The bcsA gene influences multiple aspects of development in Myxococcus xanthus

M. xanthus strains containing a mutation in the bcsA gene are able to bypass the B and C signaling requirements for development. The bcsA mutant was examined with regards to several aspects of development to better ascertain the function of the bcsA gene. The bcsA mutant developed on nutrient levels sufficient to support vegetative growth in wild-type cells, supporting previous evidence that the bcsA gene inhibits development. The earliest effect of the bcsA mutation on the development program was when cells were beginning to aggregate together to form fruiting bodies. Spores produced by bcsA mutants were hypersusceptible to sodium dodecyl sulfate, suggesting that the bcsA gene is important for optimal spore production. Transcription of the bcsA gene was induced significantly during development at a time when cells were beginning to aggregate together. Collectively, these results indicate that the bcsA gene inhibits development and is also transcriptionally upregulated during development.