Exploration of feedstock-associated lignocellulases within the digestive tract of the lower termite Reticulitermes flavipes

The termite possesses a unique arsenal of enzymes which aids in its ability to feed upon, digest, and receive nourishment from materials composed of the recalcitrant substance lignocellulose.  This enzymatic capability brands the termite as a viable source of genes for recombinant protein production in the ongoing search for biomass lignocellulases to be utilized within the Biofuels industry.  Biomass feedstocks can vary in the composition of their three main components; lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose.  Due to this compositional variation, it has been speculated that the enzymatic production within the termite will also vary in order to efficiently release simple sugars from feedstocks.  A better understanding of these enzymatic responses will further our understanding of termite digestion and may lead to the discovery of essential feedstock-specific recombinant proteins to be utilized in the production of biofuels and other biomaterials.  In order to investigate enzymatic variation within the termite, feedstock bioassays, feedstock composition analysis, enzyme assays, and expression studies on candidate lignocellulase genes were conducted.  This presentation will include results of novel investigations into feedstock specific lignocellulases, with emphasis on differentiating between host and symbiont contributions.