Citrate synthase from Mycobacterium smegmatis. Cloning, sequence determination and expression in Escherichia coli

A Mycobacterium smegmatis PstI library was constructed by cloning these fragments downstream from the lac promoter of the expression vector pHG171. Three identically sized clones were isolated by complementation of an Escherichia coli strain (chi 2338) deficient in citrate synthase. One insert (pBL265) was used in hybridization experiments with DNA from E. coli and M. smegmatis and it was demonstrated that the clones were indeed from M. smegmatis. The transcription of the M. smegmatis citrate synthase gene in E. coli relied upon the lac promoter. In translation experiments performed in vitro pBL265 gave rise to a novel protein of about 42 kDa. This band was not seen in 'opposite-orientation' subclones. Various subclones in which the 5'-end was shortened nevertheless complement E. coli chi 2338 and produce the 42 kDa protein. This demonstrates that the M. smegmatis citrate synthase gene uses its own ribosome-binding site in E. coli. The relevant 1.8 kb of the 2.8 kb insert was sequenced. A consensus E. coli ribosome-binding site was found centred precisely 10 bp upstream of the methionine codon. Other interesting features revealed by the sequence are discussed. Citrate synthase activity was assayed in vitro and the mycobacterial enzyme was found to be similar to those of the Gram-positive bacteria.