The gene encoding mycobacterial DNA-binding protein I (MDPI) transformed rapidly growing bacteria to slowly growing bacteria

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2000.tb08911.x
• Publication Date: 2006-01-10T07:55:39Z
• Authors: Sohkichi Matsumoto; Makoto Furugen; Hideharu Yukitake; Takeshi Yamada
• Keywords: Mycobacterium smegmatis; Mycobacterium leprae

Pathogenic species of Mycobacterium are slowly growing intracellular bacteria. Slow growth is important for the parasitism these organisms and chronicity disease, but its precise mechanism has not been elucidated. Recently, we found that a novel DNA-binding protein (MDPI) was expressed (7-10% in total protein) mycobacteria, such as bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin, tuberculosis, leprae. In this study, observed MDPI interfered with replication, transcription, translation analysis vitro E. coli cell-free macromolecular biosynthesizing systems. Furthermore, inhibited rapid both Escherichia smegmatis, NH(2)-terminal second amino acid, asparagine, to be terms function. These data suggest an role suppression rates mycobacteria.