Abstract : The small, regulatory RNA RepG (Regulator of polymeric G-repeats) regulates the expression of the chemotaxis receptor TlpB in Helicobacter pylori by targeting a variable G-repeat in the tlpB mRNA leader. Here, we show that RepG additionally controls lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phase variation by also modulating the expression of a gene (hp0102) that is co-transcribed with tlpB. The hp0102 gene encodes a glycosyltransferase required for LPS O-chain biosynthesis and in vivo colonization of the mouse stomach. The G-repeat length defines a gradual (rather than ON/OFF) control of LPS biosynthesis by RepG, and leads to gradual resistance to a membrane-targeting antibiotic. Thus, RepG-mediated modulation of LPS structure might impact host immune recognition and antibiotic sensitivity, thereby helping H. pylori to adapt and persist in the host.
https://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-03340189 Contributor : Elizabeth BernardoConnect in order to contact the contributor Submitted on : Friday, September 10, 2021 - 9:39:38 AM Last modification on : Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - 4:11:44 AM Long-term archiving on: : Saturday, December 11, 2021 - 6:17:11 PM
Sandy R Pernitzsch, Mona Alzheimer, Belinda U Bremer, Marie Robbe-Saule, Hilde de Reuse, et al.. Small RNA mediated gradual control of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis affects antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori. Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group, 2021, 12 (1), pp.4433. ⟨10.1038/s41467-021-24689-2⟩. ⟨inserm-03340189⟩