KinD is a checkpoint protein linking spore formation to extracellular-matrix production in Bacillus subtilis biofilms.

ABSTRACT: Bacillus subtilis cells form multicellular biofilm communities in which spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression occurs, leading to differentiation of multiple coexisting cell types. These cell types include matrix-producing and sporulating cells. Extracellular matrix production and sporulation are linked in that a mutant unable to produce matrix is delayed for sporulation. Here, we show that the delay in sporulation is not due to a growth advantage of the matrix-deficient mutant under these conditions. Instead, we show that the link between matrix production and sporulation is through the Spo0A signaling pathway. Both processes are regulated by the phosphorylated form of the master transcriptional regulator Spo0A. When cells have low levels of phosphorylated Spo0A (Spo0A~P), matrix ge

SUBMITTER: Aguilar C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2912670 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature