Identification of sporulation genes by genome-wide analysis of the σ E regulon of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Differentiation in the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis is governed by the sequential activation of five sporulation-specific transcription factors. The early mother-cell-specific transcription factor, σ E, directs the transcription of many genes that contribute to the formation of mature, dormant spores. In this study, DNA microarrays were used to identify genes belonging to the σ E regulon. In total, 171 genes were found to be under the control of σ E. Of these, 101 genes had not previously been described as being σ E dependent. Disruption of some of the previously unknown genes (ydcC, yhaL, yhbH, yjaV and yqfD) resulted in a defect in sporulation.