1887

Abstract

The RcsCDB signal transduction system is an atypical His–Asp phosphorelay. Notably, the response regulator RcsB can be activated either by phosphorylation through the RcsCD pathway or by an accessory cofactor RcsA. Although conserved in , the role of this system in adaptation to environmental stress conditions is largely unknown. This study reveals that the response regulator RcsB is essential to glutamate-dependent acid resistance, a condition pertinent to the lifestyle of . The requirement for RcsB is independent of its activation by either the RcsCD or the RcsA pathway. The basal activity of RcsB appears to be necessary and sufficient for acid resistance. The sensitivity of the strain to low pH is correlated to a strong reduction of the expression of the glutamate decarboxylase genes, and , during the stationary phase of growth. This effect on expression is not mediated by the general stress sigma factor RpoS, but does require a functional allele and the previously identified GadE box. Therefore activation of expression and acid resistance absolutely requires both GadE and RcsB. In contrast, an increase in RcsB activity through the activation of the RcsCD phosphorelay or the RcsA pathway or through overproduction of the protein leads to general repression of the expression of the genes and a corresponding reduction in acid resistance.

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2007-01-01
2024-03-28
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