Abstract

In order to understand the molecular basis of selective expression of stationary-phase genes by RNA polymerase containing [sigma]^38 (E[sigma]^38) in Escherichia coli, we examined transcription from the stationaryphase promoters, katEP, bolAP, hdeABP, csgBAP, and mcbP, in vivo and in vitro. Although these promoters are preferentially recognized in vivo by E[sigma]^38, they are transcribed in vitro by both E[sigma]^38 and E[sigma]^70 containing the major exponential [sigma], [sigma]^70. In the presence of high concentrations of glutamate salts, however, only E[sigma]^38 was able to efficiently transcribe from these promoters, which supports the concept that the promoter selectivity of [sigma]^38 -containing RNA polymerase is observed only under specific reaction conditions. The examination of 6S RNA, which is encoded by the ssr1 gene in vivo, showed that it reduced E[sigma]^70 activity during the stationary phase, but this reduction of activity did not result in the elevation of E[sigma]^38 activity. Thus, the preferential expression of stationary-phase genes by E[sigma]^38 is unlikely the consequence of selective inhibition of E[sigma]^70 by 6S RNA.

• Keywords: RNA polymerase; 6S RNA; in vitro transcription; sigma factor