Mannanase variants and polynucleotides encoding same

The present invention relates to mannanase 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.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national application of international application no. PCT/EP2018/060724 filed Apr. 26, 2018 which claims priority or the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of International application nos. IN 201741016140 filed May 8, 2017 and EP 17180182.2 filed Jul. 7, 2017 the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mannanase variants exhibiting mannanase activity, compositions comprising the mannanase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants, methods of producing the variants, and methods of using the variants.

Description of the Related Art

Mannan containing polysaccharides are often a major component of the hemicellulose fraction in woods, both softwood and hardwood.

Essentially unsubstituted linear beta-1,4-mannan is found in fruits of several palm trees, such as palm kernels and coconuts. Unsubstituted beta-1,4-mannan which is present e.g. in ivory nuts resembles cellulose in the conformation of the individual polysaccharide chains, and is water-insoluble. In leguminous seeds, water-soluble galactomannan is the main storage carbohydrate comprising up to 20% of the total dry weight. See Moreira et al., (2008) Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 79:165-178. Galactomannans have a linear beta-1,4-mannan backbone substituted with single alpha-1,6-galactose, optionally substituted with acetyl groups. Glucomannans are linear polysaccharides with a backbone of beta-1,4-linked mannose and glucose alternating in a more or less regular manner, the backbone optionally being substituted with galactose and/or acetyl groups. Mannans, galactomannans, glucomannans and galactoglucomannans glucomannan backbones with branched galactose) contribute to more than 50% of the softwood hemicellulose. Moreover, the cellulose of many red algae contains a significant amount of mannose.

Within the household care industry, it has been known to use mannanases in e.g. laundry detergents. In WO 1999/064619 an alkaline mannanase, which exhibites mannanase activity also in the alkaline pH range when applied in cleaning compositions, is disclosed.

In WO 2016/054176 other mannanases exhibiting beta-mannanase activity are disclosed.

However, mannanases with improved stability, in particular when used in detergents, have not been disclosed in the prior art. As can be seen from the data herein disclosed, the stability of a wild-type mannanase can be significantly improved by protein engineering. Viewed from a commercial side, providing a mannanase having an improved stability, will have a great impact for the detergent producing industry.

Thus, it is the object of the present invention to provide mannanase variants with improved stability compared to its parent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

wherein said variant has at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

The present invention also relates to a composition comprising a variant as herein disclosed, use of such a composition in a domestic or industrial cleaning process, an isolated polynucleotide encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of producing the variants as well as methods of dishwashing or laundering in automatic machines using a composition herein disclosed.

Definitions

Before the invention is described in further details, it is to be understood that the present variants, compositions and methods are not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, differ. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Thus, prior to discussing the invention in further detail, the following terms will first be defined. In accordance with the detailed description, the following abbreviations and definitions apply. Note that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an enzyme” includes a plurality of such enzymes, and reference to “the dosage” includes reference to one or more dosages and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Certain ranges are presented herein with numerical values being preceded by the term “about”. The term “about” as used herein, is to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. For example, in connection with a numerical value, the term “about” refers to a range of −10% to +10% of the numerical value, unless term is otherwise specifically defined in context. In another example, the phrase a “pH value of about 9” refers to pH values of from 8.1 to 9.9, unless the pH value is specifically defined otherwise.

Mannanase: The term “mannanase” or “galactomannase” as used herein refers to a mannanase enzyme defined as the officially named mannan endo-1,4-beta-mannosidase and having the alternative names beta-mannanse and endo-1,4-mannase. The mannanase term also means a polypeptide or polypeptide domain of an enzymes that has the ability to catalyze the cleavage or hydrolysis of (1→4) beta-D-mannosidic linkages of mannans, galactomannans, glucomannans, and galactoglucmannans. Thus, it means that the mannanase has mannanase activity (EC 3.2.1.78). For purposes of the present invention, mannanase activity is determined according to the procedure described in the Examples. In one aspect, the variants of the present invention have at least 20%, e.g., at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the mannanase activity of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Comprising: The term “comprising” as used herein refers to, including, but not limited to, the component(s) or feature(s) after the term “comprising”. The component(s) or feature(s) after the term “comprising” are required or mandatory, but the embodiment, may further include other non-mandatory or optional component(s) or feature(s).

Consisting of: The term “consisting of” as used herein refers to, including, and limited to, the component(s) or feature(s) after the term “consisting of”. The component(s) or feature(s) after the term “consisting of” are therefore required or mandatory, and no other non-mandatory or optional component(s) or feature(s) are present in the embodimenta.

Expression: The term “expression” includes any step involved in the production of a variant including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, post-translational modification, and secretion.

Expression vector: The term “expression vector” as used herein, refers to a linear or circular DNA molecule that comprises a polynucleotide encoding a variant and is operably linked to control sequences that provide for its expression. Such control sequences may include a promotor to affect transcription, an optional operator sequence to control transcription, a sequence encoding suitable ribosome-binding sites on the mRNA, and sequence which control termination of transcription and translation. Different cell types may be used with different expression vectors.

Fragment: The term “fragment” means a polypeptide having one or more (e.g., several) amino acids absent from the amino and/or carboxyl terminus of a mature polypeptide; wherein the fragment has mannanse activity. In one aspect, a fragment contains at least 250 amino acid residues (e.g., amino acids 250 to 300 of SEQ ID NO: 2), at least 260 amino acid residues (e.g., amino acids 260 to 300 of SEQ ID NO: 2), at least 270 amino acid residues (e.g., amino acids 270 to 300 of SEQ ID NO: 2), or at least 285 amino acid residues (e.g., amino acids 285 to 300 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Host cell: The term “host cell” means any cell type that is susceptible to transformation, transfection, transduction, or the like with a nucleic acid construct or expression vector comprising a polynucleotide of the present invention. The term “host cell” encompasses any progeny of a parent cell that is not identical to the parent cell due to mutations that occur during replication. Host cells useful in the present invention are generally prokaryotic or eukaryotic host, including any transformable microorganism in which expression can be achieved. Host cells are transformed or transfected with vectors constructed using recombinant DNA techniques. Such transformed host cells may be capable of one or both of replicating the vectors encoding the variant of the present invention and expressing the desired peptide product.

Improved property: The term “improved property” as used herein, refers to a characteristic associated with a variant that is improved compared to the parent. Such improved properties include, but are not limited to, catalytic efficiency, catalytic rate, in-detergent stability, chemical stability, oxidation stability, pH activity, pH stability, specific activity, stability under storage conditions, substrate binding, substrate cleavage, substrate specificity, substrate stability, surface properties, thermal activity, and thermostability.

In-detergent stability: The term “in-detergent stability” as used herein, refers to the stability of a mannanase enzyme, being both a wild-type, parent or variant, when it has been incubated in a detergent. For the purposes of the present invention, in-detergent stability may be determined as shown in the Examples.

Isolated: The term “isolated” as used herein, refers to a substance in a form or environment which does not occur in nature. Non-limiting examples of isolated substances include (1) any non-naturally occurring substance, (2) any substance including, but not limited to, any enzyme, variant, nucleic acid, protein, peptide or cofactor, that is at least partially removed from one or more or all of the naturally occurring constituents with which it is associated in nature; (3) any substance modified by the hand of man relative to that substance found in nature; or (4) any substance modified by increasing the amount of the substance relative to other components with which it is naturally associated (e.g., multiple copies of a gene encoding the substance; use of a stronger promoter than the promoter naturally associated with the gene encoding the substance). An isolated substance may be present in a fermentation broth sample.

Mature polypeptide: The term “mature polypeptide” as used herein, refers to a polypeptide in its final form following translation and any post-translational modifications, such as N-terminal processing, C-terminal truncation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc. In one aspect, the mature polypeptide is amino acids 1 to 298 of SEQ ID NO: 1 based on the SignalP 3.0 predictions (Using neural networks (NN) and hidden Markov models (HMM) trained on Gram-positive bacteria) that predicts amino acids −28 to −1 of SEQ ID NO: 1 are a signal peptide. It is known in the art that a host cell may produce a mixture of two of more different mature polypeptides (i.e., with a different C-terminal and/or N-terminal amino acid) expressed by the same polynucleotide.

