The yvaJ gene of Bacillus subtilis encodes a 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease and is not essential in a strain lacking polynucleotide phosphorylase.
Studies of Bacillus subtilis RNases that are involved in mRNA degradation reveal a different pattern from that of Escherichia coli. A strain lacking polynucleotide phosphorylase, the major 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease activity in cell extracts, is viable. Here, we show that the B. subtilis yvaJ gene encodes a second 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease. A strain lacking both of these RNases grows slowly but is viable. The existence of another, as yet unknown, 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease in B. subtilis is suggested.
Oussenko
I A
IA
Department of Biochemistry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Bechhofer
D H
DH
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D005095:Exoribonucleases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011117:Polyribonucleotide Nucleotidyltransferase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D011117:Polyribonucleotide Nucleotidyltransferase; D005095:Exoribonucleases; C022535:exoribonuclease II