Isolation and expression of the catA gene encoding the major vegetative catalase in Streptomyces coelicolor Müller

We isolated the catA gene for the major vegetative catalase from Streptomyces coelicolor Müller. It encodes a polypeptide of 488 residues (55,440 Da) that is highly homologous to typical monofunctional catalases. We investigated catA expression by analyzing both catA mRNA and catalase activity. catA expression was increased by H2O2 treatment but did not increase during stationary phase. A putative catalase (CatB) cross-reactive with anti-CatA antibody appeared during stationary phase and in the aerial mycelium.