The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for
microbial based production of pravastatin. The compositions of the
invention include novel strains of microorganisms that are capable of
efficiently hydroxylating compactin (ML-236 B) resulting in production of
pravastatin. In particular, the microorganisms of the invention are
genetically engineered to express both cytochrome P-450 and the fdxshe or
fdxshe-like protein. The invention further relates to the use of such
microorganisms in processes designed for production of pravastatin for
use in treatment of disease such as hypercholesterolemia and
hyperlipidemia.