No differences in transcript levels of either rpoE or msrA/msrB were detected, suggesting that in meningococci σE is not involved in the response to such stimuli. In addition, no detectable differences in transcription levels of rpoE and msrA/msrB were observed after exposure of cells to SDS-EDTA, a stimulant known to induce membrane stress and activate RpoE in other bacterial species (not shown). In silico genome wide search for additional genes under control of σE using

a deduced neisserial σE promoter consensus sequence Each σ factor recognizes specific promoter sequences, characterized by relatively highly conserved -35 and -10 upstream GW2580 nmr DNA sequences. Using the promoter sequences of genes under the control of σE, a consensus sequence can be deduced. In several bacterial species, this motif has been successfully used for in silico genome searches to identify genes putatively controlled by σE. The σE dependent transcription of these genes can subsequently be confirmed by in vitro experiments [23, 54–56]. To further explore the meningococcal

σE regulon, we used a similar strategy. However, Nec-1s in the meningococcus we were able to demonstrate transcriptional control by σE for only one operon (the rpoE operon itself) and one gene (msrA/msrB), so far. Therefore, we extended the number of genes from which a σE promoter consensus sequence could

be deduced with orthologues of NMB2140 and NMB0044 found in the sequences of 3 other meningococcal genomes, 2 gonococcal genomes and the genomes of 6 commensal neisserial species. In total, putative promoter sequences of 24 genes were used to generate a consensus promoter sequence by Weblogo [57]. Thus, the conserved putative -35 (GTMAGBWTT) and -10 (CGTCTAAH) Endonuclease motifs could be identified (Fig.7). These motifs are separated by spacer of 12-13 nt (not shown). In addition, an AT rich sequence was observed ˜30 nt upstream of the -35 motif, corresponding to a consensus sequence designated the UP element [58–60]. Six nucleotides downstream of the -10 motif a highly conserved adenosine is found. This nucleotide and its position correspond exactly with the transcriptional start as experimentally identified for msrA/msrB in gonococci [24]. Figure 7 Consensus promoter sequences predicted to be recognized by σ E . Consensus sequence logo’s of the A/T rich UP sequence, the -35 and -10 motif and the +1 start obtained from the compilation of DNA sequences of orthologues of NMB044 and NMB2140 of 12 different neisserial strains. Letter heights indicate the frequency with which a given base is represented at each position. The spacing between the -35 and -10 motifs is 12-13 nt (not shown). Sequence logo’s were generated using Weblogo http://​weblogo.​berkeley.