The gene for Campylobacter trigger factor: evidence for multiple transcription start sites and protein products

A gene encoding a protein of apparent molecular mass 56 kDa that shares 31% identity with the amino acid sequence of trigger factor from Escherichia coli (a protein thought to be involved in cell division), was cloned from Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 11168. The clone was selected from a lambda ZAP II genomic DNA library following an immuno-screen using antiserum raised against glycine-extractable proteins from C. jejuni. The gene has two potential initiation codons, giving rise to two possible nested protein products. Complex differential growth-phase-dependent transcripts give rise to these products.