Regulated intramembrane proteolysis in the control of extracytoplasmic function sigma factors

There is growing evidence that proteolytic degradation of membrane-spanning regulatory proteins such as anti-sigma factors is involved in a variety of important transmembrane signaling processes in bacteria. This mechanism of regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) enables them to respond to extracellular signals and stresses. Here, we summarize current knowledge of RIP controlling extracytoplasmic function sigma factors.