Control Virulence Factor Research Articles

Flavonoids Suppress Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence through Allosteric Inhibition of Quorum-sensing Receptors

Quorum sensing is a process of cell-cell communication that bacteria use to regulate collective behaviors. Quorum sensing depends on the production, detection, and group-wide response to extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers. In many bacterial species, quorum sensing controls virulence factor production. Thus, disrupting quorum sensing is considered a promising strategy to combat bacterial pathogenicity. Several members of a family of naturally produced plant metabolites called flavonoids inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by an unknown mechanism. Here, we explore this family of molecules further, and we demonstrate that flavonoids specifically inhibit quorum sensing via antagonism of the autoinducer-binding receptors, LasR and RhlR. Structure-activity relationship analyses demonstrate that the presence of two hydroxyl moieties in the flavone A-ring backbone are essential for potent inhibition of LasR/RhlR. Biochemical analyses reveal that the flavonoids function non-competitively to prevent LasR/RhlR DNA binding. Administration of the flavonoids to P. aeruginosa alters transcription of quorum sensing-controlled target promoters and suppresses virulence factor production, confirming their potential as anti-infectives that do not function by traditional bacteriocidal or bacteriostatic mechanisms.

A medicinal herb Cassia alata attenuates quorum sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Present study demonstrates the quorum sensing inhibitory activity of metabolites from Cassia alata, an important medicinal herb which is commonly used worldwide in the treatment of infections caused by microorganisms. An extract prepared from the leaves of the plant showed activity against quorum sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum and was also effective against attenuating the quorum sensing controlled virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Activity is attributed to the rich flavonoid composition of the plant. Results of the present investigation throw an insight into the possibility of developing drug formulations using the isolated compounds against infections caused by quorum sensing-mediated pathogenicity of bacteria.

Virulence Inhibitors from Brazilian Peppertree Block Quorum Sensing and Abate Dermonecrosis in Skin Infection Models

Widespread antibiotic resistance is on the rise and current therapies are becoming increasingly limited in both scope and efficacy. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a major contributor to this trend. Quorum sensing controlled virulence factors include secreted toxins responsible for extensive damage to host tissues and evasion of the immune system response; they are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Investigation of botanical folk medicines for wounds and infections led us to study Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Peppertree) as a potential source of virulence inhibitors. Here, we report the inhibitory activity of a flavone rich extract “430D-F5” against all S. aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) alleles in the absence of growth inhibition. Evidence for this activity is supported by its agr-quenching activity (IC50 2–32 μg mL−1) in transcriptional reporters, direct protein outputs (α-hemolysin and δ-toxin), and an in vivo skin challenge model. Importantly, 430D-F5 was well tolerated by human keratinocytes in cell culture and mouse skin in vivo; it also demonstrated significant reduction in dermonecrosis following skin challenge with a virulent strain of MRSA. This study provides an explanation for the anti-infective activity of peppertree remedies and yields insight into the potential utility of non-biocide virulence inhibitors in treating skin infections.

A spectrum of CodY activities drives metabolic reorganization and virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus

