New Bacterial Phytase through Metagenomic Prospection

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Enzymology

Background:

• Alkaline phytases hydrolyze phytate, offering agricultural applications.
• Metagenomics enables the study of uncultured microorganisms, which dominate most environments.
• Phytases are crucial for improving nutrient availability in animal feed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clone and characterize a novel alkaline phytase from uncultured microorganisms.
• To investigate the potential of PhyRC001 as a biotechnological tool, particularly as a feed additive.

Main Methods:

• A metagenomics strategy was employed to clone a phytase gene from red rice crop residues and castor bean cake.
• The cloned phytase, named PhyRC001, was expressed as a recombinant protein.
• Biochemical characterization of PhyRC001, including activity assays and determination of optimal pH and temperature.

Main Results:

• A novel phytase gene was successfully cloned, with the resulting protein (PhyRC001) showing less than 60% amino acid identity to known counterparts.
• PhyRC001 demonstrated hydrolase activity on sodium phytate.
• Optimal activity for PhyRC001 was observed at pH 7.0 and 35 °C, indicating neutral pH activity.

Conclusions:

• PhyRC001 is a novel β-propeller phytase with significant potential for biotechnological applications, especially in the agricultural industry.
• Its high activity at neutral pH makes it a promising candidate for feed additives, enhancing nutrient utilization.
• Further research into the mechanism of β-propeller phytases can yield significant biotechnological benefits.