Open AccessAttenuation and processing of RNA from the rplJL--rpoBC transcription unit of Escherichia coli.
Author(s) -
Gerard F. Barry,
Catherine L. Squires,
Catherine L. Squires
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.77.6.3331
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , rna , rnase h , transcription (linguistics) , rnase p , nuclease protection assay , gene expression , rna editing , messenger rna , operon , attenuator (electronics) , gene , rna dependent rna polymerase , escherichia coli , genetics , linguistics , philosophy , physics , attenuation , optics
Attenuation and processing of the mRNA from the ribosomal protein-RNA polymerase operon rplJL--rpoBC have been demonstrated by the analysis of nuclease SI-resistant RNA . DNA hybrids. These hybrids were formed between RNA produced in vivo and specific DNA restriction fragments which span the rplL--rpoB intercistronic region. The 3' end of the predominant attenuated RNA lies 69 nucleotides beyond the end of the rplL gene following sequence features that are similar to those of other known attenuators. The nonattenuated transcript is normally cleaved in the intercistronic region. However, in an RNase III mutant strain, the hybrids corresponding to the cleaved nonattenuated mRNAs disappear and the expected full-sized hybrid is seen. We have localized the cleavage to an area of possible secondary structure in the transcript approximately 200 nucleotides beyond the end of the rplL gene. This demontrates RNase III processing of Escherichia coli mRNA. The methods used in this study permit the examination of specific ends of large and complex polycistronic mRNAs. Such experiments should help in understanding how posttranscriptional events influence gene expression.