Copper Intoxication in Group B Streptococcus Triggers Transcriptional Activation of the cop Operon That Contributes to Enhanced Virulence during Acute Infection.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria can utilize copper (Cu) as a trace element to support cellular processes; however, excess Cu can intoxicate bacteria. Here, we characterize the cop operon in group B streptococcus (GBS) and establish its role in evasion of Cu intoxication and the response to Cu stress on virulence. Growth of a GBS mutant deficient in the copA Cu exporter was severely compromised under Cu stress conditions. GBS survival of Cu stress reflected a mechanism of CopY derepression of the CopA efflux system. However, neither mutant was attenuated for intracellular survival in macrophages. Analysis of global transcriptional responses to Cu by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed a stress signature encompassing homeostasis of multiple metals. Genes induced by Cu stress included putative metal tra

SUBMITTER: Sullivan MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8447484 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature