Truncated mutants of the colicin A lysis protein are acylated and processed when overproduced.

The lipid modification and processing of truncated mutants of the colicin A lysis protein were observed after overproduction by Escherichia coli bacteria, but at a rate far slower than that of the wild-type. The unmodified precursor form of the mutants was stable over hour(s). The truncated mutants provoked lethality, but neither caused protein release nor quasi-lysis.