scholarly journals Themes and Variations: Regulation of RpoN-Dependent Flagellar Genes across Diverse Bacterial Species

Scientifica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Tsang ◽  
Timothy R. Hoover
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Caulobacter Crescentus ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Alternative Sigma Factor ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Flagellar Biogenesis ◽  
Flagellar Genes

Flagellar biogenesis in bacteria is a complex process in which the transcription of dozens of structural and regulatory genes is coordinated with the assembly of the flagellum. Although the overall process of flagellar biogenesis is conserved among bacteria, the mechanisms used to regulate flagellar gene expression vary greatly among different bacterial species. Many bacteria use the alternative sigma factorσ54(also known as RpoN) to transcribe specific sets of flagellar genes. These bacteria include members of the Epsilonproteobacteria (e.g.,Helicobacter pyloriandCampylobacter jejuni), Gammaproteobacteria (e.g.,VibrioandPseudomonasspecies), and Alphaproteobacteria (e.g.,Caulobacter crescentus). This review characterizes the flagellar transcriptional hierarchies in these bacteria and examines what is known about how flagellar gene regulation is linked with other processes including growth phase, quorum sensing, and host colonization.

scholarly journals Role of Integration Host Factor in the Transcriptional Activation of Flagellar Gene Expression in Caulobacter crescentus

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (3) ◽  
pp. 949-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Muir ◽  
James W. Gober
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Caulobacter Crescentus ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Integration Host Factor ◽  
Host Factor ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Mild Defect ◽  
Flagellar Genes ◽  
Class Iv

ABSTRACT In the Caulobacter crescentus predivisional cell, class III and IV flagellar genes, encoding the extracytoplasmic components of the flagellum, are transcribed in the nascent swarmer compartment. This asymmetric expression pattern is attributable to the compartmentalized activity of the σ54-dependent transcriptional activator FlbD. Additionally, these temporally transcribed flagellar promoters possess a consensus sequence for the DNA-binding protein integration host factor (IHF), located between the upstream FlbD binding site and the promoter sequences. Here, we deleted the C. crescentus gene encoding the β-subunit of the IHF, ihfB (himD), and examined the effect on flagellar gene expression. The ΔihfB strain exhibited a mild defect in cell morphology and impaired motility. Using flagellar promoter reporter fusions, we observed that expression levels of a subset of class III flagellar promoters were decreased by the loss of IHF. However, one of these promoters, fliK-lacZ, exhibited a wild-type cell cycle-regulated pattern of expression in the absence of IHF. Thus, IHF is required for maximal transcription of several late flagellar genes. The ΔihfB strain was found to express significantly reduced amounts of the class IV flagellin, FljL, as a consequence of reduced transcriptional activity. Our results indicate that the motility defect exhibited by the ΔihfB strain is most likely attributable to its failure to accumulate the class IV-encoded 27-kDa flagellin subunit, FljL.

scholarly journals Negative Control of Flagellum Synthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is Modulated by the Alternative Sigma Factor AlgT (AlgU)

1999 ◽  
Vol 181 (23) ◽  
pp. 7401-7404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward S. Garrett ◽  
Demetra Perlegas ◽  
Daniel J. Wozniak
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Alternative Sigma Factor ◽  
Flagellar Gene

ABSTRACT Many respiratory isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosafrom cystic fibrosis patients are mucoid (alginate producing) yet lack flagella. It was hypothesized that an alginate regulator inhibits flagellar gene expression. Mutations in algB,algR, and algT resulted in nonmucoid derivatives, yet algT mutants expressed flagella. AlgT-dependent control of flagellum synthesis occurred through inhibition of fliC but not rpoN transcription.

scholarly journals Roles of rpoN, fliA,and flgR in Expression of Flagella inCampylobacter jejuni

2001 ◽  
Vol 183 (9) ◽  
pp. 2937-2942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparna Jagannathan ◽  
Chrystala Constantinidou ◽  
Charles W. Penn
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Activator ◽  
Alternative Sigma Factor ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Global Regulation ◽  
Mutant Strains ◽  
Microscopic Studies

ABSTRACT Three potential regulators of flagellar expression present in the genome sequence of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 11168, the genes rpoN, flgR, andfliA, which encode the alternative sigma factor ς54, the ς54-associated transcriptional activator FlgR, and the flagellar sigma factor ς28, respectively, were investigated for their role in global regulation of flagellar expression. The three genes were insertionally inactivated inC. jejuni strains NCTC 11168 and NCTC 11828. Electron microscopic studies of the wild-type and mutant strains showed that therpoN and flgR mutants were nonflagellate and that the fliA mutant had truncated flagella. Immunoblotting experiments with the three mutants confirmed the roles of rpoN, flgR, and fliA in the expression of flagellin.

scholarly journals FlhF and Its GTPase Activity Are Required for Distinct Processes in Flagellar Gene Regulation and Biosynthesis in Campylobacter jejuni

2009 ◽  
Vol 191 (21) ◽  
pp. 6602-6611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Balaban ◽  
Stephanie N. Joslin ◽  
David R. Hendrixson
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Gtpase Activity ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
Flagellar Biosynthesis ◽  
Two Component

ABSTRACT FlhF proteins are putative GTPases that are often necessary for one or more steps in flagellar organelle development in polarly flagellated bacteria. In Campylobacter jejuni, FlhF is required for σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression and flagellar biosynthesis, but how FlhF influences these processes is unknown. Furthermore, the GTPase activity of any FlhF protein and the requirement of this speculated activity for steps in flagellar biosynthesis remain uncharacterized. We show here that C. jejuni FlhF hydrolyzes GTP, indicating that these proteins are GTPases. C. jejuni mutants producing FlhF proteins with reduced GTPase activity were not severely defective for σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression, unlike a mutant lacking FlhF. Instead, these mutants had a propensity to lack flagella or produce flagella in improper numbers or at nonpolar locations, indicating that GTP hydrolysis by FlhF is required for proper flagellar biosynthesis. Additional studies focused on elucidating a possible role for FlhF in σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression were conducted. These studies revealed that FlhF does not influence production of or signaling between the flagellar export apparatus and the FlgSR two-component regulatory system to activate σ54. Instead, our data suggest that FlhF functions in an independent pathway that converges with or works downstream of the flagellar export apparatus-FlgSR pathway to influence σ54-dependent gene expression. This study provides corroborative biochemical and genetic analyses suggesting that different activities of the C. jejuni FlhF GTPase are required for distinct steps in flagellar gene expression and biosynthesis. Our findings are likely applicable to many polarly flagellated bacteria that utilize FlhF in flagellar biosynthesis processes.

scholarly journals Genome-scale mapping reveals complex regulatory activities of RpoN in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.A.K.M. Mahmud ◽  
K. Nilsson ◽  
A. Fahlgren ◽  
R. Navais ◽  
R. Choudhry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Alternative Sigma Factor ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Sense Strand

ABSTRACTRpoN, an alternative sigma factor commonly known as sigma 54, is implicated in persistent stages of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections in which genes associated with this regulator are upregulated. We here combined phenotypic and genomic assays to provide insight into its role and function in this pathogen. RpoN was found essential for Y. pseudotuberculosis virulence in mice, and in vitro functional assays showed that it controls biofilm formation and motility. Mapping genome-wide associations of Y. pseudotuberculosis RpoN using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with next-generation sequencing identified an RpoN-binding motif located at 103 inter- and intragenic sites on both sense and anti-sense strands. Deletion of rpoN had a large impact on gene expression, including down-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in flagellar assembly, chemotaxis, and quorum sensing. There were also clear indications of cross talk with other sigma factors, together with indirect effects due to altered expression of other regulators. Matching differential gene expression with locations of the binding sites implicated around 130 genes or operons potentially activated or repressed by RpoN. Mutagenesis of selected intergenic binding sites confirmed both positive and negative regulatory effects of RpoN binding. Corresponding mutations of intragenic sense sites had less impact on associated gene expression. Surprisingly, mutating intragenic sites on the anti-sense strand commonly reduced expression of genes encoded by the corresponding sense strand.IMPORTANCEThe alternative sigma factor, RpoN (σ 54), which is widely distributed in eubacteria have been implicated to control gene expression of importance for numerous functions including virulence. Proper responses to host environments are crucial for bacteria to establish infection and regulatory mechanisms involved are therefore of high interest for development of future therapeutics. Little is known about the function of RpoN in the intestinal pathogen Y. pseudotuberculosis and we therefore investigated its regulatory role in this pathogen. This regulator was indeed found to be critical for establishment of infection in mice, likely involving its requirement for motility and biofilm formation. The RpoN regulon involved both activating and suppressive effects on gene expression which could be confirmed with mutagenesis of identified binding sites. This is the first of its kind study of RpoN in Y. pseudotuberculosis revealing complex regulation of gene expression involving both productive and silent effects of its binding to DNA providing important information about RpoN regulation in enterobacteria.

scholarly journals DksA and ppGpp Regulate the σS Stress Response by Activating Promoters for the Small RNA DsrA and the Anti-Adapter Protein IraP

2017 ◽  
Vol 200 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Girard ◽  
Saumya Gopalkrishnan ◽  
Elicia D. Grace ◽  
Jennifer A. Halliday ◽  
Richard L. Gourse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Stationary Phase ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Alternative Sigma Factor ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT σS is an alternative sigma factor, encoded by the rpoS gene, that redirects cellular transcription to a large family of genes in response to stressful environmental signals. This so-called σS general stress response is necessary for survival in many bacterial species and is controlled by a complex, multifactorial pathway that regulates σS levels transcriptionally, translationally, and posttranslationally in Escherichia coli. It was shown previously that the transcription factor DksA and its cofactor, ppGpp, are among the many factors governing σS synthesis, thus playing an important role in activation of the σS stress response. However, the mechanisms responsible for the effects of DksA and ppGpp have not been elucidated fully. We describe here how DksA and ppGpp directly activate the promoters for the anti-adaptor protein IraP and the small regulatory RNA DsrA, thereby indirectly influencing σS levels. In addition, based on effects of DksAN88I, a previously identified DksA variant with increased affinity for RNA polymerase (RNAP), we show that DksA can increase σS activity by another indirect mechanism. We propose that by reducing rRNA transcription, DksA and ppGpp increase the availability of core RNAP for binding to σS and also increase transcription from other promoters, including PdsrA and PiraP. By improving the translation and stabilization of σS, as well as the ability of other promoters to compete for RNAP, DksA and ppGpp contribute to the switch in the transcription program needed for stress adaptation. IMPORTANCE Bacteria spend relatively little time in log phase outside the optimized environment found in a laboratory. They have evolved to make the most of alternating feast and famine conditions by seamlessly transitioning between rapid growth and stationary phase, a lower metabolic mode that is crucial for long-term survival. One of the key regulators of the switch in gene expression that characterizes stationary phase is the alternative sigma factor σS. Understanding the factors governing σS activity is central to unraveling the complexities of growth, adaptation to stress, and pathogenesis. Here, we describe three mechanisms by which the RNA polymerase binding factor DksA and the second messenger ppGpp regulate σS levels.

scholarly journals FliZ Is a Posttranslational Activator of FlhD4C2-Dependent Flagellar Gene Expression

2008 ◽  
Vol 190 (14) ◽  
pp. 4979-4988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supreet Saini ◽  
Jonathon D. Brown ◽  
Phillip D. Aldridge ◽  
Christopher V. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Critical Aspect ◽  
Swarming Motility ◽  
Flagellar Biosynthesis ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium ◽  
Flagellar Assembly

ABSTRACT Flagellar assembly proceeds in a sequential manner, beginning at the base and concluding with the filament. A critical aspect of assembly is that gene expression is coupled to assembly. When cells transition from a nonflagellated to a flagellated state, gene expression is sequential, reflecting the manner in which the flagellum is made. A key mechanism for establishing this temporal hierarchy is the σ28-FlgM checkpoint, which couples the expression of late flagellar (Pclass3) genes to the completion of the hook-basal body. In this work, we investigated the role of FliZ in coupling middle flagellar (Pclass2) gene expression to assembly in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. We demonstrate that FliZ is an FlhD4C2-dependent activator of Pclass2/middle gene expression. Our results suggest that FliZ regulates the concentration of FlhD4C2 posttranslationally. We also demonstrate that FliZ functions independently of the flagellum-specific sigma factor σ28 and the filament-cap chaperone/FlhD4C2 inhibitor FliT. Furthermore, we show that the previously described ability of σ28 to activate Pclass2/middle gene expression is, in fact, due to FliZ, as both are expressed from the same overlapping Pclass2 and Pclass3 promoters at the fliAZY locus. We conclude by discussing the role of FliZ regulation with respect to flagellar biosynthesis based on our characterization of gene expression and FliZ's role in swimming and swarming motility.

scholarly journals New class of transcription factors controls flagellar assembly by recruiting RNA polymerase II in Chlamydomonas

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (17) ◽  
pp. 4435-4440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Li ◽  
Guangmei Tian ◽  
Hai Peng ◽  
Dan Meng ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Pol Ii ◽  
Biochemical Function ◽  
Flagellar Assembly ◽  
Flagellar Genes

Cells have developed regulatory mechanisms that underlie flagellar assembly and maintenance, including the transcriptional regulation of flagellar genes, an initial step for making flagella. Although transcriptional regulation of flagellar gene expression is required for flagellar assembly in Chlamydomonas, no transcription factor that regulates the transcription of flagellar genes has been identified. We report that X chromosome-associated protein 5 (XAP5) acts as a transcription factor to regulate flagellar assembly in Chlamydomonas. While XAP5 proteins are evolutionarily conserved across diverse organisms and play vital roles in diverse biological processes, nothing is known about the biochemical function of any member of this important protein family. Our data show that loss of XAP5 leads to defects in flagellar assembly. Posttranslational modifications of XAP5 track flagellar length during flagellar assembly, suggesting that cells possess a feedback system that modulates modifications to XAP5. Notably, XAP5 regulates flagellar gene expression via directly binding to a motif containing a CTGGGGTG-core. Furthermore, recruitment of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) machinery for transcriptional activation depends on the activities of XAP5. Our data demonstrate that, through recruitment of Pol II, XAP5 defines a class of transcription factors for transcriptional regulation of ciliary genes. This work provides insights into the biochemical function of the XAP5 family and the fundamental biology of the flagellar assembly, which enhance our understanding of the signaling and functions of flagella.

scholarly journals Threshold regulation and stochasticity from the MecA/ClpCP proteolytic system inStreptococcus mutanscompetence

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Son ◽  
J. Kaspar ◽  
S.J. Ahn ◽  
R.A. Burne ◽  
S.J. Hagen
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Phenotypic Diversity ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Alternative Sigma Factor ◽  
Cell Heterogeneity ◽  
Proteolytic System ◽  
Genetic Competence ◽  
Threshold Control ◽  
Low Levels

SummaryMany bacterial species use the MecA/ClpCP proteolytic system to block entry into genetic competence. InStreptococcus mutans, MecA/ClpCP degrades ComX (also called SigX), an alternative sigma factor for thecomYoperon and other late competence genes. Although the mechanism of MecA/ClpCP has been studied in multipleStreptococcusspecies, its role within noisy competence pathways is poorly understood.S. mutanscompetence can be triggered by two different peptides, CSP and XIP, but it is not known whether MecA/ClpCP acts similarly for both stimuli, how it affects competence heterogeneity, and how its regulation is overcome. We have studied the effect of MecA/ClpCP on the activation ofcomYin individualS. mutanscells. Our data show that MecA/ClpCP is active under both XIP and CSP stimulation, that it provides threshold control ofcomY, and that it adds noise incomYexpression. Our data agree quantitatively with a model in which MecA/ClpCP prevents adventitious entry into competence by sequestering or intercepting low levels of ComX. Competence is permitted when ComX levels exceed a threshold, but cell-to-cell heterogeneity in MecA levels creates variability in that threshold. Therefore MecA/ClpCP provides a stochastic switch, located downstream of the already noisycomX, that enhances phenotypic diversity.

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