Escherichia coli integration host factor stabilizes bacteriophage Mu repressor interactions with operator DNA in vitro

Abstract
Using gel retardation and DNase I protection techniques, we have demonstrated that the Escherichia coli integration host factor (IHF) stabilizes the interaction between Mu repressor and its cognate operator‐binding sites in vitro. These results are discussed in terms of a model in which IHF may commit the phage to the lytic or lysogenic pathway depending on the occupancy of the operator sites by the repressor.