Protein L4 of the E. coli ribosome regulates an eleven gene r protein operon.

We have previously reported autogenous regulation of the S10 operon encoding eleven ribosomal proteins. By measuring the synthesis of individual r proteins after specific oversynthesis of nine different ribosomal proteins from the S10 operon, we now find that one, L4, affects the expression of the operon. Moreover, the induction of L4 synthesis results in a strong reduction of the synthesis of mRNA from at least four genes of the S10 operon.