The present invention relates to the identification of a novel metalloprotease in gram positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the metalloprotease. The present invention also provides hot 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.