A new set of chemotaxis homologues is essential for Myxococcus xanthus social motility |
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Authors: | Zhaomin Yang Yongzhi Geng Di Xu Heidi B Kaplan & Wenyuan Shi |
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Institution: | School of Dentistry, Molecular Biology Institute and Dental Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668, USA.,;Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA. |
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Abstract: | Myxococcus xanthus cells aggregate and develop into multicellular fruiting bodies in response to starvation. A new M. xanthus locus, designated dif for defective in fruiting, was identified by the characterization of a mutant defective in fruiting body formation. Molecular cloning, DNA sequencing and sequence analysis indicate that the dif locus encodes a new set of chemotaxis homologues of the bacterial chemotaxis proteins MCPs (methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins), CheW, CheY and CheA. The dif genes are distinct genetically and functionally from the previously identified M. xanthus frz chemotaxis genes, suggesting that multiple chemotaxis-like systems are required for the developmental process of M. xanthus fruiting body formation. Genetic analysis and phenotypical characterization indicate that the M. xanthus dif locus is required for social (S) motility. This is the first report of a M. xanthus chemotaxis-like signal transduction pathway that could regulate or co-ordinate the movement of M. xanthus cells to bring about S motility. |
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