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Temporal global changes in gene expression during temperature transition in Yersinia pestis
Vladimir L Motin1, Anca M Georgescu, Joseph P Fitch
1Biology and Biotechnology Research Program, L-452, 7000 East Ave., Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|September 3, 2004
Summary
Yersinia pestis gene expression changes significantly with temperature shifts and calcium presence. These regulatory events promote extensive metabolism of host nutrients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Yersinia pestis is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding Yers pestis gene regulation is crucial for combating infections.
- Environmental factors like temperature and calcium influence bacterial virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate global gene expression changes in Yersinia pestis.
- To determine the impact of temperature shifts (26°C to 37°C) on gene regulation.
- To assess the role of calcium (Ca2+) in modulating these temperature-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized whole-genome DNA microarrays for comprehensive transcriptional profiling.
- Compared gene expression patterns under different temperature conditions (26°C vs. 37°C).
- Evaluated the effect of calcium presence versus absence on gene expression.
Main Results:
- Significant thermoinduction of genes and ORFs on plasmids pCD, pPCP, and pMT.
- Calcium downregulated most thermoinduced genes on pCD.
- 235 chromosomal genes were thermally upregulated and 274 downregulated, with minimal calcium effect.
- These changes lead to increased catabolism of host metabolites.
Conclusions:
- Temperature is a major driver of Yersinia pestis gene regulation, particularly on plasmids.
- Calcium acts as a modulator, primarily downregulating plasmid-borne gene expression.
- The observed regulatory cascade facilitates Yersinia pestis adaptation and nutrient acquisition within the mammalian host.