Tight regulation of the intS gene of the KplE1 prophage: a new paradigm for integrase gene regulation.

ABSTRACT: Temperate phages have the ability to maintain their genome in their host, a process called lysogeny. For most, passive replication of the phage genome relies on integration into the host's chromosome and becoming a prophage. Prophages remain silent in the absence of stress and replicate passively within their host genome. However, when stressful conditions occur, a prophage excises itself and resumes the viral cycle. Integration and excision of phage genomes are mediated by regulated site-specific recombination catalyzed by tyrosine and serine recombinases. In the KplE1 prophage, site-specific recombination is mediated by the IntS integrase and the TorI recombination directionality factor (RDF). We previously described a sub-family of temperate phages that is characterized by an unusual or

SUBMITTER: Panis G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2951348 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature