The Rcs phosphorelay: more than just a two-component pathway
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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Monitoring Kinase and Phosphatase Activities Through the Cell Cycle by Ratiometric FRET
Published on: January 27, 2012
1Department of Microbiology & Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Ireland. david.clarke@ucc.ie
Abstract:
The Rcs phosphorelay is a complex signaling pathway found in many, but not all, members of the Enterobacteriaceae. The complexity of this pathway is due to the direct involvement of three proteins (RcsC, RcsD and RcsB) in the phosphorelay and the presence of multiple accessory proteins with important roles in modulating the inputs and outputs associated with this signaling pathway. This article will discuss the various inputs and outputs associated with the Rcs phosphorelay and also present a model suggesting an important role for this signaling pathway in the temporal control of virulence in Salmonella enterica and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli.
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