A recurrent general RNA binding domain appended to plant methionyl-tRNA synthetase acts as a cis-acting cofactor for aminoacylation

The cDNA encoding rice methionyl-tRNA synthetase was isolated. The protein exhibited a C-terminal polypeptide appended to a classical MetRS domain. This supplementary domain is related to endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II (EMAPII), a cytokine produced in mammals after cleavage of p43, a component of the multisynthetase complex. It is also related to Arc1p and Trbp111, two tRNA binding proteins. We expressed rice MetRS and a derivative with a deletion of its EMAPII-like domain. Band-shift analysis showed that this extra-domain provides MetRS with non-specific tRNA binding properties. The EMAPII-like domain contributed a 10-fold decrease in K:(M) for tRNA in the aminoacylation reaction catalyzed by the native enzyme, as compared with the C-terminally truncated MetRS. Consequently, the EMAPII domain provides MetRS with a better catalytic efficiency at the free tRNA concentration prevailing in vivo. This domain binds the acceptor minihelix of tRNA(Met) and facilitates its aminoacylation. These results suggest that the EMAPII module could be a relic of an ancient tRNA binding domain that was incorporated into primordial synthetases for aminoacylation of RNA minihelices taken as the ancestor of modern tRNA.

Macromolecular assemblage of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases: quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions and mechanism of complex assembly

The structure of the mammalian multi-synthetase complex was investigated in vitro using qualitative and quantitative approaches. This macromolecular assemblage comprises the bifunctional glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase, the seven monospecific isoleucyl, leucyl, methionyl, glutaminyl, lysyl, arginyl and aspartyl-tRNA synthetases, and the three auxiliary p43, p38 and p18 proteins. The scaffold p38 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity as a His-tagged protein. The different components of the complex were shown to associate in vitro with p38 immobilized on Ni(2+)-coated plates. Interactions between peripheral enzymes and p38 are referred to as central interactions, as opposed to lateral interactions between peripheral enzymes. Kinetic parameters of the interactions were determined by the means of a biosensor-based approach. The two dimeric proteins LysRS and AspRS were found to tightly bind to p38, with a K(d) value of 0.3 and 4.7 nM, respectively. These interactions involved the catalytic core of the enzymes. By contrast, binding of ArgRS or GlnRS to p38 was much weaker (>5 microM). ArgRS and p43, two peripheral components, were shown to interact with moderate affinity (K(d)=93 nM). Since all the components of the complex are tightly associated within this particle, lateral interactions were believed to contribute to the stabilization of this assemblage. Using an in vitro binding assay, concomitant association of several components of the complex on immobilized p38 could be demonstrated, and revealed the involvement of synergistic effects for association of weakly interacting proteins. Taking into account the possible synergy between central and lateral contributions, a sub-complex containing p38, p43, ArgRS and GlnRS was reconstituted in vitro. These data provide compelling evidence for an ordered and concerted mechanism of complex assembly.

The tRNA-dependent activation of arginine by arginyl-tRNA synthetase requires inter-domain communication

The tRNA-dependent amino acid activation catalyzed by mammalian arginyl-tRNA synthetase has been characterized. A conditional lethal mutant of Chinese hamster ovary cells that exhibits reduced arginyl-tRNA synthetase activity (Arg-1), and two of its derived revertants (Arg-1R4 and Arg-1R5) were analyzed at the structural and functional levels. A single nucleotide change, resulting in a Cys to Tyr substitution at position 599 of arginyl-tRNA synthetase, is responsible for the defective phenotype of the thermosensitive and arginine hyper-auxotroph Arg-1 cell line. The two revertants have a single additional mutation resulting in a Met222 to Ile change for Arg-1R4 or a Tyr506 to Ser change for Arg-1R5. The corresponding mutant enzymes were expressed in yeast and purified. The Cys599 to Tyr mutation affects both the thermal stability of arginyl-tRNA synthetase and the kinetic parameters for arginine in the ATP-PP(i) exchange and tRNA aminoacylation reactions. This mutation is located underneath the floor of the Rossmann fold catalytic domain characteristic of class 1 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, near the end of a long helix belonging to the alpha-helix bundle C-terminal domain distinctive of class 1a synthetases. For the Met222 to Ile revertant, there is very little effect of the mutation on the interaction of arginyl-tRNA synthetase with either of its substrates. However, this mutation increases the thermal stability of arginyl-tRNA synthetase, thereby leading to reversion of the thermosensitive phenotype by increasing the steady-state level of the enzyme in vivo. In contrast, for the Arg-1R5 cell line, reversion of the phenotype is due to an increased catalytic efficiency of the C599Y/Y506S double mutant as compared to the initial C599Y enzyme. In light of the location of the mutations in the 3D structure of the enzyme modeled using the crystal structure of the closely related yeast arginyl-tRNA synthetase, the kinetic analysis of these mutants suggests that the obligatory tRNA-induced activation of the catalytic site of arginyl-tRNA synthetase involves interdomain signal transduction via the long helices that build the tRNA-binding domain of the enzyme and link the site of interaction of the anticodon domain of tRNA to the floor of the active site.

