# NOVEL TRANSCRIBING ACTIVITIES IN N-4 INFECTED E COLI

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 1987 · $183,025

## Abstract

Bacteriophage N4-infected E. coli show rifampicin and streptolydigin resistant
transcription even when the drugs are added prior to infection.  All N4
transcription is rifampicin resistant and therefore independent of the host RNA
polymerase.  Analysis of transcription during N4 infection has revealed the
presence of two new rifampicin-resistant RNA polymerizing activities.  The first
activity is unprecedented in that its appearance does not require transcription
or translation of the phage genome after infection.  This activity is virion
encapsulated, injected into the cell with the DNA and transcribes viral early
genes.  The second activity requires the proper expression and function of two
N4 genes for its appearance and is responsible for the transcription of late N4
genes.  Genetic studies have demonstrated that both activities are required for
viral transcription and, moreover, that the virion encapsulated RNA polymerase
is required directly for DNA replication.
We propose to undertake a full biochemical and genetic characterization of both
transcribing activities.  Related to this aim will be the obtention of a
restriction endonuclease map of N4 DNA to be used to map and isolate promoters
for the N4 RNA polymerases.
Finally, an in vitro system, capable of supporting N4 DNA replication, will be
developed to study the role of the virion-associated RNA polymerase in N4-DNA
synthesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3125226
- **Project number:** 5R01AI012575-13
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** ZUE9HKT2CLC9
- **Principal Investigator:** LUCIA B. B ROTHMAN-DENES
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $183,025
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-05-01 → 1988-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3125226

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3125226, NOVEL TRANSCRIBING ACTIVITIES IN N-4 INFECTED E COLI (5R01AI012575-13). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-27 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3125226. Licensed CC0.

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