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NrsZ : a novel, processed, nitrogen‐dependent, small non‐coding RNA that regulates P seudomonas aeruginosa PAO 1 virulence
Author(s) -
Wenner Nicolas,
Maes Alexandre,
CotadoSampayo Marta,
Lapouge Karine
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.954
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1462-2920
pISSN - 1462-2912
DOI - 10.1111/1462-2920.12272
Subject(s) - rpon , swarming motility , biology , pseudomonas aeruginosa , sigma factor , virulence , rhamnolipid , microbiology and biotechnology , motility , gene , rna , quorum sensing , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , promoter , rna polymerase , gene expression
Summary The opportunistic pathogen P seudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 has a remarkable capacity to adapt to various environments and to survive with limited nutrients. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel small non‐coding RNA : NrsZ (nitrogen‐regulated sRNA ). We show that under nitrogen limitation, NrsZ is induced by the NtrB / C two‐component system, an important regulator of nitrogen assimilation and P . aeruginosa's swarming motility, in concert with the alternative sigma factor RpoN . Furthermore, we demonstrate that NrsZ modulates P . aeruginosa motility by controlling the production of rhamnolipid surfactants, virulence factors notably needed for swarming motility. This regulation takes place through the post‐transcriptional control of rhlA , a gene essential for rhamnolipids synthesis. Interestingly, we also observed that NrsZ is processed in three similar short modules, and that the first short module encompassing the first 60 nucleotides is sufficient for NrsZ regulatory functions.