Part:BBa_J51002

ComQX

Usage and Biology

The ComQX part contains the two genes which are required for the synthesis of the ComX pheromone, used for Quorum-sensing in Bacillus subtilis. The ComX gene codes for the pro-protein, and the ComQ is a modifying protein (it is currently unclear what the exact role of ComQ is). The fully mature ComX pheromone is a 10-residue secreted peptide that is modified by farnesylated or isoprenylated, depending on the strain.

NOTE: ComQXPA systems are specific for their cognate strains. This ComQX 'sender' module was isolated from the laboratory strain 168.

For more information on the ComQXPA system, see:

• Molecular Microbiology (2005) 57(4), 1159–1174.

• Molecular Microbiology (2000) 37(5), 1159-1171.

For more information on the ComX pheromone, see:

• Nature Chem Bio (2005) 1(1), 23-24.

• Cell (1994) 77, 207-216.

• Molecular Microbiology (2002) 44, 1561-1573.

Technical Notes

1. The ComQX genes were isolated by PCR from genomic DNA of B.subtilis 168.

2. Due to a large percentage of A+Ts, the primer hybridization sequence was lengthened and the Biobrick sites were correspondingly shortened. Thus, the part does not contain the canonical Biobrick sites (EcoRI-NotI-XbaI, SpeI-NotI-PstI), but are instead shorter BB sites (EcoRI-XbaI, SpeI-PstI).

Sequence and Features

Assembly Compatibility:

• 10
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]
• 12
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]
• 21
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]
• 23
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]
• 25
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]
• 1000
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]