Preliminary Characterization of zntA, a Gene Which Encodes a Zn(II)/Cd(II)-Export Protein in Escherichia coli
Dayle K. Blencowe, Samantha J. Marshall and Andrew P. Morby*
School of Molecular and Medical Biosciences
University of Wales Cardiff
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF1 3US
UK
Received: 6/26/97
Accepted: 7/1/97
Published: 7/2/97
Abstract
An increasing number of proteins from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms which transport and/or bind transition metal ions contain sequences corresponding to the conserved heavy metal associated motif (GMTCXXC). Those proteins in this group which translocate metal ions across membranes also show primary sequence similarity to the P-type ATPase family of membrane transport proteins. Database analysis identified a gene encoding a candidate metal ion transport ATPase in the E. coli genome (yhho). The gene has been isolated and expressed in E. coli from a heterologous promoter. Data supports the function of this polypeptide as a Zn(II)/Cd(II) export protein and we designate the gene, zntA.
© Biotechnology et alia, 1997