PECTIN DEGRADING ENZYMES FROM MACROPHOMINA PHASEOLINA AND USES THEREOF

The present invention discloses isolated polynucleotide encoding enzymes, derived from the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina ("M. phaseolina"), responsible for degrading pectin, and it comprises and/or consists of nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID Nos. 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 62, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58 and 61, or the complement of such sequences. The present invention also relates to isolated polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID Nos. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60 and 63; a recombinant gene construct comprising the polynucleotide; a transformant and a transgenic fungus comprising the recombinant gene construct, with or having enhanced production of pectin degrading enzyme. The polypeptide of the invention can be used for, amongst other things, manufactured fruit juice, textile products, pulp and paper, coffee, tea and oil extraction and pectic waste water treatment.