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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
12:23
Recombinant Protein Expression, Crystallization, and Biophysical Studies of a Bacillus-conserved Nucleotide Pyrophosphorylase, BcMazG
Published on: May 16, 2017
Two genes encoding uracil phosphoribosyltransferase are present in Bacillus subtilis
J Martinussen1, P Glaser, P S Andersen
1Center for Lactic Acid Bacteria, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby.
Journal of Bacteriology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Two uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRTase) genes were identified in Bacillus subtilis. Analysis revealed one gene encodes UPRTase, while the other is the pyrR repressor, impacting uracil metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRTase) is crucial for uracil salvage in microorganisms.
- The genetic basis of UPRTase activity in Bacillus subtilis was not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize genes encoding UPRTase activity in Bacillus subtilis.
- To elucidate the roles of these genes in uracil metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of Bacillus subtilis genes by complementation of an Escherichia coli mutant.
- Gene sequencing and deduced amino acid sequence analysis.
- Phenotypic analysis of upp and pyrR mutants.
Main Results:
- Two genes with UPRTase activity were cloned from Bacillus subtilis.
- One gene showed high homology to known UPRTases; the second, with low homology, was identified as the pyrR repressor gene.
- Mutant analysis confirmed the distinct roles of these genes in uracil metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus subtilis possesses a UPRTase gene and a regulatory pyrR gene involved in uracil salvage.
- The identification of these genes provides insight into the regulation of pyrimidine metabolism in bacteria.
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