Restriction and modification in Bacillus subtilis: Identification of a gene in the temperate phage SPβ coding for a BsuR specific modification methyltransferase

Abstract
A gene coding for a modifying DNA-methyltransferase which methylates the central C in the BsuR recognition sequence 5′GGCC was identified in the genome of the temperate Bacillus subtilis phage SPβ. This gene is expressed only after induction of the prophage by either mitomycin C or UV. The presence of active methyltransferase in induced cells leads to modification of BsuR recognition sites in SPβ DNA as well as in heterologous DNA.