PhoP can activate its target genes in a PhoQ-independent manner

The PhoP/PhoQ two-component system controls the extracellular magnesium depletion response in Salmonella enterica. Previous studies have shown that PhoP is unable to up-regulate its target genes in the absence of PhoQ function. In this work we demonstrate that PhoP overexpression can substitute for PhoQ- and phosphorylation-dependent activation. Either a high concentration of PhoP or activation via phosphorylation stimulates PhoP self-association.