Open AccessNon‐random fragmentation of ribosomal RNA in Helicobacter pylori during conversion to the coccoid form
Author(s) -
Monstein HansJürg,
Tiveljung Annika,
Jonasson Jon
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1998.tb01209.x
Subject(s) - 23s ribosomal rna , ribosomal rna , biology , 16s ribosomal rna , primer extension , rna , fragmentation (computing) , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , ribosomal dna , gene , ribosome , phylogenetics , ecology
The integrity of DNA and ribosomal RNAs in exponentially growing (bacillary) and ageing stationary phase (coccoid) cultures of Helicobacter pylori type strain CCUG 17874 was investigated. Extensive non‐random fragmentation of rRNAs was observed during the conversion to the coccoid form. Beside a small proportion of full‐length 16S and 23S rRNA that was always present, the majority of both 16S and 23S rRNA molecules showed distinct highly specific fragmentation patterns. The 16S rRNA fragmentation was characterised in detail by means of Northern blot and primer extension analysis. One cleavage site was located within the highly conserved U5 region (position about 920). The results could not be attributed to the presence of intervening sequences in the 16S and 23S rRNA genes.