[Characterization of a novel bidirectional promoter in Bacillus subtilis]

Based on the transcriptome analysis data of a Bacillus licheniformis, a novel bidirectional promoter was identified from the strain and its transcriptional strength was analyzed. The expression level of a Bacillus clausii derived alkaline protease gene driven by the bidirectional promoter was studied by using the known strong constitutive promoter pShuttle-09 as a control. Three recombinant expression vectors and the corresponding recombinant bacteria were constructed. Under the control of the new promoter pLA and its reverse promoter pLB, the alkaline protease expression level respectively reached 164 U/mL and 111 U/mL. The results indicated that the transcription strength of pLA was significantly higher than that of pShuttle-09 and pLB, and both the pLA and pLB promoters could initiate the expression of the alkaline protease. Thus, it provides a new expression element for the heterogenous genes in Bacillus sp. and a new idea for the co-expression of two genes in one prokaryotic strain.