• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.275-280
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• 2000

The inulin fructotransferse (depolymerizing) (IFTase, EC 2.4.1.93) gene of Arthrobacter sp. A-6 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The IFTase gene consisted of an ORF of 1.311 nucleotides encoding a polypeptide of 436 amino acids containing a signal peptide of 31 amino acids in the N-terminus. The molecular mass of the IFTase based on the nucleotide sequence was calculated to be 46.116 Da. The recombinant E. coli $DH5{\alpha}$ cells expressing the Arthrobacter sp. A-6 IFTase gene produced most of the IFTase intracelularly. In contrast, the recombinant B. subtilis DB 104 carrying the IFTas gene on a B. subtilis-E. Coli expression vector secreted the IFTase into the culture fluid efficiently.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2007

A gene encoding inulin fructotransferase (di-D-fructofuranose 1,2': 2,3' dianhydride [DFA III]-producing IFTase, EC 4.2.2.18) from Bacillus sp. snu-7 was cloned. This gene was composed of a single, 1,353-bp open reading frame encoding a protein composed of a 40-amino acid signal peptide and a 410-amino acid mature protein. The deduced amino acid sequence was 98% identical to Arthrobacter globiformis C11-1 IFTase (DFA III-producing). The enzyme was successfully expressed in E. coli as a functionally active, His-tagged protein, and it was purified in a single step using immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme showed much higher specific activity (1,276 units/mg protein) than other DFA III-producing IFTases. The recombinant and native enzymes were optimally active in very similar pH and temperature conditions. With a 103-min half-life at $60^{\circ}C$, the recombinant enzyme was as stable as the native enzyme. Acidic residues and cysteines potentially involved in the catalytic mechanism are proposed based on an alignment with other IFTases and a DFA IIIase.