Open AccessVpsT Is a Transcriptional Regulator Required for Expression of vps Biosynthesis Genes and the Development of Rugose Colonial Morphology in Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor
Author(s) -
Catharina Casper-Lindley,
Fitnat H. Yildiz
Publication year - 2004
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.186.5.1574-1578.2004
Subject(s) - vibrio cholerae , biology , gene , regulator , phenotype , vibrio , regulation of gene expression , transcriptional regulation , regulator gene , gene expression , genetics , el tor , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria
Vibrio cholerae switches between smooth and rugose colonial variants. The rugose variant produces more vibrio polysaccharides (VPS(El Tor)) and forms well-developed biofilms. Both phenotypes depend on expression of vps biosynthesis genes. We identified a positive transcriptional regulator of vps gene expression, VpsT, which is homologous to response regulators of two-component regulatory systems. Disruption of vpsT in the rugose variant yields smooth colonies, prevents formation of mature biofilms, and decreases vps gene expression. The interaction between VpsT and VpsR, a previously identified positive regulator of vps genes, was also investigated.