Assessing the Role of Cold-Shock Protein C: a Novel Regulator of Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation and Virulence
Brooke R. Tomlinson, Grant A. Denham, Nathanial Torres, Robert Brzozowski, Jessie L. Allen, Jessica K. Jackson, Prahathees J. Eswara, Lindsey N. Shaw
Abstract
mutant revealed 201 genes with altered expression, including the downregulation of pili and fimbria genes and the upregulation of multidrug efflux pumps. Using transcriptional arrest assays, it appears that CspC mediates its effects, at least in part, through RNA chaperone activity, influencing the half-life of several important transcripts. Finally, we show that CspC is required for survival during challenge by the human immune system and is key for A. baumannii dissemination and/or colonization during systemic infection. Collectively, our work identifies a cadre of new biofilm-associated genes within A. baumannii and provides unique insight into the global regulatory network of this emerging human pathogen.