Mature polypeptide coding sequence: The term “mature polypeptide coding sequence” as used herein, refers to a polynucleotide that encodes a mature polypeptide having mannanase activity. In one aspect, the mature polypeptide coding sequence is nucleotides 218 to 1111 of SEQ ID NO: 3.

Mutant: The term “mutant” as used herein, refers to a polynucleotide encoding a variant.

Operably linked: The term “operably linked” as used herein, refers to a configuration in which a control sequence is placed at an appropriate position relative to the coding sequence of a polynucleotide such that the control sequence directs expression of the coding sequence. Thus, “operably linked” means that a regulatory region o functional domain having a known or desired activity, such as a promoter, terminator, signal sequence or enhancer region, is attached to or linked to a target (e.g., a gene or polypeptide) in such a manner as to allow the regulatory region or functional domain to control the expression, secretion or function of that target according to its known or desired activity.

Parent or parent mannanase: The term “parent”, “parent mannanse” or “parent polypeptide” as used herein refers to any polypeptide with mannanase activity to which an modification is made to produce the enzyme variants of the present invention. In the present invention, it is to be understood, that a parent polypeptide refers to a naturally-occurring polypeptide that does not include a man-made substitution, insertion, or deletion at one or more amino acid positions. Similarly, the term “parent” with respect to a polynucleotide, refers to a naturally-occurring polynucleotide that does not include a man-made nucleoside change. However, a polynucleotide encoding a parent polypeptide is not limited to a naturally-occurring polynucleotide, but rather encompasses any polynucleotide encoding the parent polypeptide. The parent mannanase may be any mannanase having at least 60%, such as at least 62%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.

Polypeptide or enzyme: The terms “polypeptide” and “enzyme” may be used interchangeably to refer to polymers of any length comprising amino acid residues linked by peptide bonds. The conventional one-letter or three-letter codes for amino acid residues are used herein. The polymer may be linear or branched, it may comprise modified amino acids, and it may be interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified naturally or by intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or modification, such as conjugation with a labeling component. Also included within the definition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.) as well as other modifications known in the art.

Sequence identity: The relatedness between two amino acid sequences or between two nucleotide sequences is described by the parameter “sequence identity”. As used herein, “percent (%) sequence identity” with respect to the amino acid or nucleotide sequence identified herein is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues or nucleotides in a candidate sequence that are identical with the amino acid residues or nucleotides in a mannanase sequence as set out in the mature sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, or for nucleotides the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity.

Variant: The term “variant” as used herein, refers to a polypeptide having mannanase activity comprising an modification, i.e., a substitution or deletion, at one position. A substitution means replacement of the amino acid occupying a position with a different amino acid; and a deletion means removal of the amino acid occupying a position. The variants of the present invention have at least 20%, e.g., at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the mannanase activity of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2.

Wild-type mannanase: The term “wild-type mannanase” as used herein, refers to a mannanase expressed by a naturally occurring microorganism, such as a bacterium, yeast, or filamentous fungus found in nature.

Conventions for Designation of Variants

For purposes of the present invention, the mature polypeptide disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2 is used to determine the corresponding amino acid residue in another mannanase. The amino acid sequence of another mannanase is aligned with the mature polypeptide disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2, and based on the alignment, the amino acid position number corresponding to any amino acid residue in the mature polypeptide disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2 is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970,J. Mol. Biol.48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000,Trends Genet.16: 276-277), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix.

Identification of the corresponding amino acid residue in another mannanase can be determined by an alignment of multiple polypeptide sequences using several computer programs including, but not limited to, MUSCLE (multiple sequence comparison by log-expectation; version 3.5 or later; Edgar, 2004,Nucleic Acids Research32: 1792-1797), MAFFT (version 6.857 or later; Katoh and Kuma, 2002,Nucleic Acids Research30: 3059-3066; Katoh et al., 2005,Nucleic Acids Research33: 511-518; Katoh and Toh, 2007,Bioinformatics23: 372-374; Katoh et al., 2009,Methods in Molecular Biology537:39-64; Katoh and Toh, 2010,Bioinformatics26: 1899-1900), and EMBOSS EMMA employing ClustalW (1.83 or later; Thompson et al., 1994,Nucleic Acids Research22: 4673-4680), using their respective default parameters.

When the other enzyme has diverged from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 such that traditional sequence-based comparison fails to detect their relationship (Lindahl and Elofsson, 2000,J. Mol. Biol.295: 613-615), other pairwise sequence comparison algorithms can be used. Greater sensitivity in sequence-based searching can be attained using search programs that utilize probabilistic representations of polypeptide families (profiles) to search databases. For example, the PSI-BLAST program generates profiles through an iterative database search process and is capable of detecting remote homologs (Atschul et al., 1997,Nucleic Acids Res.25: 3389-3402). Even greater sensitivity can be achieved if the family or superfamily for the polypeptide has one or more representatives in the protein structure databases. Programs such as GenTHREADER (Jones, 1999,J. Mol. Biol.287: 797-815; McGuffin and Jones, 2003,Bioinformatics19: 874-881) utilize information from a variety of sources (PSI-BLAST, secondary structure prediction, structural alignment profiles, and solvation potentials) as input to a neural network that predicts the structural fold for a query sequence. Similarly, the method of Gough et al., 2000,J. Mol. Biol.313: 903-919, can be used to align a sequence of unknown structure with the superfamily models present in the SCOP database. These alignments can in turn be used to generate homology models for the polypeptide, and such models can be assessed for accuracy using a variety of tools developed for that purpose.

For proteins of known structure, several tools and resources are available for retrieving and generating structural alignments. For example the SCOP superfamilies of proteins have been structurally aligned, and those alignments are accessible and downloadable. Two or more protein structures can be aligned using a variety of algorithms such as the distance alignment matrix (Holm and Sander, 1998,Proteins33: 88-96) or combinatorial extension (Shindyalov and Bourne, 1998,Protein Engineering11: 739-747), and implementation of these algorithms can additionally be utilized to query structure databases with a structure of interest in order to discover possible structural homologs (e.g., Holm and Park, 2000,Bioinformatics16: 566-567).

In describing the variants of the present invention, the nomenclature described below is adapted for ease of reference. The accepted IUPAC single letter or three letter amino acid abbreviation is employed.

Substitutions: For an amino acid substitution, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, substituted amino acid. Accordingly, the substitution of threonine at position 226 with alanine is designated as “Thr226Ala” or “T226A”. Multiple mutations are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Gly205Arg+Ser411Phe” or “G205R+S411F”, representing substitutions at positions 205 and 411 of glycine (G) with arginine (R) and serine (S) with phenylalanine (F), respectively.

Deletions: For an amino acid deletion, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, *. Accordingly, the deletion of glycine at position 195 is designated as “Gly195*” or “G195*”. Multiple deletions are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Gly195*+Ser411*” or “G195*+S411*”.

Insertions: For an amino acid insertion, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, original amino acid, inserted amino acid. Accordingly the insertion of lysine after glycine at position 195 is designated “Gly195GlyLys” or “G195GK”. An insertion of multiple amino acids is designated [Original amino acid, position, original amino acid, inserted amino acid #1, inserted amino acid #2; etc.]. For example, the insertion of lysine and alanine after glycine at position 195 is indicated as “Gly195GlyLysAla” or “G195GKA”.

In such cases the inserted amino acid residue(s) are numbered by the addition of lower case letters to the position number of the amino acid residue preceding the inserted amino acid residue(s). In the above example, the sequence would thus be:

Multiple modifications: Variants comprising multiple modifications are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Arg170Tyr+Gly195Glu” or “R170Y+G195E” representing a substitution of arginine and glycine at positions 170 and 195 with tyrosine and glutamic acid, respectively.

