Transcriptional and Translational Responsiveness of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae Type IV Secretion System to Conditions of Host Infections.

ABSTRACT: The type IV secretion system of Neisseria gonorrhoeae translocates single-stranded DNA into the extracellular space, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and initiating biofilm formation. Expression of this system has been observed to be low under laboratory conditions, and multiple levels of regulation have been identified. We used a translational fusion of lacZ to traD, the gene for the type IV secretion system coupling protein, to screen for increased type IV secretion system expression. We identified several physiologically relevant conditions, including surface adherence, decreased manganese or iron, and increased zinc or copper, which increase gonococcal type IV secretion system protein levels through transcriptional and/or translational mechanisms. These metal treatme

SUBMITTER: Callaghan MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8594608 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature