0000000000860189
AUTHOR
Conor P. O'byrne
The σ B -dependent regulatory sRNA Rli47 represses isoleucine biosynthesis in Listeria monocytogenes through a direct interaction with the ilvA transcript
International audience; The facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can persist and grow in a diverse range of environmental conditions, both outside and within its mammalian host. The alternative sigma factor Sigma B (sigma(B)) plays an important role in this adaptability and is critical for the transition into the host. While some of the functions of the sigma(B) regulon in facilitating this transition are understood the role of sigma(B)-dependent small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) remain poorly characterized. In this study, we focused on elucidating the function of Rli47, a sigma(B)-dependent sRNA that is highly induced in the intestine and in macrophages. Using a combinatio…
Investigation of the roles of AgrA and σB regulators in Listeria monocytogenes adaptation to roots and soil
ABSTRACT Little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that ensure the survival of the food-borne bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in the telluric environment and on roots. Earlier studies have suggested a regulatory overlap between the Agr cell–cell communication system and the general stress response regulator σB. Here, we investigated the contribution of these two systems to root colonisation and survival in sterilised and biotic soil. The ability to colonise the roots of the grass Festuca arundinacea was significantly compromised in the double mutant (∆agrA∆sigB). In sterile soil at 25°C, a significant defect was observed in the double mutant, suggesting some synergy between …
Roles for RpoS in survival of Escherichia coli during protozoan predation and in reduced moisture conditions highlight its importance in soil environments.
The soil is a complex ecosystem where interactions between biotic and abiotic factors determine the survival and fate of microbial inhabitants of the system. Having previously shown that Escherichia coli requires the general stress response regulator, RpoS, to survive long term in soil, it was important to determine what specific conditions in this environment necessitate a functional RpoS. This study investigated the susceptibility of soil-persistent E. coli to predation by the single-celled eukaryotes Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Tetrahymena pyriformis, and the role RpoS plays in resisting this predation. Strain-specific differences were observed in the predation of E. coli strains, with so…