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GerR Completion of engulfment and cortex systhesis (Stages III - IV)

GerR during engulfment

Various experiments have indicated a positive effect of GerR on the expression of several genes in the σ^K regulon. This effect was suggested to be indirect ¹¹³, which seems logical given that the expression of gerR depends on σ^E and SpoIIID, both of which are decreased or eliminated during this stage in sporulation ¹⁵³. However, presence of GerR in the mother cell during late stage sporulation was confirmed by Western blot analysis and the protein was furthermore shown to bind to promoter regions of at least three σ^K-dependent genes ⁹⁶. One of these genes encodes SpoVIF, needed for stability of GerE in the mother cell ¹⁵⁹. Other observed effects on gene transcription by GerR could therefore be indirect via SpoVIF and GerE ⁹⁶.