Autoamplification of a two-component regulatory system results in "learning" behavior.
We have tested the hypothesis that the autoamplification of two-component regulatory systems results in "learning" behavior, i.e., that bacteria respond faster or more extensively to a signal when a similar signal has been perceived in the past. Indeed, the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity upon phosphate limitation was faster if the cultures had been limited for phosphate previously, and this faster response correlated with the autoamplification of the cognate two-component system.
Hoffer
S M
SM
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute for Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Westerhoff
H V
HV
Hellingwerf
K J
KJ
Postma
P W
PW
Tommassen
J
J
D000064:Acclimatization; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D007700:Kinetics; D007858:Learning; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism*; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D018085:Regulon; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D010710:Phosphates; D014157:Transcription Factors; C061278:PhoB protein, Bacteria; C061279:PhoR protein, Bacteria; D011494:Protein Kinases; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase