Gene Regulation by a Novel Two-Component System Conserved Among Gammaproteobacteria

<p>Two-component systems are common gene regulatory pathways seen in bacteria. Gene expression is controlled by these systems through a series of phosphorylation events between two proteins, a membrane bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Activation of a two-component system can be caused by biological or environmental stimuli, resulting in altered gene expression. A conserved two-component system was recently discovered in entomopathogenic bacteria, including our model organisms <em>Pseudomonas entomophila</em> and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa, </em>and is homologous to the recently identified two-component system, CrbRS, in <em>Vibrio cholerae.</em> In <em>V. cholerae</em> CrbRS regulates acetate metabolism and controls virulence. The aim of this study is to determine whether a homologous two-component system present within our model organisms regulates similar genes within diverse organisms. Experiments by Hang <em>et al.</em>, together with the current study, indicate that the deletion of this two-component system results in the down regulation of the gene <em>acsA</em> in <em>V. cholerae, P. entomophila </em>and <em>P. aeruginosa</em>. This study utilized further shows that this two-component system plays an important role in acetate metabolism by regulating expression of <em>acsA</em> in <em>P. aeruginosa </em>and <em>P. entomophila</em>. However, unlike that seen in <em>V. cholerae,</em> it does not regulate the virulence of these organisms.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Jacob, Kristin M

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Josh Sharp

• acsA
• Acetate Metabolism
• Gene Regulation
• Two-Component System
• Pseudomonas entomophila
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Vibrio cholerae
• crbRS
• Microbiology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/66

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.nmu.edu:theses-1057