The identification of response regulators of Branhamella catarrhalis using PCR

Potential response regulator gene fragments from the genome of Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis were isolated by PCR using degenerate oligonucleotide primers. DNA sequence analysis of several cloned PCR products with similar restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) patterns revealed that the cloned gene fragment had significant homology to members of the OMPR sub-family of response regulator genes, including 61% identity with the phoB gene of Haemophilus influenzae. The derived amino acid sequence showed greatest similarity to the PhoB response regulator protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Characterisation of this phoB homologue and of other response regulators identified in this study should provide new knowledge of the physiology and pathogenic mechanisms of B. catarrhalis.