Gene ID: 3087371
The MarR (Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Regulator) – 3087371 – family of transcriptional regulators plays a crucial role in the bacterial response to environmental stresses, including exposure to antibiotics, disinfectants, and oxidative stress. These proteins are primarily known for their ability to repress or activate gene expression, thereby contributing to the adaptability and survival of bacteria in various environments. The MarR family is widespread among bacteria, and members of this family are integral to the regulation of virulence, metabolism, and antibiotic resistance.
One significant member of this family, identified in Burkholderia mallei ATCC 23344, had its gene ID 3087371 discontinued on March 6, 2020. This article explores the characteristics, functions, and implications of the MarR family transcriptional regulator in Burkholderia mallei, highlighting the broader significance of MarR proteins in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis.
Overview of MarR Family Transcriptional Regulators
Structural Characteristics
MarR family proteins typically consist of approximately 100-200 amino acids and share a conserved winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) motif. This structural motif facilitates DNA binding, enabling these proteins to regulate the expression of target genes. The wHTH motif is characterized by two α-helices connected by a turn and followed by a β-sheet, forming a “wing” structure that interacts with DNA.
Mechanism of Action
MarR family transcriptional regulators function as dimers and can either repress or activate gene expression. The binding of an effector molecule, such as a ligand or a signal molecule, induces conformational changes in the MarR protein, altering its affinity for DNA and modulating gene expression. This mechanism allows bacteria to respond rapidly to environmental changes, such as the presence of antibiotics or oxidative stress.
Functional Roles
- Antibiotic Resistance: MarR proteins regulate genes involved in antibiotic efflux pumps, contributing to multidrug resistance in bacteria.
- Virulence: These regulators control the expression of virulence factors, influencing the pathogenicity of bacterial infections.
- Metabolism: MarR proteins modulate metabolic pathways, aiding in the adaptation to nutrient availability and environmental conditions.
- Stress Response: They regulate genes associated with oxidative stress response, protecting bacteria from reactive oxygen species.
Burkholderia mallei and its Significance
Pathogenicity
Burkholderia mallei is a Gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of glanders, a zoonotic disease primarily affecting equids but capable of infecting humans. The pathogen is characterized by its ability to survive and replicate within host cells, evading the immune system and causing chronic, often fatal, infections. Glanders is considered a potential bioterrorism threat due to its high infectivity and mortality rates.
Genetic Composition
The genome of Burkholderia mallei ATCC 23344 consists of two circular chromosomes, which encode a wide array of virulence factors, regulatory proteins, and metabolic pathways. The MarR family transcriptional regulator encoded by the discontinued Gene ID 3087371 was a significant component of this regulatory network, contributing to the bacterium’s adaptability and pathogenicity.
The Role of MarR Family Transcriptional Regulator in Burkholderia mallei
Regulatory Functions
The MarR family transcriptional regulator in Burkholderia mallei played a vital role in the regulation of genes associated with antibiotic resistance, virulence, and stress response. By modulating the expression of these genes, the MarR protein facilitated the bacterium’s survival in hostile environments, including during infection and exposure to antimicrobial agents.
Impact on Antibiotic Resistance
One of the key functions of the MarR family transcriptional regulator was its involvement in the regulation of efflux pumps and other mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Efflux pumps are membrane proteins that expel toxic substances, including antibiotics, out of bacterial cells, thereby reducing their intracellular concentrations and mitigating their effects. The MarR regulator modulated the expression of genes encoding these efflux pumps, contributing to the multidrug resistance phenotype of Burkholderia mallei.
Influence on Virulence
The MarR family transcriptional regulator also controlled the expression of virulence factors, including adhesins, invasins, and toxins. By fine-tuning the production of these factors, the MarR protein influenced the bacterium’s ability to infect host cells, evade the immune system, and cause disease. This regulatory function was critical for the pathogenicity of Burkholderia mallei, enabling it to establish and maintain infections in susceptible hosts.
Response to Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a common challenge faced by pathogenic bacteria during infection, as host immune cells generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill invading microbes. The MarR family transcriptional regulator in Burkholderia mallei played a protective role by regulating genes involved in the oxidative stress response. These genes encoded antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases and superoxide dismutases, which neutralized ROS and protected the bacterium from oxidative damage.
Discontinuation of Gene ID 3087371
Reasons for Discontinuation
The discontinuation of Gene ID 3087371 on March 6, 2020, may have been due to updates in genome annotations, reclassification of gene functions, or the discovery of new regulatory elements. Genome annotation is an evolving field, and changes are made as new data become available and our understanding of genetic elements improves. The discontinuation of this specific gene ID does not diminish the importance of the MarR family transcriptional regulator but rather reflects advancements in genomic research and data curation.
Implications for Research
The discontinuation of Gene ID 3087371 highlights the dynamic nature of genomic databases and the need for continuous updates and refinements. Researchers studying Burkholderia mallei and MarR family transcriptional regulators must stay abreast of these changes to ensure the accuracy and relevance of their work. The regulatory functions and mechanisms associated with the MarR protein remain a critical area of investigation, with implications for understanding bacterial pathogenicity and developing new therapeutic strategies.
High-Authority References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): NCBI provides comprehensive information on gene sequences, annotations, and functional insights. The discontinuation of Gene ID 3087371 can be verified through NCBI’s updated records. NCBI
- Journal of Bacteriology: This journal publishes research on bacterial physiology, genetics, and molecular biology, including studies on MarR family transcriptional regulators and their roles in antibiotic resistance and virulence. Journal of Bacteriology
- Infection and Immunity: This journal focuses on the mechanisms of microbial infection and host response. It provides valuable insights into the pathogenicity of Burkholderia mallei and the regulatory functions of MarR proteins. Infection and Immunity
- Journal of Molecular Biology: This journal covers structural and functional studies of biomolecules, including the characterization of MarR family transcriptional regulators. Journal of Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy: This journal publishes research on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, including the regulation of efflux pumps by MarR family proteins. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
- Journal of Clinical Microbiology: This journal provides clinical insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology of infectious diseases, including glanders caused by Burkholderia mallei. Journal of Clinical Microbiology
- Journal of Biological Chemistry: This journal covers biochemical research, including the study of regulatory proteins like MarR and their impact on bacterial metabolism and stress response. Journal of Biological Chemistry
- Nature Reviews Microbiology: This journal offers comprehensive reviews on microbial physiology, genetics, and pathogenesis, including the roles of transcriptional regulators in bacterial adaptation and survival. Nature Reviews Microbiology
Conclusion
The MarR family transcriptional regulator in Burkholderia mallei ATCC 23344, previously identified by Gene ID 3087371, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of genes associated with antibiotic resistance, virulence, and stress response. Despite the discontinuation of this specific gene ID, the significance of MarR proteins in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis remains undiminished. These regulators are integral to the adaptability and survival of bacteria in various environments, making them critical targets for research aimed at understanding bacterial behavior and developing new therapeutic strategies.
High-authority references from reputable journals and databases underscore the importance of continuous updates in genomic annotations and the need for ongoing research into the functions and mechanisms of MarR family transcriptional regulators. By deepening our understanding of these regulatory proteins, we can advance our knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis and enhance our ability to combat infectious diseases.
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