ricexip, a xylanase-inhibiting protein (XIP)-type gene, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant protein, reEriceXIP significantly inhibited catalytic activity of several xylanases. Optimal inhibitory activity of reEriceXIP on xylanase (TfxA_CD214 and reBaxA454) occurred at 40 A degrees C for 30 min. reEriceXIP decreased fluorescence intensity of xylanase and changed its secondary structure. reEriceXIP decreased global concentration of hydrolytes released from beechwood xylan. [GRAPHICS] .