Cloning, characterization and evaluation of biocontrol potential of a new chitinase from Bacillus thuringiensis strain BrMgv02-JM63

• Grant number: 15/11413-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2015
• End date: September 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: João Lúcio de Azevedo
• Grantee: Jéssica Bueno de Campos
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In mangrove ecossystems, chitin is one of the major organic components, largely due to the great presence of crustaceans in these areas. The chitin cicle is important as nutrient source to the mangrove fauna and flora. Among bacteria, chitinases represent diverse functions, primarily acting in the enzymatic digestion of GlcNAC monomers, thus, increasing nitrogen and carbon availability. These enzymes can actively participate in the growing control of some fungi and of some insects, both presenting chitin in some of their internal and/or external structures. In this context, mangrove isolated bacteria are believed to be able to produce new and functional chitinases with activity in the particular conditions of this ecosystem soils. Therefore, this project objectives are I) cloning and heterologous expression of a new chitinase gene from the strain BrMgv02-JM63 (Bacillus thuringiensis) in E. coli; II) purification by chromatography of this protein; III) enzymatic activity characterization, and the evaluation of its effects on the diet of pest insects in order to assess its biocontrol potential.