Sigma factors are initiation factors that promote the attachment of RNA polymerase to specific initiation sites and are then released. Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors are held in an inactive form by a cognate anti-sigma factor (NrsF in this case) until they are released (Probable). Regulates expression of only a few genes (Dsui_0154 to Dsui_0159) in response to (hypo)chlorite, conferring resistance to reactive chlorine species (RCS) during oxic growth (PubMed:25968643). Interacts transiently with the RNA polymerase catalytic core formed by RpoA, RpoB, RpoC and RpoZ (2 alpha, 1 beta, 1 beta' and 1 omega subunit) to form the RNA polymerase holoenzyme that can initiate transcription. Tightly associated with the inner cell membrane via NrsF which holds it in an inactive form until it is released (By similarity). Part of the SigF regulon, induced by chlorite under auto-control. Part of the probable sigF-nrsF operon. Growth inhibited by 100 uM chlorite during aerobic log-phase growth, no expression of the SigF regulon (Dsui_0156 to Dsui_0159). Growth of a double sigF-yedY2 mutant is completely inhibited by 20 mM chlorite. Belongs to the sigma-70 factor family. ECF subfamily.