Competence inhibition by the XrpA peptide encoded within the comX gene of Streptococcus mutans

What is it about?

Streptococcus mutans displays complex regulation of natural genetic competence, highlighted by a novel gene, xrpA, embedded within the coding region for the master regulator ComX. We show that XrpA modulates ComRS-dependent activation of comX expression, resulting in changes to sub-population behaviors, including cell lysis. XrpA is the first described inhibitor of a ComRS system and, because it is unique to S. mutans it may be targetable to prevent diseases caused by this pathogen.

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