The global regulator CodY controls the expression of dozens of metabolism and virulence genes in the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in response to the availability of isoleucine, leucine and valine (ILV), and GTP. Using RNA-Seq transcriptional profiling and partial activity variants, we reveal that S. aureus CodY activity grades metabolic and virulence gene expression as a function of ILV availability, mediating metabolic reorganization and controlling virulence factor production in vitro. Strains lacking CodY regulatory activity produce a PIA-dependent biofilm, but development is restricted under conditions that confer partial CodY activity. CodY regulates the expression of thermonuclease (nuc) via the Sae two-component system, revealing cascading virulence regulation and factor production as CodY activity is reduced. Proteins that mediate the host-pathogen interaction and subvert the immune response are shut off at intermediate levels of CodY activity, while genes coding for enzymes and proteins that extract nutrients from tissue, that kill host cells, and that synthesize amino acids are among the last genes to be derepressed. We conclude that S. aureus uses CodY to limit host damage to only the most severe starvation conditions, providing insight into one potential mechanism by which S. aureus transitions from a commensal bacterium to an invasive pathogen.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgU Contributes to Posttranscriptional Activity by Increasing rsmA Expression in a mucA22 Strain.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in multiple environments and is capable of causing life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. RsmA is a posttranscriptional regulator that controls virulence factor production and biofilm formation. In this study, we investigated the expression and activity of rsmA and the protein that it encodes, RsmA, in P. aeruginosa mucA mutant strains, which are common in chronic infections. We determined that AlgU regulates a previously unknown rsmA promoter in P. aeruginosa Western blot analysis confirmed that AlgU controls rsmA expression in both a laboratory strain and a clinical isolate. RNase protection assays confirmed the presence of two rsmA transcripts and suggest that RpoS and AlgU regulate rsmA expression. Due to the increased amounts of RsmA in mucA mutant strains, a translational leader fusion of the RsmA target, tssA1, was constructed and tested in mucA, algU, retS, gacA, and rsmA mutant backgrounds to examine posttranscriptional activity. From these studies, we determined that RsmA is active in mucA22 mutants, suggesting a role for RsmA in mucA mutant strains. Taken together, we have demonstrated that AlgU controls rsmA transcription and is responsible for RsmA activity in mucA mutant strains. We propose that RsmA is active in P. aeruginosa mucA mutant strains and that RsmA also plays a role in chronic infections. P. aeruginosa causes severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The posttranscriptional regulator RsmA is known to control virulence and biofilm formation. We identify a new rsmA promoter and determine that AlgU is important in the control of rsmA expression. Mutant mucA strains that are considered mucoid were used to confirm increased rsmA expression from the AlgU promoter. We demonstrate, for the first time, that there is RsmA activity in mucoid P. aeruginosa strains. Our work suggests that RsmA may play a role during chronic infections as well as acute infections.

Small RNAs in Bacterial Virulence and Communication.

Bacterial pathogens must endure or adapt to different environments and stresses during transmission and infection. Posttranscriptional gene expression control by regulatory RNAs, such as small RNAs and riboswitches, is now considered central to adaptation in many bacteria, including pathogens. The study of RNA-based regulation (riboregulation) in pathogenic species has provided novel insight into how these bacteria regulate virulence gene expression. It has also uncovered diverse mechanisms by which bacterial small RNAs, in general, globally control gene expression. Riboregulators as well as their targets may also prove to be alternative targets or provide new strategies for antimicrobials. In this article, we present an overview of the general mechanisms that bacteria use to regulate with RNA, focusing on examples from pathogens. In addition, we also briefly review how deep sequencing approaches have aided in opening new perspectives in small RNA identification and the study of their functions. Finally, we discuss examples of riboregulators in two model pathogens that control virulence factor expression or survival-associated phenotypes, such as stress tolerance, biofilm formation, or cell-cell communication, to illustrate how riboregulation factors into regulatory networks in bacterial pathogens.

Quorum Sensing And Its Control

Bacteria communicate with one another via the production and detection of secreted signal molecules called autoinducers. This cell‐to‐cell communication process, called “Quorum Sensing”, allows bacteria to synchronize behavior on a population‐wide scale. Behaviors controlled by quorum sensing are usually ones that are unproductive when undertaken by an individual bacterium acting alone but become effective when undertaken in unison by the group. For example, quorum sensing controls virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and the excretion of public goods such as enzymes that solubilize solid food sources making them accessible for consumption. We developed small molecule quorum‐sensing agonists and antagonists to discover the principles underlying the exquisite selectivity quorum‐sensing receptors have for their cognate ligands. Our results suggest mechanisms bacteria use in the wild to ensure the proper ligand has interacted with its partner receptor prior to eliciting signal transduction. We suggest that, in their native environments, bacteria encounter mixtures of autoinducers produced by other species occupying the same niche. Precise autoinducer discrimination enables a particular species of bacteria to respond exclusively to its own signal even in the face of fierce competition. This ability prevents the leakage of benefits of quorum‐sensing‐controlled public goods to non‐kin. Beyond learning about fundamental principles underlying quorum sensing, another use for our synthetic molecules is to control quorum sensing on demand. Indeed, our most potent quorum sensing antagonist protects animals from quorum‐sensing‐mediated killing by pathogenic bacteria and prevents biofilm formation in model microfluidics chambers that mimic medical devices. These results validate the notion that targeting quorum sensing has potential for antimicrobial drug development.

Adjuvant effect of cranberry proanthocyanidin active fraction on antivirulent property of ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) act as antivirulent agents since quorum sensing (QS) plays a vital role in regulating pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, application of single QSI may not be effective as pathogen is vulnerable to successful mutations. In such conditions, combination of QSIs can be exploited as there can be synergistic or adjuvant action. In the present study, we evaluated the antivirulence efficacy of combination of Vaccinium macrocarpon proanthocyanidin active fraction (PAF) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) at their sub-MICs using standard methods followed by analysis of their mode of action on QS using TLC and molecular docking. There was significant improvement in action of CIP when it was combined with PAF in reducing the QS controlled virulence factors (p < 0.05), motilities and biofilm of P. aeruginosa. TLC profiles of QS signals [(Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS)] indicated that CIP in combination with PAF, besides showing inhibitory action on production of AHLs, also modulated production and inactivation of PQS. Docking scores also supported the observation. We therefore hypothesize that PAF-CIP combination, having improved anti-virulence property; can be exploited as a potent drug pairing against P. aeruginosa.

Modulation of quorum sensing-controlled virulence factors by Nymphaea tetragona (water lily) extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNymphaea tetragona is a widely distributed ornamental species with ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, eruptive fevers, and infections. The anti-infectious activities of this herb have already been assessed to clarify its traditional use as a medicine. Aim of studyIn this study, we aimed to verify the inhibitory effects of N. tetragona 50% methanol extract (NTME) on quorum sensing (QS)-controlled virulence factors of bacteria since QS and its virulence factors are novel targets for antimicrobial therapy. Materials and methodsThe antibacterial activity of this extract was evaluated against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibition of the violacein pigment of C. violaceum by NTME was determined qualitative and quantitative using standard methods. The effects of NTME on swarming motility, biofilm viability, pyocyanin production, and LasA protease activity were evaluated using P. aeruginosa. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of NTME were verified by MTT assay and oral administration to rats, respectively. ResultsThe extract had concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. NTME at 1/2× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 1× MIC and 2× MIC significantly lowered the levels of violacein of C. violaceum compared to that of the control. The swarming motility of P. aeruginosa was inhibited by ≥70% by treatment with 1/2× MIC of NTME. There were remarkable reductions in pyocyanin production and LasA protease activity in the overnight culture supernatant of P. aeruginosa supplemented with NTME when compared with that of the untreated control. The confocal micrographs of 24h biofilms of P. aeruginosa exposed to NTME exhibited a lower number of live cells than the control. No toxic effect was observed in in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity assays of NTME. ConclusionsNTME was demonstrated to have significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on quorum sensing-mediated virulence factors of bacteria with non-toxic properties, and could thus be a prospective quorum sensing inhibitor.

Effect of Cinnamon Oil on Quorum Sensing-Controlled Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a system of stimuli and responses in bacterial cells governed by their population density, through which they regulate genes that control virulence factors and biofilm formation. Despite considerable research on QS and the discovery of new antibiotics, QS-controlled biofilm formation by microorganisms in clinical settings has remained a problem because of nascent drug resistance, which requires screening of diverse compounds for anti-QS activities. Cinnamon is a dietary phytochemical that is traditionally used to remedy digestive problems and assorted contagions, which suggests that cinnamon might contain chemicals that can hinder the QS process. To test this hypothesis, the anti-QS activity of cinnamon oil against P. aeruginosa was tested, measured by the inhibition of biofilm formation and other QS-associated phenomena, including virulence factors such as pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, alginate production, and swarming activity. To this end, multiple microscopy analyses, including light, scanning electron and confocal microscopy, revealed the ability of cinnamon oil to inhibit P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms and their accompanying extracellular polymeric substances. This work is the first to demonstrate that cinnamon oil can influence various QS-based phenomena in P. aeruginosa PAO1, including biofilm formation.

OpaR controls a network of downstream transcription factors in Vibrio parahaemolyticus BB22OP.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an emerging world-wide human pathogen that is associated with food-borne gastroenteritis when raw or undercooked seafood is consumed. Expression of virulence factors in this organism is modulated by the phenomenon known as quorum sensing, which permits differential gene regulation at low versus high cell density. The master regulator of quorum sensing in V. parahaemolyticus is OpaR. OpaR not only controls virulence factor gene expression, but also the colony and cellular morphology associated with growth on a surface and biofilm formation. Whole transcriptome Next Generation sequencing (RNA-Seq) was utilized to determine the OpaR regulon by comparing strains BB22OP (opaR +, LM5312) and BB22TR (∆opaR1, LM5674). This work, using the published V. parahaemolyticus BB22OP genome sequence, confirms and expands upon a previous microarray analysis for these two strains that used an Affymetrix GeneChip designed from the closely related V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633 genome sequence. Overall there was excellent correlation between the microarray and RNA-Seq data. Eleven transcription factors under OpaR control were identified by both methods and further confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Nine of these transcription factors were demonstrated to be direct OpaR targets via in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assays with purified hexahistidine-tagged OpaR. Identification of the direct and indirect targets of OpaR, including small RNAs, will enable the construction of a network map of regulatory interactions important for the switch between the nonpathogenic and pathogenic states.

ω-Hydroxyemodin Limits Staphylococcus aureus Quorum Sensing-Mediated Pathogenesis and Inflammation

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a global health threat. Small molecules that inhibit bacterial virulence have been suggested as alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotics, as they may limit pathogenesis and increase bacterial susceptibility to host killing. Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of invasive skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in both the hospital and community settings, and it is also becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant. Quorum sensing (QS) mediated by the accessory gene regulator (agr) controls virulence factor production essential for causing SSTIs. We recently identified ω-hydroxyemodin (OHM), a polyhydroxyanthraquinone isolated from solid-phase cultures of Penicillium restrictum, as a suppressor of QS and a compound sought for the further characterization of the mechanism of action. At concentrations that are nontoxic to eukaryotic cells and subinhibitory to bacterial growth, OHM prevented agr signaling by all four S. aureus agr alleles. OHM inhibited QS by direct binding to AgrA, the response regulator encoded by the agr operon, preventing the interaction of AgrA with the agr P2 promoter. Importantly, OHM was efficacious in a mouse model of S. aureus SSTI. Decreased dermonecrosis with OHM treatment was associated with enhanced bacterial clearance and reductions in inflammatory cytokine transcription and expression at the site of infection. Furthermore, OHM treatment enhanced the immune cell killing of S. aureus in vitro in an agr-dependent manner. These data suggest that bacterial disarmament through the suppression of S. aureus QS may bolster the host innate immune response and limit inflammation.

Structure-based functional characterization of repressor of toxin (Rot), a central regulator of Staphylococcus aureus virulence.

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for a large number of diverse infections worldwide. In order to support its pathogenic lifestyle, S. aureus has to regulate the expression of virulence factors in a coordinated fashion. One of the central regulators of the S. aureus virulence regulatory networks is the transcription factor repressor of toxin (Rot). Rot plays a key role in regulating S. aureus virulence through activation or repression of promoters that control expression of a large number of critical virulence factors. However, the mechanism by which Rot mediates gene regulation has remained elusive. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of Rot and used this information to probe the contribution made by specific residues to Rot function. Rot was found to form a dimer, with each monomer harboring a winged helix-turn-helix (WHTH) DNA-binding motif. Despite an overall acidic pI, the asymmetric electrostatic charge profile suggests that Rot can orient the WHTH domain to bind DNA. Structure-based site-directed mutagenesis studies demonstrated that R(91), at the tip of the wing, plays an important role in DNA binding, likely through interaction with the minor groove. We also found that Y(66), predicted to bind within the major groove, contributes to Rot interaction with target promoters. Evaluation of Rot binding to different activated and repressed promoters revealed that certain mutations on Rot exhibit promoter-specific effects, suggesting for the first time that Rot differentially interacts with target promoters. This work provides insight into a precise mechanism by which Rot controls virulence factor regulation in S. aureus.

