Cloning, Identification, and Characterization of therpoS-Like Sigma FactorrpoXfromVibrio alginolyticus

[摘要] Vibrio alginolyticusZJ-51 displays phase variation between opaque/rugose colonies (Op) and translucent/smooth colonies (Tr). These colony variants show great differences in biofilm formation and motility. In this study, a gene encoding for anrpoS-like sigma factor,rpoX, has been cloned and characterized. The absence ofrpoXdid not affect colony switching rate but did decrease biofilm formation in both the Op and the Tr variants. When challenged with hydrogen peroxide, theΔrpoXin the Op background showed a slightly higher survival rate compared with the wild type, whereas survival was decreased in the Tr background. Deletion ofrpoXin the Tr background resulted in a higher ability to resist ethanol challenges and to survive hyperosmolarity challenges, and in the Op background the opposite phenotype was observed. This indicates that therpoXgene is involved in biofilm formation and stress response but the effects are controlled by colony phase variation inV. alginolyticus.

[学科分类] 基础医学