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Effects of bacteriophage f1 gene III protein on the host cell membrane
Molecular & General Genetics : MGG
|January 1, 1982
Abstract:
Plasmids which encode bacteriophage f1 coat protein genes VIII and III are responsible for a number of unusual properties suggesting that they have a drastic effect on the bacterial outer membrane. Analysis of several such recombinant plasmids and selection of mutant plasmids unable to cause this effect established that the properties were caused by gene III protein or its amino-terminal fragment.
Insights
Bacteriophage f1 coat proteins encoded by plasmids significantly alter bacterial outer membranes. This effect is specifically caused by the gene III protein or its N-terminal fragment, as identified through mutant plasmid analysis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Bacteriology
- Membrane Biology
Background:
- Plasmids encoding bacteriophage f1 coat proteins (genes VIII and III) induce unusual bacterial outer membrane properties.
- These alterations suggest a significant impact on bacterial cell structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific bacteriophage f1 gene product responsible for altering bacterial outer membrane properties.
- To elucidate the role of gene III protein in these observed membrane changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recombinant plasmids carrying bacteriophage f1 genes VIII and III.
- Selection and characterization of mutant plasmids lacking the outer membrane alteration phenotype.
Main Results:
- The unusual properties affecting the bacterial outer membrane are directly linked to the expression of bacteriophage f1 gene III protein.
- Mutant plasmids unable to cause these effects confirmed the critical role of gene III protein or its amino-terminal fragment.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage f1 gene III protein is the primary determinant of drastic changes in the bacterial outer membrane.
- The N-terminal fragment of gene III protein is sufficient to induce these membrane alterations.