OBJECTIVETo identify the function of the gene encoding Neurospora crassa EAA33149.1 protein which has 46.85% similarity with Aspergillus niger phA gene.

METHODSThe bioinformatics analysis was conducted using the prediction algorithms SignalP v3.0, arginine and lysine propeptide cleavage sites in eukaryotic protein sequence prediction algorithms ProP 1.0 server, transmembrane domain prediction algorithms Tmpred and TMHMM v2.0, potential GP I-anchor sites prediction algorithm big-P I Predictor and the subcellular protein location prediction algorithms TargetP v1.01. According to the analysis results, the gene was cloned into Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

RESULTSThe signal peptide, the cleavage site and the secretion pathway were determined, and the expressed recombinant protein with 54,000 displayed phytase activity.

CONCLUSIONThe gene has been identified to encode N. crassa phyA.