Distribution of split DnaE inteins in cyanobacteria.

ABSTRACT: Inteins are genetic elements found inside the coding regions of different host proteins and are translated in frame with them. The intein-encoded protein region is removed by an autocatalytic protein-splicing reaction that ligates the host protein flanks with a peptide bond. This reaction can also occur in trans with the intein and host protein split in two. After translation of the two genes, the two intein parts ligate their flanking protein parts to each other, producing the mature protein. Naturally split inteins are only known in the DNA polymerase III alpha subunit (polC or dnaE gene) of a few cyanobacteria. Analysing the phylogenetic distribution and probable genetic propagation mode of these split inteins, we conclude that they are genetically fixed in several large cyanobacterial

SUBMITTER: Caspi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7168405 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature