Dna encoding protein and methods of using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel tools for improving MPA production. In particular, the present invention relates to fungal enzymes that are specific for MPA synthesis.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An expression vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide, having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70% identical to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein said polypeptide is a polyketide synthase. 
     
     
         3 . A host cell comprising the expression vector of  claim 2 . 
     
     
         4 . The host cell of  claim 3 , wherein the cell is a fungus. 
     
     
         5 . The host cell of  claim 3 , wherein said cell is a  Penicillium.    
     
     
         6 . The host cell of  claim 3 , wherein said cell is  Penicillium brevicompaetum.    
     
     
         7 . The expression vector of  claim 2 , having an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein said polypeptide is a polyketide synthase. 
     
     
         8 . A method of cultivating the host cell of  claim 3  comprising:
 providing the host cell; and 
 growing said host cell in a growth medium. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising recovering mycophenolic acid (MPA) from said growth medium. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said host cell is  Penicillium brevicompactum.    
     
     
         11 . The expression vector of  claim 2 , further comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7 and/or SEQ ID NO: 8.