Abstract
A Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae VF39 gene (gabT) encoding a gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) aminotransferase was identified, cloned and characterized. This gene is thought to be involved in GABA metabolism via the GABA shunt pathway, a theoretical bypass of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex. Mutants in gabT are still able to grow on GABA as a sole carbon and nitrogen source. 2-oxoglutarate-dependent GABA aminotransferase activity is absent in these mutants, while pyruvate-dependent activity remains unaffected. This indicates that at least two enzymes with different substrate specifities are involved in the GABA metabolism of R. leguminosarum bv. viciae VF39. The gabT promoter was cloned into a newly constructed, stable promoter-probe vector pJP2, suitable for the study of transcriptional GUS fusions in free-living bacteria and during symbiosis. Under free-living conditions the gabT promoter is induced by GABA and repressed by succinate. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by GabR in a repressor-like manner. During symbiosis with the pea host plant gabT is induced and highly expressed in the symbiotic zone. Nodules induced by gabT mutants, however, are still effective in nitrogen fixation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
