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New Insights into Bacterial Behavior and Virulence
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have made a significant discovery regarding how pathogenic bacteria prepare to infect their hosts. Led by Ph.D. candidates Lior Aroeti and Netanel Elbaz under the mentorship of Prof. Ilan Rosenshine from the Faculty of Medicine, this study has the potential to inform future strategies in combating infectious diseases.
The focus of the research, published in Nature Communications, centers on a protein known as CsrA. This protein functions as a regulator within bacterial cells, influencing which genes are activated or silenced, particularly those crucial for pathogenicity.
While CsrA has been recognized for its role in bacterial virulence—the capacity to induce illness—the new findings suggest that it operates within a unique environment. CsrA accumulates in a droplet-like structure within the cell, referred to as a “membraneless compartment.” This innovative compartment is believed to play a pivotal role in managing bacterial behavior.
“This compartment serves as a temporary command center,” Prof. Rosenshine remarked. “It enables bacteria to either ramp up their infection capabilities or slow down their processes to conserve energy.”
The research team utilized fluorescent proteins to monitor CsrA activity within bacteria, discovering that these membraneless compartments develop under specific conditions, particularly those simulating the human gut environment. Furthermore, these structures are composed of various critical molecules that facilitate the regulation of genetic activity in bacteria.
Perhaps the most promising revelation is that these compartments may be ubiquitous across diverse bacterial species. This suggests that an array of pathogens could be utilizing similar strategies to optimize their virulence.
Prof. Rosenshine’s work offers crucial insights into the organizational structure of bacterial cells and their adaptive responses. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to novel approaches for preventing bacteria from becoming harmful to humans.
More information: Lior Aroeti et al, Formation of a membraneless compartment regulates bacterial virulence, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58829-9
Citation: A hidden control center: How bacteria regulate their attack strategies (2025, April 28) retrieved 28 April 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-04-hidden-center-bacteria-strategies.html
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