The PlcR Virulence Regulon of Bacillus cereus
2008

The PlcR Virulence Regulon of Bacillus cereus

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Gohar Michel, Faegri Karoline, Perchat Stéphane, Ravnum Solveig, Økstad Ole Andreas, Gominet Myriam, Kolstø Anne-Brit, Lereclus Didier

Primary Institution: INRA, Génétique microbienne et Environnement, Guyancourt, France

Hypothesis

What genes are controlled by the PlcR regulator in Bacillus cereus?

Conclusion

The study identified 45 genes controlled by the PlcR regulator, which are involved in various functions related to virulence and adaptation to the host environment.

Supporting Evidence

  • PlcR is a transcriptional regulator that activates gene expression by binding to a specific sequence.
  • Forty of the PlcR controlled proteins were exported, with many related to food supply and cell protection.
  • The study confirmed PlcR control of these genes through various experimental methods.
  • PlcR appears to integrate environmental signals to regulate gene transcription.

Takeaway

Bacillus cereus uses a special regulator called PlcR to control many genes that help it survive and cause disease in its host.

Methodology

The study used directed mutagenesis, DNA microarrays, lacZ fusions, and proteomics to identify and confirm PlcR-controlled genes.

Limitations

The study may not have identified all PlcR-regulated genes due to the specific culture conditions used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002793

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