Cellulose-binding domain of Humicola grisea cellulases (CBD)

The cellulose-binding domain (CBD) of Humicola grisea cellulases is a specialized protein module that facilitates the attachment of cellulolytic enzymes to crystalline cellulose surfaces (Takashima et al., 1996, J. Biochem.). Humicola grisea, a thermophilic fungus, secretes these enzymes to break down plant biomass into fermentable sugars, a process vital for its survival and widely exploited in industrial biotechnology (UniProt P15828). The CBD, typically belonging to Carbohydrate-Binding Module (CBM) Family 1, functions by increasing the local concentration of the catalytic domain on the insoluble substrate, thereby enhancing the efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis (CAZy Database). These domains are characterized by a small, wedge-shaped structure with a flat surface containing conserved aromatic residues that stack against the glucose rings of the cellulose chain (Kleywegt et al., 1997, Structure). While highly significant in the fields of biofuels, textiles, and paper manufacturing, these domains do not play a role in human disease and are not targets for clinical drug development. They are often utilized in biotechnology as affinity tags for protein purification or as components of engineered enzymes for biomass conversion. The interaction between the CBD and cellulose is non-covalent and driven by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding.

Other names

Carbohydrate-binding moduleCBMCellulose-binding moduleHumicola grisea CBM family 1CBD

Not applicable; this is a biotechnological tool rather than a therapeutic target.