Deoxyribonucleic acid and outer membrane: strains diploid for the oriC region show elevated levels of deoxyribonucleic acid-binding protein and evidence for specific binding of the oriC region to outer membrane

Linkage map of Escherichia coli K-12, edition 10: the traditional map

This map is an update of the edition 9 map by Berlyn et al. (M. K. B. Berlyn, K. B. Low, and K. E. Rudd, p. 1715-1902, in F. C. Neidhardt et al., ed., Escherichia coli and Salmonella: cellular and molecular biology, 2nd ed., vol. 2, 1996). It uses coordinates established by the completed sequence, expressed as 100 minutes for the entire circular map, and adds new genes discovered and established since 1996 and eliminates those shown to correspond to other known genes. The latter are included as synonyms. An alphabetical list of genes showing map location, synonyms, the protein or RNA product of the gene, phenotypes of mutants, and reference citations is provided. In addition to genes known to correspond to gene sequences, other genes, often older, that are described by phenotype and older mapping techniques and that have not been correlated with sequences are included.

Functions of the gene products of Escherichia coli

A list of currently identified gene products of Escherichia coli is given, together with a bibliography that provides pointers to the literature on each gene product. A scheme to categorize cellular functions is used to classify the gene products of E. coli so far identified. A count shows that the numbers of genes concerned with small-molecule metabolism are on the same order as the numbers concerned with macromolecule biosynthesis and degradation. One large category is the category of tRNAs and their synthetases. Another is the category of transport elements. The categories of cell structure and cellular processes other than metabolism are smaller. Other subjects discussed are the occurrence in the E. coli genome of redundant pairs and groups of genes of identical or closely similar function, as well as variation in the degree of density of genetic information in different parts of the genome.

Characterization of the Escherichia coli membrane domain responsible for binding oriC DNA

It has previously been shown that hemimethylated DNA from the Escherichia coli replication origin (oriC) binds with high specificity to membrane fractions isolated from disrupted cells. In this article, the membrane localization of oriC-binding activity was studied by subjecting crude membrane preparations to successive cycles of sedimentation and flotation gradient analysis. This revealed that approximately two-thirds of the membrane-associated oriC-binding activity of the cell was not associated with the outer membrane fraction as previously suggested but was recovered instead in a unique membrane fraction (OCB1) whose buoyant density and protein profile differed from those of both inner and outer membranes. The specific activity of oriC binding in OCB1 was approximately fivefold higher than the activity of the isolated outer membrane peak. It is likely that membrane fraction OCB1 includes the membrane domain responsible for the binding of hemimethylated oriC to the cell envelope in intact cells.

DNA replication initiation, doubling of rate of phospholipid synthesis, and cell division in Escherichia coli

In synchronized culture of Escherichia coli, the specific arrest of phospholipid synthesis (brought about by glycerol starvation in an appropriate mutant) did not affect the rate of ongoing DNA synthesis but prevented the initiation of new rounds. The initiation block did not depend on cell age at the time of glycerol removal, which could be before, during, or after the doubling in the rate of phospholipid synthesis (DROPS) and as little as 10 min before the expected initiation. We conclude that the initiation of DNA replication is not triggered by the preceding DROPS but requires active phospholipid synthesis. Conversely, when DNA replication initiation was specifically blocked in a synchronized culture of a dnaC(Ts) mutant, two additional DROPS were observed, after which phospholipid synthesis continued at a constant rate for at least 60 min. Similarly, when DNA elongation was blocked by thymine starvation of a synchronized culture, one additional DROPS was observed, followed by linear phospholipid accumulation. Control experiments showed that specific inhibition of cell division by ampicillin, heat shock, or induction of the SOS response did not affect phospholipid synthesis, suggesting that the arrest of DROPS observed was due to the DNA replication block. The data are compatible with models in which the DROPS is triggered by an event associated with replication termination or chromosome segregation.

Membrane particles from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, containing penicillin-binding proteins and enriched for chromosomal-origin DNA

Rapid-sedimenting DNA-membrane complexes were obtained from both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli by a method involving gentle lysis followed by restriction enzyme digestion and sucrose gradient fractionation. These complexes were substantially enriched in chromosomal origin DNA, and in B. subtilis, the complexes were enriched in penicillin-binding proteins relative to that of the total membrane. Such complexes may represent procaryotic membrane domains which are topographically and functionally distinct.

DNA-protein interactions during replication of genetic elements of bacteria

Specific interactions of DNA with proteins are required for both the replication of deoxyribonucleic acid proper and its regulation. Genetic elements of bacteria, their extrachromosomal elements in particular, represent a suitable model system for studies of these processes at the molecular level. In addition to replication enzymes (DNA polymerases), a series of other protein factors (e.g. topoisomerases, DNA unwinding enzymes, and DNA binding proteins) are involved in the replication of the chromosomal, phage and plasmid DNA. Specific interactions of proteins with DNA are particularly important in the regulation of initiation of DNA synthesis. Association of DNAs with the cell membrane also plays an important role in their replication in bacteria.

Duplication of Escherichia coli during inhibition of net phospholipid synthesis

In Escherichia coli BB26-36, the inhibition of net phospholipid synthesis during glycerol starvation affected cell duplication in a manner that was similar in some respects to that observed during the inhibition of protein synthesis. Ongoing rounds of chromosome replication continued, and cells in the D period divided. The initiation of new rounds of chromosome replication and division of cells in the C period were inhibited. Unlike the inhibition of protein synthesis, however, the accumulation of initiation potential in dnaA and dnaC mutants at the nonpermissive temperature was not affected by the inhibition of phospholipid synthesis. Furthermore, proteins synthesized during the inhibition of phospholipid synthesis can be utilized later for division. The results are consistent with a dual requirement for protein and phospholipid synthesis for both the inauguration of new rounds of chromosome replication and the initiation of septum formation. Once initiated, both processes progress to completion independent of continuous phospholipid and protein synthesis.

Amplification of a major membrane-bound DNA sequence of Bacillus subtilis

A membrane-bound DNA sequence from Bacillus subtilis was subcloned into a plasmid which can replicate in Escherichia coli but not in B. subtilis. This plasmid hybridized with an 11-kilobase HindIII fragment which is the major particle-bound fragment in lysates treated with HindIII. The plasmid integrated into the B. subtilis chromosome at the region of homology, conferring chloramphenicol resistance on the recipient. The inserted resistance was mapped close to purA by using the generalized transducing phage AR9. In one chloramphenicol-resistant strain, the pMS31 region was repeated at least 20 times. A large proportion of the copies of the cloned region were present in the particle fraction, indicating that the capacity to bind this region of the chromosome was substantially in excess of the normal dose of the region. The structure of the particle-bound region was sensitive to ionic detergents and high salt concentrations but was not greatly affected by RNase or ethidium bromide. The basis of a specific DNA-membrane interaction can now be studied by using the amplified region, without the complications of sequences required for autonomous plasmid replication.

[The Escherichia coli cell cycle]

This review summarizes present knowledge of the bacterial cell cycle with particular emphasis on Escherichia coli. We discuss data coming from three different types of approaches to the study of cell extension and division: The search for discrete events occurring once per division cycle. It is generally agreed that the initiation and termination of DNA replication and cell septation are discrete events; there is less agreement on the sudden doubling in rate of cell surface extension, murein biosynthesis and the synthesis of membrane proteins and phospholipids. We discuss what is known about the temporal relationship amongst the various cyclic events studied. The search for discrete growth zones in the cell envelope layers. We discuss conflicting reports on the existence of murein growth zones and protein insertion sites in the inner and outer membranes. Elucidation of the mechanism regulating the initiation of DNA replication. The concept of "critical initiation mass" is examined. We review data suggesting that the DNA is attached to the envelope and discuss the role of the latter in the initiation of DNA replication.

DNA sequence around the Escherichia coli unc operon. Completion of the sequence of a 17 kilobase segment containing asnA, oriC, unc, glmS and phoS

The nucleotide sequence is described of a region of the Escherichia coli chromosome extending from oriC to phoS that also includes the loci gid, unc and glmS. Taken with known sequences for asnA and phoS this completes the sequence of a segment of about 17 kilobases or 0.4 min of the E. coli genome. Sequences that are probably transcriptional promoters for unc and phoS can be detected and the identity of the unc promoter has been confirmed by experiments in vitro with RNA polymerase. Upstream of the promoter sequence is an extensive region that appears to be non-coding. Conserved sequences are found that may serve to concentrate RNA polymerase in the vicinity of the unc promoter. Hairpin loop structures resembling known rho-independent transcription termination signals are evident following the unc operon and glmS. The glmS gene encoding the amidotransferase, glucosamine synthetase, has been identified by homology with glutamine 5-phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase.

Detection of proteins which recognize and bind oriC sequences

Extracts from E. coli capable of supporting in vitro oriC-dependent DNA replication have been examined with a protein blotting protocol to identify DNA-binding proteins. Four polypeptide chains with apparent affinity for oriC DNA were detected.

The effect of bleomycin on DNA in Escherichia coli K12 cells

In Escherichia coli cells treated to reduce colony-forming ability to about 10%, bleomycin causes fewer than six randomly located DNA single-strand breaks or three double-strand breaks per genome. This is many fewer than produced by strand-breaking agents such as ionizing radiations in cells with similar loss of colony-forming ability. Bleomycin treatment to this level of colony-forming ability does affect the intracellular DNA, as shown by a change in the sedimentation rate of the chromosomal structure found in lysates made with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Bleomycin may act on only a limited part of the chromosome of such cells, perhaps the part associated with the outer cell membrane, or it may make strand breaks that are less repairable than those formed by ionizing radiations. Extensive DNA degradation in heavily treated cells (colony-forming ability 1% or less) could be from the action on DNA of bleomycin entering freely through membranes which are no longer intact, or from enzymatic degradation in heavily damaged cells.

Affinity of two different regions of the chromosome to the outer membrane of Escherichia coli

It was found that DNA associated with the outer membrane of Escherichia coli K-12 is enriched for two different regions of the chromosome, which are both on the 5.9-megadalton EcoRI fragment containing the replication origin, oriC. One region overlaps oriC, whereas the other region was found to be associated with a 1-megadalton EcoRI-BamHI fragment located within the atp operon.

Identification of specific restriction fragments associated with a membrane subparticle from Bacillus subtilis

When lysates of Bacillus subtilis were treated with restriction endonucleases EcoRI or HindIII, almost all of the DNA was released from the major plasma membrane fraction that was sedimentable at low speed. However, a very small part of the released DNA, when centrifuged at high speed, appeared to be bound to small membrane fragments. On agarose gels, this material, prepared with either enzyme, contained only a small number of restriction fragments, and the DNA in the sample hybridized with 11 to 12 EcoRI or HindIII fragments of chromosomal DNA. This DNA was used after nick-translation to screen Charon 4A clone banks for phages containing membrane-bound fragments. One of these was studied in detail. Only a part (about 5 kilobases) of the region present in this clone is important in binding the DNA to the membrane subparticle.

Escherichia coli mutants with an altered sensitivity to cecropin D

Cecropins are a family of small, basic antibacterial polypeptides which can be isolated from pupae of immunized Lepidoptera. They are active against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. We studied a mutant of Escherichia coli, strain SB1004, which is more sensitive to cecropin D than is the parental strain. The mutant was selected as resistant to a host range mutant of a Serratia marcescens phage. When the protein composition of the outer membrane was examined, strain SB1004 and some other phage-resistant mutants were found to be deficient in the OmpC protein. It was concluded that the OmpC protein is the receptor of the phage. Strain SB1004 was found to differ from other ompC mutants in being especially sensitive to hydrophobic antibiotics and to cecropin D. Furthermore, strain SB1004 has a tendency for spontaneous autolysis. A genetic analysis showed the mutations in strain SB1004 and a suppressor mutant to map in the ompC region. The activity of cecropin D against different strains of E. coli was specifically enhanced when divalent cations were absent. No such effect was found with cecropins A and B, which are less hydrophobic than the D form.

Recognition sites for a membrane-derived DNA binding protein preparation in the E. coli replication origin

The DNA binding protein B' preparation, isolated from the membrane of E. coli, recognizes two sites, one of which is located in the minimum oriC (35-270 bp) and the other between base pairs 417 and 488. Recognition is only possible when restriction fragments containing these sites are in single-stranded state. At the first site the strand reading 3'OH-5'P in the direction of the E. coli genetic map is recognized, at the second site the 5'P-3'OH strand.

Binding of the origin of replication of Escherichia coli to the outer membrane

The replication origin of the Escherichia coli chromosome binds with high affinity to outer membrane preparations. This binding requires a 460 bp stretch of origin DNA between positions -40 and 420 of the oriC map. Specific binding can be detected by the use of a membrane filter retention assay in the presence of excess calf thymus DNA. This binding is enhanced by divalent cations and takes place specifically at a few (0.7-3.0) membrane sites per cell. The apparent affinity of origin DNA for membranes is enhanced by two peptides, (55 kilodaltons (kd) and 75 kd), which remain attached to the DNA through treatment with 5.5 M cesium chloride.

