Characteristics analysis of the luzA gene encoding chaperone from Photobacterium leiognathi related to...

Nucleotide sequence of the luzA gene (GenBank accession No. AF039303) from Photobacterium leiognathi ATCC 25521 (NCIMB 2193) has been determined, and the chaperone encoded by the luzA gene was deduced. The LuzA chaperone has a calculated M(r) 26,295 and comprises 230 amino acid residues; the hydrophobic alpha-helix N-terminal 21 amino acid residues MKKTIFALLFMSVFI SYPSFA is the leader peptide, therefore the matured LuzA chaperone has a calculated M(r) 23,871 and comprises 209 amino acid residues only. The periplasmic LuzA chaperone is the protein concerned with the protein folding, assembly and stability. The luzA gene and the related genes are closely linked to the sod gene, that encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase enables to enhance bioluminescence of the lux operon; the gene order of the luzA gene and related genes is -ufo'-luzA-ufoI-ufoII-ter->-R&R'-sod-ufo-- >. In trans complementation bioluminoassays in vivo elicit that the LuzA chaperone might be not directly concerned with bioluminescence of the lux operon from P. leiognathi in E. coli, but might enable to stabilize the proteins related to bioluminescence. The unidentified ufoII gene closely linked to the luzA gene is able to enhance bioluminescence.