REGULATION OF METHIONINE METABOLISM IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A novel global regulation system for control of genes involved in methionine metabolism has been uncovered in Bacillus subtilis. Genes utilizing this mechanism, designated the S box family, contain in their mRNA leader regions a complex set of conserved primary sequence and structural elements, including a transcriptional terminator, competing antiterminator, and anti-antiterminator. Genetic analyses indicate that during growth in methionine, sequences in the leader are required for stabilization of the anti-antiterminator, which prevents formation of the antiterminator, which in turn allows termination. The molecular mechanism for control of the leader RNA structure in response to methionine levels is unknown, although preliminary studies suggest that binding of a regulatory factor is required to prevent readthrough. This system is widely used for control of methionine-related genes in a variety of Gram-positive bacteria, including important pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, and is also found in the Gram-negative bacteria Chlorobium tepidum and Geobacter sulforreducens. Eleven transcriptional units are controlled by this mechanism in B. subtilis alone, so the total number of genes involved is high. The major goal of this study is to further investigate the molecular mechanism of transcription termination control, and to elucidate the physiological role of this system, using a combination of genetic and biochemical approaches. The required cis-acting sequence elements will be identified by site-directed mutagenesis. The trans-acting regulatory factors required for the methionine response will be identified, and the system will be examined both in vivo and in vitro. A requirement for ppGpp for efficient readthrough in vivo has been demonstrated, and the molecular basis for this requirement will be examined. Finally, the physiological role of genes of unknown function which appear to be regulated by this mechanism will be examined.