Corynebacterium sp. U-96 Contains a Cluster of Genes of Enzymes for the Catabolism of Sarcosine to Pyruvate

Abstract

The sarcosine oxidase gene and nearby genes from Corynebacterium sp. U-96 were determined. The genes for serine hydroxymethyltransferase, the β, δ, α, and γ subunits of sarcosine oxidase, serine dehydratase, and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate hydrolase are arranged in this order. This suggests that the bacteria contain a cluster of genes for the catabolism of sarcosine to pyruvate. The possibility that the gene cluster is a merit for the cellular energy demands of the bacteria is discussed. Functional expression of sarcosine oxidase in Escherichia coli was accomplished, but the β subunit and the βδ complex were expressed at a low level as a soluble protein.