Regulation of the stringent response is the essential function of the conserved bacterial G protein CgtA in Vibrio cholerae.

ABSTRACT: The gene encoding the conserved bacterial G protein CgtA (Obg) is essential for viability in every organism in which it has been studied. CgtA has been reported to be involved in several diverse bacterial functions, including ribosome assembly, DNA repair, sporulation, and morphological development. However, none of these functions have been identified as essential. Here we show that depletion of CgtA in Vibrio cholerae causes global changes in gene expression that are consistent with induction of a classical low nutrient stress response or "stringent" response. We show that depletion of CgtA leads to increased ppGpp levels that correlate with induction of the global stress response and cessation of growth. The enzyme RelA is responsible for synthesis of the alarmone ppGpp during the strin

SUBMITTER: Raskin DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1838653 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature