P(II) signal transduction proteins, pivotal players in microbial nitrogen control.
The P(II) family of signal transduction proteins are among the most widely distributed signal proteins in the bacterial world. First identified in 1969 as a component of the glutamine synthetase regulatory apparatus, P(II) proteins have since been recognized as playing a pivotal role in control of prokaryotic nitrogen metabolism. More recently, members of the family have been found in higher plants, where they also potentially play a role in nitrogen control. The P(II) proteins can function in the regulation of both gene transcription, by modulating the activity of regulatory proteins, and the catalytic activity of enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism. There is also emerging evidence that they may regulate the activity of proteins required for transport of nitrogen compounds into the cell. In this review we discuss the history of the P(II) proteins, their structures and biochemistry, and their distribution and functions in prokaryotes. We survey data emerging from bacterial genome sequences and consider other likely or potential targets for control by P(II) proteins.
Department of Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom.
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Arcondéguy
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Jack
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Merrick
D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001692:Biological Transport; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005974:Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase / Q000378:metabolism; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D051922:PII Nitrogen Regulatory Proteins; D010766:Phosphorylation; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020560:Proteobacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C113488:GlnK protein, Azorhizobium caulinodans; C061338:NifA protein, Bacteria; D051922:PII Nitrogen Regulatory Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C404143:PIID regulatory protein, Bacteria; D005974:Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase; D009584:Nitrogen