Nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the RNA subunit (M1 RNA) of ribonuclease P from Escherichia coli.

The gene encoding the RNA subunit (M1 RNA) of RNAase P (EC 3.1.26.5) from Escherichia coli has been isolated, and its complete nucleotide sequence, including flanking regions, has been determined. The promoter region, similar to others near genes under stringent control, and the site of transcription termination have been identified. The transcript from the gene (M1 RNA) can be drawn in a secondary structure that has approximately 60% G-C base pairs. One hairpin loop of this hypothetical structure has five contiguous nucleotides complementary to invariant nucleotides in the TpsiCG loop of all E. coli tRNAs. The M1 gene, when subcloned in the plasmid pBR325, can be amplified. It directs production of functional M1 RNA. In an E. coli strain thermosensitive for RNAase P function, the size of the gene transcript is the same as in wild-type E. coli, but less mature M1 RNA is made in the mutant cells.