Control of metF gene expression in maxicell preparations of Escherichia coli K-12: reversible action of the metJ protein and effect of vitamin B12

Expression of methionine regulon elements was controlled by the metJ protein gpMetJ. A maxicell system with cloned copies of the metF transcription unit allowed reversible action of gpMetJ. Expression of the metF transcription unit in maxicells was reduced by exogenous vitamin B12 at concentrations of 0.5 nM or greater.