Transcriptional control of bacterial sporulation

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Bacterial sporulation is a developmental program that results in formation of highly resistant spores. The execution of this program depends on concerted changes in gene expression that are mediated by RNA polymerase (RNAP) and a cascade of alternative σ factors. Here we present preliminary results revealing surprising effects of non-essential subunits of RNAP, δ and ω, on the efficiency of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. Consequently, we propose to systematically explore the structure and functioning of RNAP and the dynamics of its composition/interactome during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, focusing on the interplay between RNAP, δ, ω, σ factors and other associating proteins. This project will establish a basis for our understanding of the mechanistic aspects of the transcriptional machinery during sporulation, a process extensively utilized in food, feed and pharmaceutical applications, and a property of pathogens, such as Bacillus anthracis.