Functional interaction of mammalian valyl-tRNA synthetase with elongation factor EF-1alpha in the complex with EF-1H

In mammalian cells valyl-tRNA synthetase (ValRS) forms a high Mr complex with the four subunits of elongation factor EF-1H. The beta, gamma, and delta subunits, that contribute the guanine nucleotide exchange activity of EF-1H, are tightly associated with the NH2-terminal polypeptide extension of valyl-tRNA synthetase. In this study, we have examined the possibility that the functioning of the companion enzyme EF-1alpha could regulate valyl-tRNA synthetase activity. We show here that the addition of EF-1alpha and GTP in excess in the aminoacylation mixture is accompanied by a 2-fold stimulation of valyl-tRNAVal synthesis catalyzed by the valyl-tRNA synthetase component of the ValRS.EF-1H complex. This effect is not observed in the presence of EF-1alpha and GDP or EF-Tu.GTP and requires association of valyl-tRNA synthetase within the ValRS.EF-1H complex. Since valyl-tRNA synthetase and elongation factor EF-1alpha catalyze two consecutive steps of the in vivo tRNA cycle, aminoacylation and formation of the ternary complex EF-1alpha.GTP. Val-tRNAVal that serves as a vector of tRNA from the synthetase to the ribosome, the data suggest a coordinate regulation of these two successive reactions. The EF-1alpha.GTP-dependent stimulation of valyl-tRNA synthetase activity provides further evidence for tRNA channeling during protein synthesis in mammalian cells.

Switching the amino acid specificity of an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

The accuracy of protein synthesis essentially rests on aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that ensure the correct attachment of an amino acid to the cognate tRNA molecule. The selection of the amino acid substrate involves a recognition stage generally followed by a proofreading reaction. Therefore, to change the amino acid specificity of a synthetase in the aminoacylation reaction, it is necessary to alleviate the molecular barriers which contribute its editing function. In an attempt to accommodate a noncognate amino acid into the active site of a synthetase, we chose a pair of closely related enzymes. The current hypothesis designates glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) as a late component of the protein synthesis machinery, emerging in the eukaryotic lineage by duplication of the gene for glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (GluRS). By introducing GluRS-specific features into the Rossmann dinucleotide-binding domain of human GlnRS, we constructed a mutant GlnRS which preferentially aminoacylates tRNA with glutamate instead of glutamine. Our data suggest that not only the transition state for aminoacyl-AMP formation but also the proofreading site of GlnRS are affected by that mutation.

Functional replacement of hamster lysyl-tRNA synthetase by the yeast enzyme requires cognate amino acid sequences for proper tRNA recognition

We cloned the cDNA encoding a 597-aa hamster lysyl-tRNA synthetase. This enzyme is a close homologue of the 591-aa Saccharomyces cerevisiae enzyme, with the noticeable exception of their 60-aa N-terminal regions, which differ significantly. Several particular features of this polypeptide fragment from the hamster lysyl-tRNA synthetase suggest that it is implicated in the assembly of that enzyme within the multisynthetase complex. However, we show that this protein domain is dispensable in vivo to sustain growth of CHO cells. The cross-species complementation was investigated in the lysine system. The mammalian enzyme functionally replaces a null-allele of the yeast KRS1 gene. Conversely, the yeast enzyme cannot rescue Lys-101 cells, a CHO cell line with a temperature-sensitive lysyl-tRNA synthetase. The yeast and mammalian enzymes, overexpressed in yeast, were purified to homogeneity. The hamster lysyl-tRNA synthetase efficiently aminoacylates both mammalian and yeast tRNA(Lys), whereas the yeast enzyme aminoacylates mammalian tRNA(Lys) with a catalytic efficiency 20-fold lower, as compared to its cognate tRNA. The 152-aa C-terminus extremity of the hamster enzyme provides the yeast enzyme with the capacity to complement Lys-101 cells. This hybrid protein is fairly stable and aminoacylates both yeast and mammalian tRNA(Lys) with similar catalytic efficiencies. Because this C-terminal polypeptide fragment is likely to make contacts with the acceptor stem of tRNA(Lys), we conclude that it should carry the protein determinants conferring specific recognition of the cognate tRNA acceptor stem and therefore contributes an essential role in the operational RNA code for amino acids.

Valyl-tRNA synthetase from Artemia. Purification and association with elongation factor 1

Two components of the protein biosynthetic machinery, valyl-transfer RNA synthetase (VRS) and elongation factor 1 (EF-1), have been isolated as a complex from several mammalian tissues. However, yeast VRS, which lacks an amino-terminal extension, does not associated with EF-1. We purified VRS from the brine shrimp Artemia and investigated its interaction with EF-1. Western blotting of crude Artemia extracts revealed the presence of two forms of VRS, differing in size and capacity to associate with EF-1. About 80% of the total VRS corresponds to a polypeptide of 130 kDa which behaves as a monomer upon gel filtration. Only the larger form of 140 kDa coelutes, cosediments and co-immunoprecipitates with the EF-1 alpha 2 beta gamma delta complex. The ratio of the two forms of VRS remains constant throughout early development. The possible origin and mode of expression of the two forms of VRS present in Artemia are discussed.

The multienzyme complex containing nine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is ubiquitous from Drosophila to mammals

In all mammalian cells studied so far, a multienzyme complex containing the nine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases specific for the amino acids Glu, Pro, Ile, Leu, Met, Gln, Lys, Arg and Asp was characterized. The complexes purified from various sources display very similar polypeptide compositions; they are composed of 11 polypeptides with molecular masses ranging from 18 to 150 kDa. By contrast, the corresponding enzymes from prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes behave as free enzymes. In order to test for the ubiquity of the multisynthetase complex in all metazoan species, we have searched for a similar complex in Drosophila. We have purified to homogeneity, from Schneider cells, a high molecular weight complex comprising the same nine synthetase activities. Its polypeptide composition resembles that of the complexes isolated from mammalian sources. By using the Western blotting procedure, some of the constituent polypeptides of the Drosophila complex were assigned to specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. These findings support the proposal according to which the multisynthetase complex is an idiosyncratic feature of all higher eukaryotic cells.

Reconstitution in vitro of the valyl-tRNA synthetase-elongation factor (EF) 1 beta gamma delta complex. Essential roles of the NH2-terminal extension of valyl-tRNA synthetase and of the EF-1 delta subunit in complex formation

Valyl-tRNA synthetase from mammalian cells is isolated exclusively as a complex with elongation factor (EF) 1H (the "heavy" form of eukaryotic EF-1, composed of subunits alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). In a previous study, the 140-kDa valyl-tRNA synthetase subunit dissociated from the purified rabbit liver complex was shown to display hydrophobic properties, unlike the corresponding yeast cytoplasmic enzyme of 125 kDa (Bec, G., and Waller, J.-P. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 21138-21143). Compared to the sequence of yeast cytoplasmic valyl-tRNA synthetase, that of the human enzyme displays an NH2-terminal extension of approximately 200 amino acid residues that bears strong sequence similarity to the NH2-terminal moiety of EF-1 gamma (Hsieh, S. L., and Campbell, R. D. (1991) Biochem. J. 278, 809-816). We now show that this NH2-terminal extension can be selectively excised by elastase treatment of the isolated rabbit valyl-tRNA synthetase, without impairing catalytic activity. To examine the role of the NH2-terminal extension of mammalian valyl-tRNA synthetase in complex formation and to identify the subunit(s) of EF-1H responsible for binding the enzyme, reconstitution experiments were undertaken. Native or truncated valyl-tRNA synthetases were incubated with the isolated EF-1 subunits beta gamma and delta, either separately or in combination, and the ensuing products were analyzed by chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose FF and Superose 6. The results demonstrate that the NH2-terminal extension of valyl-tRNA synthetase is required for complex formation and that the enzyme-binding site(s) resides on the EF-1 delta subunit. Moreover, although the EF-1 beta gamma binary complex does not bind valyl-tRNA synthetase, it is nevertheless required for assembly of a complex of defined quaternary structure by preventing the formation of high molecular weight aggregates generated in the presence of EF-1 delta alone.

