Molecular characterization of the gor gene encoding glutathione reductase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: determinants of substrate specificity among pyridine nucleotide-disulphide oxidoreductases

In order to investigate the basis of functional diversity among the pyridine nucleotide-oxidoreductases the gor gene from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO, which encodes glutathione reductase, was analysed. The P. aeruginosa gor gene was identified by hybridization with a short DNA sequence from the gene encoding mercuric reductase in transposon Tn501. The gene was cloned, sequenced and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Expression of the gene enabled rescue of an E. coli gor- mutant, confirming the identity of the cloned gene. The predicted sequence of the gene product showed homology with other members of the pyridine nucleotide-disulphide oxidoreductase family, and allowed determination of positions that may be involved in substrate specificity. These predictions provided information on the relationship of sequence to function, independently of structural data used in previous studies.