An analog to digital converter controls bistable transfer competence development of a widespread bacterial integrative and conjugative element.

ABSTRACT: Conjugative transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc in Pseudomonas requires development of a transfer competence state in stationary phase, which arises only in 3-5% of individual cells. The mechanisms controlling this bistable switch between non-active and transfer competent cells have long remained enigmatic. Using a variety of genetic tools and epistasis experiments in P. putida, we uncovered an 'upstream' cascade of three consecutive transcription factor-nodes, which controls transfer competence initiation. One of the uncovered transcription factors (named BisR) is representative for a new regulator family. Initiation activates a feedback loop, controlled by a second hitherto unrecognized heteromeric transcription factor named BisDC. Stochastic m

SUBMITTER: Carraro N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7423338 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature