Integration host factor interactions with Neisseria gene sequences: Correlation between predicted binding sites and in vitro binding of Neisseria-derived IHF protein

Putative integration host factor (IHF) binding sites are frequently being identified in Neisseria gene sequences on the basis of similarity to a degenerate Escherichia coli-derived consensus binding sequence. In this report, three different Neisseria genetic systems that contain predicted IHF binding sites were assessed for IHF binding through gel retardation analysis. The results show a positive correlation between the identification of a predicted Neisseria IHF binding site and in vitro binding of Neisseria-derived IHF protein.