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. 1991 Apr;173(8):2521–2529. doi: 10.1128/jb.173.8.2521-2529.1991

Molecular cloning, characterization, and nucleotide sequence of the rfc gene, which encodes an O-antigen polymerase of Salmonella typhimurium.

L V Collins 1, J Hackett 1
PMCID: PMC207816  PMID: 1707412

Abstract

The rfc gene of Salmonella typhimurium was located in a 1.75-kb HindIII fragment and restored wild-type lipopolysaccharide synthesis ability to both an older rfc point mutant and new rfc::IS10 mutants. DNA sequencing of the HindIII fragment revealed an open reading frame which could encode a protein of 407 amino acids with an Mr of 47,472 and also revealed potential translation signals. Modulator codons accounted for 12.5% of the total codon content, providing a possible explanation for the nondetectability of the protein in subcellular systems. Secondary structure analysis suggested the presence of transmembrane beta-sheet structures, implying a possible role for the protein in translocation of hydrophilic O-antigen-containing materials. Salmonella strains of groups A, B, and D1 contained rfc-homologous DNA, but strains of groups C1, C2, C3, D2, and E2 did not.

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Selected References

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