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Tandem promoters direct E. coli ribosomal RNA synthesis. 1979

R A Young, and J A Steitz

To determine the special feature of ribosomal RNA promoters that might account for the highly efficient and regulated synthesis of rRNA in E. coli, we have analyzed the beginnings of two ribosomal RNA operons, rrnD and rrnX. DNA sequences for 425 bp preceding those specifying mature 16s rRNA are reported. In vitro transcription of restriction endonuclease fragments containing this region from either operon reveals the presence of two promoters about 110 nucleotides apart; they are denoted P1 and P2. RNA synthesis from P1 is initiated with GTP at position -284 (relative to 16s sequences) in rrnD and with ATP at position -285 in rrnX. At P2, the RNA starts with CTP primarily at position-176 in both operons. The DNA sequences of the two operons are identical for 231 bp preceding the 16s rDNA (including a substantial region around P2); they then diverge almost completely, except for a notable 18 bp homology just preceding the transcription start site for P1. Certain sequences implicated in the recognition of promoters by E. coli RNA polymerase are clearly identifiable in both P1 and P2; other features include an extended region preceding P1 which is strikingly rich in AT base pairs. Possible mechansims by which these tandem promoters contribute to the high frequency of rRNA transcription and to the differential expression of the E. coli rrn operons are discussed.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008970 Molecular Weight The sum of the weight of all the atoms in a molecule. Molecular Weights,Weight, Molecular,Weights, Molecular
D009876 Operon In bacteria, a group of metabolically related genes, with a common promoter, whose transcription into a single polycistronic MESSENGER RNA is under the control of an OPERATOR REGION. Operons
D003090 Coliphages Viruses whose host is Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli Phages,Coliphage,Escherichia coli Phage,Phage, Escherichia coli,Phages, Escherichia coli
D004269 DNA, Bacterial Deoxyribonucleic acid that makes up the genetic material of bacteria. Bacterial DNA
D004926 Escherichia coli A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (GRAM-NEGATIVE FACULTATIVELY ANAEROBIC RODS) commonly found in the lower part of the intestine of warm-blooded animals. It is usually nonpathogenic, but some strains are known to produce DIARRHEA and pyogenic infections. Pathogenic strains (virotypes) are classified by their specific pathogenic mechanisms such as toxins (ENTEROTOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI), etc. Alkalescens-Dispar Group,Bacillus coli,Bacterium coli,Bacterium coli commune,Diffusely Adherent Escherichia coli,E coli,EAggEC,Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli,Enterococcus coli,Diffusely Adherent E. coli,Enteroaggregative E. coli,Enteroinvasive E. coli,Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
D006163 Ribonuclease T1 An enzyme catalyzing the endonucleolytic cleavage of RNA at the 3'-position of a guanylate residue. EC 3.1.27.3. Guanyloribonuclease,RNase T1,Ribonuclease N1,Aspergillus oryzae Ribonuclease,Guanyl-Specific RNase,RNase Apl,RNase F1,RNase Pch 1,RNase ST,Ribonuclease F1,Ribonuclease F2,Ribonuclease ST,Ribonuclease T-1,T 1 RNase,Guanyl Specific RNase,RNase, Guanyl-Specific,RNase, T 1,Ribonuclease T 1,Ribonuclease, Aspergillus oryzae
D001483 Base Sequence The sequence of PURINES and PYRIMIDINES in nucleic acids and polynucleotides. It is also called nucleotide sequence. DNA Sequence,Nucleotide Sequence,RNA Sequence,DNA Sequences,Base Sequences,Nucleotide Sequences,RNA Sequences,Sequence, Base,Sequence, DNA,Sequence, Nucleotide,Sequence, RNA,Sequences, Base,Sequences, DNA,Sequences, Nucleotide,Sequences, RNA
D012335 RNA, Ribosomal The most abundant form of RNA. Together with proteins, it forms the ribosomes, playing a structural role and also a role in ribosomal binding of mRNA and tRNAs. Individual chains are conventionally designated by their sedimentation coefficients. In eukaryotes, four large chains exist, synthesized in the nucleolus and constituting about 50% of the ribosome. (Dorland, 28th ed) Ribosomal RNA,15S RNA,RNA, 15S
D014158 Transcription, Genetic The biosynthesis of RNA carried out on a template of DNA. The biosynthesis of DNA from an RNA template is called REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION. Genetic Transcription
D014161 Transduction, Genetic The transfer of bacterial DNA by phages from an infected bacterium to another bacterium. This also refers to the transfer of genes into eukaryotic cells by viruses. This naturally occurring process is routinely employed as a GENE TRANSFER TECHNIQUE. Genetic Transduction,Genetic Transductions,Transductions, Genetic

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