A metagenomic library with 2750 clones was constructed from the Arctic deep-sea sediments.
Sequencing of selected clones revealed many interesting genes.
A chitin deacetylase gene cdaYJ was identified from the metagenomic library.
Recombinant CdaYJ produced in Escherichia coli exhibited deacetylation activity.
rCdaYJ showed highest deacetylation activity under slight alkaline and low temperature.