Two-component regulatory systems can interact to process multiple environmental signals

J Bacteriol. 1996 Dec;178(23):6796-801. doi: 10.1128/jb.178.23.6796-6801.1996.

Abstract

The PhoP/PhoQ two-component system of Salmonella typhimurium governs transcription of some 25 loci in response to the extracellular concentration of Mg2+. We have now identified one of these loci as pmrCAB, which codes for a two-component system that mediates resistance to the antibiotic polymyxin B. Transcription of seven of 25 PhoP-activated loci was dependent on a functional PmrA protein, the response regulator of the PmrA/PmrB system. Expression of the PmrA-dependent loci was induced by either Mg2+ limitation or mild acidification, whereas transcription of a PmrA-independent gene was activated by Mg2+ limitation but not acid pH. Induction of PmrA-activated genes by Mg2 limitation required the PhoP and PhoQ proteins. In contrast, the acid-mediated activation of PmrA-regulated genes occurred in strains that were missing either one of these proteins. Transcriptional regulation by a cascade of two-component systems allows pathogenic bacteria to express their virulence determinants in response to a broader spectrum of environmental cues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Culture Media
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Magnesium / pharmacology
  • Mutagenesis, Insertional
  • Operon
  • Salmonella typhimurium / genetics*
  • Salmonella typhimurium / metabolism
  • Salmonella typhimurium / pathogenicity
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Culture Media
  • PhoQ protein, Bacteria
  • Transcription Factors
  • pmrA protein, Bacteria
  • PhoP protein, Bacteria
  • Magnesium