Metagenomics, a new research field developed over the past decade, aims to identify potential enzymes from nonculturable microbes. In this study, genes encoding three glycoside hydrolase family (GHF) 9 endoglucanases and one GHF 5 endoglucanase were cloned and identified from the metagenome of the compost soils. The shared identities between the predicted amino acid sequences of these genes and their closest homologues in the database were less than 70%. One GHF 9 endoglucanase, Umcel9B, was further characterized. The recombinant protein, Umcel9B, showed activity against carboxymethyl cellulose, indicating that Umcel9B is an endoactive enzyme. Enzymatic activity occurs optimally at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 25A degrees C.