Evidence for extracellular control of RpoS proteolysis in Escherichia coli

The RpoS σ factor is required for the transition of Escherichia coli into stationary phase, as well as adaptation to environmental stresses and nutrient depletion. In this study, we report that under nutrient poor conditions, RpoS protein accumulation in E. coli was strongly enhanced by a secreted factor. Expression of a single copy RpoS′‐′LacZ translational fusion was activated 12‐fold by the signal, but a single copy rpoS‐lacZ transcriptional fusion was only activated 1.6‐fold. The extracellular signal activated the RpoS′‐′LacZ translational fusion in dsrA , rprA or dsrA/rprA mutant backgrounds, but did not activate in an hfq mutant background. A RpoS379′‐′LacZ translational fusion, missing the region of RpoS required for the RssB (SprE)/ClpXP‐dependent proteolysis, was not activated by the extracellular signal. Furthermore, in a rssB(sprE) ∷ Tn10 background, the presence of extracellular signal did not significantly activate expression above the already elevated levels. Western and Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the extracellular signal significantly increased the levels of RpoS protein, but not mRNA. The extracellular signal did not bind to reversed‐phase C‐18 columns, was dialyzable, and stable to pH 2, pH 12 and heat. However, protease treatment drastically reduced signal activity. Extracellular signal activity was absent in an hldD (rfaD) mutant, but was present in cell lysates, suggesting that signal was unable to be exported in an hldD mutant.