Glucanases and chitinases of Bacillus circulans WL-12

Lysis of cell walls of various yeast species by beta-1.3- and beta-1,6-glucanases of Bacillus circulans WL-12 was investigated. Selective enzymolysis of cell walls of Pyricularia oryzae by single and combined actions of beta-1,3-,beta-1,6-glucanases and chitinase was followed. Chemical structure of the cell wall glucan of P. oryzae was determined by chemical and enzymatic methods. Multiple component nature of glucanases of B. circulans WL-12, their induction and lytic actions on cell walls of various yeasts were studied. Genes specifying glucanases and chitinases of B. circulans WL-12 were cloned in E. coli, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. Fibronectin type III modules were found in the chitinases. Functions of the domains of the deduced structures of the glucanases and the chitinases were studied by various methods including molecular genetic techniques.