Hidden Gems in the Transcriptome Maps of Competent Streptococci
Roger Junges1, Gabriela Salvadori1, Tsute Chen2
1Faculty of Dentistry, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|January 22, 2019
Summary
High-throughput sequencing and transcriptional mapping reveal novel regulatory pathways in bacterial natural transformation. These methods uncover new components and links, advancing our understanding of genome plasticity and adaptation in bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Natural transformation is a key bacterial adaptation mechanism for genome plasticity.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding competence pathways in streptococci.
- Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing enable large-scale and high-resolution transcriptional analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of transcriptional profiling and mapping in discovering novel components of bacterial natural transformation systems.
- To identify and characterize previously unknown regulatory elements and pathways involved in competence.
- To provide insights into the intricate regulation of natural genetic transformation.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptional profiling and mapping.
- High-throughput sequencing (e.g., RNA-Seq).
- Genome editing and promoter mapping.
Main Results:
- Identification of a link between ComCDE and ComRS systems in S. mutans.
- Discovery of a ComR positive feedback loop mediated by SigX and the inhibitory XrpA peptide in S. mutans.
- Characterization of BriC, a novel competence regulon member in S. pneumoniae, promoting biofilm formation and colonization.
Conclusions:
- Transcriptional mapping is a powerful tool for uncovering "hidden gems" in bacterial natural transformation.
- New technologies facilitate the discovery of novel regulatory links and components in competence pathways.
- This research deepens the understanding of bacterial adaptation and genome plasticity through natural genetic transformation.
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