Enhancer-binding proteins with a forkhead-associated domain and the sigma54 regulon in Myxococcus xanthus fruiting body development.

ABSTRACT: In response to starvation, Myxococcus xanthus initiates a developmental program that results in the formation of spore-filled, multicellular fruiting bodies. Many developmentally regulated genes in M. xanthus are transcribed from sigma(54) promoters, and these genes require enhancer-binding proteins. Here we report the finding of an unusual group of 12 genes encoding sigma(54)-dependent enhancer-binding proteins containing a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain as their N-terminal sensory domain. FHA domains in other proteins recognize phosphothreonine residues. An insertion mutation in one of these genes, Mx4885, caused a cell autonomous aggregation and sporulation defect. In-frame deletion mutants showed that the FHA domain is necessary for proper Mx4885 function. The altered pattern of deve

SUBMITTER: Jelsbak L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC549468 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature