Molecular Cloning and M13 Subcloning of Genes Encoding Catechol Dioxygenases

Achromobacter xylosoxidans KF701 and Pseudomonas putida (NAH7) were significantly different in degradative capability of aromatic compounds including benzoates, biphenyls, and naphthalene. However, both of the bacterial strains can grown on catechol as the sole carbon and energy source. Catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase gene for naphthalene oxidation or biphenyl oxidation was cloned into Escherichia coli HB 701. A E. coli HB 101 clone containing catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase gene from P. putida (NAH7) contains a recombinant plasmid with 3.60kb pBR322 and 6-kb insert DNA. Another E. coli HB101 clone containing catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase gene from A. xylosoxidans KF 701 has a recombinant plasmid with 4.4kb pBR322 and 10-kb insert DNA. Physical maps of the recombinant plasmids were constructed, and catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase gene in the recombinant plasmide was further localized and subcloned int M13. The cloned-catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase game products were identified as yellow bands on nondenaturaing polyacrylamide gel after electrophoresis followed by activity staining with catechol solution.