Sensory transduction in the gliding bacterium Myxococcus xanthus

Abstract

Sensory transduction in the gliding bacterium Myxococcus xanthus is mediated by the frz genes. These genes are homologous to the chemotaxis genes of enteric bacteria and control the rate of cell reversal during gliding. Sensory transduction is hypothesized to involve the recognition of substances present in the medium at the cell surface and the subsequent stimulation of a cytoplasmic methyl-accepting protein, FrzCD. Phosphorylation of FrzE is also involved in the sensory transduction pathway. Despite the similarities between the chemotaxis proteins of enteric bacteria and M. xanthus Frz proteins, fundamental differences exist between these different bacteria in terms of the ability of cells to recognize and respond to substances in their environment. The mechanism of directional switching and the nature of the gliding motor remain obscure. It is hoped that the study of the interaction of the Frz proteins will allow greater understanding of these problems.