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The Characterization of Two-Component System PmrA/PmrB in Cronobacter sakazakii

Jingjing Hua1, Xiangyin Jia2, Liang Zhang1

  • 1National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The PmrA/PmrB system in Cronobacter sakazakii is crucial for modifying the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure. This system impacts bacterial resistance to antimicrobial peptides and invasion capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen causing severe infections like meningitis.
  • Gram-negative bacteria often utilize two-component systems, such as PmrA/PmrB, for environmental adaptation and defense.
  • The PmrA/PmrB system is known to regulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modifications in response to cationic antimicrobial peptides.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific role of the PmrA/PmrB two-component system in Cronobacter sakazakii.
  • To understand how PmrA/PmrB influences bacterial characteristics relevant to pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis of the PmrA/PmrB system in C. sakazakii.
  • Assessment of LPS structure modifications.
  • Evaluation of susceptibility to cationic antimicrobial peptides.
  • Measurement of cell membrane permeability and hydrophobicity.
  • Macrophage invasion assays.

Main Results:

  • The PmrA/PmrB system was confirmed to be essential for modifying the LPS structure in C. sakazakii.
  • Disruption of PmrA/PmrB significantly altered susceptibility to cationic antimicrobial peptides.
  • The system influenced bacterial cell membrane properties, including permeability and hydrophobicity.
  • PmrA/PmrB plays a role in the invasion of C. sakazakii into macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • PmrA/PmrB is a key regulator of virulence factors in Cronobacter sakazakii.
  • Targeting the PmrA/PmrB system could be a potential strategy to combat C. sakazakii infections.
  • Understanding LPS modification by PmrA/PmrB provides insights into bacterial defense mechanisms.
Keywords:
Cronobacter sakazakiiLPSPmrA/PmrB two-component systemlipid Apolymyxin B

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