Cellulosome Systems in the Digestive Tract: Underexplored Enzymatic Machine for Lignocellulose Bioconversion

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Abstract
Cellulosomes are sophisticated multi-enzyme complexes synthesized and secreted by anaerobic microorganisms, characterized by intricate structural components and highly organized modular assembly mechanisms. These complexes play a pivotal role in the efficient degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, significantly enhancing its bioconversion efficiency, and are thus regarded as invaluable enzymatic molecular machines. Cellulosomes are not only prevalent in anaerobic bacteria from soil and compost environments but are also integral to the digestive systems of herbivorous animals, primates and termites. The cellulosomes produced by digestive tract microbiota exhibit unique properties, providing novel enzymes and protein modules that are instrumental in biomass conversion and synthetic biology, thereby showcasing substantial application potential. Despite their promise, the isolation and cultivation of digestive tract microorganisms that produce cellulosomes present significant challenges. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive genetic and biochemical studies has impeded a thorough understanding of these cellulosomes, leaving them largely underexplored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the digestive tract cellulosome system, with a particular focus on the structural and functional attributes of cellulosomes in various animal digestive tracts. It also discusses the application prospects of digestive tract cellulosomes, highlighting their potential as a treasure in diverse fields.
Funding Information
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC3402300, 32470024, 32471257, QIBEBT ICP202304, 2302020JXGGRC-005)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (2023YFC3402300, 32470024, 32471257, QIBEBT ICP202304, 2302020JXGGRC-005)
  • QIBEBT International Cooperation Project (2023YFC3402300, 32470024, 32471257, QIBEBT ICP202304, 2302020JXGGRC-005)
  • Training Program for Young Teaching Backbone Talents, USTB (2023YFC3402300, 32470024, 32471257, QIBEBT ICP202304, 2302020JXGGRC-005)

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