Lacto-N-biosidase encoded by a novel gene of bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum shows unique substrate specificity and requires a designated chaperone for its active expression

Abstract

Background: Phenotypically lacto-N-biosidase-positive Bifidobacterium longum JCM1217 does not possess a gene homologous to previously identified lacto-N-biosidase. Results: Hypothetical proteins BLLJ-1505 and BLLJ-1506 encode lacto-N-biosidase and its designated chaperone, respectively. Conclusion: The enzyme showed unique and unexpected substrate specificity. Significance: The enzyme is important for understanding how B. longum consumes human milk oligosaccharides and also may serve as a new tool in glycobiology. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.