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msDNA-Ec48, the smallest multicopy single-stranded DNA from Escherichia coli
1Department of Biochemistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway 08854, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Researchers identified the structure of the shortest multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) yet found, produced by a novel bacterial reverse transcriptase (RT) from Escherichia coli ECOR58.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- A novel bacterial reverse transcriptase (RT) with a modified YXDD motif (LVDD) was previously identified in Escherichia coli ECOR58.
- This RT produces multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the structure of the msDNA produced by the novel RT.
- To characterize the msDNA, RT, and associated retron element.
Main Methods:
- Structural determination of msDNA.
- Sequence analysis of flanking DNA to identify associated genetic elements.
Main Results:
- The msDNA, designated msDNA-Ec48, is a single-stranded DNA of 48 nucleotides, the shortest identified from natural sources.
- The associated RT (RT-Ec48) and retron (retron-Ec48) were characterized.
- The RNA component of msDNA-Ec48 is predicted to be 119 ribonucleotides, the longest known msDNA RNA.
- Retron-Ec48 is associated with a prophage related to phages P2 and P4.
Conclusions:
- The characterization of msDNA-Ec48, RT-Ec48, and retron-Ec48 provides new insights into bacterial genetic elements.
- The association of retron-Ec48 with a prophage suggests potential horizontal gene transfer mechanisms.