A modified Family 6 glycosidase enzyme comprising amino acid substitutions
at one or more positions selected from the group 182, 367, 399, 400 and
427 is provided (the position determined form alignment of a parental
Family 6 glycosidase with SEQ ID NO: 1). Genetic constructs and
genetically modified microbes comprising nucleic sequences encoding the
modified Family 6 glycosidase are also provided. Family 6 glycosidase of
the invention display decreased hydrolysis activity of beta 1-4 linked
polysaccharides and increased hydrolysis activity of beta 1-3, 1-4 linked
polysaccharides compared with a parental Family 6 glycosidase. Such
glycosidases find use in a variety of applications in industry, e.g., in
hydrolysis of beta 1-3, 1-4 linked polysaccharides during the processing
of cereal grains or the production of alcohol, animal feed or food
products.