A sigma(super E)-dependent operon subject to catabolite repression during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

An operon consisting of at least five open reading frames (ORFs) and dependent on a mother-cell-specific sigma factor has been isolated while studying sporulation. The operon is subjected to catabolite repression. The gene products of the first three ORFs are similar to the enzymes related with beta-oxidation of fatty acids while the fourth ORF encodes a third citrate synthase other than CitA and CitZ. Although the environmental condition, under which expression of this operon is essential for sporulation, is unknown, such expression probably affects catabolite repression.