Extracytoplasmic function σ factors of the widely distributed group ECF41 contain a fused regulatory domain.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria need signal transducing systems to respond to environmental changes. Next to one- and two-component systems, alternative σ factors of the extra-cytoplasmic function (ECF) protein family represent the third fundamental mechanism of bacterial signal transduction. A comprehensive classification of these proteins identified more than 40 phylogenetically distinct groups, most of which are not experimentally investigated. Here, we present the characterization of such a group with unique features, termed ECF41. Among analyzed bacterial genomes, ECF41 σ factors are widely distributed with about 400 proteins from 10 different phyla. They lack obvious anti-σ factors that typically control activity of other ECF σ factors, but their structural genes are often predicted to be cotranscribed wit

SUBMITTER: Wecke T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3426412 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature