Autexier C, DuBow M S
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Gene. 1992 May 1;114(1):13-8. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(92)90701-p.
The Escherichia coli nlp gene is highly homologous to the regulatory ner genes of transposable coliphages, Mu and D108. It was discovered, via its action when overexpressed, as a positive activator of mal gene expression in a cya- crp*1 strain. Chromosomal disruption of the nlp gene by insertion of a promoterless luxAB reporter gene revealed that nlp is nonessential for E. coli viability. Light measurements from the resulting nlp::luxAB transcriptional fusion, plus RNA dot blot analysis, suggest that nlp is transcribed. Southern-blot analyses of DNAs from several bacterial species were performed and indicate that nlp is evolutionarily conserved, but only among closely related Enterobacteriaceae.
