The cell division factor ZapB is required for bile resistance inSalmonella enterica

Abstract

ABSTRACTA gene annotated asyiiUin the genome ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium encodes a protein homologous toE. coliZapB, a non-essential cell division factor involved in Z-ring assembly. ZapB−null mutants ofS. entericaare bile-sensitive. The ZapB protein is degraded in the presence of sodium deoxycholate (DOC), and degradation appears to involve the Lon protease. The amount ofzapBmRNA increases in the presence of a sublethal concentration of DOC. This increase is not caused by upregulation ofzapBtranscription but by increased stability ofzapBmRNA. DOC-induced increase of thezapBtranscript is suppressed by anhfqmutation, suggesting the involvement of a small regulatory RNA. We provide evidence that such sRNA is MicA. Increased stability ofzapBmRNA in the presence of DOC may counter degradation of bile-damaged ZapB, thus providing sufficient level of functional ZapB protein to permit Z-ring assembly in the presence of bile.IMPORTANCEBile salts have bactericidal activity as a consequence of membrane disruption, protein denaturation and DNA damage. However, intestinal bacteria are resistant to bile. Envelope structures such as the lipopolysaccharide and the enterobacterial common antigen act as barriers that reduce intake of bile salts. Remodelling of the outer membrane and the peptidoglycan, activation of efflux pumps, and upregulation of stress responses also contribute to bile resistance. This study adds the cell division factor ZapB (and presumably the Z-ring) to the list of cellular functions involved in bile resistance.