Figure 7
Model of the CtrA phosphorelay regulated traits in D. shibae . Based on the data presented in this work and in (Patzelt et al. [27]), we propose that the CtrA-phosphorelay is functional and integrated into the complex QS system of D. shibae. The luxR/I1 system controls expression of the phosphorelay genes. Phosphorylated CtrA activates expression of the other QS genes and is responsible for several cellular processes in D. shibae, i.e. pleomorphic development, cell division, GTA, and motility. Some of these traits might integrate signals from both, CtrA and LuxR/I. In addition, stationary phase stress is higher in cells lacking the phosphorelay activity. The phosphorelay might also integrate other signals as QS. ChpT might also be involved in phosphorylation of other targets in the cell. Unphosphorylated CtrA may also play a role in gene regulation.