Three xylanase genes (xynA, xynB, xynC) of glycosyl hydrolase family 10 were identified in Humicola insolens Y1. The deduced protein sequences showed the highest identity of <= 83% to known fungal xylanases and of <= 38% with each other. Recombinant XynA-C produced in Pichia pastoris showed optimal activities at pH 6.0-7.0 and at high temperature (70-80 degrees C), and exhibited good stability over a broad pH range and temperatures at 60 degrees C. The gene xynC produced by H. insolens Y1 (named XynW) was similar in enzyme properties with XynC expressed by Pichia. XynA exhibited better alkaline adaptation and thermostability, and had higher catalytic efficiency and wider substrate specificity. Under simulated mashing conditions, addition of XynA-C showed better performance on filtration acceleration (37.4%) and viscosity reduction (13.5%) than Ultraflo from Novozyme. Thus the three xylanases represent good candidates for application in the brewing industry. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.