A PorX/PorY and σ P Feedforward Regulatory Loop Controls Gene Expression Essential for Porphyromonas gingivalis Virulence

Abstract

The anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is not only the major etiologic agent for chronic periodontitis, but also prevalent in some common noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. We present genetic, biochemical, and biological results to demonstrate that the PorX/PorY two-component system and sigma factor σ P build a specific regulatory network to coordinately control transcription of the genes encoding the type IX secretion system, and perhaps also other virulence factors.