Comparative systems biology analysis to study the mode of action of the isothiocyanate compound Iberin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Food is now recognized as a natural resource of novel antimicrobial agents, including those that target the virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens. Iberin, an isothiocyanate compound from horseradish, was recently identified as a quorum-sensing inhibitor (QSI) of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we used a comparative systems biology approach to unravel the molecular mechanisms of the effects of iberin on QS and virulence factor expression of P. aeruginosa. Our study shows that the two systems biology methods used (i.e., RNA sequencing and proteomics) complement each other and provide a thorough overview of the impact of iberin on P. aeruginosa. RNA sequencing-based transcriptomics showed that iberin inhibits the expression of the GacA-dependent small regulatory RNAs RsmY and RsmZ; this was verified by using gfp-based transcriptional reporter fusions with the rsmY or rsmZ promoter regions. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics showed that iberin reduces the abundance of the LadS protein, an activator of GacS. Taken together, the findings suggest that the mode of QS inhibition in iberin is through downregulation of the Gac/Rsm QS network, which in turn leads to the repression of QS-regulated virulence factors, such as pyoverdine, chitinase, and protease IV. Lastly, as expected from the observed repression of small regulatory RNA synthesis, we also show that iberin effectively reduces biofilm formation. This suggests that small regulatory RNAs might serve as potential targets in the future development of therapies against pathogens that use QS for controlling virulence factor expression and assume the biofilm mode of growth in the process of causing disease.

Frequency distribution of virulence factors in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from Kermanshah in 2011-2012.

Background:Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) can cause urinary tract infection (UTI). To prevent urine flow lavage, UPEC has acquired several virulence factors called adhesins. These adhesins are expressed and controlled by different genes.Aim:This study was aimed to determine some of the most important genes that control virulence factors of UPEC (pyelonephritis associated pili [pap], S fimbrial adhesion [sfa] and A fimbrial adhesion [afa] genes), which code for adhesins and phenotypic factors.Materials and Methods:In total, 205 UPEC isolates from in- and out-patients with UTI were obtained. Polymerase chain reaction was used for gene amplification. One drop of bacterial suspension, one of red blood cells and one of peripheral blood smear were mixed for hemagglutination (HA). Formation of a clump was considered to be positive. Bacteria were grown on blood agar to determine hemolysis. Surface hydrophobicity was determined using the SAT test.Result:Frequencies of pap, afa and sfa were 42 (20.5%), 17 (8.3%) and 44 (21.5%), respectively. Frequencies of HA, hemolysis and hydrophobicity were 138 (67.3%), 56 (27.3%) and 39 (19%), respectively. Among HA-positive bacteria, 103 (74.6%) were mannose resistant. Our results highlight higher frequency of HA than that of other virulence factors, indicating a crucial role of this virulence factor in UPEC.Discussion:We concluded that major differences exist in the prevalence of virulence factors among different UPEC isolated from different countries. The association observed between pathogenicity and virulence factors may promote UPEC survival and growth within the urinary tract. Detecting these genes as the primary controllers of UPEC virulence factors may aid in better management of related infections.

Regulation of toxin production in the pathogenic clostridia

The genus Clostridium comprises a large, heterogeneous group of obligate anaerobic, Gram-positive spore forming bacilli. Members of this genus are ubiquitous in the environment and although most species are considered saprophytic, several are pathogenic to both humans and animals. These bacteria cause a variety of diseases including neuroparalysis, gas gangrene, necrotic enteritis, food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome and pseudomembraneous colitis, which in most cases arise as a consequence of the production of potent exotoxins. Treatment options are often limited, underscoring the need for new treatment strategies and novel therapeutics. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and signals that control toxin production in the pathogenic clostridia may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets that can be exploited in the development of new antimicrobial agents.

