Determinants of overproduction of Pseudomonas oleovorans cytoplasmic membrane protein alkane hydroxylase in alk+ Escherichia coli W3110

The mechanisms that regulate the expression of Pseudomonas oleovorans alkB were analyzed in the Escherichia coli W3110 gene expression system. The levels of AlkB cytoplasmic membrane protein alkane hydroxylase were elevated by the expression of Pseudomonas oleovorans alkB gene in Escherichia coli W3110. The expression of alkB also increased phospholipid synthesis and induced the appearance of intracytoplasmic membrane structures. Furthermore, increase phospholipid synthesis was a consequence of high-level AlkB synthesis and a requirement for microbial growth.