Characterization and sequence analysis of the lsg (LOS synthesis genes) locus from Haemophilus influenzae type b

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Abstract
Analysis of the lsg (LOS synthesis genes) cluster in Escherichia coli strain K12 and mutations in the lsg locus in Haemophilus influenzae type b indicated the presence of 3 regions responsible for sequential modifications of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sequencing of the lsg region yielded 7,435 bp that encompassed 7 complete and 1 partial open reading frames (ORFs 1-8). The predicted product of ORF1 had homology to the consensus sequence of cytochrome b proteins (21% identity, 51% similarity) and to other transmembrane proteins. The products of ORF5 and ORF6 share overall 23% identity and 49% similarity with each other. The ORF6 protein had high homology with the product of ORF275 of the E. coli rfb gene cluster (40% identity, 58% similarity), whose function is not known. Multiple sequence alignment of the ORF5 and ORF6 proteins with the RfbB, RfbJ and RfbX proteins revealed conserved motifs over the N-terminal half region of all these proteins. The products of ORF7 and ORF8 are homologous with Azotobacter vinelandii MolA protein (30% identity, 51% similarity) and MolB protein (26% identity, 48% similarity), respectively. The promoter regions of ORF1, 7 and 8 were determined by primer extension analysis and found to be similar to bacterial σ70-dependent promoters. ORF7 and ORF8 are transcribed into diverse orientation. At least 5 of the encoded proteins have been identified using coupled E. coli transcription/translation system and labeling with [35S]-methionine. We conclude that the genetic organization of the lsg biosynthesis pathway involves multiple operons that lead to the assembly of an H. influenzae LOS structure.