Sequence and functional analysis of the cloned Neisseria meningitidis CMP-NeuNAc synthetase |
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Authors: | Ulrike Edwards Matthias Frosch |
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Affiliation: | Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, FRG. |
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Abstract: | The CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuNAc) synthetase gene of Neisseria meningitidis group B is located on a 2.3-kb EcoRI fragment within the cps gene cluster. Nucleotide sequence determination of the gene encoding the CMP-NeuNAc synthetase revealed a 515-bp open reading frame that can encode a 18.9-kDA protein. A computer data base scan revealed a 59.4% identity to the CMP-NeuNAc synthetase gene of E. coli K1. Enzymatic activity was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Transformation of the CMP-NeuNAc defective E. coli K1 strain EV5 with the meningococcal CMP-NeuNAc synthetase could complement the defect in E. coli. |
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Keywords: | Capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis N-Acetylneuraminic acid CMP-NeuNAc synthetase Neisseria meningitidis |
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