A sigma(54) activator protein necessary for spore differentiation within the fruiting body of Myxococcus xanthus.

ABSTRACT: Insertion of an internal DNA fragment into the act1 gene, which encodes one of several sigma(54)-activator proteins in Myxococcus xanthus, produced a mutant defective in fruiting body development. While fruiting-body aggregation appears normal in the mutant, it fails to sporulate (<10(-6) the wild-type number of viable spores). The A and C intercellular signals, which are required for sporulation, are produced by the mutant. But, while it produces A-factor at levels as high as that of the wild type, the mutant produces much less C-signal than normal, as measured either by C-factor bioassay or by the total amount of C-factor protein detected with specific antibody. Expression of three C-factor-dependent reporters is altered in the mutant: the level of expression of Omega4414 is about 15% of

SUBMITTER: Gorski L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC111305 | biostudies-literature | 2000 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature