Using genetic methods to elucidate the function of a newly sequenced E. coli gene

Through homology studies, we have identified a gene located at about 75 minutes in the E. coil chromosome which has been tentatively named E. coli phosphotriesterase homology protein (ePHP) based on its homology to the Pscudomonas gene encoding phosphotriesterase. Currently, [tot much is known about the gene or protein. The aims of this study involve the transcriptional analysis of ephp as follows: 1) determination of genes which may be cotram scribed with ephp indicating a possible regulon, and 2) mapping of the promoter which is responsible for the transcription of ephp.