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Plasmids manipulate bacterial behaviour through translational regulatory crosstalk.
Catriona M A Thompson1,2, James P J Hall3, Govind Chandra1
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom.
Plos Biology
|February 14, 2023
Summary
A newly identified plasmid regulator, RsmQ, globally controls bacterial behavior by altering protein production. This widespread regulator switches bacteria from a mobile to a stationary lifestyle, impacting various environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Conjugative plasmids often carry bacterial regulator genes.
- Existing plasmid regulators typically have specific effects on gene transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize RsmQ, a plasmid-encoded translational regulator.
- To understand RsmQ's global regulatory role and impact on bacterial lifestyle in Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of RsmQ's regulatory function.
- Analysis of RsmQ's interaction with host mRNAs.
- Proteomic analysis to identify changes induced by RsmQ.
- Comparative analysis of RsmQ distribution across different plasmids and bacterial taxa.
Main Results:
- RsmQ acts as a global translational regulator, influencing the host proteome.
- RsmQ interferes with the host's translational regulatory network by interacting with host mRNAs.
- This interference causes significant proteomic shifts in metabolic genes, key regulators, and chemotaxis genes, altering bacterial metabolism and motility.
- RsmQ is found on numerous divergent plasmids across various bacterial hosts, indicating its widespread importance.
Conclusions:
- RsmQ is a widespread plasmid-encoded global translational regulator.
- RsmQ manipulates bacterial behavior and lifestyle by controlling host chromosomal gene expression.
- Its prevalence suggests a significant role in clinical, environmental, and agricultural settings.
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