VirB, a Key Transcriptional Regulator of Virulence Plasmid Genes in Shigella flexneri, Forms DNA-Binding Site-Dependent Foci in the Bacterial Cytoplasm
Jillian N. Socea, Grant R. Bowman, Helen J. Wing
Abstract
This study reveals the subcellular localization of VirB, a key transcriptional regulator of virulence genes found on the large virulence plasmid (pINV) in Shigella. Fluorescent signals generated by an active GFP-VirB fusion form 2, 3, or 4 discrete foci in the bacterial cytoplasm, predominantly at the quarter-cell position. These signals are completely dependent upon VirB interacting with its DNA-binding site found either on the virulence plasmid or an engineered surrogate.
Topics & Concepts
VirulenceBiologyShigella flexneriPlasmidCytoplasmShigellaGeneRegulatorDNAGeneticsMicrobiologyEscherichia coliEscherichia coli research studiesBacterial Genetics and BiotechnologyBacteriophages and microbial interactions