Involvement of DNA gyrase in rRNA synthesis in vivo

The effects of oxolinic acid and novobiocin, two known inhibitors of DNA gyrase, on in vivo transcription in E. coli were investigated. The drugs inhibit the incorporation of 3H-uridine into RNA. It is shown that the effect is due to a direct influence of DNA gyrase on transcription, independent of interference with replication. By the use of rifampicin and hybridization experiments it was found that treatment with intermediate concentrations of DNA gyrase inhibitors reduces the rate of rRNA synthesis to a smaller extent than the rate of total RNA synthesis. By following the completion of growing rRNA chains we have also obtained evidence indicating that the average rate of rRNA chain growth is decreased in cells treated with inhibitors of DNA gyrase.