Glucanases, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using them

摘要

0143472_LDOC The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 5 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta- 1,4 bonds in mixed beta- 1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new 0 glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability, including thermotolerance or thermostability, at increased or decreased pHs and temperatures.