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An Escherichia coli gene required for bacteriophage P2-lambda interference
Abstract:
The gene old of bacteriophage P2 is known to (i) cause interference with phage lambda growth; (ii) kill recB- mutants of Escherichia coli after P2 infection; and (iii) determine increased sensitivity of P2 lysogenic cells to X-ray irradiation. In all of these phenomena, inhibition of protein synthesis occurs. We have isolated bacterial mutants, named pin (P2 interference), able to suppress all of the above-mentioned phenomena caused by the old+ gene product and the concurrent protein synthesis inhibition. Pin mutations are recessive, map at 12 min on the E. coli map, and identify a new gene. Satellite bacteriophage P4 does not plate on pin-3 mutant strains and causes cell lethality and protein synthesis inhibition in such mutants. P4 mutants able to grow on pin-3 strains have been isolated.
Insights
Bacterial pin mutations suppress P2 phage old gene effects, including protein synthesis inhibition. These pin mutants also affect satellite phage P4 interactions, leading to the isolation of P4 mutants capable of growing on pin-3 strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Bacteriophage Genetics
Background:
- The bacteriophage P2 old+ gene product mediates several effects, including interference with phage lambda, killing of Escherichia coli recB- mutants, and increased radiosensitivity of P2 lysogenic cells.
- These P2 old+ gene-mediated phenomena are associated with the inhibition of protein synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize bacterial mutants that suppress the effects of the P2 old+ gene.
- To investigate the role of these suppressor mutations in bacterial-phage interactions and protein synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and genetic characterization of bacterial mutants (pin) exhibiting resistance to P2 old+ gene effects.
- Mapping of pin mutations on the Escherichia coli chromosome.
- Analysis of interactions between pin mutants and satellite bacteriophage P4, including plating efficiency and effects on cell lethality and protein synthesis.
Main Results:
- Isolation of recessive bacterial mutants, designated pin, which suppress P2 old+ gene-mediated phenomena and protein synthesis inhibition.
- Pin mutations map to 12 min on the E. coli genetic map, identifying a new gene.
- Satellite phage P4 exhibits altered interactions with pin-3 mutants, causing cell lethality and protein synthesis inhibition, and P4 mutants capable of growing on pin-3 strains were isolated.
Conclusions:
- The pin gene product plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of the P2 old+ gene, likely by regulating protein synthesis.
- The interaction between P4 and pin mutants highlights a conserved mechanism or pathway involved in phage-host interactions and protein synthesis regulation.