Cloning, expression and characterization of a β-d-xylosidase from Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814T

Background Among the oligosaccharides that may positively affect the gut microbiota, xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS) possess promising functional properties. Ingestion of XOS has been reported to contribute to anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, immune-modulatory and anti-diabetic activities. Because of the structural complexity and chemical heterogeneity, complete degradation of xylan-containing plant polymers requires the synergistic activity of several enzymes. Endo-xylanases and β-d-xylosidases, collectively termed xylanases, represent the two key enzymes responsible for the sequential hydrolysis of xylan. Xylanase cocktails are used on an industrial scale for biotechnological purposes. Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814T can utilize an extensive set of carbon sources, an ability that is likely to contribute to its adaptive ability. In this study, the capacity of this strain to utilize XOS, xylan, d-xylose and l-arabinose was investigated.