The RNA-binding protein ProQ promotes antibiotic persistence in Salmonella

• Bacterial populations can survive the exposure to antibiotics through transient phenotypic and gene expression changes. These changes can be attributed to a small subpopulation of bacteria, giving rise to antibiotic persistence. Even though this phenomenon has been known for decades, much is still to be learnt about the mechanisms that drive persister formation. The RNA-binding protein ProQ has recently emerged as a global regulator of gene expression. Here, we show that ProQ impacts persister formation in Salmonella. ProQ contributes to growth-arrest in single cells, which are able to survive treatment with high concentrations of different antibiotics. The underlying mechanism for ProQ-dependent persister formation involves activation of the flagellar pathway. Importantly, we show that the ProQ-dependent phenotype is relevant during macrophage infection and allows Salmonella to survive the combined action of host immune defences and antibiotics. Together, our data highlights the importance of ProQ in Salmonella persistence and pathogenesis. 

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Mikrobiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Microbiology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

ProQ

RNA-binding protein

persister formation

antibiotic persistence

Salmonella

flagella

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)