N Antiterminator
Background Information
N protein is one of the three critical proteins expressed by the lambda genome that influence the developmental cycles of the virus. It is called an antiterminator because in the presence of this protein, RNA polymerase is able to code through regions of the genome it would otherwise be unable to transcribe. As depicted in the diagram below, there is a termination sequence early in the lambda genome, which causes the mRNA transcript to terminate in the absence of N. However, when N is present, the protein recognizes a specific sequence called Nut, which stands for N utilization, and as the polymerase passes over the Nut site, it is modified by N so that it can ignore the termination sequence that is downstream of the Nut site, thus allowing the elongation of the mRNA transcript.
Role in Lambda Life Cycle
Relative to the two promoters on the chromosome, PL and PR, the N gene lies early in the lambda genome, as depicted in the diagram below. The N protein therefore, acts in the early stages of the phage’s developmental cycle, even before a choice is made between lysis and lysogeny. As shown, it is necessary to turn on the genes to the left of N gene and to the right of cro gene. If the protein is not expressed the mRNA transcripts are terminated in the early stages of development. That is, the phage cannot go into either lytic or lysogenic pathways and it will not be infectious in the absence of N.
Original Goals
The objective of this subproject project was to determine the necessary concentration of N protein required for lysis. The N protein is active in the early stages of viral development, even before a choice is made between lysis and lysogeny, so in the absence of this protein the virus will not be infectious.
Status and Future Plans
What did you end up doing, and what's next?
Relevant Protocols
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