Rho-dependent transcription termination regulates the toxin–antitoxin modules of cryptic prophages to silence their expression in Escherichia coli
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
FEBS Letters
Abstract
Bacterial Rho-dependent transcription termination regulates many physiological processes. Here, we report that it controls the expression of toxin–antitoxin (TA) modules of cryptic prophages in E. coli. Microarray profiles of Rho mutants showed upregulation of genes of the CP4-6 and CP4-44 prophages, including their TA modules, that were validated by RT-qPCR. Analysis of the in vivo termination efficiency and the mRNA sequences of these prophages revealed the presence of many Rho-dependent terminators. The prophage TA modules exhibited synthetic lethality with the Rho mutants, indicating functional involvement of Rho-dependent termination in controlling these modules. Rho-dependent termination does not regulate most of the chromosomal TA modules. We conclude that Rho-dependent termination specifically silences the TA modules of prophages, thereby augmenting bacterial innate immunity.
First Page
2057
Last Page
2067
DOI
10.1002/1873-3468.14150
Publication Date
8-1-2021
Recommended Citation
Hafeezunnisa, Mohammed; Chhakchhuak, Passong Immanual R.; Krishnakumar, Janani; and Sen, Ranjan, "Rho-dependent transcription termination regulates the toxin–antitoxin modules of cryptic prophages to silence their expression in Escherichia coli" (2021). Open Access archive. 2613.
https://impressions.manipal.edu/open-access-archive/2613
- Citations
- Citation Indexes: 4
- Usage
- Abstract Views: 1
- Captures
- Readers: 10