cDNA cloning and characterization of Geotrichum candidum lipase II

Geotrichum candidum produces two extracellular lipases, I and II. A lipase II cDNA clone was isolated from a cDNA library by colony hybridization using the 32P-labeled fragment of lipase I cDNA isolated previously. The nucleotide sequence of lipase II cDNA determined by the dideoxy chain terminating method includes the N- and C-terminal amino acid sequences of lipase II, and the overall amino acid composition deduced from the cDNA coincides with that deduced on amino acid analysis of this protein. The cloned lipase II cDNA codes a protein of 544 amino acids and a part of the signal sequence of 13 amino acids. The peptide chain lengths of lipases I and II are the same, their overall identity being 84%. Furthermore, four Cys residues are completely conserved, which may participate in the formation of disulfide bridges. A homology search indicated that the G. candidum lipases and Candida cyclindracea lipase are homologous enzymes and that they are members of the cholinesterase family.