Different modifications: Where different modifications can be introduced at a position, the different modifications are separated by a comma, e.g., “Arg170Tyr,Glu” represents a substitution of arginine at position 170 with tyrosine or glutamic acid. Thus, “Tyr167Gly,Ala+Arg170Gly,Ala” designates the following variants: “Tyr167Gly+Arg170Gly”, “Tyr167Gly+Arg170Ala”, “Tyr167Ala+Arg170Gly”, and “Tyr167Ala+Arg170Ala”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

wherein said variant has at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

The inventors of the present invention has found that a modification in one of the above listed positions provides a mannanase variants which have an improved stability compared to the parent mannanase, i.e. a mannanase not comprising a modification in any one of the listed positions. In particular, the stability may be observed as stability in detergent compositions.

The stability in detergent compositions may herein be referred to a “in detergent stability” and falls under the definition elsewhere described herein. The terms may be used interchangeably, but constitute the same meaning and purpose for the present invention. The stability has been determined as described in the Examples.

In one embodiment, the alteration is a substitution.

In an embodiment, the alteration is a substitution, wherein said substitution of the naturally-occurring amino acid residue at the one position for a different amino acid residue produces a mannanase variant having an Improvement Factor of >1.0 for a measure of stability.

When the Improvement Factor (IF) is more than 1.0, it means that the variant tested has an improved property, such as improved stability, compared to the parent mannanase.

In another embodiment, the alteration is a deletion.

In another embodiment, the alteration is a deletion, wherein said deletion of the naturally-occurring amino acid residue at the one position produces a mannanase variant having an Improvement Factor of >1.0 for a measure of stability.

In one embodiment, the deletion is in the position corresponding to position 201 or 230 wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the improved stability is in-detergent stability or thermostability.

Unless specifically disclosed herein, the numbering of amino acid residues or positions, are done according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In an embodiment, the variant has sequence identity of at least 60%, e.g., at least 62, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, to the amino acid sequence of the parent mannanase.

In another embodiment, the variant has at least 60%, e.g., at least 62, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

As described above the stability, such as the in-detergent stability or thermostability, may be determined as described in the Examples. In particular, the stability may be determined at a pH of 9.0.

Thus, in one embodiment, the variant of the present invention has an improved stability when measured at pH 9.0.

Stability may not only be measured at pH 9.0 but may also be measured at either more alcaline or acidic pH. The pH that stability is measured at may vary depending on the detergent composition the variant (or enzyme) needs to be stable in. Thus, the present invention also encompass stability at other pH, such as pH 10.8. Thus, in one embodiment, the variant of the present invention has an improved stability when measured at pH 10.8.

In one embodiment, is the improved stability of the variant of the present invention at least 1.0 for a measure of stability at pH 9.0 and/or pH 10.8.

In one embodiment, the improved stability of the variant of the present invention is measured either at pH 9.0 or 10.8, or the improved stability is seen at both pHs, i.e. pH 9.0 and pH 10.8. Thus in one embodiment, the variant has an improved stability compared to the parent mannanase, when the stability is measured at pH 9.0 and/or pH 10.8.

In an even further embodiment, the Improvement Factor of the variant is at least 2.0 for a measure of stability at pH 9.0 and/or pH 10.8. In particular, in one embodiment, the variant comprises a substitution or deletion at one position corresponding to positions 3, 5, 14, 16, 18, 38, 41, 45, 47, 60, 62, 66, 68, 71, 77, 78, 80, 81, 93, 95, 97, 98, 107, 110, 133, 135, 150, 164, 169, 176, 177, 183, 184, 185, 202, 205, 215, 229, 243, 235, 267, 273, 288, 294, and 295 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein said substitution or deletion of the naturally-occurring amino acid residue at the one position produces a mannanase variant having an Improvement Factor of ≥2.0 for a measure of stability at pH 9.0 and/or pH 10.8.

In one embodiment, the variant comprises a modification in one of the positions selected from 5, 14, 47, 60, 66, 68, 77, 78, 80, 81, 98, 107, 150, 169, 234, 288, 294, and 295, and has an Improvement Factor of at least 2.0 for a measure of stability at pH 9.0 and/or pH 10.8. In a particular embodiment, the variant comprises one of the specific substitutions F5H, D14R, D14K, G47A, G47S, G47K, G47T, G47Q, Q60C, I66R, T68D, E77T, D78A, H800R, H80W, L81R, S98P, I107S, N150S, Q169K, E234Y, L288I, L294P, L294K, S295I, S295K, S295N, and S295R, and has an Improvement Factor of at least 2.0 for a measure of stability at pH 9.0 and/or pH 10.8.

