Quorum sensing employs a dual regulatory mechanism to repress T3SS gene expression.

ABSTRACT: The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a needle-like complex used by numerous bacterial pathogens in host infection to inject exotoxins into the host cell cytoplasm. The T3SS is a known virulence factor in the shrimp pathogen Vibrio campbellii. The ~40 genes comprising the V. campbellii T3SS are regulated by a network of transcription factors in response to changes in the cell's environment: cell density (quorum sensing; QS), temperature, calcium, and host cell contact. Under positive environmental stimuli, the master T3SS transcription factor ExsA activates the expression of the four structural T3SS operons required for needle formation. Previous studies identified a key role of the master QS transcription factor LuxR: repression of exsA transcription via DNA binding

SUBMITTER: Paul P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11980564 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature