The formation of biologically active beta-galactosidase inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli

Culture conditions affecting the formation of beta-galactosidase inclusion bodies in E. coli were examined. High temperature, early induction, high salt concentration and low aeration were all found to favour an increase of insoluble beta-galactosidase and the formation of visible inclusion bodies. The ratio of soluble to insoluble beta-galactosidase decreased during the course of cell growth. When assayed for beta-galactosidase activity, the inclusion bodies were enzymatically active with a specific activity of one third that of soluble beta-galactosidase. The activity remained associated with the inclusion bodies on washing with detergent and high ionic strength buffers. These results suggest that inclusion bodies can contain correctly folded protein.