Cloning and Sequence Comparison of Phytase (Phy) Genes from Aspergillus niger and Bacillus atrophaeus

Aims: To clone phytase genes from prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and provide partial sequence comparisons between the two systems in relative to their protein functional domains.

Study Design: Gene cloning of Phy genes from Bacillus atrophaeus and Aspergillus niger strain 103 and analysis of their amino acid sequence.

Methodology: Genomic DNA was isolated from microbial prokaryotic and eukaryotic Bacillus atrophaeus and Aspergillus niger strain 103, respectively. Their phytase genes were isolated and cloned, sequenced and translated into amino acid sequences. Their genes were analyzed and compared with their homologues that are available on the GenBank database using appropriated bioinformatics tools.

Results: This study reports the successful cloning of phytase genes from Bacillus atrophaeus and Aspergillus niger strain 103 and the partial characterization and comparison of their sequences in relative to conserved domains that may affect their enzymatic activities. Both genes possess the required phytase activity domains even though no significant homology exists between the bacterial and fungal Phy genes.

Conclusion: Phytase genes possess a wide spectrum of hydrolyzing enzyme structures that support the required ability of the enzyme to degrade phytate.