To provide a promoter, a recombinant DNA, a gene expression vector, an
expression vector, and a transformant, which are capable of expressing a
gene without inducing gene expression with an inducer; and a method for
producing a protein and a kit therefor, which can be operated easily and
performed inexpensively by convenient and inexpensive steps. An isolated
DNA having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 of Sequence
Listing or a fragment thereof, wherein the isolated DNA exhibits a
constitutive promoter activity in Escherichia coli or a bacterium
belonging to the genus Bacillus; an isolated DNA having a nucleotide
sequence of a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing to the above DNA,
wherein the isolated DNA exhibits a constitutive promoter activity in
Escherichia coli or a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus; a
recombinant DNA comprising the above DNA and a foreign gene, wherein the
foreign gene is operably located; a gene expression vector, at least
comprising the above DNA; an expression vector comprising the recombinant
DNA; a transformant having the above recombinant DNA, or the above
expression vector; a method for producing a protein, characterized by
culturing the above transformant, and collecting a protein from the
resulting culture; and a kit for producing a protein, at least comprising
the above DNA, or the above gene expression vector.