alpha-helix E of Spo0A is required for sigma(A)- but not for sigma(H)-dependent promoter activation in Bacillus subtilis

A. Kumar, J.A. Brannigan, C.P. Moran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

At the onset of endospore formation in Bacillus subtilis, the DNA binding protein Spo0A activates transcription from two types of promoters. The first type includes the spoIIG and spoIIE promoters, which are used by sigma(A)-RNA polymerase, whereas the second type includes the spoIIA promoter, which is used by RNA polymerase containing the secondary sigma factor sigma(H). Previous genetic analyses have identified specific amino acids in alpha-helix E of Spo0A that are important for activation of Spo0A-dependent, sigma(A)-dependent promoters. However, these amino acids are not required for activation of the sigma(H)-dependent spoIIA promoter. We now report the effects of additional single-amino-acid substitutions and the effects of deletions in alpha-helix E. The effects of alanine substitutions revealed one new position (239) in Spo0A that appears to be specifically required for activation of the sigma(A)-dependent promoters. Based on the effects of a deletion mutation, we suggest that alpha-helix E in Spo0A is not directly involved in interaction with sigma(H)-RNA polymerase.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1078-1083
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Bacteriology
Volume186
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2004

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2004 American Society for Microbiology

Keywords

  • RESPONSE REGULATOR
  • TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR
  • SPORULATION
  • PHOSPHORELAY
  • INITIATION
  • BINDING
  • REGION

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