Coevolution of the bacterial pheromone ComS and sensor ComR fine-tunes natural transformation in streptococci.

ABSTRACT: Competence for natural transformation extensively contributes to genome evolution and the rapid adaptability of bacteria dwelling in challenging environments. In most streptococci, this process is tightly controlled by the ComRS signaling system, which is activated through the direct interaction between the (R)RNPP-type ComR sensor and XIP pheromone (mature ComS). The overall mechanism of activation and the basis of pheromone selectivity have been previously reported in Gram-positive salivarius streptococci; however, detailed 3D-remodeling of ComR leading up to its activation remains only partially understood. Here, we identified using a semirational mutagenesis approach two residues in the pheromone XIP that bolster ComR sensor activation by interacting with two aromatic residues of its X

SUBMITTER: Ledesma-Garcia L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8605241 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature