The present invention relates to the identification of a novel
metalloproteases in gram positive microorganisms. The present invention
provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the
metalloprotease. The present invention also provides host cells having a
mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding the
metalloprotease. The present invention provides host cells which further
comprises a nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as
enzymes. The present invention also provides cleaning compositions,
animal feeds and compositions used to treat a textile that include the
metalloprotease of the present invention.
