phoU
PhoU is a regulatory protein found in many bacteria that plays a central role in phosphate homeostasis and the Pho regulon. It is typically encoded in proximity to the high-affinity phosphate transport system (PstSCAB) and the PhoR–PhoB two-component signaling system, reflecting its role in coordinating phosphate uptake with cellular transcriptional responses. PhoU is generally considered a cytosolic mediator that links transporter status to regulatory signaling rather than a transporter component itself.
Mechanistically, PhoU modulates the activity of the PhoR–PhoB system and the PstSCAB transporter to ensure appropriate
Genetic and physiological consequences arise when PhoU function is altered. Deletion or disruption of phoU can
Overall, PhoU functions as a key regulatory mediator that ties phosphate transport to signaling pathways, helping