Sigma B contributes to PrfA-mediated virulence in Listeria monocytogenes

Infect Immun. 2002 Jul;70(7):3948-52. doi: 10.1128/IAI.70.7.3948-3952.2002.

Abstract

Transcription of the Listeria monocytogenes positive regulatory factor A protein (PrfA) is initiated from either of two promoters immediately upstream of prfA (prfAp(1) and prfAp(2)) or from the upstream plcA promoter. We demonstrate that prfAp(2) is a functional sigma(B)-dependent promoter and that a sigB deletion mutation affects the virulence phenotype of L. monocytogenes. Thus, the alternative sigma factor sigma(B) contributes to virulence in L. monocytogenes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • L Cells
  • Listeria monocytogenes / genetics
  • Listeria monocytogenes / growth & development
  • Listeria monocytogenes / pathogenicity*
  • Listeriosis / microbiology
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Mice
  • Peptide Termination Factors
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Sigma Factor / genetics
  • Sigma Factor / physiology*
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Peptide Termination Factors
  • SigB protein, Bacteria
  • Sigma Factor
  • Trans-Activators