Fig. 5: Model of MCPDRK-dependent chemotactic response to d-amino acids.
From: d-amino acids signal a stress-dependent run-away response in Vibrio cholerae
Under certain environmental stresses (that is, starvation), the RpoS response induces the expression of both the broad-spectrum racemase BsrV and the dedicated d-Arg/d-Lys chemoreceptor MCPDRK. Among the d-amino acids (DAAs) produced by BsrV, d-Arg and d-Lys stand out as warning signals sensed by V. cholerae as well as other MCPDRK-encoding species. Chemotactic run-away response to these d-amino acids enables these bacterial communities to move away and explore more favourable niches.
