Gene expression in a temperature-sensitive gyrB mutant of Escherichia coli

The effect of gyrase inactivation on gene expression was studied by examining the activities of different promoters in a temperature-sensitive gyrB mutant of Escherichia coli. The relative activities of promoters affected by cAMP-binding protein (CAP), e.g., the lac promoter, are not reduced by gyrase inactivation but can, on the contrary, be enhanced. This stimulation depends on the promoter location or its structure. The tnaA promoter is activated when located near the origin of replication, suggesting a differential effect of gyrase inactivation on various chromosomal domains. Only silent or mutant promoters such as the non-functional wild-type bgl or the lacIq can be activated. No differential effect of gyrase inactivation on the lambda pL and the trp promoters carried by the phage can be detected.