Alternative Sigma Factor RpoX Is a Part of the RpoE Regulon and Plays Distinct Roles in Stress Responses, Motility, Biofilm Formation, and Hemolytic Activities in the Marine Pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus

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Abstract
The alternative sigma factor RpoE is essential for the virulence of Vibrio alginolyticus toward marine fish, coral, and other animals in response to sea surface temperature increases. In this study, we characterized another alternative sigma factor, RpoX, which is induced at high temperatures and under low-osmotic-stress conditions. The expression of rpoX is under the tight control of RpoE and RpoX. Although RpoE and RpoX coregulate 105 genes, they are programming different regulatory functions in stress responses and virulence in V. alginolyticus . These findings illuminated the RpoE-RpoX-centered regulatory cascades and their distinct and overlapping regulatory roles in V. alginolyticus , which facilitates unraveling of the mechanisms by which the bacterium causes diseases in various sea animals in response to temperature fluctuations as well as the development of appropriate strategies to tackle infections by this bacterium.
Funding Information
  • Science and Technology Commission of Shandong Province (17391902000)
  • Ministry of Agriculture of China (CARS-47-G17)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (31772893, 31772891)
  • Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (2017CXGC0103)

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