Intestine-specific expression of the β-glucanase in mice

The beta-glucanase gene (GLU, from Paenibacillus polymyxa CP7) was cloned into a specific expression plasmid (MUC2-GLU-LV). Transgenic mice were prepared by microinjection. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA extracted from the tail tissue of transgenic mice showed that the mice carried the beta-glucanase gene. Northern blot analysis indicated that beta-glucanase was specifically expressed in the intestine of the transgenic mice. The beta-glucanase activity in the intestinal contents was found to be 1.23+/-0.32 U mL(-1). The crude protein, crude fat digestibility of transgenic mice were increased by 9.32 and 5.09% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with that of the non-transgenic mice, while moisture in feces was reduced by 12.16% (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the expression of beta-glucanase in the intestine of animals offers a promising biological approach to reduce the anti-nutritional effect of beta-glucans in feed.