ABSTRACT
The gene encoding a extremely thermostable and acid-stable alpha-Amylase was amplified by PCR using hyperthermophilic archaebacterium pyrococcus furiosus genomic DNA as template. Then the gene was cloned into the vector of pPIC9K. The recombinant vector pPIC9K-amy was then transformed into E. coli DH5alpha strain. Sequencing test showed that the a-amylase gene cloned consisted of 1305 base pairs and the mature protein encoded by the gene consisted of 435 amino acids. The recombinant vector was transformed into chromosome of methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris GS115 strain. Regulated by the alpha-Factor, promoter of AOX1 gene and termination signal of yeast genomic, the recombinant a-Amylase was expressed and excreted out of the cells. The expression of the recombinant alpha-amylase was strictly induced by methanol. As induction time increased, the activity of amylase per milliliter medium went up accordingly. After 7 days induction, the activity of the amylase reached the max. The recombinant alpha-amylase exhibited maximal activity at 90 to approximately 100 degrees C and at pHranging from 4.5 to 5.0. The enzyme is so thermostable that after disposed at 100 degrees C for 5 hours over 60% of activity was retained.