Host-vector interactions in Escherichia coli.

Introduction of a DNA vector into E. coli for the purposes of cloned gene expression can perturb native cell functions at many levels. The presence of foreign DNA can alter regulation of chromosomal DNA replication, regulation of transcription of chromosomal genes, ribosome functions and RNA turnover, activities of regulatory proteins, chaperone and protease levels, membrane energetics and protein post-translational processing, as well as energy and intermediary metabolism of the cell. The combined effects of these interactions on the metabolic characteristics of the host-vector system have major implications for yields of cloned biotechnological products and interactions of genetically engineered organisms with their environment.