Mammalian prolyl-tRNA synthetase corresponds to the approximately 150 kDa subunit of the high-M(r) aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex

The high-M(r) aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex previously purified from sheep liver differed from those isolated from several other mammalian sources by the absence of prolyl-tRNA synthetase activity and the presence of glutamyl tRNA synthetase as a polypeptide of 85 kDa instead of 150 kDa. Using a milder extraction procedure that minimizes proteolysis, we now report the isolation of a sheep liver complex that contains both prolyl-tRNA synthetase activity and the 150-kDa polypeptide. The correspondence between prolyl-tRNA synthetase and the 150-kDa polypeptide, inferred from the results of several approaches reported in this study, was further demonstrated by showing that antibodies to a free form of sheep liver prolyl-tRNA synthetase generated by endogenous proteolysis, specifically reacted with the 150-kDa components of the complexes from sheep and rabbit, but failed to react with the previously purified complex from sheep that contained neither prolyl-tRNA synthetases activity nor the 150-kDa component. Moreover, we show that the 150-kDa polypeptide is also recognized by antibodies to the 85-kDa polypeptide previously assigned to glutamyl-tRNA synthetase. The possibility that the largest subunit of the mammalian high-M(r) complexes may be a bifunctional protein encoding both glutamyl- and prolyl-tRNA synthetase activities is considered and discussed in light of the recently published sequence of the corresponding polypeptide from HeLa cells. In accordance with this prediction, we show that the amino acid sequence of the carboxyl-terminal moiety of this bifunctional polypeptide shows significant similarity to the sequence of prolyl-tRNA synthetase from Escherichia coli.

Interaction of microtubule-associated proteins with microtubules: yeast lysyl- and valyl-tRNA synthetases and tau 218-235 synthetic peptide as model systems

The respective contributions of electrostatic interaction and specific sequence recognition in the binding of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to microtubules have been studied, using as models yeast valyl- and lysyl-tRNA synthetases (VRS, KRS) that carry an exposed basic N-terminal domain, and a synthetic peptide reproducing the sequence 218-235 on tau protein, known to be part of the microtubule-binding site of MAPs. VRS and KRS bind to microtubules with a KD in the 10(-6) M range, and tau 218-235 binds with a KD in the 10(-4) M range. Binding of KRS and tau 218-235 is accompanied by stabilization and bundling of microtubules, without the intervention of an extraneous bundling protein. tau 218-235 binds to microtubules with a stoichiometry of 2 mol/mol of assembled tubulin dimer in agreement with the proposed binding sequences alpha[430-441] and beta[422-434]. Binding stoichiometries of 2/alpha beta S tubulin and 1/alpha S beta S tubulin were observed following partial or complete removal of the tubulin C-terminal regions by subtilisin, which localizes the site of subtilisin cleavage upstream residue alpha-441 and downstream residue beta-434. Quantitative measurements show that binding of MAPs, KRS, VRS, and tau 218-235 is weakened but not abolished following subtilisin digestion of the C-terminus of tubulin, indicating that the binding site of MAPs is not restricted to the extreme C-terminus of tubulin.

