Control of gene expression in Gram-positive bacteria: extensions of and departures from enteric paradigms

Our introduction to prokaryotic gene expression has always focused on the operon and regulatory mechanisms that operate within enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and their phages. While operon organization and many of the components of regulatory networks are conserved in Gram-positive species, there exists unique features that set these organisms apart from the enterics. Two examples are presented herein: carbon catabolite control and regulation of RNA polymerase sigma subunit activity, are presented. The accompanying reviews highlight the diversity and novel aspects of genetic control in Gram-positive bacteria, with descriptions of quorum-sensing systems, transcriptional control, and RNA processing mechanisms.