Molecular genetics of ligninase expression. Progress report

The objectives of this research for the past three years have been to (1) elucidate the structure and genomic organization of genes involved in lignin degradation; and (2) investigate the expression of these genes in Phanerochaete chrysosporium and in heterologous hosts. Major accomplishments include the following: (1) the P. chrysosporium gene encoding glyoxal oxidase has been cloned, sequenced, and efficiently expressed in Aspergillus; (2) mapping methods were developed allowing the integration of genetic and physical maps of P. chrysosporium; (3) highly specific and sensitive PCR techniques were developed for discriminating closely related mRNAs. Application of this technique will help to identify specific genes involved in degradation of lignin and organopollutants; (4) investigations have revealed a novel insertional mutation in lignin peroxidase gene lipI