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Distinctive nucleotide sequences of promoters recognized by RNA polymerase containing a phage-coded "sigma-like"

C Talkington, J Pero

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
    |November 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacteriophage SP01 uses specific DNA sequences to control gene expression. These sequences are recognized by a modified bacterial RNA polymerase, aiding in phage replication.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Virology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) transcribes genes using sigma factors for promoter recognition.
    • Bacteriophage SP01 employs a distinct regulatory mechanism involving phage-encoded proteins.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the nucleotide sequences of bacteriophage SP01 "middle" gene promoters.
    • To understand how these promoters are recognized by a modified Bacillus subtilis RNA polymerase.

    Main Methods:

    • Nucleotide sequencing of bacteriophage SP01 DNA.
    • Analysis of promoter regions upstream of "middle" genes.

    Main Results:

    • Identified conserved hexanucleotide (5'-AGGAGA) and heptanucleotide (5'-TTTATTT) sequences in both promoters.
    • The heptanucleotide sequence contains a thymine analog (5-hydroxymethyluracil).
    • These sequences are located at conserved positions relative to the transcriptional start site.

    Conclusions:

    • The identified conserved sequences are crucial for bacteriophage SP01 "middle" promoter recognition.
    • The phage-specific "sigma-like" protein (gp28) directs RNA polymerase to these promoter elements.
    • Comparison with other promoter sequences provides insights into transcription initiation mechanisms.

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