Identification of sigma(B)-dependent genes in Bacillus subtilis using a promoter consensus-directed search and oligonucleotide hybridization.
A consensus-directed search for sigma(B) promoters was used to locate potential candidates for new sigma(B)-dependent genes in Bacillus subtilis. Screening of those candidates by oligonucleotide hybridizations with total RNA from exponentially growing or ethanol-stressed cells of the wild type as well as a sigB mutant revealed 22 genes that required sigma(B) for induction by ethanol. Although almost 50% of the proteins encoded by the newly discovered sigma(B)-dependent stress genes seem to be membrane localized, biochemical functions have so far not been defined for any of the gene products. Allocation of the genes to the sigma(B)-dependent stress regulon may indicate a potential function in the establishment of a multiple stress resistance. AldY and YhdF show similarities to NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenases and YdbP to thioredoxins, supporting our suggestion that sigma(B)-dependent proteins may be involved in the maintenance of the intracellular redox balance after stress.
Petersohn
A
A
Institut für Mikrobiologie und Molekularbiologie, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
Bernhardt
J
J
Gerth
U
U
Höper
D
D
Koburger
T
T
Völker
U
U
Hecker
M
M
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000235:genetics*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001483:Base Sequence; D016384:Consensus Sequence; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012808:Sigma Factor / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; C079011:SigB protein, Bacteria; D012808:Sigma Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000431:Ethanol