[Progress in research of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin and Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene]

Vitreoscilla is a Gram-negative obligate aerobic bacterium, whose most important property is the ability to produce the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb). VHb is encoded by a single gene called Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene (vgb) containing the natural promoter, and the expression of vgb gene is regulated by dissolved oxygen at the level of transcription. The oxygen binding VHb participate in the metobolism process of cells and make them grow well in the hypoxic habitats. It also facilitates the bacteria growing and the potein producing obviously. The potential application prospect for the oxygen regulated promoter of vgb and the physiological function of VHb in the fermentation industry is reviewed.