Termination factor Rho mediates transcriptional reprogramming of Bacillus subtilis stationary phase

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010618
• Publication Date: 2023-02-03T18:45:08Z
• Authors: Vladimir Bidnenko; Pierre Nicolas; Cyprien Guérin; Sandra Dérozier; Arnaud Chastanet; Julien Dairou; Yulia Redko-Hamel; Matthieu Jules; Elena Bidnenko
• Keywords: Regulon; Transcription; Sigma factor

Transcription termination factor Rho is known for its ubiquitous role in suppression of pervasive, mostly antisense, transcription. In the model Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis , de-repression pervasive transcription by inactivation rho revealed regulation post-exponential differentiation programs. To identify other aspects regulatory during adaptation to starvation, we have constructed a B . strain (Rho + ) that expresses at relatively stable high level order compensate decrease wild-type cells entering stationary phase. The RNAseq analysis WT and Δ strains (expression profiles can be visualized http://genoscapist.migale.inrae.fr/seb_rho/ shows over-production enhances efficiency Rho-sensitive terminators, thus reducing transcriptional read-through antisense genome-wide. Moreover, exhibits global alterations sense with most significant changes observed AbrB, CodY, stringent response regulons, forming pathways governing transition Subsequent physiological analyses demonstrated maintaining expression elevated modifies phase-specific physiology cells, weakens response, thereby negatively affects cellular nutrient limitations stresses, blocks development genetic competence sporulation. These results highlight Rho-specific as novel element controlling release this control decreasing levels phase appears crucial functionality complex gene networks ensuring survival