RNA polymerase ECF(extracytoplasmic function)-type sigma factor (sigma-Z); Sigma factors are initiation factors that promote the attachment of RNA polymerase to specific initiation sites and are then released.

Regulator of genetic competence; Required for the development of competence.

Competence pheromone precursor (pheromone peptide aa 46->55, geranyl-modified); Part of a major quorum-sensing system that regulates the development of genetic competence. Acts through the activation of the two-component regulatory system ComP/ComA composed of a sensor histidine kinase, ComP, and a response regulator, ComA, that regulates directly the transcription of over 20 genes. Transport through the membrane may involve Spo0K. Under certain conditions plays a role in sporulation.

Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase); Involved in mRNA degradation. Catalyzes the phosphorolysis of single-stranded polyribonucleotides processively in the 3'- to 5'- direction. Necessary for competence development in Bacillus subtilis. May be necessary for modification of the srfA transcript (stabilization or translation activation).

RNA polymerase sigma-30 factor (sigma(H)); Sigma factors are initiation factors that promote the attachment of RNA polymerase to specific initiation sites and are then released. This sigma factor is involved in the transition to post- exponential phase in the beginning of sporulation. It is also required for transcription of several stationary phase genes.

anti-sigma(W) factor; The anti-sigma factor for extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor sigma-W (SigW). Holds SigW, its cognate ECF sigma factor, in an inactive form until released by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). SigW and RsiW mediate cell response to cell wall stress. RIP occurs when an extracytoplasmic signal triggers a concerted proteolytic cascade to transmit information and elicit cellular responses. The membrane-spanning regulatory substrate protein is first cut periplasmically (site-1 protease, S1P, PrsW) , then within the membrane itself (site-2 protease, S2P [...]

Putative membrane phosphatase; Evidence 3: Function proposed based on presence of conserved amino acid motif, structural feature or limited homology; Product type pe: putative enzyme.

Transcriptional regulator; Evidence 1a: Function experimentally demonstrated in the studied strain; Product type r: regulator; To B.subtilis AbrB and SpoVT.

Putative RNA binding protein; Evidence 3: Function proposed based on presence of conserved amino acid motif, structural feature or limited homology; Product type pf: putative factor.