Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal: Scientific Reports

Volume number: 7

ISSN: 2045-2322

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12507-z

Publisher: Nature Research

Abstract: 
Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) play a role in the control of bacterial virulence gene expression. In this study, we investigated an sRNA that was identified in Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) but is conserved throughout various streptococci. In a deletion strain, expression of mga, the gene encoding the multiple virulence gene regulator, was reduced. Accordingly, transcript and proteome analyses revealed decreased expression of several Mga-activated genes. Therefore, and because the sRNA was shown to interact with the 5' UTR of the mga transcript in a gel-shift assay, we designated it MarS for (m) under bar ga-(a) under bar ctivating (r) under bar egulatory (s) under bar RNA. Down-regulation of important virulence factors, including the antiphagocytic M-protein, led to increased susceptibility of the deletion strain to phagocytosis and reduced adherence to human keratinocytes. In a mouse infection model, the marS deletion mutant showed reduced dissemination to the liver, kidney, and spleen. Additionally, deletion of marS led to increased tolerance towards oxidative stress. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicate a modulating effect of MarS on virulence gene expression and on the pathogenic potential of GAS.

Harvard Citation style: Pappesch, R., Warnke, P., Mikkat, S., Normann, J., Wisniewska-Kucper, A., Huschka, F., et al. (2017) The Regulatory Small RNA MarS Supports Virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes, Scientific Reports, 7, Article 12241. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12507-z

APA Citation style: Pappesch, R., Warnke, P., Mikkat, S., Normann, J., Wisniewska-Kucper, A., Huschka, F., Wittmann, M., Khani, A., Schwengers, O., Oehmcke-Hecht, S., Hain, T., Kreikemeyer, B., & Patenge, N. (2017). The Regulatory Small RNA MarS Supports Virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes. Scientific Reports. 7, Article 12241. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12507-z