Activation of the general stress response sigma factor SigB prevents competence development in <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>.

ABSTRACT: Seemingly simple bacteria mount intricate adaptive responses when exposed to physical stress or nutrient limitation, and the activation of these responses is governed by complex signal transduction networks. Upon entry into the stationary growth phase, the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis may develop natural competence, form biofilms or stress-resistant cells, or ultimately trigger a cellular differentiation program leading to spore formation. Master regulators, such as Spo0A, ComK, SinR, and SigB, constantly monitor the bacterium's environment and then determine appropriate adaptive responses. Here, we show that exposure of B. subtilis to visible light and other stresses triggers a general stress response-dependent block in competence development. SigB serves as an "emergenc

SUBMITTER: Harms M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11633097 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature