Molecular basis of the activity of SinR protein, the master regulator of biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial biofilms are complex communities of cells that are attached to a surface by an extracellular matrix. Biofilms are an increasing environmental and healthcare issue, causing problems ranging from the biofouling of ocean-going vessels, to dental plaque, infections of the urinary tract, and contamination of medical instruments such as catheters. A complete understanding of biofilm formation therefore requires knowledge of the regulatory pathways underpinning its formation so that effective intervention strategies can be determined. The master regulator that determines whether the gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis switches from a free-living, planktonic lifestyle to form a biofilm is called SinR. The activity of SinR, a transcriptional regulator, is controlled by its anta

SUBMITTER: Newman JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3624457 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature