A Kinase-Phosphatase Switch Transduces Environmental Information into a Bacterial Cell Cycle Circuit

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006522
• Publication Date: 2016-12-12T21:10:50Z
• Authors: Kristina Heinrich; Patrick Sobetzko; Kristina Jonas
• Keywords: Caulobacter crescentus

The bacterial cell cycle has been extensively studied under standard growth conditions. How it is modulated in response to environmental changes remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the freshwater bacterium Caulobacter crescentus blocks division and grows filamentous cells stress conditions affecting membrane. Our data suggest switches membrane-bound kinase CckA its phosphatase mode, leading rapid dephosphorylation, inactivation proteolysis of master regulator CtrA. clearance CtrA results downregulation morphogenesis genes consequently a block. Upon shift non-stress conditions, quickly restart return normal size. indicate temporary inhibition through regulated constitutes advantage stress. Taken together, our work reveals new mechanism allows bacteria alter their mode proliferation cues by controlling activity transcription factor. Furthermore, highlight role bifunctional this process integrates with information.