Comparative analyses imply that the enigmatic Sigma factor 54 is a central controller of the bacterial exterior.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sigma-54 is a central regulator in many pathogenic bacteria and has been linked to a multitude of cellular processes like nitrogen assimilation and important functional traits such as motility, virulence, and biofilm formation. Until now it has remained obscure whether these phenomena and the control by Sigma-54 share an underlying theme.

Results

We have uncovered the commonality by performing a range of comparative genome analyses. A) The presence of Sigma-54 and its associated activators was determined for all sequenced prokaryotes. We observed a phylum-dependent distribution that is suggestive of an evolutionary relationship between Sigma-54 and lipopolysaccharide and flagellar biosynthesis. B) All Sigma-54 activators were identified and annotated. The relation

SUBMITTER: Francke C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3162934 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature