Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel promoter and its use in driving expression of foreign genes in transgenic animals (especially pigs). Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for producing transgenic animals harboring heterologous genes regulated by the promoter of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides the nucleotide sequence of a novel &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase gene denoted as cbeg1 of the soil-borne fungus Coniothyrium minitans. The deduced amino acid sequence of the encoded &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase enzyme, denoted Cbeg1, is also provided. Encoded &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1 is specific for the substrate laminarin, in that results showed no activity with other substrates tested, such as carboxymethylcellulose, barley &bgr;-glucan, lichenan, oat spelt xylan and birchwood xylan. The pH and temperature optima for &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1 are 6.0 and 57° C., respectively. Cbeg1 contains 784 amino acids, and has a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0 and molecular weight of 83,646 Daltons. The invention further provides vectors and cells comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding the cbeg1 gene, and methods for producing &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1.

Abstract: Improved particulate feed additives and methods are provided for enhancing feed utilization efficiency in a ruminant animal by adding to the feed of the animals a particulate feed additive comprising a nonionic surfactant to enhance the utilization of the feed by the animal and a sufficient amount of an antioxidant agent to substantially enhance the shelf life of the feed additive. The methods and compositions result in enhanced weight gain and/or milk production by the animal.

Abstract: The invention provides the nucleotide sequence of a novel &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase gene denoted as cbeg1 of the soil-borne fungus Coniothyrium minitans. The deduced amino acid sequence of the encoded &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase enzyme, denoted Cbeg1, is also provided. Encoded &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1 is specific for the substrate laminarin, in that results showed no activity with other substrates tested, such as carboxymethylcellulose, barley &bgr;-glucan, lichenan, oat spelt xylan and birchwood xylan. The pH and temperature optima for &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1 are 6.0 and 57° C., respectively. Cbeg1 contains 784 amino acids, and has a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0 and molecular weight of 83,646 Daltons. The invention further provides vectors and cells comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding the cbeg1 gene, and methods for producing &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new cellulase enzyme isolated from the fungus Piromyces rhizinflata and nucleic acids encoding it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new barley promoter sequence useful for expression of heterologous proteins in plant cells.

Abstract: Strains of the aerobic mycoparasitic fungus Coniothyrium minitans having high levels of &bgr;-glucanase activity have been obtained. Preferred strains have been deposited at the American Type Culture Collection under accession numbers 74415, 74416, 74417, 74418, 74419, 74435 and 74436. Methods for mutagenizing C. minitans 74415 and obtaining strains having &bgr;-glucanase activity are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellulase enzyme, elgA, isolated from the fungus Piromyces rhizinflata and nucleic acids encoding it.

Abstract: A xylanase gene, denoted xynC, encoding a novel xylanase (XynC) obtained from the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum is provided. The DNA sequence of the xynC gene is also provided. Transformation of microbial and plant hosts with the xynC gene is described. The xynC gene may be used to design probes for use in hybridization experiments to isolate xylanase genes from other anaerobic fungi. The xynC gene has been used to construct an oleosin-xynC expression construct encoding an oleosin-xylanase fusion protein which retains xylanase activity. 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 left 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 ideal animal feed supplement.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of a novel xylanase gene obtained from the soilborne fungus Coniothyrium minitans, and denoted cxy1, is provided. The amino acid sequence of the encoded xylanase enzyme, denoted Cxy1, is also provided.

Abstract: This invention describes the germination technology for cereal and oil seeds for the production of enzymes and also describes the production technology of various high activity enzyme products such as phytase from the germinated seeds. The invention provides the use of germinated seeds after crushing (or pulverizing) as economically viable raw materials for mixed feeds and also provides the use of the enzyme products as filler materials for various pharmaceuticals for livestock. The production of enzyme products from seeds are achieved through four steps including selection of seeds, germination, culturing and drying, crushing and packaging.

Abstract: Novel phytases derived from ruminal microorganisms are provided. The phytases are capable of catalyzing the release of inorganic phosphorus from phytic acid. Preferred sources of phytases include Selenomonas, Prevotella, Treponema and Megasphaera. A purified and isolated DNA encoding a phytase of Selenomonas ruminantium JY35 (ATCC 55785) is provided. Recombinant expression vectors containing DNA's encoding the novel phytases and host cells transformed with DNA's encoding the novel phytases are also provided. The novel phytases are useful in a wide range of applications involving the dephosphorylation of phytate, including, among other things, use in animal feed supplements.

Abstract: A xylanase gene, denoted xynC, encoding a novel xylanase (XynC) obtained from the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum is provided. The DNA sequence of the xynC gene is also provided. Transformation of microbial and plant hosts with the xynC gene is described. The xynC gene may be used to design probes for use in hybridization experiments to isolate xylanase genes from other anaerobic fungi. The xynC gene has been used to construct an oleosin-xynC expression construct encoding an oleosin-xylanase fusion protein which retains xylanase activity. 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 left 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 ideal animal feed supplement.

Abstract: Novel phytases derived from ruminal microorganisms are provided. The phytases are capable of catalyzing the release of inorganic phosphorus from phytic acid. Preferred sources of phytases include Selenomonas, Prevotella, Treponema and Megasphaera. A purified and isolated DNA encoding a phytase of Selenomonas ruminantium JY35 (ATCC 55785) is provided. Recombinant expression vectors containing DNA's encoding the novel phytases and host cells transformed with DNA's encoding the novel phytases are also provided. The novel phytases are useful in a wide range of applications involving the dephosphorylation of phytate, including, among other things, use in animal feed supplements.