Abstract: One or more new variant(s) of luciferases and fungal luciferin biosynthesis enzymes, nucleic acids able to encode these enzymes, and proteins able to catalyze certain stages of the fungal luciferin biosynthesis are provided herein. More specifically one or more bioluminescent enzymes, and in particular one or more hispidin hydroxylases and luciferases, and functional fragments thereof and nucleic acids encoding them are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules which encode novel luciferases, functional fragments thereof, homologs and mutants, as well as to proteins encoded by said nucleic acids. The nucleic acid molecules of interest are isolated from fungi or obtained by genetic engineering methods. Also, host cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising said nucleic acid molecules are provided. In addition, antibodies specific to the proteins of the present invention are provided. Said proteins and nucleic acids are used in many applications and methods, in particular, in labelling organisms, cells, cellular organelles, or proteins. Also, said protein and nucleotide compositions are used in methods for detecting protein-protein interactions, for testing promoter activity under various conditions. Finally, provided are kits for the use of proteins and nucleic acids of the present invention in the diversity of methods and applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for detecting luciferase in biological samples. The methods and reagents of the present invention allow detecting fungal luciferase or a functional analog thereof.