Open AccessThe Burkholderia pseudomallei RpoE (AlgU) operon is involved in environmental stress tolerance and biofilm formation
Author(s) -
Korbsrisate Sunee,
Vanaporn Muthita,
Kerdsuk Phansupa,
Kespichayawattana Wannapa,
Vattanaviboon Paiboon,
Kiatpapan Pornpimon,
Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsle.2005.09.002
Subject(s) - burkholderia pseudomallei , sigma factor , operon , biofilm , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , melioidosis , bacteria , gene , regulon , multidrug tolerance , burkholderia , genetics , regulation of gene expression , gene expression , promoter , mutant
Burkholderia pseudomallei , the causative agent of melioidosis, can be isolated from soil and water. To persist, adapt and survive within and outside their human host, bacteria rely on regulatory mechanisms that allow them to respond rapidly to stressful situations. We have examined the possible role of B. pseudomallei alternative sigma factor σ E (RpoE) in the stress response and found that rpoE and its putative regulators ( bprE ‐ rseB ‐ mucD ) are transcribed in a single transcriptional unit. Inactivation of the rpoE operon changed the B. pseudomallei phenotype. Changes included increased susceptibility to killing by menadione and H 2 O 2 , susceptibility to high osmolarity, reduced ability to form biofilms, and reduced survival in macrophage J774A.1. Therefore, we conclude that rpoE controls gene expression that contributes, at least in part, to B. pseudomallei adaptation to adverse environmental conditions.