The amino acid changes may be of a minor nature, that is conservative amino acid substitutions or insertions that do not significantly affect the folding and/or activity of the protein; small deletions, typically of 1-30 amino acids; small amino- or carboxyl-terminal extensions, such as an amino-terminal methionine residue; a small linker peptide of up to 20-25 residues; or a small extension that facilitates purification by changing net charge or another function, such as a poly-histidine tract, an antigenic epitope or a binding domain.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 1 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of A1G, A1V, A1I, A1M, A1W, A1S, A1T, A1C, A1Y, A1N, A1D, A1E, A1K, A1R, A1H, A1Q, and A1F.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 2 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N2G, N2R, N2E, N2W, N2V, N2L, N2Q, N2M, N2F, N2H, N2C, N2Y, and N2A.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 6 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Y6M, Y6F, Y6H, Y6S, Y6V, Y6K, Y6F, Y6L, Y6A, Y6R, and Y6W.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 8 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of S8T, S8V, S8P, S9R, S8E, S8K, S8L, S8A, S8N, S8I, S8F, S8H, S8D, S8Q, S8G, and S8W.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 9 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G9E, G9S, G9K, and G9H.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 11 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of T11R, T11D, T11K, and T11E.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 16 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N16G, N16I, N16Y, N16V, N16P, N16F, N16K, and N16S.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 17 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G17R, G17N, G17H, and G17M.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 18 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N18R, N18C, N18V, N18K, N18L, N18F, and N18T.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 34 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of D34G, D34A, D34E, D34S, D34T, D34I, and D34G.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 37 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of T37P, T37R, T37A, T37F, T37V, T37Q, T37E, T37C, T37H, T37L, T37S, T37N, and T37Y.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 41 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of E41V, E41A, E41C, E41R, E41T, E41K, E41Y, E41F, E41S, E41W, E41P, E41N, E41D, E41Q, and E41L.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 44 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of A44N, A44R, and A44G.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 45 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N45A, N45S, N45G, N45P, N45Q, N45T, N45R, N45K, and N45F.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 47 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G47A, G47S, G47H, G47M, G47N, G47W, G47L, G47R, G47K, G47Y, G47T, G47F, G47Q, G47C, G47S, and G47D.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 59 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G59S, G59Q, G59E, G59W, G59F, and G59T.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 62 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of T62D, T62E, T62I, T62Q, T62L, T62M, T62V, T62K, T62F, T62H, and T62Y.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 67 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of H67S, H67T, H67S, H67Y, H67A, H67R, H67N, H67Q, H67F, H67G, and H67D.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 71 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N71T, N71S, N71L, N71P, N71Q, N71K, N71W, N71A, and N71S.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 74 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of S74H, S74T, S74D, S74L, S74K, S74W, and S74R.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 78 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of D78G, D78A, D78Q, D78S, D78E, D78R, D78V, D78F, D78A, D78W, D78L, D78K, D78I, D78Y, D78M, D78N, and D78H.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 79 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N79H, N79C, N79K, and N79R.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 80 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of H80R, H80S, H80K, H80Y, H80F, H80W, H80D, and H80C.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 93 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Y93W, Y93A, Y93R, Y93L, Y93I, Y93C, Y93V, Y93F, Y93Q, Y93T, Y93M, Y93D, Y93K, Y93E, Y93H, and Y93S.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 95 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of S95D, S95E, S95T, S95C, and S95E.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 97 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of A97R, A97S, A97D, A97K, A97N, A97V, A97M, and A97E.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 100 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N100F, N100H, N100Y, N100I, N100D, N100M, N100C, N100K, and N100L.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 101 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of D104S, D104G, D104R, D104Q, D104W, D104A, D104M, D104I, D104H, and D104V.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 107 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of I107S, I107A, I107R, I107M, I107K, and I107V.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 108 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of E108S, E108Q, and E108T.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 110 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of R110T, R110S, R110H, R110G, R110K, R110N, R110V, R110A, R110I, R110Y, and R110C.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 111 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of S111P, S111A, S111R, S111W, S111Q, S111G, S111K, S111T, S111G, S111W, S111H, S111Y, S111V, and S111D.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 116 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of K116R, K116C, K116T, K116S, K116N, K116V, and K116H.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 118 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of D118R, D118K, D118A, D118H, D118L, D118N, D118Q, D118S, and D118T.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 132 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of W132C, W132R, W132L, W132N, W132F, and W132P.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 135 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of D135H, D135P, D135M, D135N, D135G, D135E, D135Q, D135K, D135R, D135V, D135C, and D135Y.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 136 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of A136P, A136G, A136C, A136K, and A136P.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 139 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of D139R, D139V, D139W, D139Q, D139G, D139A, D139L, D139P, D139C, and D139T.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 143 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Q143L, Q143M, Q143A, Q143R, Q143D, Q143I, Q143C, Q143E, Q143N, Q143H, Q143T, Q143V, Q143W, and Q143K.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 150 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N150M, N150H, N150V, N150R, N150W, N150T, N150S, N150Q, N150L, N150K, N150D, N150A, N150E, and N150G.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 164 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of W164G, W164N, W164Q, W164F, W164L, W164M, and W164S.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 174 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Y174R, Y174W, Y174F, Y174L, Y174M, Y174F, and Y174K.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 176 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of R176A, R176Q, R176E, R176C, R176D, R176V, R176L, R176P, R176K, R176Y, R176S, R176M, R176H, R176I, and R176G.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 177 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of E177G, E177S, E177Y, E177Q, E177N, E177H, E177T, E177C, E177M, E177W, and E177V.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 180 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N180A, N180V, N180R, N180A, N180C, N180G, N180E, N180M, N180Y, N180S, N180T, and N180K.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 183 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of P183M, P183T, P183G, P183E, P183H, P183F, P183L, P183A, P183V, P183D, P183S, and P183W.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 184 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Q184T, Q184A, Q184R, Q184S, Q184W, Q184E, Q184K, Q184G, Q184H, Q184C, Q184N, Q184F, and Q184E.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 185 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of R185D, R185A, R185V, R185G, R185L, R185I, R185S, R185C, R185E, R185Y, R185K, and R185T.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a deletion in the position corresponding to position 201 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 202 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of S202H, S202T, S202V, S202C, S202N, S202E, S202D, S202W, S202K, S202M, S202R, S202I, S202F, S202Q, and S202Y.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 206 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of T206R, T206C, T206I, T206P, T206D, T206M, and T206L.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 210 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of R210N, R210C, R210K, R210M, R210G, and R210L.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 213 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N213I, N213V, N213C, N213D, N213E, and N213K.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a deletion in the position corresponding to position 230 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 243 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Q243E, Q243K, Q243C, Q243A, Q243Y, Q243H, Q243R, Q243A, Q243T, Q243S, and Q243L.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 244 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of R244K and R244V.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 257 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G257W, G257E, G257A, G257F, G257S, G257Y, G257Q, G257D, G257L, G257H, and G257M.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 258 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of P258Q, P258V, P258M, P258F, and P258W.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 267 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N267C, N267Y, N267Q, N267F, N267E, N267M, N267K, N267D, N267W, and N267V.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 270 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of A270E, A270D, A270Y, A270M, A270C, A270Q, and A270P.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 273 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N273E, N273H, N273Y, N273K, N273C, N273Q, N273F, N273D, N273W, N273A, N273V, N273M, and N273S.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 276 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of A276N, A276T, A276C, A276P, A276D, A276E, A276Q, and A276W.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 279 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of N279D, N279E, N279Q, N279D, N279H, and N279Q.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 285 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of P285D, P285S, P285R, and P285K.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 286 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of Y286C, Y286W, Y286F, Y286K, and Y286N.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 289 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of R289D, R289Q, R289L, R289G, R289C, and R289E.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 290 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of E290D, E290A, and E290Q.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 294 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of L294R, L294V, L294P, L294H, L294K, L294T, and L294I.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 295 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of S295C, S295F, S295I, S295L, S295K, S295Q, S295A, S295M, S295N, S295V, S295P, and S295R.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 299 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of T299E, T299C, T299S, T299Y, T299H, T299T, T299Q, T299M, T299L, T299G, and T299P.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 300 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G300S, G300V, G300M, G300A, G300P, G300F, G300L, G300Q, and G300D.

In another embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution in the position corresponding to position 301 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or of a polypeptide having at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 which has mannanase activity, and further the variant has improved stability compared to the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the substitution is selected from the group of G301E, G301F, G301H, G301D, G301A, G301W, G301I, G301Q, G301C, G301L, G301V, and G301R.

The variants may consist of 250 to 300, e.g., 260 to 300, 270 to 300, 285 to 300 amino acids.

In an embodiment, the variant has improved specific activity compared to the parent enzyme.

In an embodiment, the variant has improved stability under storage conditions compared to the parent enzyme.

In an embodiment, the variant has improved thermal activity compared to the parent enzyme.

In an embodiment, the variant has improved thermostability compared to the parent enzyme.

The parent mannanase may be (a) a polypeptide having at least 65% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes under low stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, (ii) the full-length complement of (i); or (c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide having at least 65% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an aspect, the parent mannanase has a sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 of at least 65%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, which has mannanase activity. In one aspect, the amino acid sequence of the parent mannanse differs by up to 20 amino acids, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In an aspect, the parent mannanase has a sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 of at least 65%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, which has mannanase activity. In one aspect, the amino acid sequence of the parent mannanse differs by up to 20 amino acids, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In another aspect, the parent is a fragment of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 containing at least 250 amino acid residues, e.g., at least 270 and at least 290 amino acid residues.

In another embodiment, the parent is an allelic variant of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the parent is encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes under very low stringency conditions, low stringency conditions, medium stringency conditions, medium-high stringency conditions, high stringency conditions, or very high stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or (ii) the full-length complement of (i) or (ii) (Sambrook et al., 1989,Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual,2d edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).

The polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a subsequence thereof, as well as the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof, may be used to design nucleic acid probes to identify and clone DNA encoding a parent from strains of different genera or species according to methods well known in the art. In particular, such probes can be used for hybridization with the genomic DNA or cDNA of a cell of interest, following standard Southern blotting procedures, in order to identify and isolate the corresponding gene therein. Such probes can be considerably shorter than the entire sequence, but should be at least 15, e.g., at least 25, at least 35, or at least 70 nucleotides in length. Preferably, the nucleic acid probe is at least 100 nucleotides in length, e.g., at least 200 nucleotides, at least 300 nucleotides, at least 400 nucleotides, at least 500 nucleotides, at least 600 nucleotides, at least 700 nucleotides, at least 800 nucleotides, or at least 900 nucleotides in length. Both DNA and RNA probes can be used. The probes are typically labeled for detecting the corresponding gene (for example, with32P,3H,35S, biotin, or avidin). Such probes are encompassed by the present invention.

A genomic DNA or cDNA library prepared from such other strains may be screened for DNA that hybridizes with the probes described above and encodes a parent. Genomic or other DNA from such other strains may be separated by agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, or other separation techniques. DNA from the libraries or the separated DNA may be transferred to and immobilized on nitrocellulose or other suitable carrier material. In order to identify a clone or DNA that hybridizes with SEQ ID NO: 1 or a subsequence thereof, the carrier material is used in a Southern blot.

