Open AccessThe algR gene, which regulates mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, belongs to a class of environmentally responsive genes
Author(s) -
Vojo Deretić,
Rashmi Dikshit,
W M Konyecsni,
Ananda M. Chakrabarty,
Tapan K. Misra
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.652
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1067-8832
pISSN - 0021-9193
DOI - 10.1128/jb.171.3.1278-1283.1989
Subject(s) - biology , pseudomonas aeruginosa , gene , gene product , microbiology and biotechnology , transcription factor , dna , genetics , gene expression , bacteria
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa capsule, composed of polysaccharide alginate, is an important Pseudomonas virulence factor encountered primarily in cystic fibrosis. The regulatory algR gene positively controls transcription of a key alginate biosynthetic gene, algD. The algR gene was subcloned and sequenced by creating a set of nested deletions in M13 bacteriophage. DNA sequence analysis of algR revealed the homology of its gene product with a recently recognized class of environmentally responsive bacterial regulatory genes, including ompR, phoB, sfrA, ntrC, spoOA, dctD, and virG; these transcriptional activators control cellular reactions to osmotic pressure, phosphate limitations, or specific chemical compounds present in the medium or released from wounded host tissue. These findings indicate that novel conditions in lungs affected by cystic fibrosis may be participating in the control of mucoidy.