Small regulatory RNAs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Regulation of TCA cycle genes by srbA sRNA: Impacts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence and survival

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen of public health concern, is known for its metabolic versatility, adaptability in harsh environment, and pathogenic aggressiveness. P. aeruginosa relies on various regulatory networks modulated by small non-coding RNAs, which in turn influence different physiological traits such as metabolism, stress response, and pathogenesis. In this study, srbA sRNA has been shown to play a diverse role in regulating cellular metabolism and the production of different virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. srbA was found to control the TCA cycle, a key regulatory pathway for cellular metabolism and energy production, by regulating three main enzymes: citrate synthase (gltA), isocitrate dehydrogenase (icd), and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase E1 subunit (sucA) at both the transcriptional and translational levels. By modulating the TCA cycle, srbA could help the bacteria to adapt nutritional stress by lowering energy consumption. Additionally, srbA has been found to differentially regulate production of various virulence factors such as rhamnolipid, elastase, LasA protease, and pyocyanin under both nutrient-rich and nutrient-limiting conditions. It could also influence motilities in P. aeruginosa, linked to biofilm formation and pathogenicity. Thus, srbA might hold a promise in the research area for identifying virulence pathways and developing novel therapeutic targets to combat the global pathogenic threat of P. aeruginosa.

The small RNA PrrH aggravates Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced acute lung injury by regulating the type III secretion system activator ExsA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes acute and chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) regulate multiple bacterial adaptations to environmental changes, especially virulence. Our previous study showed that sRNA PrrH negatively regulates the expression of a number of virulence factors, such as pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, biofilm, and elastase in the P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. However, previous studies have shown that the prrH-deficient mutant attenuates virulence in an acute murine lung infection model. All ΔprrH-infected mice survived the entire 28-day course of the experiment, whereas all mice inoculated with the wild-type or the complemented mutant succumbed to lung infection within 4 days of injection, but the specific mechanism is unclear. Herein, we explored how PrrH mediates severe lung injury by regulating the expression of virulence factors. In vivo mouse and in vitro cellular assays demonstrated that PrrH enhanced the pathogenicity of PAO1, causing severe lung injury. Mechanistically, PrrH binds to the coding sequence region of the mRNA of exsA, which encodes the type III secretion system master regulatory protein. We further demonstrated that PrrH mediates a severe inflammatory response and exacerbates the apoptosis of A549 cells. Overall, our results revealed that PrrH positively regulates ExsA, enhances the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa, and causes severe lung injury.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and the leading cause of nosocomial pneumonia. The pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa is due to the secretion of many virulence factors. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) regulate various bacterial adaptations, especially virulence. Therefore, understanding the mechanism by which sRNAs regulate virulence is necessary for understanding the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa and the treatment of the related disease. In this study, we demonstrated that PrrH enhances the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa by binding to the coding sequence regions of the ExsA, the master regulatory protein of type III secretion system, causing severe lung injury and exacerbating the inflammatory response and apoptosis. These findings revealed that PrrH is a crucial molecule that positively regulates ExsA. Type III-positive strains are often associated with a high mortality rate in P. aeruginosa infections in clinical practice. Therefore, this discovery may provide a new target for treating P. aeruginosa infections, especially type III-positive strains.

Fructose promotes pyoluteorin biosynthesis via the CbrAB-CrcZ-Hfq/Crc pathway in the biocontrol strain Pseudomonas PA1201

Biocontrol strain Pseudomonas PA1201 produces pyoluteorin (Plt), which is an antimicrobial secondary metabolite. Plt represents a promising candidate pesticide due to its broad-spectrum antifungal and antibacterial activity. Although PA1201 contains a complete genetic cluster for Plt biosynthesis, it fails to produce detectable level of Plt when grown in media typically used for Pseudomonas strains. In this study, minimum medium (MM) was found to favor Plt biosynthesis. Using the medium M, which contains all the salts of MM medium except for mannitol, as a basal medium, we compared 10 carbon sources for their ability to promote Plt biosynthesis. Fructose, mannitol, and glycerol promoted Plt biosynthesis, with fructose being the most effective carbon source. Glucose or succinic acid had no significant effect on Plt biosynthesis, but effectively antagonized fructose-dependent synthesis of Plt. Promoter-lacZ fusion reporter strains demonstrated that fructose acted through activation of the pltLABCDEFG (pltL) operon but had no effect on other genes of plt gene cluster; glucose or succinic acid antagonized fructose-dependent pltL induction. Mechanistically, fructose-mediated Plt synthesis involved carbon catabolism repression. The two-component system CbrA/CbrB and small RNA catabolite repression control Z (crcZ) were essential for fructose-induced Plt synthesis. The small RNA binding protein Hfq and Crc negatively regulated fructose-induced Plt. Taken together, this study provides a new model of fructose-dependent Plt production in PA1201 that can help improve Plt yield by biosynthetic approaches.

Modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing by ajoene through direct competition with small RNAs for binding at the proximal site of Hfq - a structure-based perspective

Bacteria can communicate to each other via quorum sensing, a cell density-dependent gene regulation system that stimulates the expression of virulence factors in the neighboring cells. Although the interaction of the natural product ajoene with the Hfq protein has been associated with the disruption of the quorum sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, there is no information concerning the corresponding ligand-target interaction process. Herein we observed a strong correlation (p < 0.00001) between the estimated affinities for the binding of 23 ajoene analogues at the proximal site of the Hfq protein of P. aeruginosa and their corresponding IC₅₀ values, which reflect the reduction in the transcription of a virulence factor after quorum sensing inhibition. In this concern, our analyses reinforces previous propositions suggesting that ajoene could target the Hfq protein and affects its interaction with RNAs. Based on docking simulations, we tried to elucidate the binding mode of ajoene into the proximal Hfq site and the also to established the minimum set of groups that would be necessary for a good interaction at this site, which includes a single hydrogen bond acceptor feature surrounded by groups that interact via π-sulfur (i.e., disulfide sulfurs) and/or π-alkyl/π-π stacking interactions (e.g., vinyl or small aryl/heteroaryl/heterocyclic groups). Because of the widespread role of Hfq as a matchmaker between messenger and small regulatory RNAs in Gram-negatives, we believe the discussion here provided for P. aeruginosa could be extrapolated for Gram-negatives in general, while the interaction of ajoene over the Hfq protein of Gram-positives would still remain more controversial.

