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Two-component system GrpP/GrpQ promotes pathogenicity of uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 by upregulating type 1 fimbria

Author

Listed:
  • Xueping Li

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Yu Pang

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Lingyan Jiang

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Le Liu

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Jiarui Zhou

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Chen Jin

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Qian Wang

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Hongmin Sun

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Qing Li

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Zhen Chen

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Jingliang Qin

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Jianwei Mu

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Bin Liu

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Qiyue Zhang

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Yutao Liu

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University)

  • Lu Feng

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University Shenzhen)

  • Lei Wang

    (Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Nankai University
    Southwest United Graduate School)

Abstract

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Invasion into bladder epithelial cells (BECs) on the bladder luminal surface via type 1 fimbria is the first critical step in UPEC infection. Although type 1 fimbria expression increases during UPEC invasion of BECs, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study reported a previously uncharacterized two-component system (TCS) GrpP/GrpQ that directly activates type 1 fimbria expression to promote UPEC invasion and therefore pathogenicity in response to D-serine present in the host urine. grpP/grpQ mutation severely impaired UPEC invasion of BECs and decreased the bacterial burden and formation of intracellular bacterial communities in mouse bladders during acute UTI. grpP/grpQ is widely present in UPEC genomes but rarely in other E. coli genomes, suggesting that this TCS specifically contributes to UPEC evolution. This study revealed a new pathway for virulence activation in response to host cues, providing further insight into UPEC pathogenesis and a promising target for UTI treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Xueping Li & Yu Pang & Lingyan Jiang & Le Liu & Jiarui Zhou & Chen Jin & Qian Wang & Hongmin Sun & Qing Li & Zhen Chen & Jingliang Qin & Jianwei Mu & Bin Liu & Qiyue Zhang & Yutao Liu & Lu Feng & Lei , 2025. "Two-component system GrpP/GrpQ promotes pathogenicity of uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 by upregulating type 1 fimbria," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55982-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55982-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bin Yang & Lu Feng & Fang Wang & Lei Wang, 2015. "Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli senses low biotin status in the large intestine for colonization and infection," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Alline R. Pacheco & Meredith M. Curtis & Jennifer M. Ritchie & Diana Munera & Matthew K. Waldor & Cristiano G. Moreira & Vanessa Sperandio, 2012. "Fucose sensing regulates bacterial intestinal colonization," Nature, Nature, vol. 492(7427), pages 113-117, December.
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