The importance of the small RNA chaperone Hfq for growth of epidemic Yersinia pestis, but not Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, with implications for plague biology

J Bacteriol. 2010 Aug;192(16):4239-45. doi: 10.1128/JB.00504-10. Epub 2010 Jun 11.

Abstract

Yersinia pestis, the etiologic agent of plague, has only recently evolved from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. hfq deletion caused severe growth restriction at 37 degrees C in Y. pestis but not in Y. pseudotuberculosis. Strains from all epidemic plague biovars were similarly affected, implicating Hfq, and likely small RNAs (sRNAs), in the unique biology of the plague bacillus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Host Factor 1 Protein / genetics
  • Host Factor 1 Protein / metabolism*
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism*
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Temperature
  • Yersinia pestis / enzymology*
  • Yersinia pestis / growth & development*
  • Yersinia pseudotuberculosis / enzymology*
  • Yersinia pseudotuberculosis / growth & development*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Host Factor 1 Protein
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • RNA, Bacterial