The small RNA PrrH of Pseudomonas aeruginosa regulates hemolysis and oxidative resistance in bloodstream infection

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) regulate multiple physiological functions in bacteria, and sRNA PrrH can regulate iron homeostasis and virulence. However, the function of PrrH in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bloodstream infection (BSI) is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PrrH in P. aeruginosa BSI model. First, P. aeruginosa PAO1 was co-cultured with peripheral blood cells for 6 h qRT-PCR results showed a transient up-regulation of PrrH expression at 1 h. Simultaneously, the expression of iron uptake genes fpvA, pvdS and phuR was upregulated. In addition, the use of iron chelator 2,2'-dipyridyl to create low-iron conditions caused up-regulation of PrrH expression, a result similar to the BSI model. Furthermore, the addition of FeCl3 was found to decrease PrrH expression. These results support the hypothesis that the expression of PrrH is regulated by iron in BSI model. Then, to clarify the effect of PrrH on major cells in the blood, we used PrrH mutant, overexpressing and wild-type strains to act separately on erythrocytes and neutrophils. On one hand, the hemolysis assay revealed that PrrH contributes to the hemolytic activity of PAO1, and its effect was dependent on the T3SS system master regulator gene exsA, yet had no association with the hemolytic phospholipase C (plcH), pldA, and lasB elastase genes. On the other hand, PrrH mutant enhanced the oxidative resistance of PAO1 in the neutrophils co-culture assay, H2O2-treated growth curve and conventional plate spotting assays. Furthermore, the katA was predicted to be a target gene of PrrH by bioinformatics software, and then verified by qPCR and GFP reporter system. In summary, dynamic changes in the expression of prrH are iron-regulated during PAO1 bloodstream infection. In addition, PrrH promotes the hemolytic activity of P. aeruginosa in an exsA-dependent manner and negatively regulates katA to reduce the oxidative tolerance of P. aeruginosa.

Identification and Regulatory Roles of a New Csr Small RNA from Arctic Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea BSW20308 in Temperature Responses

Small RNAs (sRNAs) play a very important role in gene regulation at the posttranscriptional level. However, sRNAs from nonmodel microorganisms, extremophiles in particular, have been rarely explored. We discovered a putative sRNA, termed Pf1 sRNA, in Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea BSW20308 isolated from the polar regions in our previous work. In this study, we identified the sRNA and investigated its regulatory role in gene expression under different temperatures. Pf1 sRNA was confirmed to be a new member of the CsrB family but has little sequence similarity with Escherichia coli CsrB. However, Pf1 sRNA was able to bind to CsrA from E. coli and P. fuliginea BSW20308 to regulate glycogen synthesis. The Pf1 sRNA knockout strain (ΔPf1) affected motility, fitness, and global gene expression in transcriptomes and proteomes at 4°C and 32°C. Genes related to carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, salinity tolerance, antibiotic resistance, oxidative stress, motility, chemotaxis, biofilm, and secretion systems were differentially expressed in the wild-type strain and the ΔPf1 mutant. Our study suggested that Pf1 sRNA might play an important role in response to environmental changes by regulating global gene expression. Specific targets of the Pf1 sRNA-CsrA system were tentatively proposed, such as genes involved in the type VI secretion system, TonB-dependent receptors, and response regulators, but most of them have an unknown function. Since this is the first study of CsrB family sRNA in Pseudoalteromonas and microbes from the polar regions, it provides a novel insight at the posttranscriptional level into the responses and adaptation to temperature changes in bacteria from extreme environments. This study also sheds light on the evolution of sRNA in extreme environments and expands the bacterial sRNA database. IMPORTANCE Previous research on microbial temperature adaptation has focused primarily on functional genes, with little attention paid to posttranscriptional regulation. Small RNAs, the major posttranscriptional modulators of gene expression, are greatly underexplored, especially in nonpathogenic and nonmodel microorganisms. In this study, we verified the first Csr sRNA, named Pf1 sRNA, from Pseudoalteromonas, a model genus for studying cold adaptation. We revealed that Pf1 sRNA played an important role in global regulation and was indispensable in improving fitness. This study provided us a comprehensive view of sRNAs from Pseudoalteromonas and expanded our understanding of bacterial sRNAs from extreme environments.

The Small RNA AmiL Regulates Quorum Sensing-Mediated Virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen of humans with hundreds of its virulence factors regulated by quorum sensing (QS) system. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are also key regulators of bacterial virulence. However, the QS regulatory sRNAs (Qrrs) that have been characterized in P. aeruginosa are still largely unknown. Here, sRNA AmiL (PA3366.1) in the amiEBCRS operon of PAO1 was identified as a novel Qrr by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). The expression of AmiL was negatively regulated by the las or rhl system, of which RhlR probably inhibited its transcription. AmiL deletion mutant and overexpressing strains were constructed in PAO1. Broad phenotypic changes were found, including reduced pyocyanin synthesis, elastase activity, biofilm formation, hemolytic activity, and cytotoxicity, as well as increased rhamnolipid production and swarming motility. AmiL appears to be a new regulator that influences diverse QS-mediated virulence. Furthermore, AmiL directly targeted PhzC, a key member of pyocyanin synthesis. AmiL also negatively regulated lasI expression in the early growth of PAO1, but predominantly increased rhlI expression and C4-HSL production in the middle and late stages. Therefore, a novel QS-sRNA signaling cascade of las/rhl (RhlR)-AmiL-PhzC/las/rhl was demonstrated, and it will help to shed new light on the virulence regulatory network of P. aeruginosa PAO1.

IMPORTANCEP. aeruginosa is a common nosocomial pathogen that causes diverse opportunistic infections in humans. The virulence crucial for infection is mainly regulated by QS. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) involved in virulence regulation have also been identified in many bacteria. Recently, there is a growing interest in the new sRNA species, QS regulatory sRNAs (Qrrs). Understanding Qrrs-mediated regulation in P. aeruginosa virulence is therefore important to combat infection. In this study, a previously uncharacterized sRNA AmiL in PAO1 has been identified as a novel Qrr. It has been found to influence diverse QS-mediated virulence factors including pyocyanin, elastase, rhamnolipid, and hemolysin, as well as biofilm formation, swarming motility, and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, PhzC essential for pyocyanin synthesis was a direct target of AmiL. QS gene expression and C4-HSL production were also regulated by AmiL. This study provides insights into the roles of Qrr AmiL in modulating P. aeruginosa virulence.

