Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding benzaldehyde lyase from Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I.

The gene (bzl) encoding benzaldehyde lyase (BL) from Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I has been cloned and characterized. The nucleotide sequence contains an open reading frame encoding a protein of 563 amino acids. The deduced BL protein shares little homology with proteins contained in the NBRF-PIR data bank. However, the higher homologies (up to about 28%) were obtained with enzymes that also utilize thiamine pyrophosphate as a cofactor.