OMP85 PROTEINS OF NEISSERIA-GONORRHOEAE AND NEISSERIA-MENINGITIDIS ARE SIMILAR TO HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE D-15-AG AND PASTEURELLA-MULTOCIDA OMA87

The genes encoding homologous 85 kDa outer membrane proteins of Neisse ria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis have been cloned and sequen ced. The gonococcal gene, omp85, was identified by screening a genomic library with an antiserum raised against purified gonococcal outer me mbranes. The gene encoded a 792 amino acid protein, Omp85, having a ty pical signal peptide and a carboxyl-terminal phenylalanine characteris tic of outer membrane proteins. The amino acid sequence was similar to that of the D15 protective surface antigen (D-15-Ag) of Haemophilus i nfluenzae, and the Oma87 of Pasteurella multocida. Southern analysis d emonstrated that omp85 was present as a single copy in N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningiditis. PCR amplification was used to obtain a clone of t he N. meningitidis omp85 homologue. Sequence analysis revealed that th e N. meningitidis Omp85 was 95% identical to the N. gonorrhoeae Omp85. (C) 1998 Academic Press.