Rhizobium Symbiotic Enzyme Cellulase CelC2: Properties and Applications
Abstract Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii CelC2 cellulase is a 1,4 b d endoglucanase involved in the hydrolysis and biosynthesis of rhizobial cellulose. These special features make this enzyme essential in the plant infection process and important in root surface colonization and biofilm formation. A loss of function of the celC gene causes an increase in the production of external cellulose microfibrils. However, a gain of function derivative leads to an enhancement of rhizobial competitiveness, increasing the number of rhizobial cells within the plant. In this chapter, we review the properties and prospective applications of CelC2 cellulase, which reveals itself as a symbiotic enzyme with a high biotechnological potential.