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. 1988 Oct;170(10):4983–4985. doi: 10.1128/jb.170.10.4983-4985.1988

Rifampin and rpoB mutations can alter DNA supercoiling in Escherichia coli.

K Drlica 1, R J Franco 1, T R Steck 1
PMCID: PMC211554  PMID: 2844734

Abstract

Two cases are described which indicate that RNA polymerase could alter DNA supercoiling. One occurred in a topA mutant in which abnormally high levels of plasmid supercoiling were lowered by rifampin, an inhibitor of the beta subunit of RNA polymerase. The second case involves suppression of a temperature-sensitive gyrB mutation by a rifampin-resistant allele of rpoB, the gene encoding the beta subunit of RNA polymerase. Measurements of chromosomal DNA supercoiling show that the rpoB mutation reduced DNA relaxation.

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Selected References

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