Cloning and characterization of the DAS gene encoding the major methanol assimilatory enzyme from the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha.

A gene library from the methanol utilizing yeast Hansenula polymorpha, constructed in a lambda Charon4A vector, was used to clone the gene encoding a key methanol assimilating enzyme, dihydroxyacetone synthase (DHAS) by differential plaque hybridization. The nucleotide sequence of the 2106 bp structural gene and the 5' and 3' non-coding regions was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of the protein is in agreement with the apparent molecular weight and amino acid composition of the purified protein. The codon bias is not so pronounced as in some Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes.