Cellulosic processing trait development using a thermoregulated, intein-modified xylanase
US9388422B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Y302/01008
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In planta consolidated bioprocessing has the advantages of decreasing biomass pretreatment costs, utilizing excess plant protein production capacity for enzyme production, and decreasing mass transfer resistance of enzyme diffusion to its substrate. However, in planta expression of cell wall degrading (CWD) enzymes often leads to detrimental plant phenotypes that impact crop yield. To provide in planta CWD enzyme activity without any adverse phenotype, a thermostable xylanase, XynB (EC 3.2.1.8), was engineered with a thermoregulated intein, Tth-HB27 DnaE-1 (Tth intein), that controls its hydrolytic activity through conditional intein splicing. Maize plants expressing the heat inducible Tth intein-modified XynB developed normally, yet possessed enhanced post harvest glucose production from dried corn stover. Expression of CWD enzymes as dormant, intein-modified proteins that can be activated by heat treatment after harvest provides the basis for developing a novel cellulosic processing trait in plants.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.