Characterization of yhcN, a new forespore-specific gene of Bacillus subtilis

A new Bacillus subtilis sporulation-specific gene, yhcN, has been identified, the expression of which is dependent on the forespore-specific sigma factor sigma(G) and to a much lesser extent on sigma(F). A translational yhcN-lacZ fusion is expressed at a very high level in the forespore, and the protein encoded by yhcN was detected in the inner spore membrane. A yhcN mutant sporulates normally and yhcN spores have identical resistance properties to wild-type spores. However, the outgrowth of yhcN spores is slower than that of wild-type spores. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved