Epigenetic control of virulence gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a LysR-type transcription regulator.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic variation within an isogenic bacterial population is thought to ensure the survival of a subset of cells in adverse conditions. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa variably expresses several phenotypes, including antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and the production of CupA fimbriae. Here we describe a previously unidentified bistable switch in P. aeruginosa. This switch controls the expression of a diverse set of genes, including aprA, which encodes the secreted virulence factor alkaline protease. We present evidence that bistable expression of PA2432, herein named bexR (bistable expression regulator), which encodes a LysR-type transcription regulator, controls this switch. In particular, using DNA microarrays, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, chromatin immuno

SUBMITTER: Turner KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2796861 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature