A biochemical characterization of the DNA binding activity of the response regulator VicR from Streptococcus mutans

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 17;9(9):e108027. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108027. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Two-component systems (TCSs) are ubiquitous among bacteria and are among the most elegant and effective sensing systems in nature. They allow for efficient adaptive responses to rapidly changing environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the biochemical characteristics of the Streptococcus mutans protein VicR, an essential response regulator that is part of the VicRK TCS. We dissected the DNA binding requirements of the recognition sequences for VicR in its phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms. In doing so, we were able to make predictions for the expansion of the VicR regulon within S. mutans. With the ever increasing number of bacteria that are rapidly becoming resistant to even the antibiotics of last resort, TCSs such as the VicRK provide promising targets for a new class of antimicrobials.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Base Sequence
  • Consensus Sequence
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis
  • Mutation
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Binding
  • Regulon / genetics
  • Streptococcus mutans*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • YycF protein, Bacteria
  • DNA