Characterization of genes involved in the metabolism of alpha-galactosides by Lactococcus raffinolactis.

ABSTRACT: Lactococcus raffinolactis, unlike most lactococci, is able to ferment alpha-galactosides, such as melibiose and raffinose. More than 12 kb of chromosomal DNA from L. raffinolactis ATCC 43920 was sequenced, including the alpha-galactosidase gene and genes involved in the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism. These genes are organized into an operon containing aga (alpha-galactosidase), galK (galactokinase), and galT (galactose 1-phosphate uridylyltransferase). Northern blotting experiments revealed that this operon was induced by galactosides, such as lactose, melibiose, raffinose, and, to a lesser extent, galactose. Similarly, alpha-galactosidase activity was higher in lactose-, melibiose-, and raffinose-grown cells than in galactose-grown cells. No alpha-galactosidase activity was detec

SUBMITTER: Boucher I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC165199 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature