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Where asymmetry in gene expression originates
Author(s) -
Barák Imrich,
Wilkinson Anthony J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2005.04687.x
Subject(s) - biology , asymmetric cell division , bacillus subtilis , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , cell division , cellular differentiation , compartment (ship) , regulation of gene expression , gene , genetics , sigma factor , evolutionary biology , cell , promoter , oceanography , bacteria , geology
Summary A general problem in developmental biology concerns the process by which cells of one type divide to give dissimilar daughter cells. Even though these daughter cells may be genetically identical, they can differ morphologically and physiologically and have different fates. As one of the simplest differentiation processes, Bacillus subtilis sporulation represents an excellent model system for studying cell differentiation. Several decades of study of this process have provided insight into cell cycle regulation and development. This review summarizes important advances in our understanding of asymmetric gene expression during spore formation with an emphasis on developmental stages that lead to asymmetric septum formation and especially to activation of the first compartment‐specific sigma factor –σ F .