Expression of the L11-L1 operon in mutants of Escherichia coli lacking the ribosomal proteins L1 or L11.

Using a variety of immunological techniques, the supernatant levels of ribosomal proteins were measured in mutants lacking the ribosomal proteins L1 or L11, and in wild-type strains. There was a 2.5--5-fold elevation of protein L11 level in the supernatant of strains lacking protein L1, compared to wild-type. In contrast, there was no elevation, but rather a diminution, in the corresponding L1 level in strains lacking protein L11, compared to wild-type. These results are consistent with a model for the control of expression of the L11-L1 operon in which protein L1 is an inhibitor of expression of that operon, but protein L11 is not. The supernatant concentrations of other proteins were indistinguishable in all strains.