The novel genes emmABC are associated with exopolysaccharide production, motility, stress adaptation, and symbiosis in Sinorhizobium meliloti.

ABSTRACT: The nitrogen-fixing symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti senses and responds to constantly changing environmental conditions as it makes its way through the soil in search of its leguminous plant host, Medicago sativa (alfalfa). As a result, this bacterium regulates various aspects of its physiology in order to respond appropriately to stress, starvation, and competition. For example, exopolysaccharide production, which has been shown to play an important role in the ability of S. meliloti to successfully invade its host, also helps the bacterium withstand osmotic changes and other environmental stresses. In an effort to further elucidate the intricate regulation of this important cell component, we set out to identify genetic factors that may affect its production. Here we characterize novel g

SUBMITTER: Morris J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2747899 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature