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. 1990 Apr;172(4):1939–1947. doi: 10.1128/jb.172.4.1939-1947.1990

Complex character of senS, a novel gene regulating expression of extracellular-protein genes of Bacillus subtilis.

L F Wang 1, R H Doi 1
PMCID: PMC208689  PMID: 2108127

Abstract

The senS gene of Bacillus subtilis, which in high copy number stimulates the expression of several extracellular-protein genes, has been cloned, genetically mapped, and sequenced. The gene codes for a highly charged basic protein containing 65 amino acid residues. The gene is characterized by the presence of a transcription terminator (attenuator) located between the promoter and open reading frame, a strong ribosome-binding site, and a strong transcription terminator at the 3' end of this monocistronic gene. The amino acid sequence of SenS showed partial homology with the N-terminal core binding domain region of bacterial RNA polymerase sigma factors and a helix-turn-helix motif found in DNA-binding proteins. The gene can be deleted without any effect on growth or sporulation.

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