Griego A, Douché T, Gianetto QG, Matondo M, Manina G. RNase E and HupB dynamics foster mycobacterial cell homeostasis and fitness.
iScience 2022;
25:104233. [PMID:
35521527 PMCID:
PMC9062218 DOI:
10.1016/j.isci.2022.104233]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA turnover is a primary source of gene expression variation, in turn promoting cellular adaptation. Mycobacteria leverage reversible mRNA stabilization to endure hostile conditions. Although RNase E is essential for RNA turnover in several species, its role in mycobacterial single-cell physiology and functional phenotypic diversification remains unexplored. Here, by integrating live-single-cell and quantitative-mass-spectrometry approaches, we show that RNase E forms dynamic foci, which are associated with cellular homeostasis and fate, and we discover a versatile molecular interactome. We show a likely interaction between RNase E and the nucleoid-associated protein HupB, which is particularly pronounced during drug treatment and infection, where phenotypic diversity increases. Disruption of RNase E expression affects HupB levels, impairing Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth homeostasis during treatment, intracellular replication, and host spread. Our work lays the foundation for targeting the RNase E and its partner HupB, aiming to undermine M. tuberculosis cellular balance, diversification capacity, and persistence.
Single mycobacterial cells exhibit phenotypic variation in RNase E expression
RNase E is implicated in the maintenance of mycobacterial cell growth homeostasis
RNase E and HupB show a functional interplay in single mycobacterial cells
RNase E-HupB disruption impairs Mycobacterium tuberculosis fate under drug and in macrophages
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