Overexpression in Escherichia coli of the AT-rich trpA and trpB genes from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

摘要

Expression of AT-rich genes from microorganisms such as archaea is often inefficient in Escherichia coli. The trpA and trpB genes encoding the tryptophan synthase subunits were cloned from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. No apparent difference in codon bias was found between the genes. However, using a conventional cloning vector having the lac promoter, the trpB gene was expressed poorly in E. coli, whereas the trpA gene was overexpressed. The expression of the trpB gene was remarkably enhanced (> 12-fold) by the introduction of an overlapping leader open reading frame. The expression of the triA gene was also improved (similar to 1.5-fold). This approach may be useful for overexpressing various kinds of AT-rich genes. (C) 2002 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. [References: 19]