Generating specialized cell types by asymmetric division in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

The generation of specialized cell types during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis occurs in conjunction with formation of an asymmetrically positioned septum that partitions the sporangium into dissimilar-sized progeny. Differentiation is governed by the activation in the smaller cell of transcription factor σ^F, which sets in motion a chain of events leading to the cell-specific appearance of three additional RNA polymerase sigma factors. Understanding the establishment of cell type requires elucidation of the role of asymmetric septation in the cell-specific activation of σ^F and of the mechanisms that govern the placement of the sporulation septum.