1887

Abstract

The current model for virulence gene regulation in involves several -acting factors, the most important of which appears to be the anthrax toxin activator encoded by the gene. AtxA is a positive regulator of the toxin genes , and , and of a number of other plasmid- and chromosome-encoded genes. The AtxA protein (56 kDa) possesses a predicted winged-helix DNA-binding domain and phosphotransferase system-regulated domains, but the mechanism for positive regulation of AtxA target genes is not known. Sequence similarities in the promoter regions of AtxA-regulated genes are not apparent, and recombinant AtxA binds DNA with a high affinity in a non-specific manner. We hypothesized that the toxin genes possess common structural features or -acting elements that are required for positive regulation. We employed deletion analyses to determine the minimal sequences required for -mediated toxin gene expression. modelling and experiments using double-stranded DNA corresponding to the toxin gene promoter regions indicated significant curvature associated with these regions. These findings suggest that the structural topology of the DNA plays an important role in the control of anthrax toxin gene expression.

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2008-08-01
2024-04-27
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