Molecular cloning and analysis of the argH gene encoding argininosuccinate lyase from Corynebacterium glutamicum

Abstract

The argH gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum encoding argininosuccinate lyase (E.C.4.3.2.1) was cloned and sequenced. The gene was cloned by heterologous complementation of Escherichia coli arginine auxotrophic mutant (argH). The argH gene cleaves argininosuccinic acid into arginine and fumarate and is the last enzyme in the arginine biosynthetic pathway. Enzyme activity of the E. coli auxotrophic cell carrying the recombinant argH plasmid revealed that the cloned gene indeed codes for argininosuccinate lyase. Sequencing analysis of the argH gene showed that it encoded a putative 478 residue-polypeptide that is homologous to the ArgH of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptomyces clavuligerus, Campylobacter jejuni, and E. coli gene product, argininosuccinate lyase.