title: A competence regulon in Streptococcus pneumoniae revealed by genomic analysis.
abstract: Transformation in bacteria is the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA into a cell's genome. Several species transform naturally during a regulated state defined as competence. Genetic elements in Streptococcus pneumoniae induced during transformation were identified by combining a genetic screen with genomic analysis. Six loci were discovered that composed a competence-induced regulon. These loci shared a consensus promoter sequence and encoded proteins, some of which were similar to proteins involved in DNA processing during transformation in other bacteria. Each locus was induced during competence and essential for genetic transformation.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Molecular Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Masure
mesh_terms: D016384:Consensus Sequence; D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D008957:Models, Genetic; D016366:Open Reading Frames; D009876:Operon; D010675:Pheromones; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D018085:Regulon; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014169:Transformation, Bacterial; D015854:Up-Regulation; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010675:Pheromones; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D001616:beta-Galactosidase