Sequences of the genes for the TEM-20, TEM-21, TEM-22, and TEM-29 extended-spectrum β-lactamases

The sequences of the bla(TEM) genes encoding TEM-20, TEM-21, TEM-22, and TEM-29 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases were determined. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences indicated that TEM-20 and TEM-29 were derived from TEM-1 and that TEM-21 and TEM-22 were derived from TEM-2. The substitutions involved were Ser-238 and Thr-182 for TEM-20; His-164 for TEM-29; Lys-104, Arg-153, and Ser-238 for TEM-21; and Lys-104, Gly-237, and Ser-238 for TEM-22. The promoter region of the bla(TEM-22) gene was identical to that of bla(TEM-3). High-level production of TEM-20 could result from a 135-bp deletion which combined the -35 region of the Pa promoter with the -10 region of the P3 promoter and a G-->T transition in the latter motif.