Sigma factor RpoN (σ54) regulates pilE transcription in commensal Neisseria elongata.
Mol Microbiol
; 90(1): 103-13, 2013 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23899162
ABSTRACT
Human-adapted Neisseria includes two pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, and at least 13 species of commensals that colonize many of the same niches as the pathogens. The Type IV pilus plays an important role in the biology of pathogenic Neisseria. In these species, Sigma factor RpoD (σ(70)), Integration Host Factor, and repressors RegF and CrgA regulate transcription of pilE, the gene encoding the pilus structural subunit. The Type IV pilus is also a strictly conserved trait in commensal Neisseria. We present evidence that a different mechanism regulates pilE transcription in commensals. Using Neisseria elongata as a model, we show that Sigma factor RpoN (σ(54)), Integration Host Factor, and an activator we name Npa regulate pilE transcription. Taken in context with previous reports, our findings indicate pilE regulation switched from an RpoN- to an RpoD-dependent mechanism as pathogenic Neisseria diverged from commensals during evolution. Our findings have implications for the timing of Tfp expression and Tfp-mediated host cell interactions in these two groups of bacteria.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
/
Fimbriae Proteins
/
Neisseria elongata
/
RNA Polymerase Sigma 54
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Mol Microbiol
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Year:
2013
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States