CLONING AND SEQUENCING OF CELLULASE CDNA FROM ASPERGILLUS-KAWACHII AND ITS EXPRESSION IN SACCHAROMYCES-CEREVISIAE

The cDNA encoding the endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (carboxymethylcellulase; CMCase-I) from Aspergillus kawachii IFO 4308 was cloned. Nucleotide-s equence analysis of the cloned cDNA insert showed a 717-bp open readin g frame that encoded a protein of 239 amino-acid residues. The predict ed amino-acid sequence of the mature protein had considerable homology with the protein sequence of the FI-CMCase of Aspergillus aculeatus. The cDNA was introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The expressed e nzyme had carboxylmethylcellulase acitivity, identified by clear zones on a CMC-agar plate after Congo Red staining.