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The Bacillus subtilis sigma(M) regulon and its contribution to cell envelope stress responses

Warawan Eiamphungporn1, John D Helmann

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA.

Molecular Microbiology
|January 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Bacillus subtilis sigma(M) factor responds to cell envelope stress, regulating genes involved in cell wall synthesis, division, and repair. It also indirectly controls other stress response pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The Bacillus subtilis extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma(M) factor is a key regulator activated by various cell envelope stresses.
  • These stresses include antibiotics, acid, heat, ethanol, and superoxide exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genes directly and indirectly controlled by the sigma(M) transcription factor.
  • To understand the broader role of sigma(M) in Bacillus subtilis stress response.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized complementary approaches to identify sigma(M)-controlled genes.
  • Employed hierarchical clustering analysis to observe gene expression patterns.
  • Investigated the interplay between sigma(M) and other regulatory systems like Spx, sigma(W), sigma(B), and two-component systems.

Main Results:

  • Identified genes regulated by sigma(M), noting partial dependence due to overlapping promoter recognition and additional promoter elements.
  • Observed a characteristic induction pattern for sigma(M)-regulated genes in response to cell envelope-acting antibiotics.
  • Demonstrated that sigma(M) influences the Spx transcription factor, indirectly regulating the Spx regulon.
  • Highlighted that sigma(M) contributes to proteins involved in transcriptional control, cell wall synthesis, cell division, DNA repair, and detoxification.

Conclusions:

  • The sigma(M) regulon plays a significant role in Bacillus subtilis's response to cell envelope stress.
  • Sigma(M) coordinates diverse cellular processes, including structural integrity, genetic stability, and detoxification, in response to environmental challenges.

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