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Fluorescence Live-cell Imaging of the Complete Vegetative Cell Cycle of the Slow-growing Social Bacterium Myxococcus xanthus
Published on: June 20, 2018
Identification of enhancer binding proteins important for Myxococcus xanthus development
Krista M Giglio1, Jessica Eisenstatt, Anthony G Garza
1Department of Biology, Syracuse University, 107 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Eleven enhancer binding proteins (EBPs) in Myxococcus xanthus were studied. Six mutations caused minor defects in fruiting body development, while one mutation impacting A-motility caused severe developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Enhancer binding proteins (EBPs) regulate gene expression.
- Temporal control of gene expression is crucial for developmental processes.
- Fruiting body development in Myxococcus xanthus is a complex, genetically regulated process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of previously uncharacterized enhancer binding protein (EBP) genes in Myxococcus xanthus development.
- To identify specific EBPs involved in regulating fruiting body development-associated genes.
Main Methods:
- Gene inactivation of eleven uncharacterized EBP genes in Myxococcus xanthus.
- Phenotypic analysis of mutant strains to assess defects in fruiting body development.
- Assessment of A-motility in relation to developmental defects.
Main Results:
- Inactivation of six EBP genes resulted in minor, yet reproducible, defects in fruiting body development.
- Mutation of one specific EBP gene led to significant defects in A-motility.
- The EBP gene mutation affecting A-motility also caused strong defects in fruiting body development.
Conclusions:
- Enhancer binding proteins play a significant role in Myxococcus xanthus fruiting body development.
- Specific EBPs are critical for regulating developmental gene expression and cellular motility.
- The interplay between motility and development is highlighted by the severe defects observed in a single EBP mutant.
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