The long 5' UTR of nrdAB modulates mRNA levels, stability, and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

ABSTRACT: The class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), encoded by the nrdAB operon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has a long 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) whose regulatory role remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of the nrdAB 5' UTR using a comprehensive set of bioinformatic and experimental approaches, including gene expression profiling, relative protein levels, and in vivo infection assays in the Galleria mellonella animal model. Our results demonstrate that the 5' UTR negatively regulates nrdA expression by reducing transcript levels, decreasing mRNA stability and limiting protein abundance. Truncation of this region led to increased expression, particularly during the stationary phase, suggesting that this region may contribute to modulating RNR a

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Mateos A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12528414 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature