Sequence of the pyr4 gene encoding orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum.

The pyr4 gene, encoding orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase (OMP decarboxylase) from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum, has been isolated by hybridization, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-derived fragment as a probe. The PCR primers corresponded to conserved regions of OMP decarboxylase-encoding genes from other filamentous fungi. A 2490-bp genomic fragment, which complemented a pyr4-auxotrophic T. reesei mutant, was sequenced. The gene showed high homology to pyr4 genes from other pyrenomycetes.