Figure 5.

Regulation of pilE transcription by RpoN and Nps/Npa in commensal Neisseria. Left panel. Upon detection of the signal, Nps autophosphorylates (Nps^P) and transfers the phosphoryl group to Npa (Npa^P). Npa^P binds the upstream activator sequence (UAS) and activates RpoN, resulting in pilE transcription. Transcription is assisted by the binding of integration host factor (IHF) to its binding site (IHF‐bs), bending the DNA and bringing the Npa^P‐ and RNAP‐DNA complexes into proximity with each other. Right panel. Accumulation of PilE in the inner membrane is detected by Nps. Nps dephosphorylates Npa preventing it from activating RpoN blocking pilE transcription