Cloning and nucleotide sequence determination of the isopenicillin N synthetase gene from streptomyces clavuligerus

摘要

The gene coding for the enzyme Isopenicillin N Synthetase (IPNS) isolated from the prokaryote Streptomyces clavuligerus is cloned and sequenced. The corresponding amino acid sequence is also determined. The enzyme IPNS controls the rate of synthesis of the β-­lactam family of antibiotics. The nucleotide sequence is incorporated into a vector to effect a transformation of a suitable host microorganism. Such a transformed microorganism is useful in making in vitro synthesis of the β-lactams more practical and in whole cell fermentations to produce higher levels of β-lactams.