Fusion of family VI cellulose binding domains to Bacillus halodurans xylanase increases its catalytic activity and substrate-binding capacity to insoluble xylan

A tandem repeat of the family VI cellulose binding domain (CBD) from Clostridium stercorarium xylanase (XylA) was fused at the carboxyl-terminus of Bacillus halodurans xylanase (XylA). B. halodurans XylA is an enzyme which is active in the alkaline region of pH and lacks a CBD. The constructed chimera was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and then subjected to detailed characterization. The chimeric enzyme displayed pH activity and stability profiles similar to those of the parental enzyme. The optimal temperature of the chimera was observed at 60 °C and the enzyme was stable up to 50 °C. Binding studies with insoluble polysaccharides indicated that the chimera had acquired an increased affinity for oat spelt xylan and acid-swollen cellulose. The bound chimeric enzyme was desorbed from insoluble substrates with sugars and soluble polysaccharides, indicating that the CBDs also possess an affinity for soluble sugars. Overall, the chimera displayed a higher level of hydrolytic activity toward insoluble oat spelt xylan than its parental enzyme and a similar level of activity toward soluble xylan.