A component of the multisynthetase complex is a multifunctional aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

In higher eukaryotes, nine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are associated within a multienzyme complex which is composed of 11 polypeptides with molecular masses ranging from 18 to 150 kDa. We have cloned and sequenced a cDNA from Drosophila encoding the largest polypeptide of this complex. We demonstrate here that the corresponding protein is a multifunctional aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. It is composed of three major domains, two of them specifying distinct synthetase activities. The amino and carboxy-terminal domains were expressed separately in Escherichia coli, and were found to catalyse the aminoacylation of glutamic acid and proline tRNA species, respectively. The central domain is made of six 46 amino acid repeats. In prokaryotes, these two aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are encoded by distinct genes. The emergence of a multifunctional synthetase by a gene fusion event seems to be a specific, but general attribute of all higher eukaryotic cells. This type of structural organization, in relation to the occurrence of multisynthetase complexes, could be a mechanism to integrate several catalytic domains within the same particle. The involvement of the internal repeats in mediating complex assembly is discussed.

Valyl-tRNA synthetase from rabbit liver. I. Purification as a heterotypic complex in association with elongation factor 1

Valyl-tRNA synthetase occurs as a high molecular mass entity of approximately equal to 700 kDa in the crude extract from rabbit liver. The enzyme was purified as a heterotypic complex comprising four polypeptides of 140, 50, 35, and 27 kDa in the molar proportions of 1:2:1:1, respectively, as determined by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Co-purification of these components at each step of the purification supports the conclusion that they are physically associated within the same complex. In addition to valyl-tRNA synthetase activity, which was assigned to the 140-kDa component, the purified complex exhibits a potent Elongation Factor 1 activity, determined by its ability to sustain poly(U)-dependent polyphenylalanine synthesis in the presence of Elongation Factor 2. Our results are essentially in agreement with those from a recent report (Motorin, Y., Wolfson, A., Orlovsky, A., and Gladilin, K. (1988) FEBS Lett. 238, 262-264), according to which the polypeptides other than that assigned to valyl-tRNA synthetase correspond to the subunits of Elongation Factor 1H.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET3 gene: nucleotide sequence and relationship of the 5' non-coding region to that of MET25

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the expression of several genes implicated in methionine biosynthesis is co-regulated by a specific negative control. To elucidate the molecular basis of this regulation, we have cloned two of these genes, MET3 and MET25. The sequence of MET25 has already been determined (Kerjan et al. 1986). Here, we report the nucleotide sequence of the MET3 gene along with its 5' and 3' flanking regions. Plasmids bearing different deletions upstream of the transcribed region of MET3 were constructed. They were introduced into yeast cells and tested for their ability to complement met3 mutations and to respond to regulation by exogenous methionine. The regulatory region was located within a 100 bp region. The sequence of this regulatory region was compared with that of MET25. A short common sequence which occurs 250-280 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon of the gene was found. This sequence is a good candidate for the cis-acting regulatory element.

Nucleotide sequence of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET25 gene

To elucidate further the molecular basis of the specific regulatory mechanism modulating the expression of the genes implicated in methionine metabolism, we have cloned and characterized two genes, MET3 and MET25, and shown that the regulation of their expression is transcriptional. The sequence of the cloned yeast MET25 gene which encodes the O-acetyl homoserine - O-acetyl serine (OAH-OAS) sulfhydrylase is reported here along with its 5' and 3' flanking regions. The amino acid composition predicted from the DNA sequence is in good agreement with that determined by hydrolysis of the purified enzyme. In the 5' flanking region the signal for general amino acid control was not found, corroborating our previous finding that the synthesis of OAH-OAS sulfhydrylase is not submitted to general control. The transcription start points have been determined. The 5' and 3' flanking regions of the MET25 gene suggest initiation and termination signals similar to those associated with other yeast genes.

Obtaining of pure transferrins D, M and R from equine serum and determination of transferrin level in relation to phenotype

By the method of precipitation with Rivanol (2-ethoxy-6,9-diaminoacridine lactate) and ammonium sulphate followed by chromatography on DEAE cellulose three genetic variants of transferrin were purified from equine serum: D, M and R. Their molecular mass determined in this study was 80 000, and it was identical for all three variants, which differed slightly in their amino acid composition. The protein level was determined in the serum of 535 two-year-old thoroughbred English horses by the method of rocket immunoelectrophoresis using antibodies obtained against three transferrins. The individual variability of the protein level in horses of the same phenotype was fairly high (variability index 9-15%). No differences were observed in the transferrin level related to sex. It was found that the presence of D, F and H alleles was connected with a higher serum transferrin level, while O and R alleles were connected with a lower level.

