bofC Encodes a Putative Forespore Regulator of the Bacillus Subtilis σk Checkpoint

Abstract

A mutation, bofC1, that restores σ^K activation in Bacillus subtilis strains unable to produce active σ^G has been identified. This mutation defines a new sporulation gene, bofC, that has been cloned and sequenced and encodes a 19 kDa protein. bofC is transcribed in the forespore by RNA polymerase associated with the transcription factors σ^F (Eσ^F) and σ^G (Eσ^G). BofC acts negatively on SpolVB and the results described suggest that BofC regulates SpolVB activity and its intercompartmental signalling role in the σ^K checkpoint