alpha-keto acid reductase, method for producing the same, and method for producing optically active alpha-hydroxy acids using the same

摘要

The present invention provides an alpha-keto acid reductase isolated from Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum, and a DNA encoding the reductase. The enzyme and homologs thereof reduce alpha-keto acids under the presence of NADH to produce optically active alpha-hydroxy acids. The alpha-hydroxy acids of the present invention include optically active mandelic acid derivatives of formula II. The optically active mandelic acid derivatives obtained by the present invention are useful as intermediates in synthesizing pharmaceuticals and pesticides