Temperature-dependent protein folding in vivo--lower growth temperature increases yield of two genetic variants of Xenopus laevis Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase in Escherichia coli.

Two genetic variants of Xenopus laevis Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase, XSODA and XSODB, have been expressed in Escherichia coli by recombinant DNA techniques. Production of both proteins was obtained, although with different yields, XSODB being more abundant than XSODA in all the conditions tested. Lowering the temperature of growth was found to be a specific factor, decisive in obtaining quantitatively abundant, active Xenopus enzymes. Impaired folding of these proteins in the E.coli cytoplasm was found to parallel their in vitro properties.