New Insights into the Non-orthodox Two Component Rcs Phosphorelay System

Rcs signal transduction system in Escherichia coli: Composition, related functions, regulatory mechanism, and applications

The regulator of capsule synthesis (Rcs) system, an atypical two-component system prevalent in numerous gram-negative bacteria, serves as a sophisticated regulatory phosphorylation cascade mechanism. It plays a pivotal role in perceiving environmental stress and regulating the expression of downstream genes to ensure host survival. During the signaling transduction process, various proteins participate in phosphorylation to further modulate signal inputs and outputs. Although the structure of core proteins related to the Rcs system has been partially well-defined, and two models have been proposed to elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying signal sensing, a systematic characterization of the signal transduction process of the Rcs system remains challenging. Furthermore, exploring its corresponding regulator outputs is also unremitting. This review aimed to shed light on the regulation of bacterial virulence by the Rcs system. Moreover, with the assistance of the Rcs system, biosynthesis technology has developed high-value target production. Additionally, via this review, we propose designing chimeric Rcs biosensor systems to expand their application as synthesis tools. Finally, unsolved challenges are highlighted to provide the basic direction for future development of the Rcs system.

STM1863, a Member of the DUFs Protein Family, Is Involved in Environmental Adaptation, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence in Salmonella Typhimurium

Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) is an important zoonotic Gram-negative pathogen that can cause infection in a variety of livestock and poultry. Meanwhile, as an important foodborne pathogen, the bacterium can survive in various stressful environments and transmits through the fecal-oral route, posing a serious threat to global food safety. To investigate the roles of STM1863, a member of the DUFs protein family, involved in STM environmental adaptation, biofilm formation, and virulence. We analyzed the molecular characteristics of the protein encoded by STM1863 gene and examined intra- and extracellular expression levels of STM1863 gene in mouse macrophages. Furthermore, we constructed STM1863 gene deletion and complementation strains and determined its environmental adaptation under stressful conditions such as acid, alkali, high salt, bile salt, and oxidation. And the capacity of biofilm formation and pathogenicity of those strains were analyzed and compared. In addition, the interaction between the promoter of STM1863 gene and RcsB protein was analyzed using DNA gel electrophoresis migration assay (electrophoretic mobility shift assay [EMSA]). The experiments revealed that acid adaptability and biofilm formation ability of STM1863 gene deletion strain were significantly weakened compared with the parental and complementary strains. Moreover, the adhesion and invasion ability of STM1863 deletion strain to mouse macrophages was significantly decreased, while the median lethal dose (LD50) increased by 2.148-fold compared with the parental strain. In addition, EMSA confirmed that RcsB protein could bind to the promoter sequence of STM1863 gene, suggesting that the expression of STM1863 gene might be modulated by RcsB. The present study demonstrated for the first time that STM1863, a member of the DUFs protein family, is involved in the modulation of environmental adaptation, biofilm formation, and virulence.

Anti-Biofilm Strategies: A Focused Review on Innovative Approaches

Biofilm (BF) can give rise to systemic infections, prolonged hospitalization times, and, in the worst case, death. This review aims to provide an overview of recent strategies for the prevention and destruction of pathogenic BFs. First, the main phases of the life cycle of BF and maturation will be described to identify potential targets for anti-BF approaches. Then, an approach acting on bacterial adhesion, quorum sensing (QS), and the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix will be introduced and discussed. Finally, bacteriophage-mediated strategies will be presented as innovative approaches against BF inhibition/destruction.

Scs system links copper and redox homeostasis in bacterial pathogens

The bacterial envelope is an essential compartment involved in metabolism and metabolites transport, virulence, and stress defense. Its roles become more evident when homeostasis is challenged during host-pathogen interactions. In particular, the presence of free radical groups and excess copper in the periplasm causes noxious reactions, such as sulfhydryl group oxidation leading to enzymatic inactivation and protein denaturation. In response to this, canonical and accessory oxidoreductase systems are induced, performing quality control of thiol groups, and therefore contributing to restoring homeostasis and preserving survival under these conditions. Here, we examine recent advances in the characterization of the Dsb-like, Salmonella-specific Scs system. This system includes the ScsC/ScsB pair of Cu+-binding proteins with thiol-oxidoreductase activity, an alternative ScsB-partner, the membrane-linked ScsD, and a likely associated protein, ScsA, with a role in peroxide resistance. We discuss the acquisition of the scsABCD locus and its integration into a global regulatory pathway directing envelope response to Cu stress during the evolution of pathogens that also harbor the canonical Dsb systems. The evidence suggests that the canonical Dsb systems cannot satisfy the extra demands that the host-pathogen interface imposes to preserve functional thiol groups. This resulted in the acquisition of the Scs system by Salmonella. We propose that the ScsABCD complex evolved to connect Cu and redox stress responses in this pathogen as well as in other bacterial pathogens.

Inhibitors targeting BamA in gram-negative bacteria

Antibiotic resistance has led to an increase in the number of patient hospitalizations and deaths. The situation for gram-negative bacteria is especially dire as the last new class of antibiotics active against these bacteria was introduced to the clinic over 60 years ago, thus there is an immediate unmet need for new antibiotic classes able to overcome resistance. The outer membrane, a unique and essential structure in gram-negative bacteria, contains multiple potential antibacterial targets including BamA, an outer membrane protein that folds and inserts transmembrane β-barrel proteins. BamA is essential and conserved, and its outer membrane location eliminates a barrier that molecules must overcome to access this target. Recently, antibacterial small molecules, natural products, peptides, and antibodies that inhibit BamA activity have been reported, validating the druggability of this target and generating potential leads for antibiotic development. This review will describe these BamA inhibitors, highlight their key attributes, and identify challenges with this potential target.

