Characterization of a novel two-component system in Burkholderia cenocepacia

Curr Microbiol. 2015 Apr;70(4):556-61. doi: 10.1007/s00284-014-0744-z. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Abstract

Two-component systems are important regulatory systems that allow bacteria to adjust to environmental conditions, and in some bacteria are used in pathogenesis. We identified a novel two-component system in Burkholderia cenocepacia, an opportunistic pathogen that causes pneumonia in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The putative operon encodes BceS, a sensor kinase, and BceR, a response regulator. Our studies indicated that the bceR mutant showed a statistically significant decrease in protease, swimming motility, and quorum sensing when compared to the wild-type, but there was no significant difference in phospholipase C activity, swarming, and biofilm formation. In addition, the mutant showed a statistically significant reduction in virulence compared to the wild-type using the alfalfa plant model. Examination of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (a group of organisms that are phenotypically similar, but genotypically distinct) revealed that this system is prevalent in B. ambifaria, B. multivorans, B. vietnamiensis and B. dolosa. Interestingly, all these organisms have been associated with CF patients. The collective results indicate that BceSR influences various activities important in Burkholderia physiology and possibly pathogenesis. This information could be important in the design of novel therapeutics for Burkholderia infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Burkholderia cenocepacia / genetics*
  • Burkholderia cenocepacia / growth & development
  • Burkholderia cenocepacia / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Histidine Kinase
  • Medicago sativa / microbiology
  • Mutation
  • Operon
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • Protein Kinases
  • Histidine Kinase