FAIR-CT97-5007 Roles and potential uses of genes from rumen bacteria concerned with the degradation and utilisation of lignocellulose

Contacts




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Biological Conversion : FAIR Area 2.2 - Bioprocessing : FAIR Marie Curie Research Training Grants : Fine Chemicals

Objectives:

This project set out to isolate genes encoding xylan debranching activities from the rumen bacteria Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Prevotella ruminicola.

Activities and Results:

The utilisation of lignocellulosic material in agricultural processes can be enhanced by appropriate treatment with plant cell wall degrading enzymes. Rumen bacteria are a source of plant cell wall degrading enzymes that could prove particularly valuable for improving the digestibility of plant material by farm animals. Cloned genes potentially allow the production of specific enzymes with desirable properties economically and in large quantities, while also providing important basic information on the degradative enzyme systems of these bacteria. Many genes coding for xylan degrading activities have now been isolated from rumen bacteria in the host laboratory, including putative xylan debranching activities. This proposal investigated the role and potential for application of an acetyl esterase gene from the rumen anaerobe R. flavefaciens while also screening for genes for further debranching activities. Secondly it is proposed to investigated the structure, regulation and strain distribution of an unique gene cluster concerned with xylan degradation and utilisation in this bacteria

Keywords: lignolytic enzymes

Contacts

Scientific Supervisor

• Harry FLINT / Rowett Research Institute Division of Nutritional Sciences / UNITED KINGDOM