Control of the bifunctional O 2 ‐sensor kinase NreB of Staphylococcus carnosus by the nitrate sensor NreA: switching from kinase to phosphatase state

What is it about?

In Staphylococci nitrate metabolism is subject to nitrate and oxygen regulation by the extended two-component system NreA-NreB-NreC. The sensor kinase NreB is regulated in addition to O2 by nitrate via the nitrate sensor NreA. Nitrate depleted NreA inhibits NreB auto-phosphorylation and stimulates a cryptic phosphatase in NreB; both reactions are reversed by nitrate. The nitrate/NreA regulated switching of NreB from the kinase to the phosphatase state represents a new mechanism for nitrate sensing and regulation.

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