Modulation of extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor promoter selectivity by spacer region sequence
Journal
Nucleic Acids Research
Journal Volume
46
Journal Issue
1
Pages
134-145
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Gaballa, Ahmed
Guariglia-Oropeza, Veronica
Duerr, Franziska
Butcher, Bronwyn G.
Chen, Albert Y.
Chandrangsu, Pete
Helmann, John D.
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to adapt to stress depends on the conditional expression of specific sets of genes. Bacillus subtilis encodes seven extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma (σ) factors that regulate functions important for survival under conditions eliciting cell envelope stress. Of these, four have been studied in detail: σM, σW, σX and σV. These four σ factors recognize overlapping sets of promoters, although the sequences that determine this overlapping recognition are incompletely understood. A major role in promoter selectivity has been ascribed to the core -10 and -35 promoter elements. Here, we demonstrate that a homopolymeric T-tract motif, proximal to the -35 element, functions in combination with the core promoter sequences to determine selectivity for ECF sigma factors. This motif is most critical for promoter activation by σV, and contributes variably to activation by σM, σX and σW. We propose that this motif, which is a feature of the deduced promoter consensus for a subset of ECF σ factors from many species, imparts intrinsic DNA curvature to influence promoter activity. The differential effect of this region among ECF σ factors thereby provides a mechanism to modulate the nature and extent of regulon overlap.
SDGs
Type
journal article