The Response Regulator OmpR Negatively Controls the Expression of Genes Implicated in Tilimycin and Tilivalline Cytotoxin Production in Klebsiella oxytoca
Name
microorganisms-13-00158.pdf
Size
878.17 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
6b35519babb3ec7f232c8c3dceb5b408
Author(s)
Varela-Nájera, Ramón G.
De la Cruz, Miguel A.
Soria-Bustos, Jorge
González-Horta, Carmen
Delgado-Gardea, Ma Carmen E.
Yáñez-Santos, Jorge A.
Cedillo, María L.
Hirakawa, Hidetada
Fox, James G.
Sánchez-Ramírez, Blanca
Date Issued
January 14, 2025
Journal
Microorganisms
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Citation
Varela-Nájera, R.G.; De la Cruz, M.A.; Soria-Bustos, J.; González-Horta, C.; Delgado-Gardea, M.C.E.; Yáñez-Santos, J.A.; Cedillo, M.L.; Hirakawa, H.; Fox, J.G.; Sánchez-Ramírez, B.; et al. The Response Regulator OmpR Negatively Controls the Expression of Genes Implicated in Tilimycin and Tilivalline Cytotoxin Production in Klebsiella oxytoca. Microorganisms 2025, 13, 158.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Klebsiella oxytoca toxigenic strains represent a critical health threat, mainly due to their link to antibiotic-associated hemorrhagic colitis. This serious condition results from the bacteria’s ability to produce tilimycin and tilivalline cytotoxins. Our research highlights the pivotal role of OmpR, a key regulator within the EnvZ/OmpR two-component system, in controlling the virulence factors associated with K. oxytoca. Our findings strongly indicate that OmpR is a repressor of the aroX and npsA genes, the first genes of aroX and NRPS operons, respectively, which are indispensable for producing these enterotoxins. Notably, in the absence of OmpR, we observe a significant increase in cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells. These observations identify OmpR as a crucial negative transcription regulator for both operons, effectively managing the release of these cytotoxins. This research deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of toxigenic K. oxytoca and opens promising avenues for targeting OmpR for new therapeutic interventions. By focusing on this innovative approach, we can develop more effective solutions to combat this pressing health challenge, ultimately improving patient outcomes against this pathogen.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Division of Comparative Medicine
Terms of Use
Creative Commons Attribution
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010158
