A lichenase gene (mt-lic) was identified for the first time through function-based screening of a soil metagenomic library. Its deduced amino acid sequence exhibited a high degree of homology with endo-β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (having both lichenase and chitosanase activities), encoded by the bgc gene of Bacillus circulans WL-12. The recombinant lichenase overexpressed and purified from Escherichia ...

The 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosamine (DOIA) dehydrogenases are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics. In contrast to most DOIA dehydrogenases, which are NAD-dependent, the DOIA dehydrogenase from Bacillus circulans (BtrN) is an S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) radical enzyme. To examine how BtrN employs AdoMet radical chemistry, we have determined i...

One of the worst environmental conditions limiting crop plant productivity is salinity. As a result, ecologically friendly methods are urgently needed to boost development and yield wheat growing on saltine soils. Two-year field studies examine effects applying compost tea (CT) effective microorganisms (EMs; Azospirillum brasilense, Pseudomonas koreensis, Bacillus circulans) growth two cultivar...

In ongoing investigations to map and archive the microbial footprints in various components of the spacecraft and its accessories, we have examined the microbial populations of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Spacecraft Assembly Facility (JPL-SAF). Witness plates made up of spacecraft materials, some painted with spacecraft qualified paints, were exposed for approximately 7 to 9 months at JPL-S...