An mRNA degrading complex in Rhodobacter capsulatus

An RNA degrading, high molecular weight complex was purified from Rhodobact er capsulatus. N-terminal sequencing, glycerol-gradient centrifugation and immunoaffinity purification as well as functional assays were used to deter mine the physical and biochemical characteristics of the complex. The compl ex comprises RNase E and two DEAD-box RNA helicases of 74 and 65 kDa, respe ctively. Most surprisingly, the transcription termination factor Rho is a m ajor, firmly associated component of the degradosome.