On March 25th, it was disclosed by the Metabolomics Research Group at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as Qingdao Bioenergy Institute), that they have deciphered the structure and assembly mode of a unique cellulosome assembly module - the double-docking module, unveiling the complexity and diversity of cellulosome assembly and regulation, laying the foundation for the study and application of complex cellulosome assembly. This achievement was recently published in the international journal Protein Science.
As a multi-enzyme complex assembled from various cellulolytic enzymes, the cellulosome holds significant value in the fields of bioenergy development and biotechnology. The cellulosome, a molecular machine formed by scaffold proteins and enzyme proteins, relies on this intricate assembly for its efficient function, endowing it with outstanding substrate degradation capabilities. Deciphering its complex assembly mechanism is of paramount importance for understanding its efficiency and applying it effectively.
The Metabolomics Research Group at Qingdao Bioenergy Institute has conducted systematic and long-term research on the structure, function, and regulation of the cellulosome, and based on this foundation, has developed biomass energy application technologies based on the cellulosome.
Figure 1 illustrates the structure and assembly mechanism of the dual-docking module in Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum. (Chen Chao, Feng Yingang, Illustrators)
Researchers have discovered a protease component within the fiber bodies of T. thermosaccharolyticum containing a tandem dual-docking module (see Figure 1). This module comprises two typical docking module structures, with only the first participating in assembly, thus regulating the assembly of fiber bodies.
Furthermore, the research team found that this dual-docking module can remarkably bind to the adhesion module of another species of bacteria (Clostridium thermocellum), providing a new instance of the potential existence of "symbiotic fiber bodies" within microbial populations.
(Original Title: Scientists Unveil the Structure and Assembly Mechanism of a Unique Module in Fiber Bodies)
