epr Is Transcribed from a ς D Promoter and Is Involved in Swarming of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract
Epr is a minor extracellular protease secreted by Bacillus subtilis 168. In this study, we show that epr is transcribed by Eς D , the RNA polymerase associated with transcription of genes involved in chemotaxis and motility. Disruption of epr abolished swarming of Bacillus subtilis , suggesting its involvement in motility.