Evolution of virulence control by the staphylococcal agr quorum-sensing regulator

ABSTRACT: The Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) is a prototype quorum-sensing system in Gram-positive bacteria and a paradigmatic example of gene regulation by a small regulatory RNA, RNAIII. Using genome-wide transcriptional profiling in the community-associated methicillin-resistant (CA-MRSA) strain MW2, we demonstrate here that in contrast to the current model of target gene regulation by agr, a large subset of agr-regulated genes is controlled independently of RNAIII. This group comprised predominantly metabolism genes, whereas virulence factors were mostly controlled by RNAIII. Remarkably, the phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) leukocidin genes were the only virulence determinants under RNAIII-independent control, emphasizing their exceptional role in S. aureus physiology and patho

ORGANISM(S): Staphylococcus aureus

SUBMITTER: Amer Villaruz 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-10165 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress