The L box regulon: lysine sensing by leader RNAs of bacterial lysine biosynthesis genes.

ABSTRACT: Expression of amino acid biosynthesis genes in bacteria is often repressed when abundant supplies of the cognate amino acid are available. Repression of the Bacillus subtilis lysC gene by lysine was previously shown to occur at the level of premature termination of transcription. In this study we show that lysine directly promotes transcription termination during in vitro transcription with B. subtilis RNA polymerase and causes a structural shift in the lysC leader RNA. We find that B. subtilis lysC is a member of a large family of bacterial lysine biosynthesis genes that contain similar leader RNA elements. By analogy with related regulatory systems, we designate this leader RNA pattern the "L box." Genes in the L box family from Gram-negative bacteria appear to be regulated at the level

SUBMITTER: Grundy FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC218712 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature