Cloning and sequencing of the pucBA genes from two strains of Rubrivivax gelatinosus

Genomic libraries were constructed for strains 151 and 149 of Rubrivivax ge latinosus using a lambda replacement vector, and the pucBA genes were clone d. The pucBA genes and a substantial region of DNA probably involved in tra nscriptional control were then sequenced. Analysis of the sequence upstream of the pucBA genes identified 2 potential E. coli sigma(70)-like promotor elements. Near palindromes similar to the Rb. sphaeroides PpsR oxygen sensi tive repressor binding sites were also found. Southern analysis indicated t hat a single copy of the pucBA genes is present in the genome of each strai n. The predicted amino acid sequence of the strain 151 and 149 LH2 alpha an d beta-polypeptides matched that previously found by protein sequencing [Br unisholz et al. (1994) Eur J Biochem 222: 667-675].