DNA sequence determinants of lambda repressor binding in vivo
Benson, N.; Sugiono, P.; Youderian, P.
Genetics 118(1): 21-29
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-6731 PMID: 8608928 Document Number: 320664
The critical operator determinants for .lambda. repressor recognition have been defined by analyzing the binding of wild-type repressor to a set of mutant operators in vivo. Base pair substitutions at six positions within the .lambda. operator half-site impair binding severely, and define these base pairs as critical for operator function. One mutant operator binds repressor better than the consensus operator, and is a superoperator. The model proposed by M. Lewis in 1983 for the binding of .lambda. repressor to its operator accurately predicts the observed operator requirements for binding in vivo, with several minor exceptions. The order of affinities of the six natural .lambda. operators has also been determined.