6 - Regulation of Chaperonin Gene Expression

Abstract

This chapter explores the regulation of chaperonin gene expression. The existence of the chaperonin functions was originally inferred from genetic studies with the Escherichia coli/bacteriophage λ system. The original genetic selections were designed to detect genetic interactions between bacteria and bacteriophage-encoded gene products. Not only are chaperonins ubiquitous, they are also involved in a diverse array of cellular processes that make them essential for cell viability. It is clear that the regulation of chaperonin synthesis in bacteria is determined by various physiological needs and requirements, and although the mechanisms of chaperonin gene expression are different in the various bacteria examined, chaperonin synthesis is invariably enhanced during stress. Further studies on chaperonin gene expression in bacteria, especially in those possessing multiple and different chaperonin genes, contribute to the understanding of chaperonin requirement and the mechanisms of chaperonin action and regulation.