Masashi Yamamoto

Bio: Masashi Yamamoto is an academic researcher from Tottori University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Protoplast & Trichoderma harzianum. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 37 citations.

A simple method for protoplast formation and improvement of protoplast regeneration from various fungi using an enzyme from Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract: An enzyme from Trichoderma harzianum dissolved the cell walls of a wide range of filamentous fungi belonging to Basidiomycotina, Ascomycotina, Deuteromycotina, and Zygomycotina and so could be used to make protoplasts. A lyophilized preparation of the Trichoderma enzyme had about 0.3 units/mg β-1,3-glucanase activity and 0.36 units/mg chitinase activity. About twice as many protoplasts were produced from different species of fungi by a single treatment with this enzyme than with combined commercial enzymes. The greatest number of protoplasts could be produced from most of the fungi by incubation for about 2 h t 30°C, but the number was decreased by incubation for more than 4 h or by use of a higher dose of the enzyme. An enzyme prepared by bentonite treatment from the original Trichoderma enzyme had less proteinase activity and protoplasts were fairly stable with this product during incubation for 8 h. Protoplasts produced by the proteinase-reduced preparation of the Trichoderma enzyme from three fungi regenerated at about 1.8 times the rate of those produced by the original enzyme.

Review of fungal chitinases.

Abstract: Chitin is the second most abundant organic and renewable source in nature, after cellulose. Chitinases are chitin-degrading enzymes. Chitinases have important biophysiological functions and immense potential applications. In recent years, researches on fungal chitinases have made fast progress, especially in molecular levels. Therefore, the present review will focus on recent advances of fungal chitinases, containing their nomenclature and assays, purification and characterization, molecular cloning and expression, family and structure, regulation, and function and application.

Chitinases: in agriculture and human healthcare

Abstract: Biological control of phytopathogenic fungi and insects continues to inspire the research and development of environmentally friendly bioactive alternatives. Potentially lytic enzymes, chitinases can act as a biocontrol agent against agriculturally important fungi and insects. The cell wall in fungi and protective covers, i.e. cuticle in insects shares a key structural polymer, chitin, a β-1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine polymer. Therefore, it is advantageous to develop a common biocontrol agent against both of these groups. As chitin is absent in plants and mammals, targeting its metabolism will signify an eco-friendly strategy for the control of agriculturally important fungi and insects but is innocuous to mammals, plants, beneficial insects and other organisms. In addition, development of chitinase transgenic plant varieties probably holds the most promising method for augmenting agricultural crop protection and productivity, when properly integrated into traditional systems. Recently, human proteins with chitinase activity and chitinase-like proteins were identified and established as biomarkers for human diseases. This review covers the recent advances of chitinases as a biocontrol agent and its various applications including preparation of medically important chitooligosaccharides, bioconversion of chitin as well as in implementing chitinases as diagnostic and prognostic markers for numerous diseases and the prospect of their future utilization.

Microbial beta-glucanases different from cellulases.

Abstract: The beta-glucans different from cellulose are the most abundant class of polysaccharides. They are found in microorganisms and higher plants as structural entities of cell wall, as cytoplasmic and vacuolar reserve materials, and as extracellular substances. Enzyme systems capable to hydrolyze beta-glucans are produced by different microorganisms. The occurrence and nature of beta-glucanases and their substrates are reviewed. The regulation of biosynthesis of these enzymes, their properties, substrate and product specificities, mode of action and molecular cloning are described. The participation of beta-glucanases in the morphogenetic events of yeast cell is presented. The role and synergism of different types of 1,3-beta-glucanases in microbial cell wall lysis and the potential application for isolation of intracellular materials like proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes and as an analytical tool are discussed in the light of current knowledge.