Identification of chitinase from Bacillus velezensis strain S161 and its antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of chitinase in Bacillus velezensis through extensive genomic sequencing and experimental analyses. However, the detailed structure, functional roles, and antifungal activity of these chitinases remain poorly characterized. In this study, genomic screening identified three genes—chiA, chiB, and lpmo10—associated with chitinase degradation in B. velezensis S161. These genes encode chitinases ChiA and ChiB, and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase LPMO10. Both ChiA and ChiB contain two CBM50 binding domains and one catalytic domain, whereas LPMO10 includes a signal peptide and a single catalytic domain. The chitinases ChiA, its truncated variant ChiA2, and ChiB were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified enzymes efficiently degraded colloidal chitin and inhibited the spore germination of Penicillium digitatum. Notably, even after losing one CBM50 domain, the resultant enzyme, consisting of the remaining CBM50 domain and the catalytic domain, maintained its colloidal chitin hydrolysis and antifungal activity, indicating commendable stability. These results underscore the role of B. velezensis chitinases in suppressing plant pathogenic fungi and provide a solid foundation for developing and applying chitinase-based biocontrol strategies.