The present invention relates to nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells,
and plants useful in the production of biofuels. In certain embodiments,
the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences and peptides from
extremophile organisms, such as SSO1949 and Ce1A, that are useful for
hydrolyzing plant cell wall materials. In further embodiments, the
invention relates to modified versions of such sequences that have been
optimized for production in one or both of monocot and dicot plants. In
other embodiments, the invention provides for targeting peptide
production or activity to a certain location within the cell or organism,
such as the apoplast. In further embodiments, the invention relates to
transformed cells or plants. In additional embodiments, the invention
relates to methods of producing biofuel utilizing such nucleic acids,
peptides, targeting sequences, vectors, cells, and/or plants.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
This invention was made with Government support under Government Contract
No. DE-AC04-94AL85000 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to Sandia
Corporation. The Government has certain rights in the invention,
including a paid-up license and the right, in limited circumstances, to
require the owner of any patent issuing in this invention to license
others on reasonable terms.