgaYT was determined about 178.6 U mg− 1 at 40°C and pH 8.0.
► The agaYT belonging to GH16 family has been cloned from F. yaeyamensis strain YT. ► The AgaYT has a catalytic module and a C-terminal domain with an unknown function. ► TLC analysis of hydrolytic products of agarose confirmed that AgaYT is a β- agarase.
