RNaselll activation of bacteriophage lambda N synthesis.
The bacteriophage lambda N gene product is one of the first genes expressed during phage development. N protein allows the expression of other phage genes by altering the transcription elongation process so as to prevent transcription termination. We have found that N levels may be modulated soon after induction or infection. Using N-lacZ fusions, we determined that cells containing RNaselll have at least a fourfold greater expression than cells defective for RNaselll. This effect is exerted at the post-transcriptional level. RNaselll processes an RNA stem structure in the N-leader RNA. Removal of the stem structure by deletion increases N expression and prevents further stimulation by RNaselll. The base of this stable stem is adjacent to the N ribosome binding site. We present a model for control of N synthesis in which this stable stem inhibits ribosome access to the N mRNA.
Kameyama
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Molecular Control and Genetics Section, ABL-Basic Research Program, NCI/FCRDC, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201.
Fernandez
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Court
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DL
Guarneros
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G
D010582:Bacteriophage lambda / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D004722:Endoribonucleases / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000187:drug effects*; D007763:Lac Operon; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid / Q000235:genetics; D043244:Ribonuclease III; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000187:drug effects*
D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D004722:Endoribonucleases; D043244:Ribonuclease III; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins