Structure and Function of a Multidomain Alkaline Xylanase from Alkaliphilic Bacillus Sp. Strain 41M-1

Xylanase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of xylan, a β-1,4-linked xylose polymer. Alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain 41M-1 secretes a xylanase (xylanase J) that has an alkaline pH optimum. Xylanase J is a multidomain enzyme and consists of two functional domains: a family 11/G catalytic domain and a non-catalytic xylan-binding domain. The xylan-binding domain bound to xylan and enhanced catalytic activity of the adjacent catalytic domain. Mutational analyses revealed some amino acid residues that contribute to catalytic activity, alkaliphily and xylan-binding activity of xylanase J.