Translational control of the expression of the β subunit gene of [formula omitted] RNA polymerase

Abstract

Using the plasmid pNF1337 as template, a mRNA preparation has been obtained that directs the in , vitro synthesis of fMet-Val, the N-terminal dipeptide of the β subunit of RNA polymerase. RNA polymerase holoenzyme specifically inhibits the mRNA-directed synthesis of fMet-Val showing that the autoregulation by RNA polymerase of β,β′ synthesis is at the level of translation. L factor ( nusA gene product) stimulates the synthesis of fMet-Val from a DNA template but not from mRNA. Rifampicin has no effect on the mRNA-directed synthesis of fMet-Val or the ability of RNA polymerase to inhibit fMet-Val synthesis.