Identification of cellulase gene from the metagenome of Equus burchelli fecal samples and functional characterization of a novel bifunctional cellulolytic enzyme.

The metagenomic approach has been used successfully to isolate novel biocatalyst gene from uncultured microorganisms. The gene encoding exo-1,4-β-glucanase avicelase was amplified from the metagenome of the Equus burchelli fecal sample and cloned. The gene was found to be of 1,007 bp of nucleotide which encodes a protein of 318 amino acids with a calculated MW of 36 kDa.

Expression and biochemical characterization of two novel feruloyl esterases derived from fecal samples of Rusa unicolor and Equus burchelli.

Two novel genes (tvms10a, tvmz2a) were identified in the metagenomic DNA of Rusa unicolor and Equus burchelli fecal samples. The amplified PCR product of tvms10a is composed of 917bp and the gene was found to encode a protein containing 165 amino acids, while the tvmz2a PCR product was 1053bp long encoding 298 amino acid proteins. The gene has 72% primary sequence identity with Clostridiales sp.

Microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen capture efficiency and nutrient utilisation in sheep fed on finger millet straw (Eleucine coracana)-based diet with different rumen-degradable nitrogen levels.

Background: Microbial protein synthesised in the rumen is a very important protein source for ruminants. It is essential to provide an adequate amount of rumen-degradable nitrogen (RDN) for optimum microbial protein synthesis in the rumen on straw-based diets. The objective of this study was to determine the RDN requirement for optimum microbial protein synthesis (MPS), nitrogen capture efficiency (NCE) and nutrient utilisation in Nellore rams fed on a finger millet straw (FMS)-based diet.

Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of a novel feruloyl esterase enzyme from the symbionts of termite(Coptotermes formosanus) gut.

Termites play an important role in the degradation of dead plant materials and have acquired endogenous and symbiotic cellulose digestion capabilities. The feruloyl esterase enzyme (FAE) gene amplified from the metagenomic DNA of Coptotermes formosanus gut was cloned in the TA cloning vector and subcloned into a pET32a expression vector. The Ft3-7 gene has 84% sequence identity with Clostridium saccharolyticum and shows amino acid sequence identity with predicted xylanase/chitin deacetylase and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase.