Homeostatic control of cell wall hydrolysis by the WalRK two-component signaling pathway in Bacillus subtilis.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial cells are encased in a peptidoglycan (PG) exoskeleton that protects them from osmotic lysis and specifies their distinct shapes. Cell wall hydrolases are required to enlarge this covalently closed macromolecule during growth, but how these autolytic enzymes are regulated remains poorly understood. Bacillus subtilis encodes two functionally redundant D,L-endopeptidases (CwlO and LytE) that cleave peptide crosslinks to allow expansion of the PG meshwork during growth. Here, we provide evidence that the essential and broadly conserved WalR-WalK two component regulatory system continuously monitors changes in the activity of these hydrolases by sensing the cleavage products generated by these enzymes and modulating their levels and activity in response. The WalR-WalK pathway is conse

SUBMITTER: Dobihal GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7299342 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature