Part:BBa_K4633003

araR - Bacillus subtilis repressor protein

Usage and Biology

The araR protein serves as the regulatory element governing regulates the arabinose operon in Bacillus subtilis. The primary function of the arabinose operon is to enable bacteria to utilize L-arabinose as a sole carbon source, a capability shared by various bacterial species, including B. subtilis and Escherichia coli.

L-arabinose is a pentose sugar obtained from the breakdown of plant cell walls. The araR protein plays a pivotal role in this system, as it can bind to specific sequences within the B. subtilis genome, thereby halting transcription. In the presence of arabinose, the protein disengages from the DNA, allowing transcription to proceed. The araR protein possesses five binding sites: one within its own promoter (self-regulation), two within the promoter region of araE (the arabinose transporter), and two within the promoter preceding araA (the initial gene in the operon, encoding L-arabinose isomerase) [1].

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
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]

  Illegal NgoMIV site found at 119
  
• 1000
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]

  Illegal BsaI.rc site found at 146
  

Characterization and Measurements

This genetic component was subjected to testing in B. subtilis 168, employing the commercial plasmid pBE-S sourced from Takara.

References

• [1] Mota, L. J., Morais Sarmento, L. & De Sá-Nogueira, I. Control of the Arabinose Regulon in Bacillus subtilis by AraR In Vivo: Crucial Roles of Operators, Cooperativity, and DNA Looping. J. Bacteriol. 183, 4190 (2001).