For purposes of the present invention, hybridization indicates that the polynucleotide hybridizes to a labeled nucleic acid probe corresponding to (i) SEQ ID NO: 3; (ii) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3; (iii) the full-length complement thereof; or (iv) a subsequence thereof; under very low to very high stringency conditions. Molecules to which the nucleic acid probe hybridizes under these conditions can be detected using, for example, X-ray film or any other detection means known in the art.

In one aspect, the nucleic acid probe is the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is a polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1; the mature polypeptide thereof; or a fragment thereof. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another embodiment, the parent is encoded by a polynucleotide having a sequence identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 of at least 65%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%.

The polypeptide may be a hybrid polypeptide in which a region of one polypeptide is fused at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of a region of another polypeptide.

The parent may be a fusion polypeptide or cleavable fusion polypeptide in which another polypeptide is fused at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the polypeptide of the present invention. A fusion polypeptide is produced by fusing a polynucleotide encoding another polypeptide to a polynucleotide of the present invention. Techniques for producing fusion polypeptides are known in the art, and include ligating the coding sequences encoding the polypeptides so that they are in frame and that expression of the fusion polypeptide is under control of the same promoter(s) and terminator. Fusion polypeptides may also be constructed using intein technology in which fusion polypeptides are created post-translationally (Cooper et al., 1993,EMBO J.12: 2575-2583; Dawson et al., 1994,Science266: 776-779).

The parent may be obtained from microorganisms of any genus. For purposes of the present invention, the term “obtained from” as used herein in connection with a given source shall mean that the parent encoded by a polynucleotide is produced by the source or by a strain in which the polynucleotide from the source has been inserted. In one aspect, the parent is secreted extracellularly.

In another aspect, the parent is aBacillus bogoriensismannanase, e.g., the mannanase of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the mature polypeptide thereof.

The parent may be identified and obtained from other sources including microorganisms isolated from nature (e.g., soil, composts, water, etc.) or DNA samples obtained directly from natural materials (e.g., soil, composts, water, etc.) using the above-mentioned probes. Techniques for isolating microorganisms and DNA directly from natural habitats are well known in the art. A polynucleotide encoding a parent may then be obtained by similarly screening a genomic DNA or cDNA library of another microorganism or mixed DNA sample. Once a polynucleotide encoding a parent has been detected with the probe(s), the polynucleotide can be isolated or cloned by utilizing techniques that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, supra).

Preparation of Variants

The variants can be prepared using any mutagenesis procedure known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis, synthetic gene construction, semi-synthetic gene construction, random mutagenesis, shuffling, etc.

Site-directed mutagenesis is a technique in which one or more (e.g., several) mutations are introduced at one or more defined sites in a polynucleotide encoding the parent.

Site-directed mutagenesis can be accomplished in vitro by PCR involving the use of oligonucleotide primers containing the desired mutation. Site-directed mutagenesis can also be performed in vitro by cassette mutagenesis involving the cleavage by a restriction enzyme at a site in the plasmid comprising a polynucleotide encoding the parent and subsequent ligation of an oligonucleotide containing the mutation in the polynucleotide. Usually the restriction enzyme that digests the plasmid and the oligonucleotide is the same, permitting sticky ends of the plasmid and the insert to ligate to one another. See, e.g., Scherer and Davis, 1979,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA76: 4949-4955; and Barton et al., 1990,Nucleic Acids Res.18: 7349-4966.

Any site-directed mutagenesis procedure can be used in the present invention. There are many commercial kits available that can be used to prepare variants.

Synthetic gene construction entails in vitro synthesis of a designed polynucleotide molecule to encode a polypeptide of interest. Gene synthesis can be performed utilizing a number of techniques, such as the multiplex microchip-based technology described by Tian et al. (2004,Nature432: 1050-1054) and similar technologies wherein oligonucleotides are synthesized and assembled upon photo-programmable microfluidic chips.

Semi-synthetic gene construction is accomplished by combining aspects of synthetic gene construction, and/or site-directed mutagenesis, and/or random mutagenesis, and/or shuffling. Semi-synthetic construction is typified by a process utilizing polynucleotide fragments that are synthesized, in combination with PCR techniques. Defined regions of genes may thus be synthesized de novo, while other regions may be amplified using site-specific mutagenic primers, while yet other regions may be subjected to error-prone PCR or non-error prone PCR amplification. Polynucleotide subsequences may then be shuffled.

wherein said variant has at least 65%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Nucleic Acid Constructs

The polynucleotide may be manipulated in a variety of ways to provide for expression of a variant. Manipulation of the polynucleotide prior to its insertion into a vector may be desirable or necessary depending on the expression vector. The techniques for modifying polynucleotides utilizing recombinant DNA methods are well known in the art.

The control sequence may be a promoter, a polynucleotide which is recognized by a host cell for expression of the polynucleotide. The promoter contains transcriptional control sequences that mediate the expression of the variant. The promoter may be any polynucleotide that shows transcriptional activity in the host cell including mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters, and may be obtained from genes encoding extracellular or intracellular polypeptides either homologous or heterologous to the host cell.

The control sequence may also be a transcription terminator, which is recognized by a host cell to terminate transcription. The terminator sequence is operably linked to the 3′-terminus of the polynucleotide encoding the variant. Any terminator that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Preferred terminators for bacterial host cells are obtained from the genes forBacillus clausiialkaline protease (aprH),Bacillus licheniformisalpha-amylase (amyL), andEscherichia coliribosomal RNA (rrnB).

Examples of suitable mRNA stabilizer regions are obtained from aBacillus thuringiensiscryIIIA gene (WO 94/25612) and aBacillus subtilisSP82 gene (Hue et al., 1995,Journal of Bacteriology177: 3465-3471).

The control sequence may also be a leader, a nontranslated region of an mRNA that is important for translation by the host cell. The leader sequence is operably linked to the 5′-terminus of the polynucleotide encoding the variant. Any leader that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Useful polyadenylation sequences for yeast host cells are described by Guo and Sherman, 1995,Mol. Cellular Biol.15: 5983-5990.

The control sequence may also be a signal peptide coding region that encodes a signal peptide linked to the N-terminus of a variant and directs the variant into the cell's secretory pathway. The 5′-end of the coding sequence of the polynucleotide may inherently contain a signal peptide coding sequence naturally linked in translation reading frame with the segment of the coding sequence that encodes the variant. Alternatively, the 5′-end of the coding sequence may contain a signal peptide coding sequence that is foreign to the coding sequence. A foreign signal peptide coding sequence may be required where the coding sequence does not naturally contain a signal peptide coding sequence. Alternatively, a foreign signal peptide coding sequence may simply replace the natural signal peptide coding sequence in order to enhance secretion of the variant. However, any signal peptide coding sequence that directs the expressed variant into the secretory pathway of a host cell may be used.

Where both signal peptide and propeptide sequences are present, the propeptide sequence is positioned next to the N-terminus of the variant and the signal peptide sequence is positioned next to the N-terminus of the propeptide sequence.

Expression Vectors

The various nucleotide and control sequences may be joined together to produce a recombinant expression vector that may include one or more convenient restriction sites to allow for insertion or substitution of the polynucleotide encoding the variant at such sites. Alternatively, the polynucleotide may be expressed by inserting the polynucleotide or a nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide into an appropriate vector for expression. In creating the expression vector, the coding sequence is located in the vector so that the coding sequence is operably linked with the appropriate control sequences for expression.

Host Cells

The host cell may be any cell useful in the recombinant production of a variant, e.g., a prokaryote or a eukaryote.

The bacterial host cell may also be anyStreptococcuscell including, but not limited to,Streptococcus equisimilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus uberis, andStreptococcus equisubsp.Zooepidemicuscells.

The bacterial host cell may also be anyStreptomycescell, including, but not limited to,Streptomyces achromogenes, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces griseus, andStreptomyces lividanscells.

