The orphan response regulator DigR is required for synthesis of extracellular matrix fibrils in Myxococcus xanthus.

ABSTRACT: In Myxococcus xanthus, two-component systems have crucial roles in regulating motility behavior and development. Here we describe an orphan response regulator, consisting of an N-terminal receiver domain and a C-terminal DNA binding domain, which is required for A and type IV pilus-dependent gliding motility. Genetic evidence suggests that phosphorylation of the conserved, phosphorylatable aspartate residue in the receiver domain is required for DigR activity. Consistent with the defect in type IV pilus-dependent motility, a digR mutant is slightly reduced in type IV pilus biosynthesis, and the composition of the extracellular matrix fibrils is abnormal, with an increased content of polysaccharides and decreased accumulation of the FibA metalloprotease. By using genome-wide transcriptional

SUBMITTER: Overgaard M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1482965 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature