Wood biomass is the most abundant feedstock envisioned for the development of modern biorefineries. However, the cost-effective conversion of this form of biomass into commodity products is limited by its resistance to enzymatic degradation. Here we describe a new family of fungal lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) prevalent among white-rot and brown-rot basidiomycetes that is active on xylans-a recalcitrant polysaccharide abundant in wood biomass. Two AA14 LPMO members from the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus coccineus substantially increase the efficiency of wood saccharification through oxidative cleavage of highly refractory xylan-coated cellulose fibers. The discovery of this unique enzyme activity advances our knowledge on the degradation of woody biomass in nature and offers an innovative solution for improving enzyme cocktails for biorefinery applications.

Background:The relations between the gut microbiota, food, and host play a crucial role in human health. Results: Prevalent bacterial glycoside phosphorylases are able to break down dietary carbohydrates and the N-glycans lining the intestinal epithelium. Conclusion: GH130 enzymes are new targets to study interactions between host and gut microbes. Significance: Glycoside phosphorylases are key enzymes of host glycan catabolism by gut bacteria.