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Published on: May 23, 2021
RNA target profiles direct the discovery of virulence functions for the cold-shock proteins CspC and CspE
Charlotte Michaux1, Erik Holmqvist1, Erin Vasicek2
1RNA Biology Group, Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, D-97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The functions of many bacterial RNA-binding proteins remain obscure because of a lack of knowledge of their cellular ligands. Although well-studied cold-shock protein A (CspA) family members are induced and function at low temperature, others are highly expressed in infection-relevant conditions. Here, we have profiled transcripts bound in vivo by the CspA family members of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to link the constitutively expressed CspC and CspE proteins with virulence pathways. Phenotypic assays in vitro demonstrated a crucial role for these proteins in membrane stress, motility, and biofilm formation. Moreover, double deletion of cspC and cspE fully attenuates Salmonella in systemic mouse infection. In other words, the RNA ligand-centric approach taken here overcomes a problematic molecular redundancy of CspC and CspE that likely explains why these proteins have evaded selection in previous virulence factor screens in animals. Our results highlight RNA-binding proteins as regulators of pathogenicity and potential targets of antimicrobial therapy. They also suggest that globally acting RNA-binding proteins are more common in bacteria than currently appreciated.
Insights
Salmonella RNA-binding proteins CspC and CspE are crucial for virulence and pathogenicity. Targeting these proteins could offer new antimicrobial therapies against bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The functions of many bacterial RNA-binding proteins are unknown.
- Cold-shock protein A (CspA) family members have varied expression and roles, with some linked to infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the RNA ligands of constitutively expressed CspC and CspE in *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhimurium.
- To link these RNA-binding proteins to bacterial virulence pathways.
Main Methods:
- In vivo transcript profiling to identify RNA ligands bound by CspC and CspE.
- Phenotypic assays to assess the role of CspC and CspE in bacterial functions.
- In vivo mouse infection models to evaluate the virulence of *Salmonella* mutants.
Main Results:
- CspC and CspE were linked to virulence pathways in *Salmonella*.
- These proteins play critical roles in membrane stress, motility, and biofilm formation.
- Deletion of both *cspC* and *cspE* genes completely attenuated *Salmonella* virulence in a systemic mouse infection model.
Conclusions:
- RNA-binding proteins like CspC and CspE are significant regulators of bacterial pathogenicity.
- These proteins represent potential targets for novel antimicrobial therapies.
- Globally acting RNA-binding proteins may be more prevalent in bacteria than previously understood.
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