The Streptomyces aureofaciens homologue of the sporulation gene whiH is dependent on rpoZ-encoded σ factor

Abstract

Using the method for the identification of promoters recognized by a sporulation specific σ factor RpoZ, we identified a promoter in Streptomyces aureofaciens, directing expression of a gene having high sequence similarity (83% amino acid identity) to sporulation transcription factor WhiH of Streptomyces coelicolor. High-resolution S1-nuclease mapping using RNA prepared from S. aureofaciens from various developmental stages showed high similarity of P whiH promoter to the consensus sequence of flagellar and chemotaxis promoters. The promoter was induced at the time of aerial mycelium formation, and was off in S. aureofaciens strain with rpoZ-disrupted gene. The results suggest that the P whiH promoter is recognized by σ factor RpoZ in S. aureofaciens.