Characterization of an Endoglucanase from Pseudomonas fluorescens subsp. cellulosa Produced in Escherichia coli and Regulation of the Expression of Its Cloned Gene.

Several enzymatic properties of an endoglucanase produced in Escherichia coli by a gene from Pseudomonas fluorescens subsp. cellulosa were investigated. Gel filtration revealed a single peak of M(r) 36,000 with endoglucanase activity. The pH optimum of the enzyme was 7.0. Carboxymethyl cellulose and barley beta-glucan (mixed beta-1,3 and 1,4 linkages) were good substrates, but not laminarin (beta-1,3 linkages), amylose, filter paper, microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), or cellotriose. The mode of action was typical of an "endo"-acting enzyme. Taken together, these properties do not correspond to those of any of the endoglucanases described in P. fluorescens subsp. cellulosa. Consequently, the gene was designated egIX. The enzyme was sensitive to end-product inhibition by cellobiose but was only moderately inhibited by glucose. The enzyme was formed constitutively in E. coli throughout the growth phase. Urea had no effect on endoglucanase synthesis, but glucose acted as a catabolite repressor. The formation of the enzyme in E. coli was partially dependent on cyclic AMP.