Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Chitinase Gene from the Thermophilic Fungus, Thermomyces lanuginosus-RMB

Abstract

A chitinase gene from the thermophilic fungus, Thermomyces lanuginosus was amplified from the genomic DNA of the fungus, by PCR technique. The PCR product was cloned into pXcmkn12 vector by TA cloning technique and sequenced. The gene contained five introns and six exons. The deduced protein sequence coded for 390 amino acids and exhibited very high degree of similarity to other endochitinases of mesophilic and thermophilic fungi. The highly conserved catalytic motif, DGLDIDWEYP, suggests that it belongs to family 18 chitinases.