Bacterial growth and division: genes, structures, forces, and clocks

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Initiation of chromosome replication in dnaA and dnaC mutants of Escherichia coli B/r F

Regulatory aspects of chromosome replication were investigated in dnaA5 and dnaC2 mutants of the Escherichia coli B/r F. When cultures growing at 25 degrees C were shifted to 41 degrees C for extended periods and then returned to 25 degrees C, the subsequent synchronous initiations of chromosome replication were spaced at fixed intervals. When chloramphenicol was added coincident with the temperature downshift, the extend of chromosome replication in the dnaA mutant was greater than that in the dnaC mutant, but the time intervals between initiations were the same in both mutants. Furthermore, the time interval between the first two initiation events was unaffected by alterations in the rate of rifampin-sensitive RNA synthesis or cell mass increase. In the dnaC2 mutant, the capacities for both initiations were achieved in the absence of extensive DNA replication at 25 degrees C as long as protein synthesis was permitted, but the cells did not progress toward the second initiation at 25 degrees C when both protein synthesis and DNA replication were prevented. Cells of the dnaA5 mutant did not achieve the capacity for the second initiation event in the absence of extensive chromosome replication, although delayed initiation may have taken place. A plausible hypothesis to explain the data is that the minimum interval is determined by the time required for formation of a supercoiled, membrane-attached structure in the vicinity of oriC which is required for initiation of DNA synthesis.

The nucleotide sequence of the atp genes coding for the F0 subunits a, b, c and the F1 subunit delta of the membrane bound ATP synthase of Escherichia coli

The nucleotide sequence has been determined of a 2,500 base pair segment of the E. coli chromosome located between 3.75 and 6.25 kb counterclockwise of the origin of replication at 83.5 min. The sequence contains the atp genes coding for subunits a-, b-, c-, delta- and part of the alpha-subunit of the membrane bound ATP synthase. The precise start positions of the atpE (c), atpF (b), atpH (delta) and atpA (alpha) genes have been defined by comparison of the potential coding sequences with the known amino acid sequence of the c-subunit and the determined N-terminal amino acid sequences of the respective subunits. The genes are expressed in the counterclockwise direction. Their order (counterclockwise) is: atpB (a), atpE (c), atpF (b), atpH (delta) and atpA(alpha). The coding sequences for subunits b and delta yield polypeptides of 156 and 177 amino acids, respectively, in accordance with the established sizes of these subunits; the one for the c-subunit, the DCCD binding protein, fits perfectly with its known sequence of 79 amino acids. The a-subunit is comprised within a coding sequence yielding a polypeptide of 271 amino acids. It is suggested, however, that the a-subunit (atpB) contains only 201 amino acids, in accordance with its known size, starting from a translation initiation site within the larger coding sequence. The stoichiometry of the F0 sector subunits is discussed and a model is proposed for the functioning of the highly charged b-subunit of the F0 sector as the actual proton conductor.

Enrichment of DNA polymerase III activity in a DNA membrane complex purified from Pneumococcus: the possible existence of subcomplexes

Three DNA polymerase activities, one related to DNA pol III, have been extracted from a DNA membrane complex purified from Streptococcus pneumoniae. DNA pol III was purified 3300-fold, DNA pol II 2800-fold and DNA pol I 1800-fold. Based on inhibition analysis with a drug known to inhibit DNA pol III activity in Gram positive organisms. 6(p-hydroxyphenyl azo) uracil (HpU), 55% of the total DNA polymerase activity is represented by pol III. In contrast, only 3-5% of the total DNA polymerase activity is inhibited by HpU in crude extracts. The purification of the DNA membrane complex from pneumococcus is modified from an earlier procedure (Firshein 1972). The modified procedure results in the separation of three distinct DNA-protein-phospholipid subcomplexes of which the one described above contains most of the radioactivity derived from cells pulsed for a short time with (3H)-thymidine. Proteins are involved in binding DNA in each complex and the conformation of DNA in each complex may be different. All of the subcomplexes contain DNA polymerase activity partially sensitive to HpU. These results provide direct evidence for the structural integrity of a complex that may be involved in DNA replication in vivo.

Deoxyribonucleic acid and outer membrane: binding to outer membrane involves a specific protein

The binding of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to the outer membrane of Escherichia coli was examined. The amount of DNA found to be bound to outer membrane was low and was estimated to be about 0.4% of the total DNA. Treatment of cells with chloramphenicol or rifampin caused a disassociation of the apparent DNA-outer membrane complex. The results presented here suggest that the binding between membrane and DNA is specific and involves a membrane protein having a molecular weight of 13,000.