DEKKERA/BRETTANOMYCES CYTOSINE DEAMINASES AND THEIR USE

摘要

The present invention relates to cytosine deaminase protein and cDNA from various species of the yeast genus Dekkera/Brettanomyces. Compared to yeast cytosine deaminase the novel cytosine deaminases are more efficient and have a higher stability. The invention also relates to the field of suicide gene therapy based on activation of a non-toxic prodrug, 5- fluorocytosine to a toxic drug 5-fluorouracil based on the enzymatic activity of novel cytosine deaminses. Finally the invention provides use of 5-fluorocytosine for controlling the growth of Dekkera/Brettanomyces yeast.