Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the small protein MgtS contributes to the virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Shujie Li, Yu Pang, Si Zhang, Qing Li, Qian Wang, Lei Wang, Lu Feng

Microbial pathogenesis 2021 Mar

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Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common pathogen causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The pathogenesis of UPEC relies on the formation of intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) after invading bladder epithelial cells (BECs). In this study, the gene expression profiles of UPEC after invading BECs were comprehensively analyzed using RNA sequencing to reveal potential virulence-related genes. The small protein MgtS, which is transcriptionally upregulated in BECs, was further investigated. It was found that MgtS contributed positively to UPEC invasion of BECs and colonization in murine bladders. A two-component regulatory system, PhoPQ was confirmed as a direct activator of mgtS expression in BECs, and magnesium limitation is proposed as a host cue for the activation. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome profile of UPEC during its intra-BECs life, revealing a new virulence-associated gene and its regulatory mechanism. Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Citation

Shujie Li, Yu Pang, Si Zhang, Qing Li, Qian Wang, Lei Wang, Lu Feng. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the small protein MgtS contributes to the virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Microbial pathogenesis. 2021 Mar;152:104765