Genomic analysis and chitinase characterization of Vibrio harveyi WXL538: insight into its adaptation to the marine environment

Chitin, the most abundant bio-polymer in seawater, may be utilized by various microorganisms as a carbon source. Vibrios have been regarded one of main groups chitin consumers marine cycle and chitinase producers. The organisms are widely distributed aquatic environment. However, co-working mechanism between their chitinases, whether chitinase’s diversity contributes to adaption environment, needs further elucidated. Here, we obtained chitinolytic strain, Vibrio harveyi WXL538 with eight putative chitinase-coding genes. Five genes, i.e., Chi4733, Chi540, Chi4668, Chi5174, Chi4963, were overexpressed validated, which Chi4733 Chi540 purified characterized. result Chi4668 was described our previous study. Endo-chitinase degraded colloidal produce (GlcNAc) 2 minor 3 . enzymatic activity 175.5 U mg −1 K cat/ m 54.9 s M had its maximum at 50°C pH 4–6, activated Sr 2+ , Co Ca Mg inhibited Al 3+ Zn Cu Ni SDS. Exo-chitinase 134.5 60°C 6–8, but + Ba SDS urea. Whole genome analysis V. characterization can provide better understanding adaptability changing