Summary
Transcriptional regulation of cyd, encoding the cytochrome d complex for O2 scavenging, was studied in Escherichia coli by monitoring ϕ(cyd-lac) expression under atmospheres containing 0–21% O2. Peak expression of this operon occurred under microaerobic conditions. Mutations in arcA (a trans-acting regulatory gene involved in aerobic respiration) greatly lowered ϕ(cyd-lac) expression under all conditions. Mutations in fnr (a trans-acting regulatory gene involved in anaerobic respiration) shifted the pattern of ϕ(cyd-lac) expression, lowering the microaerobic and aerobic expression. In an arcA fnr double mutant, ϕ(cyd-lac) expression became insignificant, irrespective of the availability of O2. It thus appears that the expression of the ϕ(cyd-lac) operon is under dual control by the two pleiotropic activators, ArcA and Fnr, which interact to give the peak microaerobic expression.
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Communicated by J.W. Lengeler
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Fu, H.A., Iuchi, S. & Lin, E.C.C. The requirement of ArcA and Fnr for peak expression of the cyd operon in Escherichia coli under microaerobic conditions. Mol Gen Genet 226, 209–213 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00273605
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00273605