Evolution of a Bacterial Regulon Controlling Virulence and Mg2+ Homeostasis
Author Information
Author(s): Perez J. Christian, Shin Dongwoo, Zwir Igor, Latifi Tammy, Hadley Tricia J., Groisman Eduardo A.
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How have bacterial regulons been shaped by horizontal gene transfer and the retention of regulatory targets across species?
Conclusion
The study shows that the PhoP protein regulates largely different gene sets across ten species of Enterobacteriaceae, indicating significant transcriptional rewiring and species-specific adaptations.
Supporting Evidence
- The PhoP protein directs different gene sets in ten species of Enterobacteriaceae.
- The study highlights the role of transcriptional rewiring in bacterial evolution.
- Core members of the PhoP regulon are conserved across species, while variable members contribute to species-specific traits.
Takeaway
Bacteria can change which genes they turn on or off in response to signals like low magnesium, and this can be very different even among closely related species.
Methodology
The study used expression microarray analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by array hybridization (ChIP-chip) to identify PhoP-regulated genes.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential regulatory interactions and the complexity of gene regulation in bacteria.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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