[SCAN] Kicking “the BolA” in Bacterial Survival and Virulence

SCAN

Title: Kicking “the BolA” in Bacterial Survival and Virulence

Speaker: Cecília Arraiano

Affiliation: Control of Gene Expression Lab, ITQB NOVA

Abstract:

Bacterial cells can thrive and persist under harsh conditions, counteracting external stresses by using varied adaptation mechanisms. Initially characterized in Escherichia coli, BolA has receiving an increasing attention because of its pleiotropic effects. We have shown that BolA is a transcription factor that has a determinant role in the induction of biofilm formation and changes cell outer membrane, making it less permeable to harmful agents. BolA plays a determinant regulatory role in the transition between bacterial motility and biofilm formation. It negatively modulates flagellar biosynthesis and swimming capacity, favoring biofilm formation. We have also shown that BolA establishes an important cross talk with the second messenger c-di-GMP in the regulation of biofilm development. Moreover, in a recent work, BolA was associated with the virulence capacity of the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium. We have shown that BolA is a determining factor in the ability of Salmonella to survive and overcome host defense mechanisms.

The connection of BolA with a plethora of phenotypes strongly suggests its role as a key master regulator. This highlights the importance of the understanding of this protein on future studies and applications in other organisms.