PMID: 11911472Mar 26, 2002Paper

A transcription terminator in the groEx gene of symbiotic X-bacteria expressed in Escherichia coli

Molecules and Cells
Jung Eun LeeTae In Ahn

Abstract

The over-expressing groEx gene of symbiotic X-bacteria in Amoeba proteus has unique nucleotide motifs (Tx), containing two hairpins and a C-rich region at its 3'-end. To investigate the role of Tx as a transcription terminator, we mutated Tx and analyzed the effects on the expression of an upstream-located lacZ in E. coli. The level of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) production in Tx deletion mutants was reduced to 23% of the control level. Site-directed mutation of the hairpin-1, C-rich region, and hairpin-2 reduced the beta-gal production to 28-64%, 33, and 20% of wild-type Tx, respectively. The amount of lacZ transcripts that were detected in RNA blots was proportional to the level of beta-gal. The Tx sequence had 97% termination efficiency in vivo, and the mutations in Tx resulted in read-through transcripts with significantly shortened half-life. In rho- E. coli, the level of the beta-gal production by Tx was reduced to 15% of that in rho+ E. coli. These results suggest that Tx is a Rho-dependent transcription terminator. Also, hairpin-2 is the most effective component among the three motifs of Tx for proper termination of the transcription and stability of mRNAs.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.