Characterization of the mIHF gene of Mycobacterium smegmatis

Abstract

Integration of mycobacteriophage L5 requires the mycobacterial integration host factor (mIHF) in vitro. mIHF is a 105-residue heat-stable polypeptide that is not obviously related to HU or any other small DNA- binding proteins. mIHF is most abundant just prior to entry into stationary phase and is essential for the viability of Mycobacterium smegmatis.