Evaluation of Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of 97 Indigenous Plant Extracts From Korea through Bioreporter Bacterial Strains Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Quorum sensing (QS) is a recently discovered chemical communication system that enhances survival of bacteria, as a group allowing resident bacteria to assume specialized roles vital for intra- and inter bacterial gene regulation, and for keeping bacterial colonies intact. Furthermore, with the continuing emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, antipathogenic strategy to combat bacterial infections through the interruption of quorum sensing controlled virulence factors had been shown to receive increased attention. With this prospect in the current study, we attempt to screen anti-quorum sensing activity of 97 indigenous plant extracts from Korea, through biomonitor bacterial strains, Chromobacterium violaceum (CV12472) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). Standard disc-diffusion assays were used to detect anti-quorum sensing activity (ring of colorless, but viable cells around the disk), of the plant extracts for CV12472. A special swarm media that allow swarming motility growth of POA1 was used to conduct inhibition of swarming motility assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test for the 97 plant extracts against bioreporter strains (CV12472 and PAO1) revealed antibacterial activity of three plant extracts (Potentilla cryptotaeniae, Viburnum carlesii and Prunus armeniaca var. ansu). Out of the 97 plant extracts, significant inhibition of pigment production were detected by six plant extracts in CV12472, while 16 plant extracts had shown inhibition of swarming motility in POA1. In conclusion, a total of 18 plant extracts were screened for their anti-quorum sensing activity by the two bioreporter strains. Of the 18 plant extracts, four had shown anti-quorum activities in both bioreporter strains.

Effects of Allicin on the Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm and the Production of Quorum-Sensing Controlled Virulence Factors

The Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial pathogen is reputed for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, and this property is strongly associated with the development of biofilms. Bacterial biofilms form by aggregation of microorganisms on a solid surface and secretion of an extracellular polysaccharide substances that acts as a physical protection barrier for the encased bacteria. In addition, the P aeruginosa quorum-sensing system contributes to antibiotic resistance by regulating the expression of several virulence factors, including exotoxin A, elastase, pyoverdin and rhamnolipid. The organosulfur compound allicin, derived from garlic, has been shown to inhibit both surface-adherence of bacteria and production of virulence factors. In this study, the effects of allicin on P aeruginosa biofilm formation and the production of quorum-sensing controlled virulence factors were investigated. The results demonstrated that allicin could inhibit early bacterial adhesion, reduce EPS secretion, and down-regulate virulence factors' production. Collectively, these findings suggest the potential of allicin as a therapeutic agent for controlling P aeruginosa biofilm.

RivR Is a Negative Regulator of Virulence Factor Expression in Group A Streptococcus

The bacterial pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes human diseases ranging from self-limiting pharyngitis (also known as strep throat) to severely invasive necrotizing fasciitis (also known as the flesh-eating syndrome). To control virulence factor expression, GAS utilizes both protein- and RNA-based mechanisms of regulation. Here we report that the transcription factor RivR (RofA-like protein IV) negatively regulates the abundance of mRNAs encoding the hyaluronic acid capsule biosynthesis proteins (hasABC; ∼7-fold) and the protein G-related α(2)-macroglobulin-binding protein (grab; ∼29-fold). Our data differ significantly from those of a previous study of the RivR regulon. Given that grab and hasABC are also negatively regulated by the two-component system CovR/S (control of virulence), we tested whether RivR functions through CovR/S. A comparison of riv and cov single and double mutant strains showed that RivR requires CovR activity for grab and hasABC regulation. Analysis of the upstream region of rivR identified a novel promoter the deletion of which reduced rivR mRNA abundance by 70%. A rivR mutant strain had a reduced ability to adhere to human keratinocytes relative to that of the parental and complemented strains, a phenotype that was abolished upon GAS pretreatment with hyaluronidase, highlighting the importance of capsule regulation by RivR during colonization. The rivR mutant strain was also attenuated for virulence in a murine model of bacteremia infection. Thus, we identify RivR as an important regulator of GAS virulence and provide new insight into the regulatory networks controlling virulence factor production in this pathogen.

Bacterial Quorum Sensing: Its Role in Virulence and Possibilities for Its Control

Quorum sensing is a process of cell-cell communication that allows bacteria to share information about cell density and adjust gene expression accordingly. This process enables bacteria to express energetically expensive processes as a collective only when the impact of those processes on the environment or on a host will be maximized. Among the many traits controlled by quorum sensing is the expression of virulence factors by pathogenic bacteria. Here we review the quorum-sensing circuits of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio cholerae. We outline these canonical quorum-sensing mechanisms and how each uniquely controls virulence factor production. Additionally, we examine recent efforts to inhibit quorum sensing in these pathogens with the goal of designing novel antimicrobial therapeutics.