The LetE protein enhances expression of multiple LetA/LetS-dependent transmission traits by Legionella pneumophila.

ABSTRACT: Legionella pneumophila colonizes freshwater amoebae and can also replicate within alveolar macrophages. When their nutrient supply is exhausted, replicating bacteria become cytotoxic, motile, and infectious, which is thought to promote transmission to a new amoeba. The differentiation of L. pneumophila is coordinated by the sigma factors RpoS and FliA and the two-component regulator LetA/LetS and is enhanced by the letE locus. Here we demonstrate that letE promotes motility by increasing expression of the flagellin gene flaA but has little impact on the transcription of fliA, the flagellar sigma factor gene. In addition to promoting motility, letE induces the characteristic shape, pigment, and heat resistance of stationary-phase L. pneumophila. To gain insight into how letE promotes the ex

SUBMITTER: Bachman MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC415668 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature