Genetic studies concerning the mechanism of secretion of the maltose-binding protein of Escherichia coli.

Strains of Escherichia coli have been isolated in which the malE-gene encoding the periplasmic maltose-binding protein has been used to the lacZ-gene encoding the cytoplasmic enzyme beta-galactosidase. Certain of these strains synthesize malE-lacZ hybrid proteins that retain beta-galactosidase enzyme activity. The unusual properties of these fusion strains, at variance with our original predictions, have provided us the means to initiate a detailed genetic analysis of the protein export process.