InterPro: IPR000852 Glycoside hydrolase, family 52

O-Glycosyl hydrolases EC:3.2.1. are a widespread group of enzymes that hydrolyse the glycosidic bond between two or more carbohydrates, or between a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate moiety. A classification system for glycosyl hydrolases, based on sequence similarity, has led to the definition of 85 different families [1, 2, 3]. This classification is available on the CAZy (CArbohydrate-Active EnZymes) web site [4]. Because the fold of proteins is better conserved than their sequences, some of the families can be grouped in clans.

Glycoside hydrolase family 52 GH52 comprises enzymes with only one known activity; beta-xylosidase (EC:3.2.1.37).

Proteins harboring beta-xylosidase and xylanase activities [5]have been identified in the Gram-positive, facultative thermophilic aerobe Bacillus stearothermophilus 21 [5]. This microbe, which functions in xylan degradation, can utilise xylan as a sole source of carbon. The enzyme hydrolyses 1,4-beta-D-xylans, removing successive D-xylose residues from the non-reducing termini. It also hydrolyses xylobiose.