Dextranase

Literature References: Enzyme which hydrolyzes the a-1®6 glucosidic linkages of the bacterial polysaccharide dextran. Endodextranases (dextranases which preferentially split glucosidic linkages remote from end groups) are secreted by various molds and a few bacteria. Exodextranases occur predominantly in mammalian tissues. Prepn: from Penicillium lilacinum, P. funiculosum, and Verticillium coccorum, Nordström, Hultin, Sven. Kem. Tidskr. 60, 283 (1948), C.A. 43, 3050i (1949); from Aspergillus, Carlson, Carlson, Science 115, 43 (1952), eidem, US 2709150 (1955 to Enzymatic Chemicals), eidem, US 2716084, and Novak, Stoycos, US 2841578 (1955 and 1958 both to Commonwealth Eng. of Ohio); from P. lilacinum, P. funiculosum, P. verruculosum, and Spicaria violacea, Tsuchiya et al., US 2742399 and Corman, Tsuchiya, US 2776925 (1956 and 1957 both to U.S. Secy. Agr.); from P. lilacinum, Charles, Farrell, Can. J. Microbiol. 3, 239 (1957); from Lactobacillus bifidus, Bailey, Clarke, Biochem. J. 72, 49 (1959). Tested as dental caries-control agent in hamsters: Fitzgerald et al., J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 76, 301 (1968). Review: E. H. Fischer, E. A. Stein, "Cleavage of O- and S-Glycosidic Bonds (Survey)" in The Enzymes vol. 4, P. D. Boyer et al., Eds. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1960) pp 304-307.