Specific and Global RNA Regulators in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae) is an opportunistic pathogen showing a high intrinsic resistance to a wide variety of antibiotics. It causes nosocomial infections that are particularly detrimental to immunocompromised individuals and to patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. We provide a snapshot on regulatory RNAs of Pae that impact on metabolism, pathogenicity and antibiotic susceptibility. Different experimental approaches such as in silico predictions, co-purification with the RNA chaperone Hfq as well as high-throughput RNA sequencing identified several hundreds of regulatory RNA candidates in Pae. Notwithstanding, using in vitro and in vivo assays, the function of only a few has been revealed. Here, we focus on well-characterized small base-pairing RNAs, regulating specific target genes as well as on larger protein-binding RNAs that sequester and thereby modulate the activity of translational repressors. As the latter impact large gene networks governing metabolism, acute or chronic infections, these protein-binding RNAs in conjunction with their cognate proteins are regarded as global post-transcriptional regulators.

YbeY controls the type III and type VI secretion systems and biofilm formation through RetS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

YbeY is a highly conserved RNase in bacteria and plays essential roles in the maturation of 16S rRNA, regulation of small RNAs (sRNAs) and bacterial responses to environmental stresses. Previously, we verified the role of YbeY in rRNA processing and ribosome maturation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and demonstrated YbeY-mediated regulation of rpoS through a sRNA ReaL. In this study, we demonstrate that mutation of the ybeY gene results in upregulation of the type III secretion system (T3SS) genes as well as downregulation of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) genes and reduction of biofilm formation. By examining the expression of the known sRNAs in P. aeruginosa, we found that mutation of the ybeY gene leads to downregulation of the small RNAs RsmY/Z that control the T3SS, the T6SS and biofilm formation. Further studies revealed that the reduced levels of RsmY/Z are due to upregulation of retS Taken together, our results reveal the pleiotropic functions of YbeY and provide detailed mechanisms of YbeY-mediated regulation in P. aeruginosa IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a variety of acute and chronic infections in humans. The type III secretion system (T3SS) plays an important role in acute infection and the type VI secretion system (T6SS) and biofilm formation are associated with chronic infections. Understanding of the mechanisms that control the virulence determinants involved in acute and chronic infections will provide clues for the development of effective treatment strategies. Our results reveal a novel RNase mediated regulation on the T3SS, T6SS and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa.

A High-Throughput Method for Identifying Novel Genes That Influence Metabolic Pathways Reveals New Iron and Heme Regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The ability to simultaneously and more directly correlate genes with metabolite levels on a global level would provide novel information for many biological platforms yet has thus far been challenging. Here, we describe a method to help address this problem, which we dub “Met-Seq” (metabolite-coupled Tn sequencing).

Heme is an essential metabolite for most life on earth. Bacterial pathogens almost universally require iron to infect a host, often acquiring this nutrient in the form of heme. The Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is no exception, where heme acquisition and metabolism are known to be crucial for both chronic and acute infections. To unveil unknown genes and pathways that could play a role with heme metabolic flux in this pathogen, we devised an omic-based approach we dubbed “Met-Seq,” for metabolite-coupled transposon sequencing. Met-Seq couples a biosensor with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and massively parallel sequencing, allowing for direct identification of genes associated with metabolic changes. In this work, we first construct and validate a heme biosensor for use with P. aeruginosa and exploit Met-Seq to identify 188 genes that potentially influence intracellular heme levels. Identified genes largely consisted of metabolic pathways not previously associated with heme, including many secreted virulence effectors, as well as 11 predicted small RNAs (sRNAs) and riboswitches whose functions are not currently understood. We verify that five Met-Seq hits affect intracellular heme levels; a predicted extracytoplasmic function (ECF) factor, a phospholipid acquisition system, heme biosynthesis regulator Dnr, and two predicted antibiotic monooxygenase (ABM) domains of unknown function (PA0709 and PA3390). Finally, we demonstrate that PA0709 and PA3390 are novel heme-binding proteins. Our data suggest that Met-Seq could be extrapolated to other biological systems and metabolites for which there is an available biosensor, and provides a new template for further exploration of iron/heme regulation and metabolism in P. aeruginosa and other pathogens.

IMPORTANCE The ability to simultaneously and more directly correlate genes with metabolite levels on a global level would provide novel information for many biological platforms yet has thus far been challenging. Here, we describe a method to help address this problem, which we dub “Met-Seq” (metabolite-coupled Tn sequencing). Met-Seq uses the powerful combination of fluorescent biosensors, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to rapidly identify genes that influence the levels of specific intracellular metabolites. For proof of concept, we create and test a heme biosensor and then exploit Met-Seq to identify novel genes involved in the regulation of heme in the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Met-Seq-generated data were largely comprised of genes which have not previously been reported to influence heme levels in this pathogen, two of which we verify as novel heme-binding proteins. As heme is a required metabolite for host infection in P. aeruginosa and most other pathogens, our studies provide a new list of targets for potential antimicrobial therapies and shed additional light on the balance between infection, heme uptake, and heme biosynthesis.

Introducing differential RNA-seq mapping to track the early infection phase for Pseudomonas phage ɸKZ

As part of the ongoing renaissance of phage biology, more phage genomes are becoming available through DNA sequencing. However, our understanding of the transcriptome architecture that allows these genomes to be expressed during host infection is generally poor. Transcription start sites (TSSs) and operons have been mapped for very few phages, and an annotated global RNA map of a phage – alone or together with its infected host – is not available at all. Here, we applied differential RNA-seq (dRNA-seq) to study the early, host takeover phase of infection by assessing the transcriptome structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa jumbo phage ɸKZ, a model phage for viral genetics and structural research. This map substantially expands the number of early expressed viral genes, defining TSSs that are active ten minutes after ɸKZ infection. Simultaneously, we record gene expression changes in the host transcriptome during this critical metabolism conversion. In addition to previously reported upregulation of genes associated with amino acid metabolism, we observe strong activation of genes with functions in biofilm formation (cdrAB) and iron storage (bfrB), as well as an activation of the antitoxin ParD. Conversely, ɸKZ infection rapidly down-regulates complexes IV and V of oxidative phosphorylation (atpCDGHF and cyoABCDE). Taken together, our data provide new insights into the transcriptional organization and infection process of the giant bacteriophage ɸKZ and adds a framework for the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of phage–host interactions.

Analysis of 1321 Eubacterium rectale genomes from metagenomes uncovers complex phylogeographic population structure and subspecies functional adaptations

BACKGROUND

Eubacterium rectale is one of the most prevalent human gut bacteria, but its diversity and population genetics are not well understood because large-scale whole-genome investigations of this microbe have not been carried out.

RESULTS

Here, we leverage metagenomic assembly followed by a reference-based binning strategy to screen over 6500 gut metagenomes spanning geography and lifestyle and reconstruct over 1300 E. rectale high-quality genomes from metagenomes. We extend previous results of biogeographic stratification, identifying a new subspecies predominantly found in African individuals and showing that closely related non-human primates do not harbor E. rectale. Comparison of pairwise genetic and geographic distances between subspecies suggests that isolation by distance and co-dispersal with human populations might have contributed to shaping the contemporary population structure of E. rectale. We confirm that a relatively recently diverged E. rectale subspecies specific to Europe consistently lacks motility operons and that it is immotile in vitro, probably due to ancestral genetic loss. The same subspecies exhibits expansion of its carbohydrate metabolism gene repertoire including the acquisition of a genomic island strongly enriched in glycosyltransferase genes involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides new insights into the population structure and ecology of E. rectale and shows that shotgun metagenomes can enable population genomics studies of microbiota members at a resolution and scale previously attainable only by extensive isolate sequencing.

Identification of a novel RhlI/R-PrrH-LasI/Phzc/PhzD signalling cascade and its implication in P. aeruginosa virulence

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) act as key regulators in many bacterial signalling cascades. However, in P. aeruginosa, the sRNAs involved in quorum sensing (QS) regulation and their function are still largely unknown. Here, we explored how the prrH locus sRNA influences P. aeruginosa virulence in the context of the QS regulatory network. First, gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that PrrH affects pyocyanin, elastase and rhamnolipid production; biofilm formation; and swimming and swarming motility and impaired the viability of P. aeruginosa in human whole blood. Next, our investigation disclosed that LasI and PhzC/D were directly repressed by PrrH. In addition, RhlI, the key member of the rhl QS system, diminished the expression of PrrH and enhanced the expression of downstream genes. Bioinformatics analysis found two binding sites of RhlR, the transcription factor of the rhl system, on the promoter region of prrH. Further β-galactosidase reporter and qPCR assays confirmed that PrrH was transcriptionally repressed by RhlR. Collectively, our data identified a novel RhlI/R-PrrH-LasI/PhzC/PhzD regulatory circuitry that may contribute to P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. Our findings indicate that PrrH is a quorum regulatory RNA (Qrr) in P. aeruginosa and provide new insight into PrrH’s function.

Computational search for UV radiation resistance strategies in Deinococcus swuensis isolated from Paramo ecosystems

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is widely known as deleterious for many organisms since it can cause damage to biomolecules either directly or indirectly via the formation of reactive oxygen species. The goal of this study was to analyze the capacity of high-mountain Espeletia hartwegiana plant phyllosphere microorganisms to survive UVR and to identify genes related to resistance strategies. A strain of Deinococcus swuensis showed a high survival rate of up to 60% after UVR treatment at 800J/m2 and was used for differential expression analysis using RNA-seq after exposing cells to 400J/m2 of UVR (with >95% survival rate). Differentially expressed genes were identified using the R-Bioconductor package NOISeq and compared with other reported resistance strategies reported for this genus. Genes identified as being overexpressed included transcriptional regulators and genes involved in protection against damage by UVR. Non-coding (nc)RNAs were also differentially expressed, some of which have not been previously implicated. This study characterized the immediate radiation response of D. swuensis and indicates the involvement of ncRNAs in the adaptation to extreme environmental conditions.

The ability of farnesol to prevent adhesion and disrupt Fusarium keratoplasticum biofilm

A biofilm is represented by a community of microorganisms capable of adhering to a surface and producing substances that envelop the cells, forming an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is responsible for protecting microorganisms against environmental stress, hosts the immune system and confers resistance to antimicrobials. Fusarium keratoplasticum is a common species of FSSC (Fusarium solani species complex) associated with human infections, being the most prevalent species related to biofilm formation in hospital water systems and internal pipelines. With this in mind, this study aimed to characterise the biofilm formed by the fungus F. keratoplasticum and to evaluate the effects of farnesol, a fungal quorum sensing (QS) molecule, on the preformed biofilm and also during its formation at different times (adhesion and 24, 48 and 72 h). F. keratoplasticum is able to adhere to an abiotic surface and form a dense biofilm in 72 h, with increased total biomass and matrix modulation with the presence of extracellular DNA, RNA, polysaccharides and proteins. Farnesol exhibited important anti-biofilm activity, causing the destruction of hyphae and the extracellular matrix in preformed biofilm and preventing the adhesion of conidia, filamentation and the formation of biofilm. Few studies have characterised the formation of biofilm by filamentous fungi. Our findings suggest that farnesol acts efficiently on F. keratoplasticum biofilm since this molecule is capable of breaking the extracellular matrix, thereby disarranging the biofilm.

Surface association sensitizes Pseudomonas aeruginosa to quorum sensing

In the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, LasR is a quorum sensing (QS) master regulator that senses the concentration of secreted autoinducers as a proxy for bacterial cell density. Counterintuitively, previous studies showed that saturating amounts of the LasR ligand, 3OC12-HSL, fail to induce the full LasR regulon in low-density liquid cultures. Here we demonstrate that surface association, which is necessary for many of the same group behaviors as QS, promotes stronger QS responses. We show that lasR is upregulated upon surface association, and that surface-associated bacteria induce LasR targets more strongly in response to autoinducer than planktonic cultures. This increased sensitivity may be due to surface-dependent lasR induction initiating a positive feedback loop through the small RNA, Lrs1. The increased sensitivity of surface-associated cells to QS is affected by the type IV pilus (TFP) retraction motors and the minor pilins. The coupling of physical surface responses and chemical QS responses could enable these bacteria to trigger community behaviors more robustly when they are more beneficial.

High-throughput screen reveals sRNAs regulating crRNA biogenesis by targeting CRISPR leader to repress Rho termination

Discovery of CRISPR-Cas systems is one of paramount importance in the field of microbiology. Currently, how CRISPR-Cas systems are finely regulated remains to be defined. Here we use small regulatory RNA (sRNA) library to screen sRNAs targeting type I-F CRISPR-Cas system through proximity ligation by T4 RNA ligase and find 34 sRNAs linking to CRISPR loci. Among 34 sRNAs for potential regulators of CRISPR, sRNA pant463 and PhrS enhance CRISPR loci transcription, while pant391 represses their transcription. We identify PhrS as a regulator of CRISPR-Cas by binding CRISPR leaders to suppress Rho-dependent transcription termination. PhrS-mediated anti-termination facilitates CRISPR locus transcription to generate CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and subsequently promotes CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity against bacteriophage invasion. Furthermore, this also exists in type I-C/-E CRISPR-Cas, suggesting general regulatory mechanisms in bacteria kingdom. Our findings identify sRNAs as important regulators of CRISPR-Cas, extending roles of sRNAs in controlling bacterial physiology by promoting CRISPR-Cas adaptation priming.

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) regulate bacterial functions by finding nucleic acids and proteins. Here the authors identify PhrS sRNA in Pseudomonas as a positive regulator of CRISPR, and show PhrS acts by binding to CRISPR leader, thereby preventing Rho-mediated transcription termination and promoting anti-bacteriophage immunity.

A Small RNA Transforms the Multidrug Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Drug Susceptibility

Bacteria with multiple drug resistance (MDR) have become a global issue worldwide, and hundreds of thousands of people’s lives are threatened every year. The emergence of novel MDR strains and insufficient development of new antimicrobial agents are the major reasons that limit the choice of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infection. Thus, preserving the clinical value of current antibiotics could be one of the effective approaches to resolve this problem. Here we identified numerous novel small RNAs that were downregulated in the MDR clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeru), and we demonstrated that overexpression of one of these small RNAs (sRNAs), AS1974, was able to transform the MDR clinical strain to drug hypersusceptibility. AS1974 is the master regulator to moderate the expression of several drug resistance pathways, including membrane transporters and biofilm-associated antibiotic-resistant genes, and its expression is regulated by the methylation sites located at the 5′ UTR of the gene. Our findings unravel the sRNA that regulates the MDR pathways in clinical isolates of P. aeru. Moreover, transforming bacterial drug resistance to hypersusceptibility using sRNA could be the potential approach for tackling MDR bacteria in the future.

Small Noncoding Regulatory RNAs from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia Complex

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most life-limiting autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians. CF is characterized by abnormal viscous secretions that impair the function of several tissues, with chronic bacterial airway infections representing the major cause of early decease of these patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and bacteria from the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are the leading pathogens of CF patients’ airways. A wide array of virulence factors is responsible for the success of infections caused by these bacteria, which have tightly regulated responses to the host environment. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are major regulatory molecules in these bacteria. Several approaches have been developed to study P. aeruginosa sRNAs, many of which were characterized as being involved in the virulence. On the other hand, the knowledge on Bcc sRNAs remains far behind. The purpose of this review is to update the knowledge on characterized sRNAs involved in P. aeruginosa virulence, as well as to compile data so far achieved on sRNAs from the Bcc and their possible roles on bacteria virulence.

The absence of SigX results in impaired carbon metabolism and membrane fluidity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, SigX is an extra-cytoplasmic function σ factor that belongs to the cell wall stress response network. In previous studies, we made the puzzling observation that sigX mutant growth was severely affected in rich lysogeny broth (LB) but not in minimal medium. Here, through comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, we show that the absence of SigX results in dysregulation of genes, whose products are mainly involved in transport, carbon and energy metabolisms. Production of most of these genes is controlled by carbon catabolite repression (CCR), a key regulatory system than ensures preferential carbon source uptake and utilization, substrate prioritization and metabolism. The strong CCR response elicited in LB was lowered in a sigX mutant, suggesting altered nutrient uptake. Since the absence of SigX affects membrane composition and fluidity, we suspected membrane changes to cause such phenotype. The detergent polysorbate 80 (PS80) can moderately destabilize the envelope resulting in non-specific increased nutrient intake. Remarkably, growth, membrane fluidity and expression of dysregulated genes in the sigX mutant strain were restored in LB supplemented with PS80. Altogether, these data suggest that SigX is indirectly involved in CCR regulation, possibly via its effects on membrane integrity and fluidity.

Impact of bacterial sRNAs in stress responses

Bacterial life is harsh and involves numerous environmental and internal challenges that are perceived as stresses. Consequently, adequate responses to survive, cope with, and counteract stress conditions have evolved. In the last few decades, a class of small, non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) has been shown to be involved as key players in stress responses. This review will discuss — primarily from an enterobacterial perspective — selected stress response pathways that involve antisense-type sRNAs. These include themes of how bacteria deal with severe envelope stress, threats of DNA damage, problems with poisoning due to toxic sugar intermediates, issues of iron homeostasis, and nutrient limitation/starvation. The examples discussed highlight how stress relief can be achieved, and how sRNAs act mechanistically in regulatory circuits. For some cases, we will propose scenarios that may suggest why contributions from post-transcriptional control by sRNAs, rather than transcriptional control alone, appear to be a beneficial and universally selected feature.

Two-component system CbrA/CbrB controls alginate production in Azotobacter vinelandii

Azotobacter vinelandii, belonging to the Pseudomonadaceae family, is a free-living bacterium that has been considered to be a good source for the production of bacterial polymers such as alginate. In A. vinelandii the synthesis of this polymer is regulated by the Gac/Rsm post-transcriptional regulatory system, in which the RsmA protein binds to the mRNA of the biosynthetic algD gene, inhibiting translation. In several Pseudomonas spp. the two-component system CbrA/CbrB has been described to control a variety of metabolic and behavioural traits needed for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In this work, we show that the A. vinelandii CbrA/CbrB two-component system negatively affects alginate synthesis, a function that has not been described in Pseudomonas aeruginosa or any other Pseudomonas species. CbrA/CbrB was found to control the expression of some alginate biosynthetic genes, mainly algD translation. In agreement with this result, the CbrA/CbrB system was necessary for optimal rsmA expression levels. CbrA/CbrB was also required for maximum accumulation of the sigma factor RpoS. This last effect could explain the positive effect of CbrA/CbrB on rsmA expression, as we also showed that one of the promoters driving rsmA transcription was RpoS-dependent. However, although inactivation of rpoS increased alginate production by almost 100 %, a cbrA mutation increased the synthesis of this polymer by up to 500 %, implying the existence of additional CbrA/CbrB regulatory pathways for the control of alginate production. The control exerted by CbrA/CbrB on the expression of the RsmA protein indicates the central role of this system in regulating carbon metabolism in A. vinelandii.

