The HmrABCX pathway regulates the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles in by a mechanism independent of transcription.

Unlabelled: During its cell cycle, the bacterium switches from a motile, free-living state, to a sessile surface-attached cell. During this coordinated process, cells undergo irreversible morphological changes, such as shedding of their polar flagellum and synthesis of an adhesive holdfast at the same pole. In this work, we used genetic screens to identify genes involved in the regulation of the transition from the motile to the sessile lifestyle.

The HmrABCX pathway regulates the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles in by a HfiA-independent mechanism.

Through its cell cycle, the bacterium switches from a motile, free-living state, to a sessile surface-attached cell. During this coordinated process, cells undergo irreversible morphological changes, such as shedding of their polar flagellum and synthesis of an adhesive holdfast at the same pole. In this work, we used genetic screens to identify genes involved in the regulation of the motile to sessile lifestyle transition.