Evidence that a beta-1,4-endoglucanase secreted by Acetobacter xylinum plays an essential role for the formation of cellulose fiber.

Cellulose-producing Acetobacter xylinum has been known to secrete a cellulose-hydrolyzing beta-1,4-endoglucanase (CMCax). When antibodies to recombinant CMCax were added to the culture medium, the formation of cellulose fiber was severely inhibited. Western blot analysis using the antibody showed that this enzyme was secreted into the medium even by a cellulose non-producing strain (Cel-). These results indicate that beta-1,4-endoglucanase in the medium plays a critical role in the formation of cellulose fiber by the microorganism.