Small RNAs in Bacterial Virulence and Communication

Bacterial pathogens must endure or adapt to different environments and stresses during transmission and infection. Posttranscriptional gene expression control by regulatory RNAs, such as small RNAs and riboswitches, is now considered central to adaptation in many bacteria, including pathogens. The study of RNA-based regulation (riboregulation) in pathogenic species has provided novel insight into how these bacteria regulate virulence gene expression. It has also uncovered diverse mechanisms by which bacterial small RNAs, in general, globally control gene expression. Riboregulators as well as their targets may also prove to be alternative targets or provide new strategies for antimicrobials. In this article, we present an overview of the general mechanisms that bacteria use to regulate with RNA, focusing on examples from pathogens. In addition, we also briefly review how deep sequencing approaches have aided in opening new perspectives in small RNA identification and the study of their functions. Finally, we discuss examples of riboregulators in two model pathogens that control virulence factor expression or survival-associated phenotypes, such as stress tolerance, biofilm formation, or cell-cell communication, to illustrate how riboregulation factors into regulatory networks in bacterial pathogens.

Genetic Regulation of Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii

Multidrug resistant microorganisms are forecast to become the single biggest challenge to medical care in the 21st century. Over the last decades, members of the genus Acinetobacter have emerged as bacterial opportunistic pathogens, in particular as challenging nosocomial pathogens because of the rapid evolution of antimicrobial resistances. Although we lack fundamental biological insight into virulence mechanisms, an increasing number of researchers are working to identify virulence factors and to study antibiotic resistance. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the regulation of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii. A survey of the two-component systems AdeRS, BaeSR, GacSA and PmrAB explains how each contributes to antibiotic resistance and virulence gene expression, while BfmRS regulates cell envelope structures important for pathogen persistence. A. baumannii uses the transcription factors Fur and Zur to sense iron or zinc depletion and upregulate genes for metal scavenging as a critical survival tool in an animal host. Quorum sensing, nucleoid-associated proteins, and non-classical transcription factors such as AtfA and small regulatory RNAs are discussed in the context of virulence and antibiotic resistance.

Cross-regulation by CrcZ RNA controls anoxic biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) can thrive in anaerobic biofilms in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Here, we show that CrcZ is the most abundant PA14 RNA bound to the global regulator Hfq in anoxic biofilms grown in cystic fibrosis sputum medium. Hfq was crucial for anoxic biofilm formation. This observation complied with an RNAseq based transcriptome analysis and follow up studies that implicated Hfq in regulation of a central step preceding denitrification. CrcZ is known to act as a decoy that sequesters Hfq during relief of carbon catabolite repression, which in turn alleviates Hfq-mediated translational repression of catabolic genes. We therefore inferred that CrcZ indirectly impacts on biofilm formation by competing for Hfq. This hypothesis was supported by the findings that over-production of CrcZ mirrored the biofilm phenotype of the hfq deletion mutant, and that deletion of the crcZ gene augmented biofilm formation. To our knowledge, this is the first example where competition for Hfq by CrcZ cross-regulates an Hfq-dependent physiological process unrelated to carbon metabolism.

Dual-seq transcriptomics reveals the battle for iron during Pseudomonas aeruginosa acute murine pneumonia

Determining bacterial gene expression during infection is fundamental to understand pathogenesis. In this study, we used dual RNA-seq to simultaneously measure P. aeruginosa and the murine host’s gene expression and response to respiratory infection. Bacterial genes encoding products involved in metabolism and virulence were differentially expressed during infection and the type III and VI secretion systems were highly expressed in vivo. Strikingly, heme acquisition, ferric-enterobactin transport, and pyoverdine biosynthesis genes were found to be significantly up-regulated during infection. In the mouse, we profiled the acute immune response to P. aeruginosa and identified the pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in acute response to the bacterium in the lung. Additionally, we also identified numerous host iron sequestration systems upregulated during infection. Overall, this work sheds light on how P. aeruginosa triggers a pro-inflammatory response and competes for iron with the host during infection, as iron is one of the central elements for which both pathogen and host fight during acute pneumonia.

Global transcriptome responses including small RNAs during mixed-species interactions with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus mixed‐species biofilm infections are more resilient to biocide attacks compared to their single‐species counterparts. Therefore, this study used an in vitro model recapitulating bacterial burdens seen in in vivo infections to investigate the interactions of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in biofilms. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was utilized to identify the entire genomic response, both open reading frames (ORFs) and small RNAs (sRNAs), of each species. Using competitive indexes, transposon mutants validated uncharacterized PA1595 of P. aeruginosa and Panton–Valentine leukocidin ORFs of S. aureus are required for competitive success. Assessing spent media on biofilm development determined that the effects of these ORFs are not solely mediated by mechanisms of secretion. Unlike PA1595, leukocidin (lukS‐PV) mutants of S. aureus lack a competitive advantage through contact‐mediated mechanisms demonstrated by cross‐hatch assays. RNA‐seq results suggested that during planktonic mixed‐species growth there is a robust genomic response or active combat from both pathogens until a state of equilibrium is reached during the maturation of a biofilm. In mixed‐species biofilms, P. aeruginosa differentially expressed only 0.3% of its genome, with most ORFs necessary for growth and biofilm development, whereas S. aureus modulated approximately 5% of its genome, with ORFs suggestive of a phenotype of increased virulence and metabolic quiescence. Specific expression of characterized sRNAs aligned with the genomic response to presumably coordinate the adaptive changes necessary for this homeostatic mixed‐species biofilm and sRNAs may provide viable foci for the design of future therapeutics.

RsmW, Pseudomonas aeruginosa small non-coding RsmA-binding RNA upregulated in biofilm versus planktonic growth conditions

BACKGROUND

Biofilm development, specifically the fundamentally adaptive switch from acute to chronic infection phenotypes, requires global regulators and small non-coding regulatory RNAs (sRNAs). This work utilized RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to detect sRNAs differentially expressed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm versus planktonic state.

