Functional analysis of the Enterococcus faecalis plasmid pAD1‐encoded stability determinant par

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary: The molecular organization and functional characteristics of the pAD1 replicon‐encoded par stability determinant were examined, par encodes two convergently transcribed RNAs of 210 and 65 nucleotides designated RNA I and RNA II, respectively. The sequence of RNA II is largely complementary to RNA I, suggesting that RNA II could regulate RNA I function as an anti‐sense RNA. Results of functional studies are consistent with a role for par as a post‐segregational killing system, the first to be identified in Gram‐positive bacteria, with RNA I encoding the toxin and RNA II the antidote. These results include: (i) destabilization of par‐containing replicons in the presence of a second complete par or the RNA II coding sequence in the same cell; (ii) par‐dependent stabilization of a highly unstable vector at the expense of host‐cell growth rate; and (iii) protection of cells from the toxic effects of overexpression of RNA I by RNA II supplied in trans.

This publication has 53 references indexed in Scilit: