The <i>hdeD</i> Gene Represses the Expression of Flagellum Biosynthesis via LrhA in <i>Escherichia coli</i> K-12
Yuki Yamanaka, Shin-Ichi Aizawa, Kaneyoshi Yamamoto
Abstract
E. coli cells encounter various environments from the mouth down to the intestines within the host animals. The pH of gastric juice is lower than 2.0, and the bacterial must quickly respond and adapt to the following environmental changes before reaching the intestines. The quick response plays a role in cellular survival in the population, whereas adaptation may contribute to species survival. The GAD and flagellar systems are important for response to low pH in E. coli. Here, we identified the novel inner membrane regulator HdeD, encoding in the GAD cluster, to repress the synthesis of flagella. These insights provide a deeper understanding of how the bacteria enter the animal digestive system, survive, and form colonies in the intestines.