Identification of 3-Ketosteroid 9-Alfa-hydroxylase genes and microorganisms blocked in 3-Ketosteroid 9-Alfa-hydroxylase activity
AssigneeAkzo Nobel, N.V. Patent Department
InventorsRobert Van Der Geize, Peter Van De Meijden, Gerda Hessels, Lubbert Dijkhuizen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of KshA protein or of KshB protein, encoded by nucleotides 499-1695 of SEQ ID NO:1 or by nucleotides 387-1427 of SEQ ID NO:2, respectively, and functional homologues thereof. The polynucleotides of the invention can be used to construct genetically modified microorganisms blocked in 3-ketosteroid 9α-hydroxylase activity, which are useful in the microbial degradation of steroids to accumulate certain steroid products.
Claims15
An isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of KshA protein or of KshB protein, encoded by nucleotides 499-5 1695 of SEQ ID NO:1 or by nucleotides 387-1427 of SEQ ID NO:2, respectively, and functional homologues thereof.
A polypeptide sequence encoded by the nucleotides selected from the group consisting of nucleotides 499-1695 of SEQ ID NO:1 nucleotides 387-1427 of SEQ ID NO:2.
A microorganism blocked in 3-ketosteroid 9á-hydroxylase activity characterized in that it is a genetically modified microorganism, preferably of the family of Actinomycetales.
A method to construct a genetically modified strain of a steroid degrading microorganism lacking the ability to degrade the steroid nucleus, the method comprising inactivation of the genes encoding KSH-activity.
14-16. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.