Bacterial Bioluminescence: Isolation and Expression of the Luciferase Genes from Vibrio harveyi

Abstract
Genes for the luciferase enzyme of Vibrio harveyi were isolated in Escherichia coli by a general method in which nonluminous, transposon insertion mutants were used. Conditions necessary for light production in E. coli were examined. Stimulation of transcription of the genes for luciferase ( lux A and lux B ) was required for efficient synthesis of luciferase. To enhance transcription bacteriophage promoter elements were coupled to the cloned lux gene fragments.