This review summarizes the current knowledge on the enzymes produced by Aspergillus that degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides, the genes encoding these enzymes, and the regulation of these genes. The data is presented in tables for easy comparison of the enzymes and genes. Only enzymes with detailed characterization are presented, requiring at least a molecular weight and one of three other characteristics (pI, pH optimum, or T optimum). Enzymes characterized in less detail are mentioned in the text when they provide additional information. The tables list the assignment of enzymes to glycosidase, polysaccharide lyase, and carbohydrate esterase families.
Plant cell wall polysaccharides include cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose, while hemicellulose includes xylan and galacto(gluco)mannan. Pectin consists of galacturonic acid residues and can have side chains. These polysaccharides, along with lignin, form a rigid structure in plant cell walls. They also form covalent cross-links, which limit cell growth and reduce biodegradability.
Aspergillus produces enzymes that degrade these polysaccharides. These include endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, β-glucosidases, and exoglucanases for cellulose degradation. For xylan, endoxylanases and β-xylosidases are involved. Galacto(gluco)mannan degradation involves β-endomannanases and β-mannosidases. Pectin degradation involves pectin lyases, pectate lyases, and rhamnogalacturonan lyases.
Accessory enzymes, such as α-xylosidases, α-arabinofuranosidases, and endo- and exoarabinases, act on substituents or side chains of these polysaccharides. Other enzymes, like α- and β-galactosidases, and α- and β-glucuronidases, also play roles in degradation. Feruloyl and p-coumaroyl esterases help remove ester groups from polysaccharides.
The regulation of these genes involves coordinated expression of xylanolytic and cellulolytic enzymes, as well as pectinolytic genes. Expression is influenced by carbon catabolite repression, pH, and a HAP-like CCAAT binding complex. Industrial applications of these enzymes are discussed, highlighting their importance in food and feed industries.This review summarizes the current knowledge on the enzymes produced by Aspergillus that degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides, the genes encoding these enzymes, and the regulation of these genes. The data is presented in tables for easy comparison of the enzymes and genes. Only enzymes with detailed characterization are presented, requiring at least a molecular weight and one of three other characteristics (pI, pH optimum, or T optimum). Enzymes characterized in less detail are mentioned in the text when they provide additional information. The tables list the assignment of enzymes to glycosidase, polysaccharide lyase, and carbohydrate esterase families.
Plant cell wall polysaccharides include cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose, while hemicellulose includes xylan and galacto(gluco)mannan. Pectin consists of galacturonic acid residues and can have side chains. These polysaccharides, along with lignin, form a rigid structure in plant cell walls. They also form covalent cross-links, which limit cell growth and reduce biodegradability.
Aspergillus produces enzymes that degrade these polysaccharides. These include endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, β-glucosidases, and exoglucanases for cellulose degradation. For xylan, endoxylanases and β-xylosidases are involved. Galacto(gluco)mannan degradation involves β-endomannanases and β-mannosidases. Pectin degradation involves pectin lyases, pectate lyases, and rhamnogalacturonan lyases.
Accessory enzymes, such as α-xylosidases, α-arabinofuranosidases, and endo- and exoarabinases, act on substituents or side chains of these polysaccharides. Other enzymes, like α- and β-galactosidases, and α- and β-glucuronidases, also play roles in degradation. Feruloyl and p-coumaroyl esterases help remove ester groups from polysaccharides.
The regulation of these genes involves coordinated expression of xylanolytic and cellulolytic enzymes, as well as pectinolytic genes. Expression is influenced by carbon catabolite repression, pH, and a HAP-like CCAAT binding complex. Industrial applications of these enzymes are discussed, highlighting their importance in food and feed industries.