RESULTS

A computational algorithm was devised to detect and categorize sRNAs into 5 types: intergenic, intragenic, 5'-UTR, 3'-UTR, and antisense. Here we report a novel RsmY/RsmZ-type sRNA, termed RsmW, in P. aeruginosa up-transcribed in biofilm versus planktonic growth. RNA-Seq, 5'-RACE and Mfold predictions suggest RsmW has a secondary structure with 3 of 7 GGA motifs located on outer stem loops. Northern blot revealed two RsmW binding bands of 400 and 120 bases, suggesting RsmW is derived from the 3'-UTR of the upstream hypothetical gene, PA4570. RsmW expression is elevated in late stationary versus logarithmic growth phase in PB minimal media, at higher temperatures (37 °C versus 28 °C), and in both gacA and rhlR transposon mutants versus wild-type. RsmW specifically binds to RsmA protein in vitro and restores biofilm production and reduces swarming in an rsmY/rsmZ double mutant. PA4570 weakly resembles an RsmA/RsmN homolog having 49 % and 51 % similarity, and 16 % and 17 % identity to RsmA and RsmN amino acid sequences, respectively. PA4570 was unable to restore biofilm and swarming phenotypes in ΔrsmA deficient strains.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our study reveals an interesting theme regarding another sRNA regulator of the Rsm system and further unravels the complexities regulating adaptive responses for Pseudomonas species.

Next-Generation "-omics" Approaches Reveal a Massive Alteration of Host RNA Metabolism during Bacteriophage Infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

As interest in the therapeutic and biotechnological potentials of bacteriophages has grown, so has value in understanding their basic biology. However, detailed knowledge of infection cycles has been limited to a small number of model bacteriophages, mostly infecting Escherichia coli. We present here the first analysis coupling data obtained from global next-generation approaches, RNA-Sequencing and metabolomics, to characterize interactions between the virulent bacteriophage PAK_P3 and its host Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We detected a dramatic global depletion of bacterial transcripts coupled with their replacement by viral RNAs over the course of infection, eventually leading to drastic changes in pyrimidine metabolism. This process relies on host machinery hijacking as suggested by the strong up-regulation of one bacterial operon involved in RNA processing. Moreover, we found that RNA-based regulation plays a central role in PAK_P3 lifecycle as antisense transcripts are produced mainly during the early stage of infection and viral small non coding RNAs are massively expressed at the end of infection. This work highlights the prominent role of RNA metabolism in the infection strategy of a bacteriophage belonging to a new characterized sub-family of viruses with promising therapeutic potential.

Rapid and high-throughput construction of microbial cell-factories with regulatory noncoding RNAs

Due to global crises such as pollution and depletion of fossil fuels, sustainable technologies based on microbial cell-factories have been garnering great interest as an alternative to chemical factories. The development of microbial cell-factories is imperative in cutting down the overall manufacturing cost. Thus, diverse metabolic engineering strategies and engineering tools have been established to obtain a preferred genotype and phenotype displaying superior productivity. However, these tools are limited to only a handful of genes with permanent modification of a genome and significant labor costs, and this is one of the bottlenecks associated with biofactory construction. Therefore, a groundbreaking rapid and high-throughput engineering tool is needed for efficient construction of microbial cell-factories. During the last decade, copious small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been discovered in bacteria. These are involved in substantial regulatory roles like transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation by modulating mRNA elongation, stability, or translational efficiency. Because of their vulnerability, ncRNAs can be used as another layer of conditional control over gene expression without modifying chromosomal sequences, and hence would be a promising high-throughput tool for metabolic engineering. Here, we review successful design principles and applications of ncRNAs for high-throughput metabolic engineering or physiological studies of diverse industrially important microorganisms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa AmpR: an acute-chronic switch regulator

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most intractable human pathogens that pose serious clinical challenge due to extensive prevalence of multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Armed with abundant virulence and antibiotic resistance mechanisms, it is a major etiologic agent in a number of acute and chronic infections. A complex and intricate network of regulators dictates the expression of pathogenicity factors in P. aeruginosa. Some proteins within the network play key roles and control multiple pathways. This review discusses the role of one such protein, AmpR, which was initially recognized for its role in antibiotic resistance by regulating AmpC β-lactamase. Recent genomic, proteomic and phenotypic analyses demonstrate that AmpR regulates expression of hundreds of genes that are involved in diverse pathways such as β-lactam and non-β-lactam resistance, quorum sensing and associated virulence phenotypes, protein phosphorylation, and physiological processes. Finally, ampR mutations in clinical isolates are reviewed to shed light on important residues required for its function in antibiotic resistance. The prevalence and evolutionary implications of AmpR in pathogenic and nonpathogenic proteobacteria are also discussed. A comprehensive understanding of proteins at nodal positions in the P. aeruginosa regulatory network is crucial in understanding, and ultimately targeting, the pathogenic stratagems of this organism.

Expression analysis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgZR two-component regulatory system

Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence components are subject to complex regulatory control primarily through two-component regulatory systems that allow for sensing and responding to environmental stimuli. In this study, the expression and regulation of the P. aeruginosa AlgZR two-component regulatory system were examined. Primer extension and S1 nuclease protection assays were used to identify two transcriptional initiation sites for algR within the algZ coding region, and two additional start sites were identified upstream of the algZ coding region. The two algR transcriptional start sites, RT1 and RT2, are directly regulated by AlgU, consistent with previous reports of increased algR expression in mucoid backgrounds, and RpoS additionally plays a role in algR transcription. The expression of the first algZ promoter, ZT1, is entirely dependent upon Vfr for expression, whereas Vfr, RpoS, or AlgU does not regulate the second algZ promoter, ZT2. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and transcriptional fusion analyses show that algZR expression is Vfr dependent. The algZ and algR genes also are cotranscribed in both nonmucoid and mucoid backgrounds. Furthermore, algZR was found to be cotranscribed with hemCD by RT-PCR. RT-qPCR confirmed that hemC transcription in the PAO1 ΔalgZ mutant was 40% of the level of the wild-type strain. Taken together, these results indicate that algZR transcription involves multiple factors at multiple start sites that control individual gene expression as well as coexpression of this two-component system with heme biosynthetic genes.

