Kinetic study of alterations in the host RNA polymerase and protein synthesis during phage Xp 10 infection

We monitored the compositional change of host RNA polymerase in Xp 10 infected cells by one-step immunoprecipitation with core enzyme-specific antiserum. Results showed a rapid loss of sigma subunit from the RNA polymerase complex by 3 min after infection. In addition, some putative binding proteins were reduced to various extents. In contrast, increasing levels of several other polypeptides were detected. The de novo host protein synthesis was inhibited within 1 min after Xp 10 infection. On the other hand, a sequential expression of phage specific proteins was found and can be categorized as early, middle, and late stage. The alteration of host RNA polymerase and the shutdown of early class proteins took place in parallel.