Lignocellulose degradation mechanisms across the Tree of Life

Organisms use diverse mechanisms involving multiple complementary enzymes, particularly glycoside hydrolases (GHs), to deconstruct lignocellulose. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) produced by bacteria and fungi facilitate deconstruction as does the Fenton chemistry of brown-rot fungi. Lignin depolymerisation is achieved by white-rot fungi and certain bacteria, using peroxidases and laccases. Meta-omics is now revealing the complexity of prokaryotic degradative activity in lignocellulose-rich environments. Protists from termite guts and some oomycetes produce multiple lignocellulolytic enzymes. Lignocellulose-consuming animals secrete some GHs, but most harbour a diverse enzyme-secreting gut…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: IOS1442759
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy
• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture

  Awards: S-1041, S-1041 VA-136288
• MC
  Marie Curie

  Award: FP7-RG 276948
• FD
  Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: U19 TW008163
• BA
  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Awards: BB/K020358/1, BB/G016208/1, BB/L001926/1, BB/I018492/1, BB/1018492/1, BB/G016208/1, BB/L001926/1, BB/H531543/1, BB/H531543/1, BB/K020358/1, BB/G016178/1