Translational efficiency of rpoS mRNA from Borrelia burgdorferi: effects of the length and sequence of the mRNA leader region.

ABSTRACT: Regulation of the enzootic cycle in Borrelia burgdorferi requires a shift to the RNA polymerase alternative sigma factor, RpoS. We used in vitro and in vivo assays to assess the relative importance of the putative Shine-Dalgarno sequence and its sequestration for the translational efficiency of rpoS. We created mutant leader regions in which we either removed the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, disrupted the secondary structure or both. Binding assays and toeprint assays demonstrated that both the presence and the availability of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence are important to the efficiency and specificity of ribosome binding. Adding a DsrABb mimic in the form of a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide increased the level and specificity of binding ribosomes to the transcript with an extended leader,

SUBMITTER: Archambault L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3616328 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature