Profiling of theHelicobacter pyloriredox switch HP1021 regulon using a multi-omics approach

Abstract

AbstractThe gastric human pathogenHelicobacter pylorihas developed mechanisms to combat stress factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are present in the stomach’s harsh environment. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the redox switch protein HP1021 regulon combining transcriptomic, proteomic and DNA-protein interactions analyses. Our results indicated that HP1021 decides aboutH. pyloriresponse to oxidative stress. HP1021 regulon included 498 genes, of which 411 responded to oxidative stress. HP1021 controlled typical ROS response pathways (katA,rocF) and less canonical ones, particularly DNA uptake and central carbohydrate metabolism. We identified HP1021 as the first molecular regulator of competence inH. pylori, as HP1021-dependent repression of thecomBDNA uptake genes was relieved under oxidative conditions, increasing natural competence. Furthermore, HP1021 controlled glucose consumption by directly regulating thegluPtransporter and had an important impact on maintaining the energetic balance in the cell.