Biodegradation of dyes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons by two allelic forms of Lentinula edodes laccase expressed from Pichia pastoris

► Two allelic laccases from Lentinula edodes L54 were cloned and expressed. ► A novel upstream signature sequence for laccases was proposed. ► The recombinant laccases catalyzed oxidation of benchmark substrates. ► The laccase-mediator systems catalyzed 70-100% decolorization of 8 synthetic dyes. ► The laccase-mediator systems catalyzed complete degradation of anthracene.