Date of Award
12-2006
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Biological Sciences
Department
Biological Sciences
Major Professor
Clancy, Mary
Second Advisor
Timpte, Candace
Third Advisor
Hurlburt, Barry
Abstract
Spx is a global regulator discovered in Bacillus subtilis to suppress basal growth and development processes and activate transcription of genes involved in thiol homeostasis when a cell encounters oxidative stress. Its activity relies on reversible thiol-disulfide bond formation and binding RNA polymerase rather than DNA. The discovery that Staphylococcus aureus global virulence regulator, SarA, is more active upon cysteine reduction suggests that redox response could mediate virulence in this important human pathogen. We describe the cloning of spx from S. aureus strain RN6390, overexpression in Escherichia coli, and purification of native protein. Antibodies against Spx were raised for western analysis. Spx from S. aureus was highly active in a B. subtilis in vitro transcription system, stimulating expression of trxB, the gene encoding thioredoxin reductase, without reducing agents. RNA polymerase was partially purified from S. aureus, and the enzyme was active, catalyzing transcription of rpsD, but not trxB.
Recommended Citation
McBride, Jane, "Purification of Global Regulator, Spx, and RNA Polymerase from Staphylococcus aureus for Use in In Vitro Transcription of Redox Genes" (2006). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 495.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/495
Rights
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