# COORDINATION OF E COLI RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 1987 · $226,618

## Abstract

The synthesis of ribosomes in bacteria is regulated in response to changes
in the environment.  Our goal is to understand the molecular details of the
mechanisms underlying this regulation.  The information gained by this
study should contribute to our understanding of the molecular basis for
regulation of cell growth.

The genes for Escherichia coli ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) are
organized into about 20 operons.  The r-protein operons are subject to at
least two types of regulation:  a) modulation of transcription initiation,
and b) operon-specific autogenous regulation, whereby unique r-proteins
repress their own operons.  Our recent results suggest that additional
regulatory processes also affect r-protein synthesis.

We are investigating the mechanisms regulating the eleven gene S10
r-protein operon.  1. Autogenous regulation of the operon is mediated by
r-protein L4.  In the presence of excess L4, transcription is terminated
prematurely at an attenuator site in the leader.  Based on genetic results,
we have designed a model for this process.  To refine this model we will:
a) use site-directed mutagenesis to obtain more regulatory mutants; b)
determine the secondary structure of the leader of the S10 mRNA; c) analyze
the binding of L4 to the S10 leader; d) establish an in vitro system for
biochemical studies of the attenuation process.  2. To characterize the
translation and degradation of mRNA from the S10 operon, we will a) use
site-directed mutagenesis and studies of mRNA structure to determine the
molecular basis for coupled translation of the most proximal two genes; b)
investigate if downstream genes are subject to coupled translation; c)
identify the sequences necessary for efficient translation of the first
gene of the operon; d) study the role of message stability in regulation of
gene expression.  3. To study regulation at the S10 promoter, we will
isolate and characterize mutations in the upstream region, the -35 and -10
regions, and the stringent discriminator region.  4. To identify other
mechanisms involved in regulating ribosome synthesis, we will follow up on
preliminary indications that there are targets for growth rate regulation
outside the proximal part of the operon.

Our experiments indicate that several regulatory processes contribute to
the regulation of r-protein synthesis in response to a given physiological
condition.  We will continue investigations of the interactions between
these different regulatory mechanisms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126138
- **Project number:** 5R01AI015286-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F27KDXZMF9Y8
- **Principal Investigator:** LASSE A LINDAHL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $226,618
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-07-01 → 1991-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126138

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126138, COORDINATION OF E COLI RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS (5R01AI015286-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126138. Licensed CC0.

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