Antibiotics that inhibit cell wall biosynthesis induce expression of the Bacillus subtilisσW and σM regulons
- 2 September 2002
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Molecular Microbiology
- Vol. 45 (5) , 1267-1276
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2958.2002.03050.x
Abstract
Summary: Bacillus subtilis encodes seven extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors. The σ W regulon includes functions involved in detoxification and protection against antimicrobials, whereas σ M is essential for growth at high salt concentrations. We now report that antibiotics that inhibit cell wall biosynthesis induce both σ W and σ M regulons as monitored using DNA microarrays. Induction of selected σ W ‐dependent genes was confirmed using lacZ reporter fusions and Northern blot analysis. The ability of vancomycin to induce the σ W regulon is dependent on both σ W and the cognate anti‐ σ , RsiW, but is independent of the transition state regulator AbrB. These results suggest that the membrane‐localized RsiW anti‐ σ W factor mediates the transcriptional response to cell wall stress. Our findings are consistent with the idea that one function of ECF σ factors is to coordinate antibiosis stress responses and cell envelope homeostasis.Keywords
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