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Translational control by antisense RNA in control of plasmid replication
K Nordström1, E G Wagner, C Persson
1Department of Microbiology, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Gene
|December 10, 1988
Summary
Plasmid replication control relies on measuring copy number and adjusting replication frequency. Antisense RNA (CopA RNA) kinetics in IncFII plasmids dictates this copy number, impacting replication control.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasmid replication control involves copy number measurement and replication frequency adjustment.
- IncFII plasmids utilize antisense RNA (CopA RNA) to regulate replication.
- CopA RNA interacts with the CopT region of RepA mRNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of antisense RNA kinetics in IncFII plasmid replication control.
- To determine how the rate of RNA duplex formation affects plasmid copy number.
Main Methods:
- In vitro kinetic analysis of RNA duplex formation.
- Comparison of wild-type and mutant IncFII plasmids.
- Measurement of plasmid copy number.
Main Results:
- A cop mutant plasmid exhibited a reduced second-order rate constant for CopA RNA/CopT duplex formation.
- The cop mutant plasmid showed a corresponding increase in copy number.
- The rate of duplex formation is directly linked to plasmid copy number.
Conclusions:
- The kinetics of CopA RNA/CopT duplex formation is a critical determinant of IncFII plasmid copy number.
- CopA RNA concentration and its duplex formation kinetics regulate plasmid replication frequency.