The structure of unstable constitutive revertants of mutant galOP-308::IS2-I

Specific in vitro transcription of the insertion sequence IS2

The insertion sequence IS2 is a small transposable element of Escherichia coli that lacks any known genetic markers. Insertion of this element in one orientation (I) within bacterial operons blocks expression of downstream genes. In the other orientation (II), IS2 has been associated with the constitutive expression of genes distal to its insertion, suggesting that IS2 might contain promoters directing transcription of IS2(II) into other genes. To test the transcription potential of IS2, we have transcribed in vitro DNA templates from gal3, a Gal- allele in which an IS2(I) is inserted between the gal promoter and the gal genes. We have detected two IS2-specific RNAs which initiate from promoters within IS2 and are transcribed in orientation II (away from the galETK genes). Though the presence and orientation of these promoters suggests that they could be responsible for the constitutive expression of genes adjacent to an IS2(II) element, an alternative role could be for transcription of IS2-encoded genes. Although IS2(I) insertions normally block expression of adjacent genes, certain altered (e.g. mutant) IS2(I) sequences lead to the constitutive expression of downstream genes. We have transcribed DNA templates from galwc5 and galc331, which are Galc alleles that contain altered IS2(I) insertions within the gal operon. For each allele, we have detected two gal-directed transcripts initiating within the IS2 sequence. These RNAs are not detected upon transcription of the unaltered IS2(I) DNA and the promoters arise as a direct consequence of the IS2(I) alterations. This result suggests that these promoters detected in vitro are responsible for the Galc phenotype of these alleles.

Transcription initiation sites within an IS2 insertion in a Gal-constitutive mutant of Escherichia coli

Insertion of the insertion sequence Is2(I) directly before the galE gene of the galactose operon results in a Gal minus phenotype (1, 2). The Gal-constitutive allele galc200 (and its deletion derivative galc200 delta 31) arise from such a Gal minus mutant by the insertion of LS2(II) DNA within the LS2(I) sequence (3). We have transcribed in vitro a DNA template representing the IS2-galE region of galc200 delta 31. Gal-directed transcription initiates at two sites within the IS2(I) sequence, 51 and 52 bp from the IS2-galE junction. The promoter for these transcripts, Pgal200 delta 31, is composed of a novel joint between a -10 region from the IS2(I) DNA and a -35 region contributed by the IS2(II) insertion. No promoters intrinsic to the 121 bp of the IS2(II) sequence also present on the template were detected. The relevance of Pgal200 delta 31 to the Galc phenotype of galc200 and to general mechanisms for the constitutive expression of genes adjacent to IS2 is discussed.

Deletions and DNA rearrangements within the transposable DNA element IS2. A model for the creation of palindromic DNA by DNA repair synthesis

Three derivatives of mutant ga10P-308::IS2-I of Escherichia coli were characterized by DNA sequence analysis. Deletions and DNA sequence rearrangements were observed which apparently were initiated at short A-T rich inverted repeats within IS2. Two of the mutants carried newly synthesized DNA sequences which were inverted copies of already existing IS2 sequences. Thus long stretches with twofold symmetry were formed. It is discussed whether these inverted repeats were formed by DNA repair synthesis which was initiated at the A-T rich palindromes of IS2.