A regulatory feedback loop between RpoS and SpoT supports the survival of Legionella pneumophila in water.

ABSTRACT: Legionella pneumophila is a waterborne pathogen, and survival in the aquatic environment is central to its transmission to humans. Therefore, identifying genes required for its survival in water could help prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. In the present study, we investigate the role of the sigma factor RpoS in promoting survival in water, where L. pneumophila experiences severe nutrient deprivation. The rpoS mutant showed a strong survival defect compared to the wild-type strain in defined water medium. The transcriptome of the rpoS mutant during exposure to water revealed that RpoS represses genes associated with replication, translation, and transcription, suggesting that the mutant fails to shut down major metabolic programs. In addition, the rpoS mutant is transcriptionally mo

SUBMITTER: Trigui H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4292471 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature