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Transcriptional regulator PerA influences biofilm-associated, platelet binding, and metabolic gene expression in

Scott M Maddox1, Phillip S Coburn, Nathan Shankar

  • 1Advanced Center for Genome Technology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America.

Plos One
|April 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

PerA is a key regulator in Enterococcus faecalis, controlling numerous genes involved in metabolism and virulence. This finding deepens our understanding of how this opportunistic pathogen causes infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecalis is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Virulence factors are often acquired via horizontal gene transfer on pathogenicity islands (PAIs).
  • The PAI-encoded regulator PerA is known to contribute to E. faecalis pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the genes regulated by PerA (the PerA regulon) in E. faecalis.
  • To understand the role of PerA in coordinating virulence and metabolic functions.
  • To investigate potential environmental influences on PerA activity.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome microarrays were employed to analyze gene expression.
  • Transcriptional analysis was performed to identify differentially regulated genes.
  • E. faecalis strains were assessed for platelet binding capabilities.

Main Results:

  • The PerA regulon encompasses 151 differentially regulated genes.
  • PerA coordinately controls genes involved in metabolism, amino acid degradation, and pathogenicity.
  • PerA activity is influenced by bicarbonate and affects bacterial binding to human platelets.

Conclusions:

  • PerA acts as a global transcriptional regulator in E. faecalis.
  • PerA plays a central role in coordinating pathogenicity and metabolic processes.
  • Understanding PerA regulation offers insights into controlling enterococcal infections.

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