Abstract: The present invention provides a vector containing a DNA construct containing a first promoter that is a nitrilase gene promoter, a multicloning site and a nitrilase transcription regulatory protein gene (particularly preferably a structural gene is ligated into a multicloning site and a second promoter is placed at the upstream of the nitrilase transcription regulatory protein gene), and the like. The present invention affords a high expression system capable of expressing a large amount of useful proteins by actinomycete host represented by actinomycete belonging to the genus Streptomyces and the like beneficially used for the production of useful proteins.

Abstract: A novel enzyme which is useful in the optical resolution of D,L-pantolactone via D-selective asymmetric hydrolysis and a gene encoding the the same are provided. The invention discloses the gene coding for a natural D-pantolactone hydrolase (for example, one originating in Fusarium oxysporum) or proteins having an activity substantially equivalent thereto; host cells transformed with DNA containing a nucleotide sequence coding for said protein, processes for producing said protein via using said host cells and uses of said proteins and host cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vector containing a DNA construct containing a first promoter that is a nitrilase gene promoter, a multicloning site and a nitrilase transcription regulatory protein gene (particularly preferably a structural gene is ligated into a multicloning site and a second promoter is placed at the upstream of the nitrilase transcription regulatory protein gene), and the like. The present invention affords a high expression system capable of expressing a large amount of useful proteins by actinomycete host represented by actinomycete belonging to the genus Streptomyces and the like beneficially used for the production of useful proteins.

Abstract: A novel enzyme which is useful in the optical resolution of D,L-pantolactone via D-selective asymmetric hydrolysis and a gene encoding the the same are provided. The invention discloses the gene coding for a natural D-pantolactone hydrolase (for example, one originating in Fusarium oxysporum) or proteins having an activity substantially equivalent thereto; host cells transformed with DNA containing a nucleotide sequence coding for said protein, processes for producing said protein via using said host cells and uses of said proteins and host cells.

Abstract: Genomic DNA and cDNA encoding &Dgr;9-desaturase from a microorganism belonging to the subgenus Mortierella of the genus Mortierella, an expression vector for expression thereof, and a transformant are disclosed. A method for producing &Dgr;9-desaturase by use of a gene encoding the enzyme is also disclosed. Introduction of the &Dgr;9-desaturase gene of the present invention into an unsaturated fatty acid producing cell can enhance conversion into palmitoleic acid or oleic acid, starting materials for unsaturated fatty acids, and can increase the production of unsaturated fatty acids. By combining a gene for cytochrome b5 or a gene for cytochrome b5 reductase, constituents of the microsomal electron transport system, with the &Dgr;9-desaturase of the present invention, more efficient production can be expected. &Dgr;9-desaturase can also be produced with high efficiency by a recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: A novel enzyme which is useful in the optical resolution of D,L-pantolactone via D-selective asymmetric hydrolysis and a gene encoding the the same are provided. The invention discloses the gene coding for a natural D-pantolactone hydrolase (for example, one originating in Fusarium oxysporum) or proteins having an activity substantially equivalent thereto; host cells transformed with DNA containing a nucleotide sequence coding for said protein, processes for producing said protein via using said host cells and uses of said proteins and host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatory factor substantially containing an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 and having the action of activating a nitrilase gene promoter, a regulatory factor gene containing DNA coding substantially for said regulatory factor, a recombinant plasmid containing said regulatory factor gene, a nitrilase gene containing a promoter region and a DNA region capable of replicating in a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and a transformant transformed with said recombinant plasmid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatory gene coding for a polypeptide having the ability to activate a promoter for a nitrile hydratase gene, a recombinant DNA containing said regulatory gene, and a transformant transformed with said recombinant DNA.The introduction of the regulatory gene of the invention along with a nitrile hydratase gene and its promoter region permits bacteria of the genus Rhodococcus to produce a higher level of nitrile hydratase. Other extraneous gene can also be introduced into a region downstream of the promoter to produce other proteins in high yield.