Post-transcriptional regulation of the virulence-associated enzyme AlgC by the σ(22) -dependent small RNA ErsA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The small RNA ErsA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, transcribed from the same genomic context of the well-known Escherichia coli Spot 42, has been characterized. We show that, different from Spot 42, ErsA is under the transcriptional control of the envelope stress response, which is known to impact the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa through the activity of the alternative sigma factor σ(22) . The transcriptional responsiveness of ErsA RNA also spans infection-relevant cues that P. aeruginosa can experience in mammalian hosts, such as limited iron availability, temperature shifts from environmental to body temperature and reduced oxygen conditions. Another difference between Spot 42 and ErsA is that ErsA does not seem to be involved in the regulation of carbon source catabolism. Instead, our results suggest that ErsA is linked to anabolic functions for the synthesis of exoproducts from sugar precursors. We show that ErsA directly operates in the negative post-transcriptional regulation of the algC gene that encodes the virulence-associated enzyme AlgC, which provides sugar precursors for the synthesis of several P. aeruginosa polysaccharides. Like ErsA, the activation of algC expression is also dependent on σ(22) . Altogether, our results suggest that ErsA and σ(22) combine in an incoherent feed-forward loop to fine-tune AlgC enzyme expression.

Small RNAs in mycobacteria: an unfolding story

Mycobacteria represent a class of powerful pathogens, including those causing tuberculosis and leprosy, which continue to be worldwide health challenges. In the last 20 years, an abundance of non-coding, small RNAs (sRNAs) have been discovered in model bacteria and gained significant attention as regulators of cellular responses, including pathogenesis. Naturally, a search in mycobacteria followed, revealing over 200 sRNAs thus far. Characterization of these sRNAs is only beginning, but differential expression under environmental stresses suggests relevance to mycobacterial pathogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of sRNAs in mycobacteria, including historical perspective and techniques used for identification and characterization.

NrsZ: a novel, processed, nitrogen-dependent, small non-coding RNA that regulates Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 virulence

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 has a remarkable capacity to adapt to various environments and to survive with limited nutrients. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel small non-coding RNA: NrsZ (nitrogen-regulated sRNA). We show that under nitrogen limitation, NrsZ is induced by the NtrB/C two component system, an important regulator of nitrogen assimilation and P. aeruginosa's swarming motility, in concert with the alternative sigma factor RpoN. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NrsZ modulates P. aeruginosa motility by controlling the production of rhamnolipid surfactants, virulence factors notably needed for swarming motility. This regulation takes place through the post-transcriptional control of rhlA, a gene essential for rhamnolipids synthesis. Interestingly, we also observed that NrsZ is processed in three similar short modules, and that the first short module encompassing the first 60 nucleotides is sufficient for NrsZ regulatory functions.

Identification of novel regulatory small RNAs in Acinetobacter baumannii

Small RNA (sRNA) molecules are non-coding RNAs that have been implicated in regulation of various cellular processes in living systems, allowing them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Till date, sRNAs have not been reported in Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), which has emerged as a significant multiple drug resistant nosocomial pathogen. In the present study, a combination of bioinformatic and experimental approach was used for identification of novel sRNAs. A total of 31 putative sRNAs were predicted by a combination of two algorithms, sRNAPredict and QRNA. Initially 10 sRNAs were chosen on the basis of lower E- value and three sRNAs (designated as AbsR11, 25 and 28) showed positive signal on Northern blot. These sRNAs are novel in nature as they do not have homologous sequences in other bacterial species. Expression of the three sRNAs was examined in various phases of bacterial growth. Further, the effect of various stress conditions on sRNA gene expression was determined. A detailed investigation revealed differential expression profile of AbsR25 in presence of varying amounts of ethidium bromide (EtBr), suggesting that its expression is influenced by environmental or internal signals such as stress response. A decrease in expression of AbsR25 and concomitant increase in the expression of bioinformatically predicted targets in presence of high EtBr was reverberated by the decrease in target gene expression when AbsR25 was overexpressed. This hints at the negative regulation of target genes by AbsR25. Interestingly, the putative targets include transporter genes and the degree of variation in expression of one of them (A1S_1331) suggests that AbsR25 is involved in regulation of a transporter. This study provides a perspective for future studies of sRNAs and their possible involvement in regulation of antibiotic resistance in bacteria specifically in cryptic A. baumannii.

Advances in understanding Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the type species of pseudomonads, is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes a wide range of niches. Current genome sequencing projects are producing previously inconceivable detail about the population biology and evolution of P. aeruginosa. Its pan-genome has a larger genetic repertoire than the human genome, which explains the broad metabolic capabilities of P. aeruginosa and its ubiquitous distribution in aquatic habitats. P. aeruginosa may persist in the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis for decades. The ongoing whole-genome analyses of serial isolates from cystic fibrosis patients provide the so far singular opportunity to monitor the microevolution of a bacterial pathogen during chronic infection over thousands of generations. Although the evolution in cystic fibrosis lungs is neutral overall, some pathoadaptive mutations are selected during the within-host evolutionary process. Even a single mutation may be sufficient to generate novel complex traits provided that predisposing mutational events have previously occurred in the clonal lineage.

Analysis of the small RNA P16/RgsA in the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000

Bacteria contain small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are responsible for altering transcription, translation or mRNA stability. ncRNAs are important because they regulate virulence factors and susceptibility to various stresses. Here, the regulation of a recently described ncRNA of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, P16, was investigated. We determined that RpoS regulates the expression of P16. We found that deletion of P16 results in increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide compared to the wild-type strain, suggesting that P16 plays a role in the bacteria’s susceptibility to oxidative stress. Additionally the P16 mutant displayed enhanced resistance to heat stress. Our findings provide new information on the regulation and role of this ncRNA in P. syringae.

A dynamic and intricate regulatory network determines Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a metabolically versatile bacterium that is found in a wide range of biotic and abiotic habitats. It is a major human opportunistic pathogen causing numerous acute and chronic infections. The critical traits contributing to the pathogenic potential of P. aeruginosa are the production of a myriad of virulence factors, formation of biofilms and antibiotic resistance. Expression of these traits is under stringent regulation, and it responds to largely unidentified environmental signals. This review is focused on providing a global picture of virulence gene regulation in P. aeruginosa. In addition to key regulatory pathways that control the transition from acute to chronic infection phenotypes, some regulators have been identified that modulate multiple virulence mechanisms. Despite of a propensity for chaotic behaviour, no chaotic motifs were readily observed in the P. aeruginosa virulence regulatory network. Having a ‘birds-eye’ view of the regulatory cascades provides the forum opportunities to pose questions, formulate hypotheses and evaluate theories in elucidating P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms involved in making P. aeruginosa a successful pathogen is essential in helping devise control strategies.