SigB-dependent in vitro transcription of prfA and some newly identified genes of Listeria monocytogenes whose expression is affected by PrfA in vivo.

Recent studies have identified several new genes in Listeria monocytogenes which are positively or negatively affected by PrfA and grouped into three classes (E. Milohanic et al., Mol. Microbiol. 47:1613-1625, 2003). In vitro transcription performed with promoters of some class III genes showed strict SigB-dependent but PrfA-independent transcription initiation. Transcription starting at the prfA promoter PprfA2 was also optimal with SigB-loaded RNA polymerase, suggesting a direct link between SigB- and PrfA-dependent gene expression.