Phenotypic plasticity: The role of a phosphatase family Rap in the genetic regulation ofBacilli

Abstract

AbstractIn the last two decades, an increasing number of bacterial species have been recognized that are able to generate a phenotypically diverse population that shares an identical genotype. This ability is dependent on a complex genetic regulatory network that includes cellular and environmental signals, as well as stochastic elements. AmongBacilli, a broadly distributed family of Rap (Response‐regulatoraspartylphosphate) phosphatases is known to modulate the function of the main phenotypic heterogeneity regulators by controlling their phosphorylation. Even more, their related extracellular Phr (Phosphataseregulator) peptides function as signals, creating a cell–cell communication network that regulates the phenotypic development of the entire population. In this review, we examine the role that the Rap phosphatases and their Phr peptides play in the regulation ofBacillus subtilisphenotypic differentiation, and in other members of theBacillusgenus. We also highlight the contribution of these regulatory elements to the fitness of bacterial cells and mobile genetic elements, for example, prophages and conjugative vectors.