ISSN:
1399-3054
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
A complete cDNA and a genomic DNA fragment coding for urate oxidase (urate: oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.7.3.3) from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were isolated and characterized. The 1032 bp cDNA (CAUR1) contains a complete open reading frame that encodes a 308 amino acid protein with a predicted size of 34.06 kDa and a pI of 9.38. This protein shows a strong similarity with other uricases present in the databases. Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli showed urate oxidase activity in crude extracts from induced cells, demonstrating that CAUR1 encodes a complete and functional uricase enzyme. Kinetic properties of the recombinant enzyme were similar to those of the native uricase purified from chickpea leaves. The genomic organization of the chickpea uricase gene (CAUR1) remarkably resembles that of the soybean (Glycine max L.) uricase gene, presenting eight exons and seven introns. Within the 5′-flanking region of the chickpea gene, nucleotide sequences matching consensus motifs of soybean nodule NAT2-nuclear factors and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) proteins (PNF1) are present. It demonstrates that a single copy of the uricase gene is present in the chickpea genome and that the gene is expressed not only in nodules, but also in leaves and roots.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.2004.00335.x
