PhoR autokinase activity is controlled by an intermediate in wall teichoic acid metabolism that is sensed by the intracellular PAS domain during the PhoPR‐mediated phosphate limitation response of Bacillus subtilis

The PhoPR two-component signal transduction system controls one of the major responses to phosphate limitation in Bacillus subtilis. When activated it directs expression of phosphate scavenging enzymes, lowers synthesis of the phosphate-rich wall teichoic acid (WTA) and initiates synthesis of teichuronic acid, a non-phosphate containing replacement anionic polymer. Despite extensive knowledge of this response, the signal to which PhoR responds …