GPCR-fusion partner proteins comprising G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) of GPCRs and fusion partners such as rubredoxin, cytochrome b562 RIL (Bril, bRIL, BRIL), T4 lysozyme C-terminal fragment (C-term-T4L), flavodoxin, or xylanase either substituted for some or all of the third intracellular loop of the GPCR between the fifth and sixth helix of the GPCR are described or attached to an terminus or C terminus of the GPCR. GPCR-fusion partner proteins in crystalline form, optionally of a quality suitable for x-ray crystallographic structure determination of the GPCR, are described. Methods of using fusion partners in GPCR-fusion partner proteins to support crystallization of GPCR-fusion partner proteins for x-ray crystallographic structure determination of the GPCR, are described. Methods of identifying other suitable fusion partners through screening of protein data banks are also described.

Compositions comprising unprocessed cell pellets of a cellulosome-producing microorganism grown on cellulosic biomass are provided. Further provided are methods for producing the compositions and uses thereof in hydrolysis of cellulosic substrates. In particular, the compositions advantageously contain extracellular beta-glucosidase, either expressed on the cells themselves or extrinsically added to the cell pellets.

The present invention relates to processes comprising enzymatic degradation of mannan-containing cellulosic materials for producing a hydrolyzate. The invention also relates to processes of producing a fermentation product from mannan-containing cellulosic materials.

An expression vector is disclosed which contains a promoter DNA; a DNA encoding a peptide having a defined amino acid sequence and having secretion signal activity; and a DNA encoding an intended protein or a cloning site for insertion of the DNA encoding an intended protein. An expression vector is also disclosed which contains a promoter DNA; a DNA encoding any peptide having a defined amino acid sequence and having secretion signal activity; a DNA encoding an intended protein or a cloning site for insertion of the DNA encoding an intended protein; and a DNA encoding an anchor domain. The peptide having secretion signal activity allows for secretory production and cell surface display of a protein with high activity, in yeast. According to the present invention, a secretion signal peptide is provided which stably has higher secretion activity ability It is also an object of the present invention to provide a secretion signal peptide that stably has higher secretion ability than that of a conventionally used secretion signal peptide in secretory production and cell surface display of a protein.

Disclosed are Klotho variant proteins in which residue Glu414 and/or residue Asp238 is substituted with an amino acid different than L-Glu or L-Asp, respectively, as well as polynucleotides encoding the variant proteins, and the use thereof in therapy, especially for the treatment of cancers, especially breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.

The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

The disclosure provides thermostable enzymes isolated from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii and fragments thereof useful for the degradation of cellulose and/or hemicellulose, including thermostable cellulases and hemicellulases. The disclosure further provides nucleic acids encoding the thermostable enzymes of the disclosure. The disclosure also provides methods for the conversion of cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable sugars using thermostable enzymes of the disclosure. The disclosure also provides enzyme cocktails containing multiple enzymes disclosed herein. The enzymes can be used to release sugars present in cellulose or hemicellulose for subsequent fermentation to produce value-added products.

Disclosed is a use of the BXL gene or a protein encoded thereby. Specifically, when the expression of the BXL gene or a protein encoded thereby is inhibited, traits of plants can be significantly improved, comprising: (i) enhancing the stress resistance of plants; and/or (ii) the resistance to pathogens; and/or (iii) reducing lignin content and increasing fiber and pectin content. In addition, inhibitors of the BXL gene or a protein encoded thereby can also be used in feed compositions, and are used for improving feed palatability.

The invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a lacZ gene (lacZ.sup.FS) encoding a β-galactosidase characterized by a particular profile regarding its efficiency of hydrolysis of lactose. The invention is also directed to a Streptococcus thermophilus strain comprising a lacZ.sup.FS allele and bacterial composition thereof, and their use to obtain fermented milk not undergoing post-acidification.

The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.