Abstract: A method for gene shuffling to form a mutant or chimeric gene, the method comprising: (a) assigning one or more segments of one or more genes based on regions of encoded amino acid sequence; (b) amplifying the one or more assigned segments of the gene using primers specific for each segment; and (c) causing recombination of the one or more amplified segments to form a mutant or chimeric gene. An oligonucleotide primer suitable for use in gene shuffling, the primer having a non-degenerate core based on a segment or template of a gene to be amplified, and the core being flanked by both 5? and 3? degenerate ends.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a replicase EF-Ts, EF-Tu and ? polypeptide subunits, the method comprising expressing in a suitable host cell the EF-Ts and EF-Tu subunits, followed by expressing the ? subunit, wherein the EF-Ts and EF-Tu subunits are operably linked to a first promoter and the ? subunit is operably linked to a second promoter, and wherein the first and second promoters are differentially induced.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for obtaining a promoter from an organism using a proteomics approach, isolated promoters from fungal species and uses of the isolated promoters.

Abstract: A method for producing a mutant gene encoding a functional gene product comprising: (a) introducing one or more mutations into a gene to form a mutated gene; (b) providing the mutated gene to a host microorganism; (c) culturing the host microorganism containing the mutated gene under conditions which allow expression of the mutant gene product; and (d) selecting a host microorganism capable of producing a functional gene production from the mutated gene.

Abstract: An isolated mutant Ophiostoma species having enhanced protein excretion capability as compared with its parent strain cultured under similar conditions.

Abstract: A method for gene shuffling to form a mutant or chimeric gene, the method comprising: (a) assigning one or more segments of one or more genes based on regions of encoded amino acid sequence; (b) amplifying the one or more assigned segments of the gene using primers specific for each segment; and (c) causing recombination of the one or more amplified segments to form a mutant or chimeric gene. An oligonucleotide primer suitable for use in gene shuffling, the primer having a non-degenerate core based on a segment or template of a gene to be amplified, and the core being flanked by both 5′ and 3′ degenerate ends.

Abstract: The present invention discloses enzymes having xylanase activity. The xylanases are characterized in that they are active at a temperature of 80.degree. C. or higher. The enzymes are obtainable from anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. The enzymes are suited for use in paper and pulp production processes. The invention also describes cloning and expression of genes having xylanase activity obtained from the deposited strains.