A novel cis antisense RNA AsfD promotes Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi motility and biofilm formation

In this study, a northern blot and qRT-PCR were used to confirm the expression of this newfound antisense RNA in S. Typhi. Moreover, 5′ RACE and 3′ RT-PCR were performed to reveal the molecular characteristics of the antisense RNA, which was 2079 nt − 2179 nt in length, covered the entire flhDC operon sequence, and termed AsfD. The level of AsfD expression was higher during the stationary phase of S. Typhi and activated by the regulators, OmpR and Fis. When AsfD was overexpressed, the level of flagellar gene flhDC transcription increased; moreover, the level of fliA and fljB expression, as well as the motility and biofilm formation of S. Typhi were also enhanced. The results of this study suggest that AsfD is likely to enhance the motility and biofilm formation of S. Typhi by up-regulating flhDC expression.
Source: Microbial Pathogenesis - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research