Little Lambda, Who Made Thee?

Abstract

SUMMARY The study of the bacteriophage λ has been critical to the discipline of molecular biology. It was the source of key discoveries in the mechanisms of, among other processes, gene regulation, recombination, and transcription initiation and termination. We trace here the events surrounding these findings and draw on the recollections of the participants. We show how a particular atmosphere of interactions among creative scientists yielded spectacular insights into how living things work.

Bacteriophage Protein–Protein Interactions

“…Loss of CI leads to prophage induction and the lytic cycle. The mechanism by which phage λ decides whether to grow lytically or become a lysogen is reviewed elsewhere (Court et al ., 2007; Friedman and Court, 2001; Gottesman and Weisberg, 2004; Ptashne, 2006). However, Table IV contains the host–phage protein–protein interactions critical for gene expression and thus the genetic switch of phage λ.…”

Bacteriophage lambda: Early pioneer and still relevant

“…Citations are in general not meant to bestow credit for the original discoveries but to allow the reader access to the literature. Other more detailed historical treatments of some of the topics covered below can be found in the books Bacteriophage lambda (Hershey, 1971) and Lambda II (Hendrix et al , 1983) (and in Gottesman and Weisberg, 2004; Stahl, 2005; Georgopoulos, 2006; Campbell, 2007; Court et al , 2007a). …”

Repression of RNA polymerase by the archaeo-viral regulator ORF145/RIP

“…Viruses and bacteriophages have been valuable model systems for studying gene regulation since the advent of molecular biology12, and they play an important role in evolution by facilitating lateral gene transfer3. Cellular organisms belonging to the eukaryotes, archaea or bacteria are accompanied by their cognate viruses (termed phages in bacteria)4.…”