Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2025
12:12
Analysis of Termination of Transcription Using BrUTP-strand-specific Transcription Run-on TRO Approach
Published on: March 12, 2017
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Termination factor Rho mediates transcriptional reprogramming of Bacillus subtilis stationary phase
Vladimir Bidnenko1, Pierre Nicolas2, Cyprien Guérin2
1Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Plos Genetics
|February 3, 2023
Summary
Transcription termination factor Rho controls bacterial adaptation to starvation. Maintaining high Rho levels impairs adaptation, while decreasing Rho is crucial for survival during stationary phase in Bacillus subtilis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Transcription termination factor Rho suppresses pervasive transcription.
- Rho inactivation in Bacillus subtilis links it to post-exponential differentiation.
- Rho levels decrease in wild-type cells entering stationary phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate Rho's regulatory role in adaptation to starvation.
- Analyze the effects of sustained high Rho expression on B. subtilis.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a B. subtilis strain (Rho+) with stable high rho expression.
- Utilized RNAseq analysis to compare Rho+, WT, and Δrho strains.
- Performed physiological analyses to assess cellular adaptation and development.
Main Results:
- Rho over-production enhances termination efficiency, reducing read-through and antisense transcription.
- Global alterations in sense transcription were observed, particularly affecting AbrB, CodY, and stringent response regulons.
- Sustained high rho expression weakened stringent response, hindering adaptation to nutrient limitation and stress, and blocking competence and sporulation.
Conclusions:
- Rho-specific transcription termination is a novel regulator of the stationary phase.
- Decreasing Rho levels during stationary phase transition is vital for B. subtilis survival networks.
- Controlled Rho levels are essential for bacterial adaptation and development.
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