Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide sequences which enable a polynucleotide control sequence, such as a promoter, to direct expression in a wide range of industrially relevant species, both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. When the polynucleotide sequences of the invention are applied in combination with selection marker genes it is possible to perform selectable cloning in a laboratory host and use the same construct in the final host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a statin precursor, which process comprises a first reaction step, wherein a hydroxy-pyrimidine-carbonitrile is reacted with an organic sulfonyl halide to form the sulfonate-pyrimidine-carbonitrile; a second reaction step, wherein the sulfonate-pyrimidine-carbonitrile is reacted with N-methylmethane sulfonamide to form a pyrimidinyl-sulfonamide; and optionally a third reaction step, wherein the pyrimidinyl-sulfonamide is reacted with a reducing agent. All steps are conducted in toluene as the main solvent.