Translational control induced by bacteriophage T7.

Phage T7 discontinues host gene expression by translational and transcriptional control mechanisms. Translational control is exerted by the T7 translational-repressor. This protein inhibits the synthesis of beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) in vivo and in vitro and the synthesis of the T3 enzyme S-adenosylmethioninehydrolase (EC 3.3.1.-). The translational-repressor does not interfere with T7-specific enzyme synthesis. The T7 translational-repressor purifies with the initiation factors. The repressor interacts with the initiation of translation of host enzymes. The translational-repressor gene is close to the promotor for RNA polymerase of Escherichia coli.