A COLLAGEN-BINDING PROTEIN FROM LACTOBACILLUS-REUTERI IS PART OF AN ABC TRANSPORTER SYSTEM

The gene coding for a collagen binding protein from Lactobacillus reut eri NCIB 11951 was cloned and sequenced. A genomic lambda library was constructed and recombinant plaques were screened using antisera raise d against purified collagen binding proteins from the same L. reuteri strain. The positive plaques were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis, which re vealed the expression of a 29 kDa protein, which reacted with the anti sera and bound I-125-labelled type I collagen, The sequence of the cor responding gene, cnb showed that the collagen binding protein has sequ ence similarities to the solute binding component of bacterial ABC tra nsporters.