The host cell may be a fungal cell. “Fungi” as used herein includes the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Zygomycota as well as the Oomycota and all mitosporic fungi (as defined by Hawksworth et al., In,Ainsworth and Bisby's Dictionary of The Fungi,8th edition, 1995, CAB International, University Press, Cambridge, UK).

Methods of Production

The variant may be detected using methods known in the art that are specific for the variants, such as a mannanase enzyme assay as described in Example 2. These detection methods include, but are not limited to, use of specific antibodies, formation of an enzyme product, or disappearance of an enzyme substrate. For example, an enzyme assay may be used to determine the activity of the variant.

The variant may be recovered using methods known in the art. For example, the variant may be recovered from the nutrient medium by conventional procedures including, but not limited to, collection, centrifugation, filtration, extraction, spray-drying, evaporation, or precipitation.

In an alternative aspect, the variant is not recovered, but rather a host cell of the present invention expressing the variant is used as a source of the variant.

Methods or Uses

Methods for Improving the Nutritional Value of Animal Feed

The present invention further relates to a method for improving the nutritional value of an animal feed comprising plant based material, comprising adding to the feed a mannanase variant.

The term improving the nutritional value of an animal feed means improving the availability of nutrients in the feed. The nutritional values refers in particular to improving the solubilization and degradation of the arabinoxylan-containing fraction (e.g., such as hemicellulose) of the feed, thereby leading to increased release of nutrients from cells in the endosperm that have cell walls composed of highly recalcitrant hemicellulose. Consequently, an increased release of arabinoxylan oligomers indicates a disruption of the cell walls and as a result the nutritional value of the feed is improved resulting in increased growth rate and/or weight gain and/or feed conversion (i.e., the weight of ingested feed relative to weight gain). In addition the arabinoxylan oligomer release may result in improved utilization of these components per se either directly or by bacterial fermentation in the hind gut thereby resulting in a production of short chain fatty acids that may be readily absorbed in the hind and utilised in the energy metabolism.

Compositions of the Invention

The compositions may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art and may be in the form of a liquid or a dry composition. For instance, the composition may be in the form of a granulate or a microgranulate. The polypeptide variant may be stabilized in accordance with methods known in the art.

The detergent enzyme(s) may be included in a detergent composition by adding separate additives containing one or more enzymes, or by adding a combined additive comprising all of these enzymes. A detergent additive of the invention, i.e., a separate additive or a combined additive, can be formulated, e.g., granulate, a liquid, a slurry, etc. Preferred detergent additive formulations are granulates, in particular non-dusting granulates, liquids, in particular stabilized liquids, or slurries. Thus, the present invention also relates to a detergent additive comprising a variant of the invention, optionally in the form of a non-dusting granulate, stabilized liquid, or protected enzyme. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a detergent additive comprising polypeptide having alpha-amylase activity and which exhibits an improved wash performance and optionally an improved stability compared to the parent polypeptide, said variant comprises at least one modification in the amino acid motif QSRX1X2X3NR, wherein X1 is Q, K, or R, X2 is L or F, and X3 is A, N, or Q (SEQ ID NO: 2), corresponding to amino acid positions 169 to 176 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and has at least 75% sequence identity to said parent polypeptide, optionally, wherein the detergent additive is in the form of a non-dusting granulate, stabilized liquid, or protected enzyme.

The choice of additional components is within the skill of the artisan and includes conventional ingredients, including the exemplary non-limiting components set forth below.

The choice of components may include, for textile care, such as laundry, the consideration of the type of textile to be cleaned, the type and/or degree of soiling, the temperature at which cleaning is to take place, and the formulation of the detergent product. Although components mentioned below are categorized by general header according to a particular functionality, this is not to be construed as a limitation, as a component may comprise additional functionalities as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a composition which is a cleaning composition.

A composition according to the present invention may further comprise a detergent component, such as a surfactant, a bleach, a dispersant polymer such as a sulfonated polymer, a complexing agent, a bleach catalyst such as a manganese bleach catalyst, a crystal growth inhibitor, and/or fabric hueing agents.

In one embodiment, the composition is a phosphate free composition.

The detergent composition of the invention may for example be directed to an ADW (Automatic Dish Wash) composition comprising an enzyme of the present invention in combination with one or more additional ADW composition components. The choice of additional components is within the skill of the artisan and includes conventional ingredients, including the exemplary non-limiting components set forth below. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention relates to a manual or automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising a variant of the invention, and optionally a surfactant.

The detergent composition of the invention may for example be formulated as a hand or machine laundry detergent composition including a laundry additive composition suitable for pre-treatment of stained fabrics and a rinse added fabric softener composition, or be formulated as a detergent composition for use in general household hard surface cleaning operations, or be formulated for hand or machine dishwashing operations. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a manual or automatic laundry detergent composition comprising a variant according to the invention.

In a specific aspect, the invention provides a detergent concentrate/additive comprising the polypeptide of the invention. The detergent additive, as well as the detergent composition, may comprise one or more other enzymes such as an amylase, protease, a lipase, a peroxidase, another amylolytic enzyme, e.g., alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, maltogenic amylase, CGTase and/or a cellulase, another mannanase, pectinase, pectine lyase, cutinase, and/or laccase.

In general the properties of the chosen enzyme(s) should be compatible with the selected detergent, (i.e., pH-optimum, compatibility with other enzymatic and non-enzymatic ingredients, etc.), and the enzyme(s) should be present in effective amounts.

Proteases: Suitable proteases include those of animal, vegetable or microbial origin. Microbial origin is preferred. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. The protease may be a serine protease or a metallo protease, preferably an alkaline microbial protease or a trypsin-like protease. Examples of alkaline proteases are subtilisins, especially those derived fromBacillus, e.g., subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, subtilisin 309, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 168 (described in WO 89/06279). Examples of trypsin-like pro-teases are trypsin (e.g., of porcine or bovine origin) and theFusariumprotease described in WO 89/06270 and WO 94/25583.

Peroxidases/Oxidases: Suitable peroxidases/oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful peroxidases include peroxidases fromCoprinus, e.g., fromC. cinereus, and variants thereof as those described in WO 93/24618, WO 95/10602, and WO 98/15257. Commercially available peroxidases include GUARDZYME® (Novozymes A/S).

Lechinases/Beta-glucanases: Suitable Lechinases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. They may be chemically modified or protein engineered. Examples of useful beta-glucanases include those described in WO 2015/144824 (Novozymes A/S) and WO 99/06516 (Henkel KGAA).

The detergent enzyme(s) may be included in a detergent composition by adding separate additives containing one or more enzymes, or by adding a combined additive comprising all of these enzymes. A detergent additive of the invention, i.e., a separate additive or a combined additive, can be formulated, e.g., granulate, a liquid, a slurry, etc. Preferred detergent additive formulations are granulates, in particular non-dusting granulates, liquids, in particular stabilized liquids, or slurries.

The detergent composition of the invention may be in any convenient form, e.g., a bar, a tablet, a powder, a granule, a paste or a liquid. A liquid detergent may be aqueous, typically containing up to 70% water and 0-30% organic solvent, or non-aqueous.

The detergent composition comprises one or more surfactants, which may be non-ionic including semi-polar and/or anionic and/or cationic and/or zwitterionic. The surfactants are typically present at a level of from 0.1% to 60% by weight.

When included therein the detergent will usually comprise from about 1% to about 40% of an anionic surfactant such as linear alkylbenzenesulfonate, alpha-olefinsulfonate, alkyl sulfate (fatty alcohol sulfate), alcohol ethoxysulfate, secondary alkanesulfonate, alpha-sulfo fatty acid methyl ester, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid or soap.

When included therein the detergent will usually comprise from about 0.2% to about 40% of a non-ionic surfactant such as alcohol ethoxylate, nonyl-phenol ethoxylate, alkylpolyglycoside, alkyldimethylamine-oxide, ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanol-amide, fatty acid mono-ethanolamide, polyhydroxy alkyl fatty acid amide, or N-acyl N-alkyl derivatives of glucosamine (“glu cam ides”).

