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Specific and Global RNA Regulators in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Petra Pusic1, Elisabeth Sonnleitner1, Udo Bläsi1
1Max Perutz Labs, Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Centre of Molecular Biology, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9/4, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae) is an opportunistic pathogen showing a high intrinsic resistance to a wide variety of antibiotics. It causes nosocomial infections that are particularly detrimental to immunocompromised individuals and to patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. We provide a snapshot on regulatory RNAs of Pae that impact on metabolism, pathogenicity and antibiotic susceptibility. Different experimental approaches such as in silico predictions, co-purification with the RNA chaperone Hfq as well as high-throughput RNA sequencing identified several hundreds of regulatory RNA candidates in Pae. Notwithstanding, using in vitro and in vivo assays, the function of only a few has been revealed. Here, we focus on well-characterized small base-pairing RNAs, regulating specific target genes as well as on larger protein-binding RNAs that sequester and thereby modulate the activity of translational repressors. As the latter impact large gene networks governing metabolism, acute or chronic infections, these protein-binding RNAs in conjunction with their cognate proteins are regarded as global post-transcriptional regulators.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae) regulatory RNAs impact its metabolism, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance. Researchers are characterizing small RNAs and larger protein-binding RNAs that act as global post-transcriptional regulators in Pae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae) is an opportunistic pathogen known for high antibiotic resistance.
- Pae infections are particularly severe in immunocompromised individuals and cystic fibrosis patients.
- Regulatory RNAs play crucial roles in bacterial gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of regulatory RNAs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To highlight regulatory RNAs impacting Pae's metabolism, pathogenicity, and antibiotic susceptibility.
- To focus on characterized small base-pairing RNAs and larger protein-binding RNAs.
Main Methods:
- In silico predictions
- Co-purification with RNA chaperone Hfq
- High-throughput RNA sequencing
- In vitro and in vivo assays
Main Results:
- Hundreds of regulatory RNA candidates were identified in Pae.
- The functions of only a few regulatory RNAs have been experimentally determined.
- Small base-pairing RNAs and larger protein-binding RNAs were characterized.
Conclusions:
- Protein-binding RNAs and their cognate proteins function as global post-transcriptional regulators in Pae.
- These regulators influence extensive gene networks controlling metabolism and infection.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the roles of Pae regulatory RNAs.
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