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

US7960148B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Verenium Corporation · US
• Syngenta Participations AG · CH

Inventors

• Brian Steer · San Diego, US
• Walter Callen · San Diego, US
• Shaun Healey · Carlsbad, US
• Derrick Pulliam · Durham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2004
• Grant date: Jun 14, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E50/10
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

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 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 glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.