Classification and functional characterization of extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors from planctomycetes and actinobacteria

Bacteria necessitate multiple signal transduction systems to sense
the ever-changing environments and mediate the cellular response
accordingly. The major bacterial signal transduction systems are
one-component system (1CS), two-component system (2CS) and
extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor. Compared to 1CSs and
2CSs, ECF σ factors have only been identified much later and
therefore the knowledge about their molecular mechanisms and
physiological roles is less profound. This thesis mainly focuses on
the study of ECF σ factors from the bacterial phyla, Planctomycetes
and Actinobacteria.