Evolution of Regulatory Genes Governing Catabolic Pathways in Acinetobacter.
Abstract
Microbial control of biodegradative enzymes generally is exercised at the level of transcription. Thus an understanding of existing pathways for biodegradation demands knowledge, not only of the enzymes, but also of the mechanisms that control their synthesis. In this research program we have explored the properties of an evolutionarily related set of genes that control transcription of catabolic enzymes. Despite their similarities, the regulatory genes exert highly specific controls at the level of DNA. Using newly developed procedures based on random polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mutagenesis, we have been able to select mutants in which one of the transcriptional activators has been inactivated by a wide range of amino acid substitutions. This advance has established a basis for analysis of how the primary structure of the activator protein influences its activity. Furthermore, we have shown that relatively minor genetic modification is sufficient to alter one regulatory gene so that it can assume the function of an evolutionarily related regulatory gene that had been deleted from the chromosome.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344353
Entities
People
- L. N. Ornston
Organizations
- Yale University