Evidence for cyclic Di-GMP-mediated signaling in Bacillus subtilis

J Bacteriol. 2012 Sep;194(18):5080-90. doi: 10.1128/JB.01092-12. Epub 2012 Jul 20.

Abstract

Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is a second messenger that regulates diverse cellular processes in bacteria, including motility, biofilm formation, cell-cell signaling, and host colonization. Studies of c-di-GMP signaling have chiefly focused on Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we investigated c-di-GMP signaling in the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis by constructing deletion mutations in genes predicted to be involved in the synthesis, breakdown, or response to the second messenger. We found that a putative c-di-GMP-degrading phosphodiesterase, YuxH, and a putative c-di-GMP receptor, YpfA, had strong influences on motility and that these effects depended on sequences similar to canonical EAL and RxxxR-D/NxSxxG motifs, respectively. Evidence indicates that YpfA inhibits motility by interacting with the flagellar motor protein MotA and that yuxH is under the negative control of the master regulator Spo0A∼P. Based on these findings, we propose that YpfA inhibits motility in response to rising levels of c-di-GMP during entry into stationary phase due to the downregulation of yuxH by Spo0A∼P. We also present evidence that YpfA has a mild influence on biofilm formation. In toto, our results demonstrate the existence of a functional c-di-GMP signaling system in B. subtilis that directly inhibits motility and directly or indirectly influences biofilm formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics
  • Bacillus subtilis / metabolism
  • Bacillus subtilis / physiology*
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Cyclic GMP / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cyclic GMP / metabolism
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Locomotion
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • bis(3',5')-cyclic diguanylic acid
  • Cyclic GMP