Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Prokaryotic cell transcriptomics has been limited to mixed or sub-population dynamics and individual cells within heterogeneous populations, which has hampered further understanding of spatiotemporal and stage-specific processes of prokaryotic cells within complex environments. Here we develop a 'TRANSITomic' approach to profile transcriptomes of single Burkholderia pseudomallei cells as they transit through host cell infection at defined stages, yielding pathophysiological insights. We find that B. pseudomallei transits through host cells during infection in three observable stages: vacuole entry; cytoplasmic escape and replication; and membrane protrusion, promoting cell-to-cell spread. The B. pseudomallei 'TRANSITome' reveals dynamic gene-expression flux during transit in host cells and identifies genes that are required for pathogenesis. We find several hypothetical proteins and assign them to virulence mechanisms, including attachment, cytoskeletal modulation, and autophagy evasion. The B. pseudomallei 'TRANSITome' provides prokaryotic single-cell transcriptomics information enabling high-resolution understanding of host-pathogen interactions.
Source: Nature Communications
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $5,560
Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Center for Research Resources, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
OpenAlex ID: W3137062568