Molecular insights into the initiation of sporulation in Gram-positive bacteria: new technologies for an old phenomenon

FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2005 Apr;29(2):281-301. doi: 10.1016/j.femsre.2004.10.003.

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed extensive, and widespread, changes in scientific technologies that have impacted significantly upon the study of the life sciences. Arguably, the biggest advances in our comprehension of simple and complex biological processes have come as a consequence of obtaining the complete DNA sequence of organisms. It is likely that we will become accustomed to hearing of quantum leaps in the study and understanding of the biology of higher eukaryotes in the coming years, now that (near) complete genome sequences are available for man, mouse and rat. In this review, we will discuss the impact of genome sequence data, and the use of new scientific technologies that have emerged largely as consequence of the availability of this information, on the study of the master regulator of sporulation, Spo0A, in low G+C Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Genomics
  • Gram-Positive Endospore-Forming Rods / genetics
  • Gram-Positive Endospore-Forming Rods / metabolism
  • Gram-Positive Endospore-Forming Rods / physiology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Proteomics
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Spores, Bacterial / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Spo0A protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • Transcription Factors