Quorum-sensing regulator LsrR modulates avian pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> pathogenicity through direct regulation of <i>cysN</i>.

ABSTRACT: Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major cause of economic loss in poultry, exacerbated by the rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance. While sulfur metabolism is essential for bacterial growth, its specific role and regulation in APEC virulence remain poorly understood. This study identifies the LsrR-cysN axis as a novel regulatory pathway that critically governs APEC virulence. We demonstrate that the quorum-sensing regulator LsrR directly binds to the cysN promoter, activating its transcription. Functional analysis revealed that cysN deletion drastically attenuated virulence, significantly reducing biofilm formation, serum resistance, adhesion, invasion, and motility. The APEC94∆cysN also exhibited altered antibiotic resistance profiles, which were lin

SUBMITTER: Nawaz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12798060 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature