Project Details
Abstract
A preliminary model has been established on the molecular mechanism of regulation of
multicellular behavior such as swarming and sliding in Serratia marcescens. Components
identified to be involved in such regulatory network include a FlhDC master operon
regulatory system, a SpnI/R quorum-sensing system, a RsmA global inhibitory protein, a
RssB-RssA two-component signal transduction system, a mobile transposon TnTIR carrying
the spnIR genes, a dapA-nlpA genetic locus specifically regulates cell morphogenesis and
swarming respectively, and a functionally unknown SpnT inhibiting sliding and chromosomal
DNA resolution. At the same time, regulation of prodigiosin (an antibiotic derivative, a
pigment and an immunosuppressive agent), phospholipase and nuclease production is also
coordinately regulated. Through transposon mutagenesis, we have also identified many other
genes involved in swarming regulation. Preliminary data showed that functions of these genes
are closely related to regulation of flagellar system, metabolism of carbohydrates and sensing
of oxidoreductive status within the cells. We also showed that ygfF, flhDC, shlBA, rssB and
other related genes including two LPS-synthesis related genes and one cyoA gene are under
the control of RssB-RssA. The regulation of RssB-RssA by saturated fatty acids and their
biochemical phosphorelay reaction are confirmed. To further build on our findings to describe
new aspects of the regulatory mechanisms that underlie regulation of virulence, biofilm
formation and swarming/sliding, we will continue to characterize the bacterial signal
transduction regulon, linking their relationship to environmental factors, biofilm formation
and pathogenesis. Special emphasis will also be focused on how the RssB-RssA protein
conformations are changed after activation, and identifying the environmental signals
involved.
Project IDs
Project ID:PC9708-0141
External Project ID:NSC95-2320-B182-059-MY3
External Project ID:NSC95-2320-B182-059-MY3
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 01/08/07 → 31/07/08 |
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