
Nucleic Acids Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 53(5)
Published: Feb. 27, 2025
Bacterial genomes are shaped by cryptic prophages, which viral integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Escherichia coli have 10 prophages on average. Though usually inactive, prophage genes can profoundly impact host cell physiology. Among phage in E. chromosome, there several putative transcription factors (TFs). These TFs predicted to control only promoters; however, their regulatory functions not well characterized. The cohabitation of and bacteria has led conditions under majority unexpressed, at least normal growth conditions. We characterized a Rac TF, YdaT, expression is normally inhibited and, surprisingly, global regulator OxyR. when expressed, leads toxic phenotype manifested drastic filamentation death. determined binding sites action for finding two within locus, one upstream rcsA gene, codes RcsA. resulting increase RcsA strongly impacts RcsA/B regulon, includes operons related motility, capsule biosynthesis, colanic acid production, biofilm formation, division. Our results provide novel insights host's genetic network, appears integrate YdaT complex manner, favoring its maintenance silenced state. fact that potentially locus remains unmutated suggests importance potential benefits host, may appear stress yet known.
Language: Английский