Mining salt pan soil metagenome for functional screening of enzymes

Abstract

Metagenomics relates to the uncultivable microbial world, targeting the total microbial genetic material in a specific environment. While a few extreme habitats have been studied for the metagenomic diversity and biotechnological potential, the saline systems of India have not been much explored. This study describes direct DNA extraction methods based on the physical, chemical and enzymatic lysis in various combinations to extract the metagenomic DNA. Metagenomic DNA extracted from salt pan soil has a high molecular weight. Four small insert metagenomic libraries were constructed using two different vectors pUC18 and pET 21a⁺, and E. coli JM109 as the host organism. The libraries were further screened for protease, amylase and lipase. Seven protease and five amylase positive clones were detected, and the relative enzyme activities were assessed. The metagenomic library from the salt pan soil proved to be significant for the exploration of valuable enzymes.