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The cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) regulates mqsRA, coding for the bacterial toxin-antitoxin gene pair, in

Sheetal Uppal1, Narendra Jawali1

  • 1Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.

Research in Microbiology
|September 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial persisters cause recurrent infections. This study reveals cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) regulates antibiotic persistence in E. coli, partly via the MqsRA toxin-antitoxin system.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Physiology
  • Antibiotic Resistance

Background:

  • Bacterial persisters are slow-growing, antibiotic-tolerant cells responsible for recurrent infections.
  • The MqsR-MqsA toxin-antitoxin system is frequently induced in persistent Escherichia coli.
  • Understanding persister cell formation is crucial for combating chronic and recurrent bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) in bacterial persistence.
  • To determine the relationship between CRP and the MqsRA toxin-antitoxin system in Escherichia coli.
  • To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying antibiotic tolerance in bacterial populations.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the effect of CRP on mqsRA transcription.
  • Assessed the role of CRP in antibiotic persistence.
  • Analyzed the contribution of the MqsRA system to CRP-mediated persistence.

Main Results:

  • CRP was found to indirectly upregulate mqsRA transcription.
  • CRP plays a significant role in antibiotic persistence in E. coli.
  • The MqsRA system partially mediates the effect of CRP on persistence.

Conclusions:

  • CRP is an important regulator of antibiotic persistence in Escherichia coli.
  • The MqsRA toxin-antitoxin system is involved in CRP-mediated antibiotic tolerance.
  • Targeting CRP or the MqsRA system may offer new strategies to combat persistent bacterial infections.
Keywords:
AntibioticCRPColiPersisterToxinmqsR

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