The laccase gene lac1 and its corresponding full–length cDNA from white–rot fungi Cerrena unicolor with high yield of laccase production and potential use in electrochemical studies, was cloned and characterized. The 1533 bp full–length cDNA of lac1 encoded a mature laccase protein containing 510 amino acids was preceded by a signal peptide of 20 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence of lac1 shared similarity with other known fungal laccases and contained four copper–binding conservative domains of typical laccase protein An inferred TATA box and several putative CAAT, MRE, XRE consensus sequences were identified in the lac1 promoter region. A number of putative consensus sequences such as those binding AP1, AP2, creA and NIT2 transcription factors, involved in nitrogen and carbon regulation in different fungi, were also present in the promoter region of Cerrena unicolor laccase gene.