The detergent may contain a bleaching system, which may comprise a H2O2source such as perborate or percarbonate which may be combined with a peracid-forming bleach activator such as bleach catalysts, e.g. Mn-based or Co-based, tetraacetylethylenediamine or nonanoyloxyben-zenesul-fonate. Alternatively, the bleaching system may comprise peroxyacids of, e.g., the amide, imide, or sulfone type.

The enzyme(s) of the detergent composition of the invention may be stabilized using conventional stabilizing agents, e.g., a polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric acid, or a boric acid derivative, e.g., an aromatic borate ester, or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as 4-formylphenyl boronic acid, and the composition may be formulated as described in, e.g., WO 92/19709 and WO 92/19708.

A hydrotrope is a compound that solubilises hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions (or oppositely, polar substances in a non-polar environment). Typically, hydrotropes have both hydrophilic and a hydrophobic character (so-called amphiphilic properties as known from surfactants); however the molecular structure of hydrotropes generally do not favor spontaneous self-aggregation, see e.g. review by Hodgdon and Kaler (2007), Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 12: 121-128. Hydrotropes do not display a critical concentration above which self-aggregation occurs as found for surfactants and lipids forming miceller, lamellar or other well defined meso-phases. Instead, many hydrotropes show a continuous-type aggregation process where the sizes of aggregates grow as concentration increases. However, many hydrotropes alter the phase behavior, stability, and colloidal properties of systems containing substances of polar and non-polar character, including mixtures of water, oil, surfactants, and polymers. Hydrotropes are classically used across industries from pharma, personal care, food, to technical applications. Use of hydrotropes in detergent compositions allow for example more concentrated formulations of surfactants (as in the process of compacting liquid detergents by removing water) without inducing undesired phenomena such as phase separation or high viscosity.

The detergent composition may comprise about 0-65% by weight, such as about 5% to about 50% of a detergent builder or co-builder, or a mixture thereof. In a dish wash detergent, the level of builder is typically 40-65%, particularly 50-65%. The builder and/or co-builder may particularly be a chelating agent that forms water-soluble complexes with Ca and Mg. Any builder and/or co-builder known in the art for use in laundry/ADW/hard surface cleaning detergents may be utilized. Non-limiting examples of builders include zeolites, diphosphates (pyrophosphates), triphosphates such as sodium triphosphate (STP or STPP), carbonates such as sodium carbonate, soluble silicates such as sodium metasilicate, layered silicates (e.g., SKS-6 from Hoechst), ethanolamines such as 2-aminoethan-1-ol (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA, also known as 2,2′-iminodiethan-1-ol), triethanolamine (TEA, also known as 2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethan-1-ol), and (carboxymethyl)inulin (CMI), and combinations thereof.

The detergent may comprise 0-30% by weight, such as about 1% to about 20%, of a bleaching system. Any bleaching system known in the art for use in laundry/ADW/hard surface cleaning detergents may be utilized. Suitable bleaching system components include bleaching catalysts, photobleaches, bleach activators, sources of hydrogen peroxide such as sodium percarbonate, sodium perborates and hydrogen peroxide-urea (1:1), preformed peracids and mixtures thereof. Suitable preformed peracids include, but are not limited to, peroxycarboxylic acids and salts, diperoxydicarboxylic acids, perimidic acids and salts, peroxymonosulfuric acids and salts, for example, Oxone®, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of bleaching systems include peroxide-based bleaching systems, which may comprise, for example, an inorganic salt, including alkali metal salts such as sodium salts of perborate (usually mono- or tetra-hydrate), percarbonate, persulfate, perphosphate, persilicate salts, in combination with a peracid-forming bleach activator. The term bleach activator is meant herein as a compound which reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form a peracid via perhydrolysis. The peracid thus formed constitutes the activated bleach. Suitable bleach activators to be used herein include those belonging to the class of esters, amides, imides or anhydrides. Suitable examples are tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), sodium 4-[(3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl)oxy]benzene-1-sulfonate (ISONOBS), 4-(dodecanoyloxy)benzene-1-sulfonate (LOBS), 4-(decanoyloxy)benzene-1-sulfonate, 4-(decanoyloxy)benzoate (DOBS or DOBA), 4-(nonanoyloxy)benzene-1-sulfonate (NOBS), and/or those disclosed in WO98/17767. A particular family of bleach activators of interest was disclosed in EP624154 and particular preferred in that family is acetyl triethyl citrate (ATC). ATC or a short chain triglyceride like triacetin has the advantage that it is environmentally friendly Furthermore acetyl triethyl citrate and triacetin have good hydrolytical stability in the product upon storage and are efficient bleach activators. Finally ATC is multifunctional, as the citrate released in the perhydrolysis reaction may function as a builder. Alternatively, the bleaching system may comprise peroxyacids of, for example, the amide, imide, or sulfone type. The bleaching system may also comprise peracids such as 6-(phthalimido)peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP). The bleaching system may also include a bleach catalyst. In some embodiments the bleach component may be an organic catalyst selected from the group consisting of organic catalysts having the following formulae:

(iii) and mixtures thereof;
wherein each R1is independently a branched alkyl group containing from 9 to 24 carbons or linear alkyl group containing from 11 to 24 carbons, preferably each R1is independently a branched alkyl group containing from 9 to 18 carbons or linear alkyl group containing from 11 to 18 carbons, more preferably each R1is independently selected from the group consisting of 2-propylheptyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-hexyldecyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isotridecyl and isopentadecyl. Other exemplary bleaching systems are described, e.g. in WO2007/087258, WO2007/087244, WO2007/087259, EP1867708 (Vitamin K) and WO2007/087242. Suitable photobleaches may for example be sulfonated zinc or aluminium phthalocyanines.

Preferably the bleach component comprises a source of peracid in addition to bleach catalyst, particularly organic bleach catalyst. The source of peracid may be selected from (a) preformed peracid; (b) percarbonate, perborate or persulfate salt (hydrogen peroxide source) preferably in combination with a bleach activator; and (c) perhydrolase enzyme and an ester for forming peracid in situ in the presence of water in a textile or hard surface treatment step.

The detergent may comprise 0-10% by weight, such as 0.5-5%, 2-5%, 0.5-2% or 0.2-1% of a polymer. Any polymer known in the art for use in detergents may be utilized. The polymer may function as a co-builder as mentioned above, or may provide antiredeposition, fiber protection, soil release, dye transfer inhibition, grease cleaning and/or anti-foaming properties. Some polymers may have more than one of the above-mentioned properties and/or more than one of the below-mentioned motifs. Exemplary polymers include (carboxymethyl)cellulose (CMC), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethyleneglycol) or poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG), ethoxylated poly(ethyleneimine), carboxymethyl inulin (CMI), and polycarboxylates such as PAA, PAA/PMA, poly-aspartic acid, and lauryl methacrylate/acrylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified CMC (HM-CMC) and silicones, copolymers of terephthalic acid and oligomeric glycols, copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(oxyethene terephthalate) (PET-POET), PVP, poly(vinylimidazole) (PVI), poly(vinylpyridine-N-oxide) (PVPO or PVPNO) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinylimidazole (PVPVI). Further exemplary polymers include sulfonated polycarboxylates, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide (PEO-PPO) and diquaternium ethoxy sulfate. Other exemplary polymers are disclosed in, e.g., WO 2006/130575. Salts of the above-mentioned polymers are also contemplated.

