Small RNA mediated gradual control of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis affects antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori

Sandy R. Pernitzsch, Mona Alzheimer, Belinda U. Bremer, Marie Robbe-Saule, Hilde De Reuse and Cynthia M. Sharma ()
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Sandy R. Pernitzsch: Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg
Mona Alzheimer: Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg
Belinda U. Bremer: Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg
Marie Robbe-Saule: Institut Pasteur, Helicobacter Pathogenesis Unit, Microbiology Department
Hilde De Reuse: Institut Pasteur, Helicobacter Pathogenesis Unit, Microbiology Department
Cynthia M. Sharma: Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract The small, regulatory RNA RepG (Regulator of polymeric G-repeats) regulates the expression of the chemotaxis receptor TlpB in Helicobacter pylori by targeting a variable G-repeat in the tlpB mRNA leader. Here, we show that RepG additionally controls lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phase variation by also modulating the expression of a gene (hp0102) that is co-transcribed with tlpB. The hp0102 gene encodes a glycosyltransferase required for LPS O-chain biosynthesis and in vivo colonization of the mouse stomach. The G-repeat length defines a gradual (rather than ON/OFF) control of LPS biosynthesis by RepG, and leads to gradual resistance to a membrane-targeting antibiotic. Thus, RepG-mediated modulation of LPS structure might impact host immune recognition and antibiotic sensitivity, thereby helping H. pylori to adapt and persist in the host.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24689-2

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