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Updated: May 12, 2026
12:24
DNA-affinity-purified Chip (DAP-chip) Method to Determine Gene Targets for Bacterial Two component Regulatory Systems
Published on: July 21, 2014
Two-component signal transduction pathways regulating growth and cell cycle progression in a bacterium: a
Jeffrey M Skerker1, Melanie S Prasol, Barrett S Perchuk
1Bauer Center for Genomics Research, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Plos Biology
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Bacteria use two-component systems to sense their environment. This study identifies a new essential pathway, CenK-CenR, crucial for bacterial cell envelope integrity and a potential antibiotic target.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Two-component signal transduction systems are vital for bacterial adaptation and cell cycle regulation.
- These systems, composed of histidine kinases and response regulators, mediate cellular responses to environmental cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a system-level investigation of two-component pathways in Caulobacter crescentus.
- To identify essential pathways and map the connectivity between histidine kinases and response regulators.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive gene deletion analysis to assess the role of two-component genes.
- Phosphotransfer profiling to biochemically map signaling pathway interactions.
- Systematic genetic and biochemical approaches were combined.
Main Results:
- At least 39 of 106 two-component genes are essential for cell cycle progression, growth, or morphogenesis.
- A novel, conserved essential pathway (CenK-CenR) was identified, critical for cell envelope biogenesis.
- Pathway disruption leads to severe cell envelope defects, including blebbing and lysis.
Conclusions:
- The CenK-CenR pathway is essential for maintaining Caulobacter crescentus cell envelope integrity.
- This pathway represents a promising target for novel antibiotic development.
- Phosphotransfer profiling is a robust method for identifying functional signaling pathways in vivo.
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