Cloning of the Entire Gene Encoding the 140-kDa $\alpha$-Amylase of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Expression in Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis

Abstract

A 4.6-kb HindIII fragment encompassing the complete 140-kDa ${\alpha}$-amylase gene of Lactobacillus amylovorus B 4540 was cloned into pBR322 by the shot gun method. Southern blotting and restriction mapping for the insert were performed. The recombinant 9.0-kb plasmid, pFML1, conferred ${\alpha}$-amylase activity to E. coli and Lactococcus lactis hosts when introduced by electroporation. SDS-PAGE and zymography confirmed the production of 140-kDa ${\alpha}$-amylase and its proteolytic degradation products with enzyme activity in transformants. Total ${\alpha}$-amylase activity of E. coli $DH5{\alpha}$ cells harboring pFML1 was 1.8 units and most activity was detected from cell pellets. Total enzyme activity of L. lactis subsp. lactis MG1363 transformant was five to ten-fold lower than that of E. coli cell but more than half of the activity was detected in the culture supernatant.

Keywords

• 140-kDa $\alpha$-amylase;
• gene cloning;
• Lactobacillus amylovorus