Identification and characterization of novel surface proteins in Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus gasseri.

ABSTRACT: We have identified and sequenced the genes encoding the aggregation-promoting factor (APF) protein from six different strains of Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus gasseri. Both species harbor two apf genes, apf1 and apf2, which are in the same orientation and encode proteins of 257 to 326 amino acids. Multiple alignments of the deduced amino acid sequences of these apf genes demonstrate a very strong sequence conservation of all of the genes with the exception of their central regions. Northern blot analysis showed that both genes are transcribed, reaching their maximum expression during the exponential phase. Primer extension analysis revealed that apf1 and apf2 harbor a putative promoter sequence that is conserved in all of the genes. Western blot analysis of the LiCl cell extrac

SUBMITTER: Ventura M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC134427 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature