A gene encoding a protein serine/threonine kinase is required for normal development of M. xanthus, a gram-negative bacterium

摘要: PCR reactions were carried out on the genomic DNA of M. xanthus, a soil bacterium capable differentiation to form fruiting bodies, using oligonucleotides representing highly conserved regions eukaryotic protein serine/threonine kinases. A gene (pkn1) thus cloned contains an ORF 693 amino acid residues whose amino-terminal domain shows significant sequence similarity with catalytic The pkn1 was overexpressed in E. coli, and product has been found be autophosphorylated at both serine threonine residues. expression is developmentally regulated start immediately before spore formation. When deleted, starts prematurely, resulting poor production. These results indicate that kinase plays important role onset proper differentiation.