ESTERASES, NUCLEIC ACIDS ENCODING THEM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THEM

摘要

The invention is directed to enzymes having an esterase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant esterase activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The esterase activities of the enzymes of the invention include lipase activity (in the hydrolysis of lipids), acidolysis reactions (to replace an esterified fatty acid with a free fatty acid), transesterification reactions (exchange of fatty acids between triglycerides), in ester synthesis, and ester interchange reactions. The enzymes of the invention are used in organic synthesis reactions in the manufacture of medicaments, pesticides or intermediates thereof.