We identify here a pattern in the transcription start sites (+1A or +1G) of sigma(A)-dependent promoters of genes that are up-/downregulated in response to amino acid starvation (stringent response) in Bacillus subtilis. Upregulated promoters initiate mostly with ATP and downregulated promoters with GTP. These promoters appear to be sensitive to changes in initiating nucleoside triphosphate concentrations. During the stringent response in B. subtilis, when ATP and GTP levels change reciprocally, the identity of the +1 position (A or G) of these promoters is a factor important in their regulation. Mutations that change the identity of position +1 (A for G and vice versa) change the response of the promoter to amino acid starvation.

Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria Institute of Microbiology ASCR Vídenská 1083 Prague 142 20 Czech Republic

Comment In

Mol Microbiol. 2008 Jul;69(1):10-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06272.x. PubMed

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