C-1-C-X REVISITED - INTRAMOLECULAR SYNERGISM IN A CELLULASE

Endoglucanase A (CenA) from the bacterium Cellulomonas fimi is composed of a catalytic domain and a nonhydrolytic cellulose-binding domain that can function independently. The individual domains interact synergistically in the disruption and hydrolysis of cellulose fibers. This intramolecular synergism is distinct from the well known intermolecular synergism between individual cellulases. The catalytic domain corresponds to the hydrolytic C-X system and the cellulose-binding domain corresponds to the nonhydrolytic C-1 system postulated by Reese et al. [Reese, E. T., Sui, R. G. H. and Levinson, H. S. (1950) J. Bacteriol. 59, 485-497] to be required for the hydrolysis of cellulose.