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Context-dependent regulation of RpoS-dependent and RpoS-independent gene transcription by Crl during exponential growth in Escherichia coli

RpoS, an alternative sigma factor, directly regulates approximately 10% of gene transcription in E. coli. The small protein Crl functions as a partner that assists RpoS in exerting its regulatory role, particularly during the stationary phase. However, the coordinating role of Crl during the exponential phase remains unclear. In addition, whether Crl can regulate gene transcription independently…

The study explores the regulation of RpoS-dependent and RpoS-independent gene transcription by Crl in Escherichia coli during exponential growth. RpoS, an alternative sigma factor, directly controls around 10% of gene transcription in E. coli, while the protein Crl assists RpoS, particularly during the stationary phase. However, the role of Crl in the exponential phase and its independent regulation of gene transcription are yet to be understood.

To investigate these aspects, the researchers used the RpoS-dependent operon hdeAB and the RpoS-independent operon proVWX as model systems. They employed RT-qPCR and 3C-qPCR to study the transcriptional regulatory function of Crl. As the expression of both Crl and RpoS is influenced by environmental signals, the researchers also examined the transcription of these operons under varying pH and osmotic conditions.

The findings revealed that Crl can regulate transcription independently of RpoS, demonstrating environment-specific bidirectional regulation. This study enhances our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of Crl and underscores the complexity of transcriptional regulation.

Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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