Gene cluster for dissimilatory nitrite reductase (nir) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: sequencing and identification of a locus for heme d1 biosynthesis

A locus of the denitrification gene cluster from Pseudomonas aeruginosa was analyzed to identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis of heme d1. Ten genes located downstream of the nirS gene were characterized as mediators of heme d1 biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All of the nirSMCFDLGHJEN genes of an nir gene cluster were also transcribed in a similar direction by ANR under denitrifying conditions. Furthermore, a gene designated as NirN encoded a typical N-terminal signal sequence for membrane translocation.