The nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal DNA fragment located upstream from the cysPTWAM operon of Escherichia coli was established. Sequence analysis indicates the presence of an open reading frame which has been designated ucpA (upstream cys P). The potential protein products exhibits strong sequence homology to the members of a large protein family, short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. Involvement of Crp, FruR and IHF in the regulation of ucpA transcription in vivo was demonstrated.