Systematic Review of the Listeria Monocytogenes σ B Regulon Supports a Role in Stress Response, Virulence and Metabolism

Aim: Among the alternative sigma factors of Listeria monocytogenes, σ B controls the largest regulon. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of σ B -regulated genes, and the functions they confer. Materials & methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Knowledge was carried out to identify members of the σ B regulon based on experimental evidence of σ B -dependent transcription and presence of a consensus σ B -dependent promoter. Results: The literature review identified σ B -dependent transcription units encompassing 304 genes encoding different functions including stress response and virulence. Conclusion: Our review supports the well-known roles of σ B in virulence and stress response and provides new insight into novel roles for σ B in metabolism and overall resilience of L. monocytogenes.