The gene encoding a subtilisin-like serine proteinase in the psychrotrophic Vibriosp. PA44 has been successfully cloned, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia gene is 1593 basepairs and encodes a precursor protein of 530 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of kDa. The enzyme is isolated, however, as an active proteinase, without a 139amino acid residue N-terminal prosequence.