Decreased production of RNA-streptolysin S in streptococci devoid of extracellular RNase activity

In cultures of certain streptococcal strains, RNA added as a carrier for streptolysin S (SLS) was hardly degraded, owing to deficiency of extracellular RNase activity. Production of RNA-SLS into culture supernatant was markedly reduced in the RNase-deficient streptococci. Even in these RNase-less strains, guanylic-acid rich oligonucleotides, polyG or trypan blue effectively induced SLS production, as in RNase-positive cells. These results demonstrate involvement of the streptococcal nuclease in manifestation of SLS-inducing effect of exogenous RNA. Additional data indicated that cellular growth was promoted by supplementation of RNA, in the nuclease-producing streptococci.