DNA binding characteristics of RegA -: A constitutively active anaerobic activator of photosynthesis gene expression in Rhodobacter capsulatus

In the purple non-sulfur bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus, RegA and RegB comprise a two-component regulatory system that is required for maximal anaerobic transcription of key photosynthesis genes. RegB is a sensor kinase that uses ATP to phosphorylate its cognate response regulator, RegA, The mechanism under which RegA similar to P influences transcription of target genes has been unclear given that past attempts to demonstrate DNA binding activity by isolated RegA have failed. This led to a model invoking a role for RegA similar to P as an intermediate in a more complex multicomponent phosphoryl transfer cascade. In the present study, we describe the isolation of a mutant version of RegA (RegA*) which promotes high level expression of photosynthesis genes independent of RegB. DNase I footprint analyses show that purified RegA* binds to the promoters of the puf and puc operons at locations that are consistent with RegA functioning as a transcriptional activator for these operons. We conclude that RegA functions, like most members of the response regulator family, as a DNA-binding protein that directly affects the expression of its target genes.