Surface sensing in Vibrio parahaemolyticus triggers a programme of gene expression that promotes colonization and virulence.

ABSTRACT: Vibrio parahaemolyticus senses surfaces via impeded rotation of its polar flagellum. We have exploited this surface-sensing mechanism to trick the organism into thinking it is on a surface when it is growing in liquid. This facilitated studies of global gene expression in a way that avoided many of the complications of surface-to-liquid comparisons, and illuminated ∼ 70 genes that respond to surface sensing per se. Almost all are surface-induced (not repressed) and encode swarming motility proteins, virulence factors or sensory enzymes involved with chemoreception and c-di-GMP signalling. Follow-up studies were performed to place the surface-responsive genes in a regulatory hierarchy. Mapping the hierarchy revealed two surprises about LafK, a transcriptional activator that until now has be

SUBMITTER: Gode-Potratz CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3075615 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature