Homeostatic Interplay between Bacterial Cell-Cell Signaling and Iron in Virulence

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000810
• Publication Date: 2010-03-11T22:40:00Z
• Authors: Ronen Hazan; Jianxin He; Gaoping Xiao; Valérie Dekimpe; Yiorgos Apidianakis; Biliana Lesic; Christos Astrakas; Eric Déziel; François Lépine; Laurence G. Rahme
• Keywords: Regulon; Cell Signaling

Pathogenic bacteria use interconnected multi-layered regulatory networks, such as quorum sensing (QS) networks to sense and respond environmental cues external internal bacterial cell signals, thereby adapt exploit target hosts. Despite the many advances that have been made in understanding QS regulation, little is known regarding how these inputs are integrated processed context of networks. Here we report examination Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs) MvfR network determination its interaction with acyl-homoserine-lactone (AHL) RhlR network. The aim this work was elucidate paradigmatically complex relationships between circuitries, their signaling molecules, which they respond. Our findings revealed positive negative homeostatic loops fine-tune regulon via a dependent regulation cell-cell molecules PQS HHQ, interplay iron. We discovered component PqsE key mediator orchestrating establishing connection rhlR system cooperation RhlR. results show P. modulates intensity virulence response, at least part, through interplay. underscore importance balances competition within systems control gene expression. Elucidation fine-tuning relationship offers novel insights into may inform strategies designed limit infections caused by related human pathogens.