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Assembly of Multiple CotC Forms into the Bacillus subtilis Spore Coat.
- Source :
-
Journal of Bacteriology . Feb2004, Vol. 186 Issue 4, p1129-1135. 7p. 8 Black and White Photographs, 2 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- Bacillus subtilis contains seven extracytoplasmic-function σ factors that activate partially overlapping regulons. We here identify four additional members of the σx regulon, pbpX (penicillin-binding protein), ywnJ, the dlt operon (D-alanylation of teichoic acids), and the pss ybfM psd operon (phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis). Modification of teichoic acids by esterification with D-alanine and incorporation of phosphatidylethanolamine into the cell membrane have a common consequence: in both cases positively charged amino groups are introduced into the cell envelope. The resulting reduction in the net negative charge of the cell envelope has been previously implicated as a resistance mechanism specific for cationic antimicrobial peptides. Consistent with this notion, we find that both sigX and dltA mutants are more sensitive to nisin than wild-type cells. We conclude that activation of the σx regulon serves to alter cell surface properties to provide protection against antimicrobial peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00219193
- Volume :
- 186
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Bacteriology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 12453485
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.186.4.1129-1135.2004