Abstract

Analysis of the Interaction between the Transcription Factor σ G and the Anti-Sigma Factor SpoIIAB of Bacillus subtilis Louise Evans 1 , Joanna Clarkson 2 , Michael D. Yudkin 2 , Jeff Errington 1 , and Andrea Feucht 1 , * Sir William Dunn School of Pathology Microbiology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom ABSTRACT The activation of σ G , a transcription factor, in Bacillus subtilis is coupled to the completion of engulfment during sporulation. SpoIIAB, an anti-sigma factor involved in regulation of σ F , is also shown to form a complex with σ G in vitro. SpoIIAA, the corresponding anti-anti-sigma factor, can disrupt the SpoIIAB:σ G complex, releasing free σ G . The data suggest the existence of an as-yet-unknown mechanism to keep σ G inactive prior to engulfment.