Evidence for the Presence of cAMP, cAMP Receptor and Transcription Termination Factor Rho in Different Gram-negative Bacteria

Abstract

Cyclic AMP has been shown to be present in 12 different Gram-negative bacteria and the regulation of its concentration, as a function of growth conditions, is similar to that described for Escherichia coli K 12. Antibodies raised against catabolite activator protein (CAP) and Rho protein of E. coli K 12 were used to check for the occurrence of cross-reactive antigens. Using radioimmunological assays, immunoblotting techniques and biochemical criteria was showed a wide distribution of CAP and Rho, structurally and functionally closely related to the corresponding E. coli K 12 proteins. These results suggest that transcription is similarly regulated by these factors in Gram-negative bacteria.