Bacterial bioluminescence: isolation and expression of the luciferase genes from Vibrio harveyi.

Genes for the luciferase enzyme of Vibrio harveyi were isolated in Escherichia coli by a general method in which nonluminous, transposon insertion mutants were used. Conditions necessary for light production in E. coli were examined. Stimulation of transcription of the genes for luciferase (lux A and lux B) was required for efficient synethesis of luciferase. To enhance transcription bacteriophage promoter elements were coupled to the cloned lux gene fragments.