Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Phage-mediated Delivery of Targeted sRNA Constructs to Knock Down Gene Expression in E. coli
08:25

Phage-mediated Delivery of Targeted sRNA Constructs to Knock Down Gene Expression in E. coli

Published on: March 20, 2016

Post-transcriptional regulation of the bacteriophage Mu mom gene by the com gene product

F G Wulczyn, R Kahmann

    Gene
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    The Com protein does not prevent premature transcription termination of the bacteriophage Mu mom operon. Further studies are needed to understand Com's role in mom gene regulation.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Bacteriophage Genetics

    Background:

    • The bacteriophage Mu mom gene encodes a DNA modification function harmful to host cells.
    • Mom gene expression is tightly regulated transcriptionally by Mu C protein and host Dam function.
    • Mom expression also requires the positive regulatory Com function, with com and mom genes forming an operon.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the regulatory role of Com in bacteriophage Mu mom gene expression.
    • To determine the extent of overlap between the com and mom coding regions.
    • To test Com's proposed function as an antiterminator of mom transcription.

    Main Methods:

    • Experimental determination of the com and mom coding region overlap.
    • Assessing premature transcription termination in the mom operon with and without Com.
    • Northern blot analysis of bacteriophage Mu mRNA.

    Main Results:

    • Premature termination affected up to 33% of transcription across the mom operon in the absence of Com.
    • No premature termination was observed in the presence of Com.
    • Northern blot analysis supported the conclusion that Com does not act as an antiterminator.

    Conclusions:

    • Com's function in mom gene regulation is not antitermination of transcription.
    • Two models for post-transcriptional regulation of mom gene expression by Com are proposed.

    More Related Videos

    A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues07:10

    A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues

    Published on: February 19, 2019

    Understanding the Impact of Temperate Bacteriophages on Their Lysogens Through Transcriptomics09:23

    Understanding the Impact of Temperate Bacteriophages on Their Lysogens Through Transcriptomics

    Published on: January 5, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Prokaryotic Transcriptional Activators and Repressors01:58

    Prokaryotic Transcriptional Activators and Repressors

    The organization of prokaryotic genes in their genome is notably different from that of eukaryotes. Prokaryotic genes are organized, such that the genes for proteins involved in the same biochemical process or function are located together in groups. This group of genes, along with their regulatory elements, are collectively known as an operon. The functional genes in an operon are transcribed together to give a single strand of mRNA known as polycistronic mRNA.
    Transcription of prokaryotic...
    Combinatorial Gene Control02:33

    Combinatorial Gene Control

    Combinatorial gene control is the synergistic action of several transcriptional factors to regulate the expression of a single gene. The absence of one or more of these factors may lead to a significant difference in the level of gene expression or repression.
    The expression of more than 30,000 genes is controlled by approximately 2000-3000 transcription factors. This is possible because a single transcription factor can recognize more than one regulatory sequence. The specificity in gene...
    Prokaryotic Transcriptional Activators and Repressors01:58

    Prokaryotic Transcriptional Activators and Repressors

    The organization of prokaryotic genes in their genome is notably different from that of eukaryotes. Prokaryotic genes are organized, such that the genes for proteins involved in the same biochemical process or function are located together in groups. This group of genes, along with their regulatory elements, are collectively known as an operon. The functional genes in an operon are transcribed together to give a single strand of mRNA known as polycistronic mRNA.
    Transcription of prokaryotic...
    Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

    Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

    The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
    Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria01:29

    Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria

    The DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes are intricately coupled in bacteria, allowing efficient gene expression and rapid protein synthesis. While this physical and functional coordination is advantageous, it introduces challenges that bacteria overcome through specific regulatory mechanisms.Coupling of Replication, Transcription, and TranslationThe coupling of replication, transcription, and translation is a hallmark of bacterial gene expression. As the replisome unwinds...
    Regulation of Bacterial Virulence01:28

    Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

    Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...