Isolation, sequencing and expression in E. coli of the urocanase gene from white clover (Trifolium repens).

The urocanase gene was detected in a clone obtained from a genomic library of white clover. The entire gene has been sequenced and expressed in the pT7-7/E. coli BL 21 (DE 3) system. The deduced sequence of the plant urocanase is 72% homologous with that of the well-characterized urocanase from Pseudomonas putida. The purification procedure, as well as kinetic and electrophoretic behaviour, of the new enzyme are described.