Gene conservation among endospore-forming bacteria reveals additional sporulation genes in Bacillus subtilis.

ABSTRACT: The capacity to form endospores is unique to certain members of the low-G+C group of Gram-positive bacteria (Firmicutes) and requires signature sporulation genes that are highly conserved across members of distantly related genera, such as Clostridium and Bacillus. Using gene conservation among endospore-forming bacteria, we identified eight previously uncharacterized genes that are enriched among endospore-forming species. The expression of five of these genes was dependent on sporulation-specific transcription factors. Mutants of none of the genes exhibited a conspicuous defect in sporulation, but mutants of two, ylxY and ylyA, were outcompeted by a wild-type strain under sporulation-inducing conditions, but not during growth. In contrast, a ylmC mutant displayed a slight competitive adv

SUBMITTER: Traag BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3553846 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature