Revealing 29 sets of independently modulated genes in <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> , their regulators, and role in key physiological response
Saugat Poudel, Hannah Tsunemoto, Yara Seif, Anand V. Sastry, Richard Szubin, Sibei Xu, Henrique Machado, Connor A. Olson, Amitesh Anand, Joe Pogliano, Victor Nizet, Bernhard Ø. Palsson
Abstract
Significance Staphylococcus aureus infections impose an immense burden on the healthcare system. To establish a successful infection in a hostile host environment, S. aureus must coordinate its gene expression to respond to a wide array of challenges. This balancing act is largely orchestrated by the transcriptional regulatory network. Here, we present a model of 29 independently modulated sets of genes that form the basis for a segment of the transcriptional regulatory network in clinical USA300 strains of S. aureus . Using this model, we demonstrate the concerted role of various cellular systems (e.g., metabolism, virulence, and stress response) underlying key physiological responses, including response during blood infection.