Metagenomics in studying cellulase

Abstract:

Cellulases can degrade cellulose and widely applied in bioremediation, food processing, chemical synthesis and other fields. Therefore, it is really significant to develop new types of cellulases that have high activity, broad substrate spectrum, high temperature and alkali resistance, and other anti-extreme-conditions capacity. The metagenomic technology focuses on the sum of microbial genomes in environmental samples, avoiding traditional process of microbial isolation and culture, and provides a new technology for the development and utilization of genetic resources. Combined with our own findings, this paper summarizes the strategies of gaining cellulases by use of metagenomic technology, and highlights advances in studying cellulases from animal gastrointestinal tract, soil and other environment with metagenomics.