Maxime Barrault

Staphylococcal aconitase expression during iron deficiency is controlled by an sRNA-driven feedforward loop and moonlighting activity

Abstract Pathogenic bacteria employ complex systems to cope with metal ion shortage conditions and propagate in the host. IsrR is a regulatory RNA (sRNA) whose activity is decisive for optimum S. aureus fitness upon iron starvation and for full virulence. IsrR down-regulates several genes encoding iron-containing enzymes to spare iron for essential processes.

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a major contributor to bacterial-associated mortality, owing to its exceptional adaptability across diverse environments. Iron, vital for most organisms, poses toxicity risks in excess. To manage iron, S. aureus, like many pathogens, employs intricate systems. We have recently identified IsrR as a key regulatory RNA induced during iron starvation. Its role is to curtail the synthesis of non-essential iron-containing proteins under iron-depleted conditions.