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Sequencing, Characterization, and Gene Expression Analysis of the Histidine Decarboxylase Gene Cluster of Morganella morganii

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Abstract

The histidine decarboxylase gene cluster of Morganella morganii DSM30146T was sequenced, and four open reading frames, named hdcT1, hdc, hdcT2, and hisRS were identified. Two putative histidine/histamine antiporters (hdcT1 and hdcT2) were located upstream and downstream the hdc gene, codifying a pyridoxal-P dependent histidine decarboxylase, and followed by hisRS gene encoding a histidyl-tRNA synthetase. This organization was comparable with the gene cluster of other known Gram negative bacteria, particularly with that of Klebsiella oxytoca. Recombinant Escherichia coli strains harboring plasmids carrying the M. morganii hdc gene were shown to overproduce histidine decarboxylase, after IPTG induction at 37 °C for 4 h. Quantitative RT-PCR experiments revealed the hdc and hisRS genes were highly induced under acidic and histidine-rich conditions. This work represents the first description and identification of the hdc-related genes in M. morganii. Results support the hypothesis that the histidine decarboxylation reaction in this prolific histamine producing species may play a role in acid survival. The knowledge of the role and the regulation of genes involved in histidine decarboxylation should improve the design of rational strategies to avoid toxic histamine production in foods.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants AGL2008-01052, AGL2011-22745, and Consolider INGENIO 2010 CSD2007-00063 FUN-C-FOOD (CICYT), S2009/AGR-1469 (ALIBIRD) (CAM), and RM.2012-00004 (INIA). We are grateful to J. Barcenilla and M. V. Santamaria.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Chiara Ferrario, Francesca Borgo, Giovanni Ricci & Maria Grazia Fortina

  2. Laboratorio de Biotecnología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutricíon, ICTAN-CSIC, Madrid, Spain

    Blanca de las Rivas & Rosario Muñoz

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  1. Chiara Ferrario
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  2. Francesca Borgo
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  3. Blanca de las Rivas
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  4. Rosario Muñoz
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  5. Giovanni Ricci
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  6. Maria Grazia Fortina
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Correspondence to Maria Grazia Fortina.

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Ferrario, C., Borgo, F., de las Rivas, B. et al. Sequencing, Characterization, and Gene Expression Analysis of the Histidine Decarboxylase Gene Cluster of Morganella morganii . Curr Microbiol 68, 404–411 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-013-0490-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-013-0490-7

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