A XYLANASE OBTAINED FROM AN ANAEROBIC FUNGUS

摘要

A xylanase gene, denoted xynC, encoding a novel xylanase (XynC) obtained from strains of the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum is provided. The DNA sequence of the xynC gene is also provided. Transformation of microbial and plan t hosts with the xynC gene is described. The xynC gene may be used to design probe s for use in hybridization experiments to isolate xylanase genes from other anaero bic fungi. The xynC gene has been used to construct an oleosin-xynC expression construct encoding an oleosin-xylanase fusion protein which retains xylanase act ivity. Transgenic Brassica napus (canola), transformed with the oleosin-xynC expression construct, expresses the oleosin-xylanase fusion protein which is immobilized in the oil-body membrane of the B. napus seeds. Canola meal, the protein-rich residue l eft after canola oil is extracted from canola plants, when derived from the transgenic B. napus of the present invention, retains substantial xylanase activity, making it an id eal animal feed supplement.