Purification of factor EF-P, a protein that stimulates peptide-bond synthesis with certain aminoacyl-tRNA analogues

Abstract

Factor [elongation] EF-P is a nonribosomal (soluble) protein of Escherichia coli that stimulates peptide bond synthesis when certain aminoacyl-tRNA analogs are used. The purification of this protein to apparent homogeneity is described. EF-P has a MW of about 21,000, a Stokes radius of 27 .ANG. (1 .ANG. = 0.1 nm) and a frictional coefficient of 1.48; suggesting and asymmetric structure. These and other criteria show that EF-P is a new factor that controls peptide bond formation during protein biosynthesis.