A small basic protein from the brz-brb operon is involved in regulation of bop transcription in Halobacterium salinarum
2011

Regulation of bop transcription in Halobacterium salinarum

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tarasov Valery, Schwaiger Rita, Furtwängler Katarina, Dyall-Smith Mike, Oesterhelt Dieter

Primary Institution: Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry

Hypothesis

The study investigates the roles of the Brz and Bat transcription factors, along with a newly identified protein Brb, in the regulation of bop gene transcription.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the activation of the bop promoter is dependent on the cooperation of three proteins: Bat, Brz, and Brb.

Supporting Evidence

  • Brz and Bat were previously identified as regulators of bop transcription.
  • Brb was found to cooperate with Brz and Bat in activating bop transcription.
  • The study demonstrated that mutations in Brb could complement the effects of mutations in Brz.

Takeaway

This study found that three proteins work together to help a gene called bop turn on when the bacteria are exposed to light.

Methodology

The study used site-directed mutagenesis, GFP reporter assays, and BgaH reporter assays to investigate the roles of the proteins in bop transcription regulation.

Limitations

The study did not successfully detect the Brb protein by mass spectrometry, which may limit the understanding of its function.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2199-12-42

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