The phage SPO1-specific RNA polymerase, E.gp28, recognizes its cognate promoters in thymine-containing DNA

The bacteriophage SPO1 gene 28-encoded protein, gp28, directs specific recognition of viral middle promoters in hydroxymethyluracil-containing DNA by the Bacillus subtilis host's RNA polymerase core. Using appropriately sensitive methods of detection, we have shown that discrimination against thymine-containing DNA is not absolute and that the gp28-containing RNA polymerase precisely initiates transcription at two thymine-containing SPO1 middle promoters.