epr Is Transcribed from a ς(D) Promoter and Is Involved in Swarming of Bacillus subtilis

Epr is a minor extracellular protease secreted by Bacillus subtilis 168. In this study, we show that epr is transcribed by Eς(D), the RNA polymerase associated with transcription of genes involved in chemotaxis and motility. Disruption of epr abolished swarming of Bacillus subtilis, suggesting its involvement in motility.