Rv0500A is a transcription factor that links Mycobacterium tuberculosis environmental response with division and impacts host colonization. Issue 5 (28th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kevorkian, Yuzo L.; MacGilvary, Nathan J.; Giacalone, David; Johnson, Calvin; Tan, Shumin
• Is Part Of: Molecular microbiology. Volume 117:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1048
• Page End: 1062
• Publication Date: 2022-02-28
• Subjects: chloride -- gene expression regulation -- host–pathogen interactions -- hydrogen ion concentration -- Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- transcription factor; Molecular microbiology -- Periodicals; 572.829
• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14886
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-382X

Abstract

Abstract: For Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to successfully infect a host, it must be able to adapt to changes in its microenvironment, including variations in ionic signals such as pH and chloride (Cl − ), and link these responses to its growth. Transcriptional changes are a key mechanism for Mtb environmental adaptation, and we identify here Rv0500A as a novel transcriptional regulator that links Mtb environmental response and division processes. Global transcriptional profiling revealed that Rv0500A acts as a repressor and influences the expression of genes related to division, with the magnitude of its effect modulated by pH and Cl − . Rv0500A can directly bind the promoters of several of these target genes, and we identify key residues required for its DNA‐binding ability and biological effect. Overexpression of rv0500A disrupted Mtb growth morphology, resulting in filamentation that was exacerbated by high environmental Cl − levels and acidic pH. Finally, we show that perturbation of rv0500A leads to attenuation of the ability of Mtb to colonize its host in vivo. Our work highlights the important link between Mtb environmental response and growth characteristics, and uncovers a new transcription factor involved in this critical facet of Mtb biology. Abstract : Successful host infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) requires adaptation to its local environment and coordination of this response to its growth. We identify here Rv0500A as a transcriptional repressor that affects expression of division‐related genes, with the magnitude of its effect modulated by pH and chloride. Rv0500A directly binds the promoters of several of these target genes, and perturbation of rv0500A results in attenuated host colonization in vivo by Mtb.