The detergent compositions of the present invention may also comprise fabric hueing agents such as dyes or pigments, which when formulated in detergent compositions can deposit onto a fabric when said fabric is contacted with a wash liquor comprising said detergent compositions and thus altering the tint of said fabric through absorption/reflection of visible light. Fluorescent whitening agents emit at least some visible light. In contrast, fabric hueing agents alter the tint of a surface as they absorb at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes and dye-clay conjugates, and may also include pigments. Suitable dyes include small molecule dyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable small molecule dyes include small molecule dyes selected from the group consisting of dyes falling into the Colour Index (C.I.) classifications of Direct Blue, Direct Red, Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Red, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, Basic Violet and Basic Red, or mixtures thereof, for example as described in WO2005/03274, WO2005/03275, WO2005/03276 and EP1876226 (hereby incorporated by reference). The detergent composition preferably comprises from about 0.00003 wt % to about 0.2 wt %, from about 0.00008 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, or even from about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.04 wt % fabric hueing agent. The composition may comprise from 0.0001 wt % to 0.2 wt % fabric hueing agent, this may be especially preferred when the composition is in the form of a unit dose pouch. Suitable hueing agents are also disclosed in, e.g. WO 2007/087257 and WO2007/087243.

It is at present contemplated that in the detergent compositions any enzyme, in particular the alpha amylase polypeptides of the invention, may be added in an amount corresponding to 0.01-100 mg of enzyme protein per liter of wash liquor, preferably 0.05-5 mg of enzyme protein per liter of wash liquor, in particular 0.1-1 mg of enzyme protein per liter of wash liquor.

The alpha amylase polypeptides of the invention may additionally be incorporated in the detergent formulations disclosed in WO 2006/002643, which is hereby incorporated as reference.

Thus, the invention provides the use of a polypeptide variant of a parent polypeptide or composition of the invention, in a domestic or industrial cleaning process. In particular, the invention relates to use of a polypeptide variant according to the invention in laundry, dishwash; such as automatic or manual dishwash, hard surface cleaning, industrial and institutional cleaning, textile desizing, starch modification, starch liquefaction, saccharification, feed, baking, or brewing.

In one embodiment, the use is cleaning of fabric, for example laundry.

In another embodiment, the use is cleaning of ceramic, plastic or glass material, for example dishwashing.

Accordingly, the polypeptide variants of the invention are applicable as a component in washing, dishwashing, and hard surface cleaning detergent compositions (in either a domestic or industrial setting).

EXAMPLES

Site-Saturation Library Generation

The gene of a Mannanase (SEQ ID NO: 3) was cloned into theBacillus subtilisexpression cassette and transformed in a derivative of the expression host,Bacillus subtilis168, deficient in alkaline protease, neutral protease, alpha-amylase and pectate lyase. Site-saturation libraries were generated by the method known as “Mega PCR” approach in each mentioned position in the Mannanase gene with NNS doping in the forward mutagenic primer. NNS is a well-known method, where the “N” designates any of the four nucleotide bases and “S” designates the nulceotides “C” and “G”.

Two PCR reactions were performed, wherein 1) was generation of C-terminal fragment with the flanking C-terminal reverse primer and the forward mutagenic primer, and 2) was generation of Mega PCR product using the C-terminal fragment as the reverse mega-primer and the flanking N-terminal forward primer to give the full-length cassette. The Mega PCR product was then transformed in to theBacillushost, where site-specific homologous recombination in theBacilluschromosome took place.

After 18-20 hours of growth in LB agar media with chloramphinecol for antibiotic selection, the transformed colonies were picked and inoculated in to the aqueous growth media, i.e. TB-Gly media. After 3 days of growth, culture PCR was carried out by initial heat lysis of cells, followed by PCR. The sequence of the PCR products were confirmed by sanger sequencing and the resulting variants were tested in screening assays. The polymerase used for the PCR reaction was Phusion DNA polymerase (obtained from ThermoScientific, Cat. No.: F530L).

Variant Generation by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

The gene of a Mannanase (SEQ ID NO: 3) was cloned into theBacillus subtilisexpression cassette and transformed in the expression host,Bacillus subtilisas described in Example 1. A Mega PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) was carried out to generate variants of the Mannanase gene by introducing mutations at specific sites (as described in Example 1). SDM was carried out using a single mutagenic primer of 20-30 base pairs with the desired amino acid change (substitution/deletion/insertion) lying in the middle of the oligonucleotide with sufficient flanking residues (9-15 base pairs). Two PCR reactions were involved 1) generation of C-terminal fragment with the flanking C-terminal reverse primer and the forward mutagenic primer 2) generation of Mega PCR product using the C-terminal fragment as the reverse mega-primer and the flanking N-terminal forward primer to give the full-length cassette. The Mega PCR product was then transformed in to theBacillushost, where site-specific homologous recombination in theBacilluschromosome takes place.

After 18-20 hours of growth in LB agar media with appropriate antibiotic, the transformed colonies were picked and inoculated in to the aqueous expression media and given for screening assays. The hits from the screening assays were subjected to culture PCR and sent for sequence confirmation. The polymerase used for the PCR reaction was Phusion DNA polymerase (obtained from ThermoScientific, Cat. No.: F530L).

Detergent Stability Determination

The variants generated in Example 1 and 2, were screened for detergent stability at pH 9.0 and pH 10.8. Stability test was performed by incubating the variants in detergent as disclosed in Table 1 (see below) for 16 hrs at 40° C. (pH 9.0) and 3 hrs at 37° C. (pH 10.8) and comparing the activity of variants with control plate which is incubated at 4° C. for the same duration.

TABLE 1Model detergent OContent of compoundCompound(% w/w)Na-LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate)5.3AEOS (Alkylethoxy sulphate)10.7Soyfatty acid1.0AEO (Alcohol polyethoxylated)5.3TEA (Trietanolamine)0.4Sodium citrate2.0CaCl20.02Water75.3Water hardness adjusted to 12°dH by addition of CaCl2, MgCl2, and NaHCO3(Ca2+:Mg2+:HCO3−= 2:1:4.5) to the test system. After washing the textiles were flushed in tap water and dried.

The other detergent used in the Example is commercially available detergent Arms & Hammer (A&H) comprising a protease and a protease inhibitor besides the detergent ingredients.

The residual activity was measured by using the Mannanase enzyme assay using insoluble Azo-carob-galactomannan substrate from Megazyme. Substrate was incubated with the variants or control for 20 min at 25° C., shaking at 800 rpm. The reaction mixture was kept static for 10 min to allow insoluble substrate to settle. Enzyme activity was measured by reading the optical density of supernatant at 590 nm. The residual activity was calculated by taking the ratio of Stress response to Un-stress response and expressing in terms of % RA.

The variants generated in Example 1 and 2 were screened for thermos-stability at pH 9.0. Stability test was performed by incubating the variants in detergent for 105 min at 60° C. and comparing the activity of variants with a control plate which is incubated at 4° C. for the same duration as described in Example 3. The residual activity was measured by using the Mannanase enzyme assay using insoluble Azo-carob-galactomannan substrate from Megazyme. Substrate was incubated with enzyme for 20 min at 25° C. for 20 min, shaking at 800 rpm. The reaction mixture is kept static for 10 min to allow insoluble substrate to settle. Enzyme activity is measured by reading the optical density of supernatant at 590 nm. The residual activity was calculated by taking the ratio of Stress response to Un-stress response and expressing in terms of % RA.

Detergent Stability Determination

Variants generated as described in Example 1, were screened for detergent stability at pH 9.0 in Model O detergent for 16 hrs at 40° C. Stability test was performed by incubating the variants in detergent as disclosed in Table 6 (see below) for 16 hrs at 40° C. (pH 9.0) and comparing the activity of variants with control plate which was incubated at 4° C. for the same duration.

TABLE 5Model detergent OContent of compoundCompound(% w/w)Na-LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate)5.3AEOS (Alkylethoxy sulphate)10.7Soyfatty acid1.0AEO (Alcohol polyethoxylated)5.3TEA (Trietanolamine)0.4Sodium citrate2.0CaCl20.02Water75.3Water hardness adjusted to 12° dH by addition of CaCl2, MgCl2, and NaHCO3(Ca2+:Mg2+:HCO3−= 2:1:4.5) to the test system. After washing the textiles were flushed in tap water and dried.