Molecular Analysis of<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>Protease IV Expressed in<i>Pseudomonas putida</i>

The present study demonstrates for the first time that protease IV is synthesized as a large precursor that is processed intracellularly through an intermediate form and secreted into the extracellular milieu as a mature protease. The results also confirm a significant correlation between production of protease IV and corneal virulence.