Unique Lignocellulose-Degrading Enzyme System Discovered in Fungus

The Schizophyllum commune possesses a diverse array of degradative enzymes for cell wall breakdown and has a different mode of degradation compared to other fungal models. China Agricultural University researchers, led by Ning Zhu, analyzed the action of S. commune in comparison to other fungal models.

The enzymes derived from S. commune performed better than commercial enzymes from Trichoderma longibrachiatum in the hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Analysis revealed that S. commune produced a higher diversity of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes acting on polysaccharide backbones and side chains. Multiple non-hydrolytic proteins related to enhancing polysaccharide accessibility were also identified in the S. commune.

The complex enzyme system of S. commune has significant potential for application in biomass saccharification. These discoveries will help reveal natural lignocellulose-degrading mechanisms, and advance the design of more efficient enzyme mixtures for the breakdown of lignocellulosic feedstock.