Identification of the sigB operon in Staphylococcus epidermidis: Construction and characterization of a sigB deletion mutant

The role of the alternative sigma factor sigma (B) in Staphylococcus epider midis was investigated by the construction, complementation, and characteri zation of a sigB deletion mutant. Electrophoretic analyses confirmed a prof ound influence of sigma (B) on the expression of exoproteins and cytoplasmi c proteins. Detailed investigation revealed reduced lipase and enhanced pro tease activity in the sigma (B) mutant. Furthermore, no significant influen ce of sigma (B) on heterologous biofilm formation or on the activity of the global regulator agr was detected.