The intricate symbiotic relationship between lactic acid bacterial starters in the milk fermentation ecosystem

Fermentation is one of the most effective methods of food preservation. Since ancient times, food has been fermented using lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Fermented milk is a very intricate fermentation ecosystem, and the microbial metabolism of fermented milk largely determines its metabolic properties. The two most frequently used dairy starter strains are Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus). To enhance both the culture growth rate and the flavor and quality of the fermented milk, it has long been customary to combine S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus in milk fermentation due to their mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship. On the one hand, the symbiotic relationship is reflected by the nutrient co-dependence of the two microbes at the metabolic level. On the other hand, more complex interaction mechanisms, such as quorum sensing between cells, are involved. This review summarizes the application of LAB in fermented dairy products and discusses the symbiotic mechanisms and interactions of milk LAB starter strains from the perspective of nutrient supply and intra- and interspecific quorum sensing. This review provides updated information and knowledge on microbial interactions in a fermented milk ecosystem.

Regulation of type VI secretion systems at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level

Bacteria live in complex polymicrobial communities and are constantly competing for resources. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread antagonistic mechanism used by Gram-negative bacteria to gain an advantage over competitors. T6SSs translocate toxic effector proteins inside target prokaryotic cells in a contact-dependent manner. In addition, some T6SS effectors can be secreted extracellularly and contribute to the scavenging scarce metal ions. Bacteria deploy their T6SSs in different situations, categorizing these systems into offensive, defensive and exploitative. The great variety of bacterial species and environments occupied by such species reflect the complexity of regulatory signals and networks that control the expression and activation of the T6SSs. Such regulation is tightly controlled at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level by abiotic (e.g. pH, iron) or biotic (e.g. quorum-sensing) cues. In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge about the regulatory networks that modulate the expression and activity of T6SSs across several species, focusing on systems used for interbacterial competition.

A frameshift in Yersinia pestis rcsD alters canonical Rcs signalling to preserve flea-mammal plague transmission cycles

Multiple genetic changes in the enteric pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis have driven the emergence of Yesinia pestis, the arthropod-borne, etiological agent of plague. These include developing the capacity for biofilm-dependent blockage of the flea foregut to enable transmission by flea bite. Previously, we showed that pseudogenization of rcsA, encoding a component of the Rcs signalling pathway, is an important evolutionary step facilitating Y. pestis flea-borne transmission. Additionally, rcsD, another important gene in the Rcs system, harbours a frameshift mutation. Here, we demonstrated that this rcsD mutation resulted in production of a small protein composing the C-terminal RcsD histidine-phosphotransferase domain (designated RcsD-Hpt) and full-length RcsD. Genetic analysis revealed that the rcsD frameshift mutation followed the emergence of rcsA pseudogenization. It further altered the canonical Rcs phosphorylation signal cascade, fine-tuning biofilm production to be conducive with retention of the pgm locus in modern lineages of Y. pestis. Taken together, our findings suggest that a frameshift mutation in rcsD is an important evolutionary step that fine-tuned biofilm production to ensure perpetuation of flea-mammal plague transmission cycles.

Complete Genome Sequences of a Stress-Resistant Outbreak-Associated Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strain and a Variant with Enhanced Congo Red-Binding Capability

The genome sequences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain 380-94, which was isolated from a 1994 dry-cured salami outbreak, and a stronger Congo red-binding variant, RV06, were determined using long-read sequencing technology and de novo assembly. Both strains possessed one chromosome and one plasmid. Strain RV06 possessed a 4,769-bp deletion in the rcs region.

Efflux pump inhibitor combined with ofloxacin decreases MRSA biofilm formation by regulating the gene expression of NorA and quorum sensing

Carbonyl cyanide p-nitrophenylhydrazone (2e) displayed a lone or synergistic efficacy against MRSA (RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 17854). In this work, the synergistic mechanism of 2e with ofloxacin was studied. MRSA2858 had potential for biofilm formation, and the value of MBEC of 2e alone was 0.78-1.56 μM, while that of 2e + ofloxacin was 0.39-0.78 μM. 2e combined with ofloxacin showed a synergistic anti-biofilm effect against MRSA. Efflux pump inhibitor 2e can better bind to NorA protein. After MRSA2858 was treated with 2e of 1/2MIC (0.78 μM) and ofloxacin of 1/8MIC (0.097 μM), the transcript levels of efflux genes (norA) and quorum-sensing (QS) regulatory genes (agrA, sarA, icaA, hla) were substantially down-regulated, and alpha-hemolysin (Hla) was inhibited by 99.15%. 2e combined with ofloxacin was more effective than 2e alone in reducing bacterial load in vivo. All in all, efflux pump inhibitor 2e enhanced the bactericidal activities of antibiotics through regulating the gene expression of NorA and QS system.

Effects of functional modules and bacterial clusters response on transmission performance of antibiotic resistance genes under antibiotic stress during anaerobic digestion of livestock wastewater

The formation and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have attracted increasing attention. It is unclear whether the internal mechanisms by which antibiotics affect horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs during anaerobic digestion (AD) were influenced by dose and type. We investigated the effects of two major antibiotics (oxytetracycline, OTC, and sulfamethoxazole, SMX) on ARGs during AD according to antibiotic concentration in livestock wastewater influent. The low-dose antibiotic (0.5 mg/L) increased ROS and SOS responses, promoting the formation of ARGs. Meanwhile, low-dose antibiotics could also promote the spread of ARGs by promoting pili, communication responses, and the type IV secretion system (T4SS). However, different types and doses of antibiotics would lead to changes in the above functional modules and then affect the enrichment of ARGs. With the increasing dose of SMX, the advantages of pili and communication responses would gradually change. In the OTC system, low-dose has the strongest promoting ability in both pili and communication responses. Similarly, an increase in the dose of SMX would change T4SS from facilitation to inhibition, while OTC completely inhibits T4SS. Microbial and network analysis also revealed that low-dose antibiotics were more favorable for the growth of host bacteria.

Cell wall deficiency - an alternate bacterial lifestyle?

Historically, many species of bacteria have been reported to produce viable, cell wall deficient (CWD) variants. A variety of terms have been used to refer to CWD bacteria and a plethora of methods described in which to induce, cultivate and propagate them. In this review, we will examine the long history of scientific research on CWD bacteria examining the methods by which CWD bacteria are generated; the requirements for survival in a CWD state; the replicative processes within a CWD state; and the reversion of CWD bacteria into a walled state, or lack thereof. In doing so, we will present evidence that not all CWD variants are alike and that, at least in some cases, CWD variants arise through an adaptive lifestyle switch that enables them to live and thrive without a cell wall, often to avoid antimicrobial activity. Finally, the implications of CWD bacteria in recurring infections, tolerance to antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial resistance will be examined to illustrate the importance of greater understanding of the CWD bacteria in human health and disease.

Bacterial Stress Responses as Potential Targets in Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria can be adapted to adverse and detrimental conditions that induce general and specific responses to DNA damage as well as acid, heat, cold, starvation, oxidative, envelope, and osmotic stresses. The stress-triggered regulatory systems are involved in bacterial survival processes, such as adaptation, physiological changes, virulence potential, and antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic susceptibility to several antibiotics is reduced due to the activation of stress responses in cellular physiology by the stimulation of resistance mechanisms, the promotion of a resistant lifestyle (biofilm or persistence), and/or the induction of resistance mutations. Hence, the activation of bacterial stress responses poses a serious threat to the efficacy and clinical success of antibiotic therapy. Bacterial stress responses can be potential targets for therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics. An understanding of the regulation of stress response in association with antibiotic resistance provides useful information for the discovery of novel antimicrobial adjuvants and the development of effective therapeutic strategies to control antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Therefore, this review discusses bacterial stress responses linked to antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and also provides information on novel therapies targeting bacterial stress responses that have been identified as potential candidates for the effective control of Gram-negative antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The Wsp system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa links surface sensing and cell envelope stress

SignificanceBacteria must respond quickly to environmental changes to survive. One way bacteria can respond to environmental stress is by undergoing a lifestyle transition from individual, free-swimming cells to a surface-associated community called a biofilm characterized by aggregative growth. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses the Wsp chemosensory system to sense an unknown surface-associated cue. Here we show that the Wsp system senses cell envelope stress, specifically conditions that promote unfolded or misregulated periplasmic and inner membrane proteins. This work provides direct evidence that cell envelope stress is an important feature of surface sensing in P. aeruginosa.

Combinatorial Metabolic Engineering and Enzymatic Catalysis Enable Efficient Production of Colanic Acid

Colanic acid can promote the lifespan of humans by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, and it has widespread applications in the field of health. However, colanic acid is produced at a low temperature (20 °C) with low titer. Using Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655, we constructed the SRP-4 strain with high colanic acid production at 30 °C by enhancing the precursor supply and relieving the regulation of transcription for colanic acid synthesis genes by the RCS system. After media optimization, the colanic acid titer increased by 579.9-fold and reached 12.2 g/L. Subsequently, we successfully purified the colanic acid hydrolase and reduced the molecular weight of colanic acid (106.854 kDa), thereby eliminating the inhibition of high-molecular-weight colanic acid on strain growth. Finally, after adding the colanic acid hydrolase (4000 U/L), the colanic acid with low molecular weight reached 24.99 g/L in 3-L bioreactor, the highest titer reported so far. This high-producing strain of colanic acid will promote the application of low-molecular-weight colanic acid in the field of health.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of the novel Lactobacillus pentosus pentocin against Bacillus cereus

The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect and mechanism of Lactobacillus pentosus pentocin against Bacillus cereus. The dynamic growth of B. cereus showed that the pentocin had strong antibacterial activity against the strain. The antibacterial mechanism focused on cytomembrane destruction, biofilms formation, DNA replication and protein synthesis of B. cereus. The scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry analysis illustrated that the cytomembranes were destroyed, causing the leakage of internal cellular components. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that the genes (KinB, KinC and Spo0B) in two component systems signal pathway were down-regulated, which resulted in the inhibition of the spores and biofilms formation of B. cereus. The phosphorylation and autoinducer-2 import were inhibited by down-regulating the expression levels of LuxS and LsrB genes in quorum sensing signal pathway, which also suppressed biofilms formation of B. cereus. The K⁺ leakage activated the K⁺ transport channels by up-relating the genes (KdpA, KdpB and KdpC), promoting the entry of K⁺ from the extracellular. In addition, the pentocin interfered DNA replication and protein synthesis by regulating the genes associated with DNA replication (dnaX and holB), RNA degradation (cshA, rho, rnj, deaD, rny, dnaK, groEL and hfq) and ribosome function (rpsA, rpsO and rplS). In this article, we provide some novel insights into the molecular mechanism responsible for high antibacterial activity of the L. pentosus pentocin against B. cereus. And the pentocin might be a very promising natural preservative for controlling the B. cereus contaminations in foods.

Colanic Acid: Biosynthetic Overproduction by Engineering Escherichia coli and Physical Property Characterization

Colanic acid has promising applications in food, cosmetic, and healthcare fields. In this study, a recombinant WQM003/pRAU was constructed by deleting genes lon and hns and overexpressing genes rcsA and galU in E. coli MG1655Δ(L-Q). After systematic optimization of fermentation conditions, colanic acid yield in WQM003/pRAU reached 19.79 g/L, the highest yield reported so far. The colanic acid produced by WQM003/pRAU was purified and its structure and physical properties were determined. This colanic acid shows a triple-helical structure and is stable up to 102 °C, and its melting temperature is 253.9 °C. This colanic acid shows a sphere-like chain conformation in aqueous solution. The viscosity of this colanic acid solution is related to concentration, shear rate, salt, temperature, and pH. At high concentrations, this colanic acid shows both viscous and elastic behaviors. These results suggest that the colanic acid produced by WQM003/pRAU has broad application prospects.

Gene Amplification Uncovers Large Previously Unrecognized Cryptic Antibiotic Resistance Potential in E. coli

The activation of unrecognized antibiotic resistance genes in the bacterial cell can give rise to antibiotic resistance without the need for major mutations or horizontal gene transfer. We hypothesize that bacteria harbor an extensive array of diverse cryptic genes that can be activated in response to antibiotics via adaptive resistance. To test this hypothesis, we developed a plasmid assay to randomly manipulate gene copy numbers in Escherichia coli cells and identify genes that conferred resistance when amplified. We then tested for cryptic resistance to 18 antibiotics and identified genes conferring resistance. E. coli could become resistant to 50% of the antibiotics tested, including chloramphenicol, d-cycloserine, polymyxin B, and 6 beta-lactam antibiotics, following this manipulation. Known antibiotic resistance genes comprised 13% of the total identified genes, where 87% were unclassified (cryptic) antibiotic resistance genes. These unclassified genes encoded cell membrane proteins, stress response/DNA repair proteins, transporters, and miscellaneous or hypothetical proteins. Stress response/DNA repair genes have a broad antibiotic resistance potential, as this gene class, in aggregate, conferred cryptic resistance to nearly all resistance-positive antibiotics. We found that antibiotics that are hydrophilic, those that are amphipathic, and those that inhibit the cytoplasmic membrane or cell wall biosynthesis were more likely to induce cryptic resistance in E. coli. This study reveals a diversity of cryptic genes that confer an antibiotic resistance phenotype when present in high copy number. Thus, our assay can identify potential novel resistance genes while also describing which antibiotics are prone to induce cryptic antibiotic resistance in E. coli. IMPORTANCE Predicting where new antibiotic resistance genes will rise is a challenge and is especially important when new antibiotics are developed. Adaptive resistance allows sensitive bacterial cells to become transiently resistant to antibiotics. This provides an opportune time for cells to develop more efficient resistance mechanisms, such as tolerance and permanent resistance to higher antibiotic concentrations. The biochemical diversity harbored within bacterial genomes may lead to the presence of genes that could confer resistance when timely activated. Therefore, it is crucial to understand adaptive resistance to identify potential resistance genes and prolong antibiotics. Here, we investigate cryptic resistance, an adaptive resistance mechanism, and identify unknown (cryptic) antibiotic resistance genes that confer resistance when amplified in a laboratory strain of E. coli. We also pinpoint antibiotic characteristics that are likely to induce cryptic resistance. This study may help detect novel antibiotic resistance genes and provide the foundation to help develop more effective antibiotics.

Virulence Factors in Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) has spread globally since first described in the Asian Pacific Rim. It is an invasive variant that differs from the classical K. pneumoniae (cKP), with hypermucoviscosity and hypervirulence, causing community-acquired infections, including pyogenic liver abscess, pneumonia, meningitis, and endophthalmitis. It utilizes a battery of virulence factors for survival and pathogenesis, such as capsule, siderophores, lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae, outer membrane proteins, and type 6 secretion system, of which the former two are dominant. This review summarizes these hvKP-associated virulence factors in order to understand its molecular pathogenesis and shed light on new strategies to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hvKP-causing infection.

The Rcs System in Enterobacteriaceae: Envelope Stress Responses and Virulence Regulation

The bacterial cell envelope is a protective barrier at the frontline of bacterial interaction with the environment, and its integrity is regulated by various stress response systems. The Rcs (regulator of capsule synthesis) system, a non-orthodox two-component regulatory system (TCS) found in many members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is one of the envelope stress response pathways. The Rcs system can sense envelope damage or defects and regulate the transcriptome to counteract stress, which is particularly important for the survival and virulence of pathogenic bacteria. In this review, we summarize the roles of the Rcs system in envelope stress responses (ESRs) and virulence regulation. We discuss the environmental and intrinsic sources of envelope stress that cause activation of the Rcs system with an emphasis on the role of RcsF in detection of envelope stress and signal transduction. Finally, the different regulation mechanisms governing the Rcs system's control of virulence in several common pathogens are introduced. This review highlights the important role of the Rcs system in the environmental adaptation of bacteria and provides a theoretical basis for the development of new strategies for control, prevention, and treatment of bacterial infections.

The Rcs stress response inversely controls surface and CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity to discriminate plasmids and phages

Bacteria harbour multiple innate defences and adaptive CRISPR-Cas systems that provide immunity against bacteriophages and mobile genetic elements. Although some bacteria modulate defences in response to population density, stress and metabolic state, a lack of high-throughput methods to systematically reveal regulators has hampered efforts to understand when and how immune strategies are deployed. We developed a robust approach called SorTn-seq, which combines saturation transposon mutagenesis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and deep sequencing to characterize regulatory networks controlling CRISPR-Cas immunity in Serratia sp. ATCC 39006. We applied our technology to assess csm gene expression for ~300,000 mutants and uncovered multiple pathways regulating type III-A CRISPR-Cas expression. Mutation of igaA or mdoG activated the Rcs outer-membrane stress response, eliciting cell-surface-based innate immunity against diverse phages via the transcriptional regulators RcsB and RcsA. Activation of this Rcs phosphorelay concomitantly attenuated adaptive immunity by three distinct type I and III CRISPR-Cas systems. Rcs-mediated repression of CRISPR-Cas defence enabled increased acquisition and retention of plasmids. Dual downregulation of cell-surface receptors and adaptive immunity in response to stress by the Rcs pathway enables protection from phage infection without preventing the uptake of plasmids that may harbour beneficial traits.

Rcs Phosphorelay Responses to Truncated Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cell Envelope Stress in Yersinia enterocolitica

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and its integrity is monitored by various stress response systems. Although the Rcs system is involved in the envelope stress response and regulates genes controlling numerous bacterial cell functions of Yersinia enterocolitica, whether it can sense the truncated LPS in Y. enterocolitica remains unclear. In this study, the deletion of the Y. enterocolitica waaF gene truncated the structure of LPS and produced a deep rough LPS. The truncated LPS increased the cell surface hydrophobicity and outer membrane permeability, generating cell envelope stress. The truncated LPS also directly exposed the smooth outer membrane to the external environment and attenuated the resistance to adverse conditions, such as impaired survival under polymyxin B and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) exposure. Further phenotypic experiment and gene expression analysis indicated that the truncated LPS was correlated with the activation of the Rcs phosphorelay, thereby repressing cell motility and biofilm formation. Our findings highlight the importance of LPS integrity in maintaining membrane function and broaden the understanding of Rcs phosphorelay signaling in response to cell envelope stress, thus opening new avenues to develop effective antimicrobial agents for combating Y. enterocolitica infections.

Interplay between Regulatory RNAs and Signal Transduction Systems during Bacterial Infection

The ability of pathogenic bacteria to stably infect the host depends on their capacity to respond and adapt to the host environment and on the efficiency of their defensive mechanisms. Bacterial envelope provides a physical barrier protecting against environmental threats. It also constitutes an important sensory interface where numerous sensing systems are located. Signal transduction systems include Two-Component Systems (TCSs) and alternative sigma factors. These systems are able to sense and respond to the ever-changing environment inside the host, altering the bacterial transcriptome to mitigate the impact of the stress. The regulatory networks associated with signal transduction systems comprise small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) that can be directly involved in the expression of virulence factors. The aim of this review is to describe the importance of TCS- and alternative sigma factor-associated sRNAs in human pathogens during infection. The currently available genome-wide approaches for studies of TCS-regulated sRNAs will be discussed. The differences in the signal transduction mediated by TCSs between bacteria and higher eukaryotes and the specificity of regulatory RNAs for their targets make them appealing targets for discovery of new strategies to fight against multi-resistant bacteria.

IgaA negatively regulates the Rcs Phosphorelay via contact with the RcsD Phosphotransfer Protein

Two-component systems and phosphorelays play central roles in the ability of bacteria to rapidly respond to changing environments. In E. coli and related enterobacteria, the complex Rcs phosphorelay is a critical player in the bacterial response to antimicrobial peptides, beta-lactam antibiotics, and other disruptions at the cell surface. The Rcs system is unusual in that an inner membrane protein, IgaA, is essential due to its negative regulation of the RcsC/RcsD/RcsB phosphorelay. While it is known that IgaA transduces signals from the outer membrane lipoprotein RcsF, how it interacts with the phosphorelay has remained unknown. Here we performed in vivo interaction assays and genetic dissection of the critical proteins and found that IgaA interacts with the phosphorelay protein RcsD, and that this interaction is necessary for regulation. Interactions between IgaA and RcsD within their respective periplasmic domains of these two proteins anchor repression of signaling. However, the signaling response depends on a second interaction between cytoplasmic loop 1 of IgaA and a truncated Per-Arndt-Sim (PAS-like) domain in RcsD. A single point mutation in the PAS-like domain increased interactions between the two proteins and blocked induction of the phosphorelay. IgaA may regulate RcsC, the histidine kinase that initiates phosphotransfer through the phosphorelay, indirectly, via its contacts with RcsD. Unlike RcsD, and unlike many other histidine kinases, the periplasmic domain of RcsC is dispensable for the response to signals that induce the Rcs phosphorelay system. The multiple contacts between IgaA and RcsD constitute a poised sensing system, preventing potentially toxic over-activation of this phosphorelay while enabling it to rapidly and quantitatively respond to signals.

The Rcs phosphorelay system plays a central role in allowing enterobacteria to sense and respond to antibiotics, host-produced antimicrobials, and interactions with surfaces. A unique negative regulator, IgaA, attenuates signaling from this pathway when it is not needed, but how IgaA controls the phosphorelay has been unclear. We define a set of critical interactions between IgaA and the phosphotransfer protein RcsD, including a periplasmic contact between IgaA and RcsD that mediates a necessary inhibition of Rcs signaling. Inhibition is further modulated by regulated interactions between the cytoplasmic domains of each protein, providing a sensitive regulatory switch.

Ferulic Acid Inactivates Shigella flexneri through Cell Membrane Destructieon, Biofilm Retardation, and Altered Gene Expression

Antibiotic resistance and capacity for biofilm formation of Shigella flexneri render previous prevention and control strategies minimally effective. Ferulic acid (FA) has been demonstrated to be useful due to its application in foods as an alternative natural preservative. However, information regarding the S. flexneri phenotype and molecular responses to FA exposure is limited. The present study investigated the effects of FA on S. flexneri planktonic growth and biofilm formation. The results demonstrated that the cell membrane of S. flexneri in planktonic growth mode exhibited irreversible destruction after FA exposure, as characterized by decreased cell viability, leakage of cytoplasmic constituents, accelerated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption, cell membrane depolarization, and cellular morphological changes. FA significantly inhibited S. flexneri adhesion and biofilm formation at a working concentration (1/8 MIC) that almost did not inhibit planktonic growth. Transcriptomics profiling showed that the exposure to a subinhibitory concentration of FA dramatically altered gene expression in the S. flexneri biofilm, as a total of 169 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated and 533 DEGs were downregulated, compared to the intact biofilm. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in pathways of ribosomes, ABC transporters, and the citrate cycle. Furthermore, we show that FA altered the transcription of S. flexneri genes associated with adhesion, transcriptional regulation, and the synthesis and transport of extracellular polymeric substances that contribute to biofilm formation. These data provide novel insights into S. flexneri behavioral responses to FA exposure and suggest that FA could effectively constrain S. flexneri and its biofilm formation.

Colanic acid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli is dependent on lipopolysaccharide structure and glucose availability

Lipopolysaccharide and colanic acid are important forms of exopolysaccharides located on the cell surface of Escherichia coli, but their interrelation with the cell stress response is not well understood. In this study, nine mutant strains with different structures of lipopolysaccharide were constructed from E. coli MG1655 by deletion of a single gene or multiple genes. All mutant strains did not produce colanic acid when grown in LB medium, but six of them could produce colanic acid when grown either in M9 medium in which glucose is the sole carbon source or in LB medium supplemented with glucose. The results indicate that colanic acid production in E. coli is dependent on both lipopolysaccharide structure and glucose availability. However, transcriptional analysis showed that 20 genes related to the colanic acid biosynthesis and the key gene rcsA in the Rcs system were all transcriptionally up-regulated in all of the nine mutant strains no matter they were grown in M9 or LB medium. This suggests that the availability of some nucleotide-sugar precursors shared by the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide and colanic acid might play a major role in colanic acid production in E. coli. Lipopolysaccharide pathway might have a huge priority to colanic acid pathway to use the common precursors; therefore, the colanic acid is not produced in MG1655 and the nine mutants when grown in LB medium. In the six mutant strains that can produce colanic acid in the glucose rich media, the common precursors might be abundant because they were not needed for synthesizing the mutant lipopolysaccharide.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the role of RcsB in suppressing bacterial chemotaxis, flagellar assembly and infection in Yersinia enterocolitica

Defining the Rcs (Regulator of Capsule Synthesis) regulon in Enterobacteriaceae has been the major focus of several recent studies. The overall role of the Rcs system in Yersinia enterocolitica is largely unknown. Our previous study showed that RcsB inhibits motility, biofilm formation and c-di-GMP production by negatively regulating flhDC, hmsHFRS and hmsT expression. To identify other cellular functions regulated by the RcsB, gene expression profiles of the wild type and ΔrcsB mutant were compared by RNA-Seq in this study. A total of 132 differentially expressed genes regulated by the RcsB have been identified, of which 114 were upregulated and 18 were downregulated. Further, the results of RNA sequencing were discussed with a focus on the predictive roles of RcsB in the inhibition of bacterial chemotaxis, flagellar assembly and infection. To confirm these predictions, we experimentally verified that the ΔrcsB mutant activated chemotactic behavior and flagella biosynthesis, and exhibited enhanced adhesion and invasion of Y. enterocolitica to Caco-2 cells. Although RcsB largely inhibits these physiological activities, the presence of RcsB is still of great significance for optimizing the survival of Y. enterocolitica as evidenced by our previous report that RcsB confers some level of resistance to the cationic antimicrobial peptide polymyxin B in Y. enterocolitica. Overall, the information provided in this study complements our understanding of Rcs phosphorelay in the regulation of Y. enterocolitica pathogenicity, and, simultaneously, provides clues to additional roles of the Rcs system in other members of family Enterobacteriaceae.

Osmoregulated Periplasmic Glucans Transmit External Signals Through Rcs Phosphorelay Pathway in Yersinia enterocolitica

Fast response to environmental changes plays a key role in the transmission and pathogenesis of Yersinia enterocolitica. Osmoregulated periplasmic glucans (OPGs) are known to be involved in environmental perception of several Enterobacteriaceae pathogens; however, the biological function of OPGs in Y. enterocolitica is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of OPGs in Y. enterocolitica by deleting the opgGH operon encoding enzymes responsible for OPGs biosynthesis. Complete loss of OPGs in the ΔopgGH mutant resulted in decreased motility, c-di-GMP production, biofilm formation and smaller cell size, whereas the overproduction of OPGs through restoration of opgGH expression promoted c-di-GMP/biofilm production and increased antibiotic resistance of Y. enterocolitica. Gene expression analysis revealed that opgGH deletion reduced transcription of flhDC, ftsAZ, hmsT and hmsHFRS genes regulated by the Rcs phosphorelay system, whereas additional deletion of rcs family genes (rcsF, rcsC, or rcsB) reversed this effect and restored motility and c-di-GMP/biofilm production but further reduced cell size. Furthermore, disruption of the Rcs phosphorelay increased the motility and promoted the induction of biofilm and c-di-GMP production regulated by OPGs through upregulating the expression of flhDC, hmsHFRS, and hmsT. However, deletion of genes encoding the EnvZ/OmpR phosphorelay downregulated the flhDC, hmsHFRS and hmsT expression, leading to the decreased motility and prevented the induction of biofilm and c-di-GMP production regulated by OPGs. These results indicated that Rcs phosphorelay had the effect on OPGs-mediated functional responses in Y. enterocolitica. Our findings disclose part of the biological role of OPGs and the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with Rcs system in the regulation of the pathogenic phenotype in Y. enterocolitica.

Cyclic AMP-CRP Modulates the Cell Morphology of Klebsiella pneumoniae in High-Glucose Environment

Bacteria can modify their morphology in response to environmental stimuli for survival or host defense evasion. The rich glucose in vivo or in the Luria–Bertani (LB) medium shortened the cell length of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The environmental glucose decreased the levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and the transcription of crp, which declined the cAMP–cAMP receptor protein (cAMP-CRP) activity. The cell length of crp deletion mutant was significantly shorter than that of the wild type (0.981 ± 0.057 μm vs. 2.415 ± 0.075 μm, P < 0.001). These results indicated that the high environmental glucose alters the bacterial morphology to a round form through regulating the activity of cAMP-CRP complex. Comparative proteomics analysis showed increased expression of 10 proteins involved in cell division or cell wall biosynthesis in the crp deletion strain. Five of them (ompA, tolB, ybgC, ftsI, and rcsF) were selected to verify their expression in the high-glucose environment, and overexpression of tolB or rcsF shortened the bacterial length similar to that of the crp deletion strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that CRP directly negatively regulates the transcription of tolB and rcsF by binding to the promoter regions. This study first proved the role and partial regulation mechanism of CRP in altering cell morphology during infection and provided a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanism in diabetes mellitus susceptible to K. pneumoniae.

Maintaining Integrity Under Stress: Envelope Stress Response Regulation of Pathogenesis in Gram-Negative Bacteria

The Gram-negative bacterial envelope is an essential interface between the intracellular and harsh extracellular environment. Envelope stress responses (ESRs) are crucial to the maintenance of this barrier and function to detect and respond to perturbations in the envelope, caused by environmental stresses. Pathogenic bacteria are exposed to an array of challenging and stressful conditions during their lifecycle and, in particular, during infection of a host. As such, maintenance of envelope homeostasis is essential to their ability to successfully cause infection. This review will discuss our current understanding of the σ^E- and Cpx-regulated ESRs, with a specific focus on their role in the virulence of a number of model pathogens.

Advances in research on signal molecules regulating biofilms

Bacterial biofilms (BFs) are membrane-like structures formed by the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by bacteria. The formation of BFs contributes to bacterial survival and drug resistance. When bacteria proliferate, they produce secondary metabolites that act as signaling molecules in bacterial communities that regulate intracellular and cell-to-cell communication. This communication can directly affect the physiological behavior of bacteria, including the production and emission of light (bioluminescence), the expression of virulence factors, the resistance to antibiotics, and the shift between planktonic and biofilm lifestyles. We review the major signaling molecules that regulate BF formation, with a focus on quorum-sensing systems (QS), cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP), two-component systems (TCS), and small RNA (sRNA). Understanding these processes will lead to new approaches for treating chronic diseases and preventing bacterial resistance.

Flagellar regulation mediated by the Rcs pathway is required for virulence in the fish pathogen Yersinia ruckeri

The flagellum is a complex surface structure necessary for a number of activities including motility, chemotaxis, biofilm formation and host attachment. Flagellin, the primary structural protein making up the flagellum, is an abundant and potent activator of innate and adaptive immunity and therefore expression of flagellin during infection could be deleterious to the infection process due to flagellin-mediated host recognition. Here, we use quantitative RT-PCR to demonstrate that expression of the flagellin locus fliC is repressed during the course of infection and subsequently up-regulated upon host mortality in a motile strain of Yersinia ruckeri. The kinetics of fliC repression during the infection process is relatively slow as full repression occurs 7-days after the initiation of infection and after approximately 3-logs of bacterial growth in vivo. These results suggests that Y. ruckeri possesses a regulatory system capable of sensing host and modulating the expression of motility in response. Examination of the master flagellar operon (flhDC) promoter region for evidence of transcriptional regulation and regulatory binding sites revealed potential interaction with the Rcs pathway through an Rcs(A)B Box. Deletion of rcsB (ΔrcsB) by marker-exchange mutagenesis resulted in overproduction of flagellin and unregulated motility, showing that the Rcs pathway negatively regulates biosynthesis of the flagellar apparatus. Experimental challenge with ΔrcsB and ΔrcsBΔfliC1ΔfliC2 mutants revealed that mutation of the Rcs pathway results in virulence attenuation which is dependent on presence of the flagellin gene. These results suggest that the inappropriate expression of flagellin during infection triggers host recognition and thus immune stimulation resulting in attenuation of virulence. In addition, RNAseq analyses of the ΔrcsB mutant strain verified the role of this gene as a negative regulator of the flagellar motility system and identified several additional genes regulated by the Rcs pathway.

Sub-inhibitory Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides

Antimicrobials, and particularly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), have been thoroughly studied due to their therapeutic potential. The research on their exact mode of action on bacterial cells, especially at under sublethal concentrations, has resulted in a better understanding of the unpredictable nature of bacterial behavior under stress conditions. In this review, we were aiming to gather the wide yet still under-investigated knowledge about various AMPs and their subinhibition effects on cellular and molecular levels. We describe how AMP action is non-linear and unpredictable, also showing that exposure to AMP can lead to antimicrobial resistance via triggering various regulatory systems. Being one of the most known types of antimicrobials, bacteriocins have dual action and can also be utilized by microorganisms as signaling molecules at naturally achievable sub-inhibitory concentrations. The unpredictable nature of AMP action and the pathogenic response triggered by them remains an area of knowledge that requires further investigation.

Multikinase Networks: Two-Component Signaling Networks Integrating Multiple Stimuli

Bacteria depend on two-component systems to detect and respond to threats. Simple pathways comprise a single sensor kinase (SK) that detects a signal and activates a response regulator protein to mediate an appropriate output. These simple pathways with only a single SK are not well suited to making complex decisions where multiple different stimuli need to be evaluated. A recently emerging theme is the existence of multikinase networks (MKNs) where multiple SKs collaborate to detect and integrate numerous different signals to regulate a major lifestyle switch, e.g., between virulence, sporulation, biofilm formation, and cell division. In this review, the role of MKNs and the phosphosignaling mechanisms underpinning their signal integration and decision making are explored.

Roles of two-component regulatory systems in antibiotic resistance

Two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) are a major mechanism by which bacteria sense and respond to changes in their environment. TCSs typically consist of two proteins that bring about major regulation of the cell genome through coordinated action mediated by phosphorylation. Environmental conditions that activate TCSs are numerous and diverse and include exposure to antibiotics as well as conditions inside a host. The resulting regulatory action often involves activation of antibiotic defenses and changes to cell physiology that increase antibiotic resistance. Examples of resistance mechanisms enacted by TCSs contained in this review span those found in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species and include cell surface modifications, changes in cell permeability, increased biofilm formation, and upregulation of antibiotic-degrading enzymes.

Transcriptional regulation of Yersinia pestis biofilm formation

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is transmitted primarily by infected fleas in nature. Y. pestis can produce biofilms that block flea's proventriculus and promote flea-borne transmission. Transcriptional regulation of Y. pestis biofilm formation plays an important role in the response to complex changes in environments, including temperature, pH, oxidative stress, and restrictive nutrition conditions, and contributes to Y. pestis growth, reproduction, transmission, and pathogenesis. A set of transcriptional regulators involved in Y. pestis biofilm production simultaneously controls a variety of biological functions and physiological pathways. Interactions between these regulators contribute to the development of Y. pestis gene regulatory networks, which are helpful for a quick response to complex environmental changes and better survival. The roles of crucial factors and regulators involved in response to complex environmental signals and Y. pestis biofilm formation as well as the precise gene regulatory networks are discussed in this review, which will give a better understanding of the complicated mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in Y. pestis biofilm formation.

The Pathogenic Neisseria Use a Streamlined Set of Peptidoglycan Degradation Proteins for Peptidoglycan Remodeling, Recycling, and Toxic Fragment Release

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis release peptidoglycan (PG) fragments from the cell as the bacteria grow. For N. gonorrhoeae these PG fragments are known to cause damage to human Fallopian tube tissue in organ culture that mimics the damage seen in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease. N. meningitidis also releases pro-inflammatory PG fragments, but in smaller amounts than those from N. gonorrhoeae. It is not yet known if PG fragment release contributes to the highly inflammatory conditions of meningitis and meningococcemia caused by N. meningitidis. Examination of the mechanisms of PG degradation and recycling identified proteins required for these processes. In comparison to the model organism E. coli, the pathogenic Neisseria have far fewer PG degradation proteins, and some of these proteins show differences in subcellular localization compared to their E. coli homologs. In particular, some N. gonorrhoeae PG degradation proteins were demonstrated to be in the outer membrane while their homologs in E. coli were found free in the periplasm or in the cytoplasm. The localization of two of these proteins was demonstrated to affect PG fragment release. Another major factor for PG fragment release is the allele of ampG. Gonococcal AmpG was found to be slightly defective compared to related PG fragment permeases, thus leading to increased release of PG. A number of additional PG-related factors affect other virulence functions in Neisseria. Endopeptidases and carboxypeptidases were found to be required for type IV pilus production and resistance to hydrogen peroxide. Also, deacetylation of PG was required for virulence of N. meningitidis as well as normal cell size. Overall, we describe the processes involved in PG degradation and recycling and how certain characteristics of these proteins influence the interactions of these pathogens with their host.

The kinases HipA and HipA7 phosphorylate different substrate pools in Escherichia coli to promote multidrug tolerance

Differences in the targets of HipA and its variant HipA7 may explain why these kinases have different effects on bacterial persistence.

Increased Osmolarity in Biofilm Triggers RcsB-Dependent Lipid A Palmitoylation in Escherichia coli

Biofilms are often described as protective shelters that preserve bacteria from hostile surroundings. However, biofilm bacteria are also exposed to various stresses and need to adjust to the heterogeneous physicochemical conditions prevailing within biofilms. In Gram-negative bacteria, such adaptations can result in modifications of the lipopolysaccharide, a major component of the outer membrane characterized by a highly dynamic structure responding to environmental changes. We previously showed that Gram-negative biofilm bacteria undergo an increase in lipid A palmitoylation mediated by the PagP enzyme, contributing to increased resistance to host defenses. Here we describe a regulatory pathway leading to transcriptional induction of pagP in response to specific conditions created in the biofilm environment. We show that pagP expression is induced via the Rcs envelope stress system independently of the Rcs phosphorelay cascade and that it requires the GadE auxiliary regulator. Moreover, we identify an increase in osmolarity (i.e., ionic stress) as a signal able to induce pagP expression in an RcsB-dependent manner. Consistently, we show that the biofilm is a hyperosmolar environment and that RcsB-dependent pagP induction can be dampened in the presence of an osmoprotectant. These results provide new insights into the adaptive mechanisms of bacterial differentiation in biofilm.IMPORTANCE The development of the dense bacterial communities called biofilms creates a highly heterogeneous environment in which bacteria are subjected to a variety of physicochemical stresses. We investigated the mechanisms of a widespread and biofilm-associated chemical modification of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of all Gram-negative bacterial outer membranes. This modification corresponds to the incorporation, mediated by the enzyme PagP, of a palmitate chain into lipid A (palmitoylation) that reduces bacterial recognition by host immune responses. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, we demonstrate that a significant part of biofilm-associated lipid A palmitoylation is triggered upon induction of pagP transcription by the hyperosmolar biofilm environment. pagP induction is regulated by RcsB, the response regulator of the Rcs stress response pathway, and is not observed under planktonic conditions. Our report provides new insights into how physiological adaptations to local biofilm microenvironments can contribute to decreases in susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and host immune defenses.

Discovery of Calcium as a Biofilm-Promoting Signal for Vibrio fischeri Reveals New Phenotypes and Underlying Regulatory Complexity

Vibrio fischeri uses biofilm formation to promote symbiotic colonization of its squid host, Euprymna scolopes Control over biofilm formation is exerted at the level of transcription of the symbiosis polysaccharide (syp) locus by a complex set of two-component regulators. Biofilm formation can be induced by overproduction of the sensor kinase RscS, which requires the activities of the hybrid sensor kinase SypF and the response regulator SypG and is negatively regulated by the sensor kinase BinK. Here, we identify calcium as a signal that promotes biofilm formation by biofilm-competent strains under conditions in which biofilms are not typically observed (growth with shaking). This was true for RscS-overproducing cells as well as for strains in which only the negative regulator binK was deleted. The latter results provided, for the first time, an opportunity to induce and evaluate biofilm formation without regulator overexpression. Using these conditions, we determined that calcium induces both syp-dependent and bacterial cellulose synthesis (bcs)-dependent biofilms at the level of transcription of these loci. The calcium-induced biofilms were dependent on SypF, but SypF's Hpt domain was sufficient for biofilm formation. These data suggested the involvement of another sensor kinase(s) and led to the discovery that both RscS and a previously uncharacterized sensor kinase, HahK, functioned in this pathway. Together, the data presented here reveal both a new signal and biofilm phenotype produced by V. fischeri cells, the coordinate production of two polysaccharides involved in distinct biofilm behaviors, and a new regulator that contributes to control over these processes.IMPORTANCE Biofilms, or communities of surface-attached microorganisms adherent via a matrix that typically includes polysaccharides, are highly resistant to environmental stresses and are thus problematic in the clinic and important to study. Vibrio fischeri forms biofilms to colonize its symbiotic host, making this organism useful for studying biofilms. Biofilm formation depends on the syp polysaccharide locus and its regulators. Here, we identify a signal, calcium, that induces both SYP-PS and cellulose-dependent biofilms. We also identify a new syp regulator, the sensor kinase HahK, and discover a mutant phenotype for the sensor kinase RscS. This work thus reveals a specific biofilm-inducing signal that coordinately controls two polysaccharides, identifies a new regulator, and clarifies the regulatory control over biofilm formation by V. fischeri.

The Complex Rcs Regulatory Cascade

RcsB, a response regulator of the FixJ/NarL family, is at the center of a complex network of regulatory inputs and outputs. Cell surface stress is sensed by an outer membrane lipoprotein, RcsF, which regulates interactions of the inner membrane protein IgaA, lifting negative regulation of a phosphorelay. In vivo evidence supports a pathway in which histidine kinase RcsC transfers phosphate to phosphotransfer protein RcsD, resulting in phosphorylation of RcsB. RcsB acts either alone or in combination with RcsA to positively regulate capsule synthesis and synthesis of small RNA (sRNA) RprA as well as other genes, and to negatively regulate motility. RcsB in combination with other FixJ/NarL auxiliary proteins regulates yet other functions, independent of RcsB phosphorylation. Proper expression of Rcs and its targets is critical for success of Escherichia coli commensal strains, for proper development of biofilm, and for virulence in some pathogens. New understanding of how the Rcs phosphorelay works provides insight into the flexibility of the two-component system paradigm.