The GlrKR two-component system modulates virulence, environmental stress responses, and p-coumaric acid sensitivity in Cronobacter sakazakii
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen with remarkable resilience to environmental stressors, posing severe risks in powdered infant formula. Here, we identify the GlrKR two-component system (TCS) as a master regulator that integrates environmental sensing with virulence control. Genetic deletion of either the sensor kinase ( glrK ) or the response regulator ( glrR ) markedly attenuates bacterial motility, epithelial cell adherence, and virulence in a neonatal rat model. GlrK is essential for acid and oxidative stress resistance, whereas both GlrK and GlrR suppress desiccation tolerance, revealing a regulatory trade-off between environmental persistence and host invasion. Quantitative proteomics and site-specific mutagenesis uncover enhanced deamidation of OmpA at N101 in Δ glrR as a mechanistic basis for impaired adherence. Additionally, GlrKR modulates sensitivity to p -coumaric acid, a plant-derived antimicrobial, via transcriptional control of the efflux pump TolC. These findings establish GlrKR as a central node linking environmental adaptation, antimicrobial defense, and host-pathogen interaction in C. sakazakii , offering a promising target for next-generation food safety interventions.
Source: Food Bioscience
Authors: Ping Lu, Juan Xue, Aiying Shi, Xuemeng Ji
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,380
OpenAlex ID: W4414443443