Sequence of the peh gene of Erwinia carotovora: homology between Erwinia and plant enzymes

Polygalacturonase (Peh) and other pectolytic enzymes play a crucial role in the maceration of vegetables by soft rot Erwinia spp. We have sequenced the peh gene of Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, and identified its product as a precursor of molecular weight 42,639, and a mature protein of molecular weight 42,200. A putative KdgR-binding site was identified in the region 5' to the peh gene. The Peh protein showed significant homology with Peh from tomato. In addition, we have found homologies between pectin methylesterase and pectate lyase from Erwinia and their counterparts in tomato. These homologies are described, and their significance discussed.