Characterization of a thermosensitive sporulation mutant of Bacillus subtilis affected in the structural gene of an intracellular protease

A thermosensitive sporulation mutant (ts-15) of Bacillus subtilis has been isolated. This mutant when grown at the restrictive temperature (42 degrees C) is unable to sporulate, shows no intracellular protease activity and no protein turnover. These three traits were recovered in two revertants (ts-15R1 and ts-15R2) and were also transmitted together by transformation into the wild type. Immunological studies have shown that when ts-15 is grown at 42 degrees C it synthesizes a 'cryptic' protein with apparently the same antigenic properties as the wild type or as ts-15 mutant grown at the permissive temperature (30 degrees C). The intracellular proteases from the wild type and from ts-15 grown at 30 degrees C and 42 degrees C were completely purified and their properties were studied with respect to their molecular weights, substrate specificity, inhibition pattern, heat inactivation and antigenicity. The molecular weight of the enzyme from the wild type or ts-15 grown at 30 degrees C was 64000--65000 in the absence of sodium dodecylsulfate and 31000--32000 in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate. It was assumed therefore that the active enzyme is formed from two similar subunits. However, the intracellular protease from ts-15 grown at 42 degrees C showed the same molecular weight of 32000--34000 in the presence or in the absence of sodium dodecylsulfate. On the basis of this experiment and others described in the paper we concluded that the mutation in ts-15 is most likely a point mutation in a structural gene of an intracellular protease and results in an inability to assemble the two subunits into an active form.

Isolation and properties of a cyclic guanosine-monophosphate sensitive intracellular ribonuclease from Bacillus subtilis

A ribonuclease was isolated and completely purified from sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis. This RNase has a M.W. of about 150,000 daltons. It hydrolyzes single stranded RNA and single stranded synthetic polynucleotides yielding nucleoside 5'-monophosphates. The enzyme is an exonuclease which degrades polynucleotides from the 3'-end in the direction of the 5'-terminal. The RNase activity is strikingly inhibited by cGMP and to a lesser extent by cAMP. This inhibition (Ki = 0.1 mM) is of a non competitive nature. It appeared that in addition to the inhibition site, the enzyme contains a high affinity binding site for the two cyclic mononucleotides (K (cAMP) = 8.3 x 10-8; K (cGMP) = 2.5 x 10-7). The RNase activity is also strongly inhibited by spermidine. This inhibition appeared to be due to the polyamine binding with the RNA, thus lowering the affinity of the substrate for the active site of the enzyme. This RNase may play a role in vivo in selective degradation of newly synthesized mRNA during sporulation.

Ribonucleic acid polymerase in a thermosensitive sporulation mutant (ts-4) of Bacillus subtilis

Partially synchronized cultures of a Bacillus subtilis thermosensitive sporulation mutant (ts-4) and the 168 try(-)try(-) (168tt) parental strain were infected with the virulent phage phie at various times during their growth cycle at 30 and 42 C (permissive and restrictive temperatures, respectively). It was shown that at the restrictive temperature the burst size in the parental strain was two- to threefold lower than in the ts-4 mutant. No such difference was observed at the permissive temperature. However, the time at which this difference was observed excludes a correlation between the burst size and initiation of the sporulation process. It was further found that the capacity to transcribe in vitro phage phie deoxyribonucleic acid by partially purified ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase from both strains decreased sharply if the source of enzyme was sporulating cells instead of vegetative ones. However, a similar decrease, although to a lesser extent, was observed with the RNA polymerase isolated from stationary-phase cells of the ts-4 mutant grown at the nonpermissive temperature, or with the enzyme derived from several other zero-stage sporulation mutants. At no time was a structural modification in the beta subunits of the RNA polymerase observed during growth of the sporulating bacteria. We have also shown that, in addition to the relatively low specific activity of the RNA polymerase, the level of the intracellular protease activity is about 15-fold lower in the ts-4 mutant grown at the restrictive temperature than that of the parental strain grown at the same temperature. At the permissive temperature no such difference was observed between these two strains. However, the present data do not allow us to establish a correlation among the low content of intracellular protease, the weak specific activity of the RNA polymerase, and the loss of the sporulation capacity in the ts-4 mutant grown at the restrictive temperature.