Francisella tularensis tmRNA system mutants are vulnerable to stress, avirulent in mice, and provide effective immune protection.

ABSTRACT: Through targeted inactivation of the ssrA and smpB genes, we establish that the trans-translation process is necessary for normal growth, adaptation to cellular stress and virulence by the bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis. The mutant bacteria grow slower, have reduced resistance to heat and cold shocks, and are more sensitive to oxidative stress and sublethal concentrations of antibiotics. Modifications of the tmRNA tag and use of higher-resolution mass spectrometry approaches enabled the identification of a large number of native tmRNA substrates. Of particular significance to understanding the mechanism of trans-translation, we report the discovery of an extended tmRNA tag and extensive ladder-like pattern of endogenous protein-tagging events in F. tularensis that are likely to

SUBMITTER: Svetlanov A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3395464 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature