Small Noncoding Regulatory RNAs from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia Complex

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most life-limiting autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians. CF is characterized by abnormal viscous secretions that impair the function of several tissues, with chronic bacterial airway infections representing the major cause of early decease of these patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and bacteria from the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are the leading pathogens of CF patients' airways. A wide array of virulence factors is responsible for the success of infections caused by these bacteria, which have tightly regulated responses to the host environment. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are major regulatory molecules in these bacteria. Several approaches have been developed to study P. aeruginosa sRNAs, many of which were characterized as being involved in the virulence. On the other hand, the knowledge on Bcc sRNAs remains far behind. The purpose of this review is to update the knowledge on characterized sRNAs involved in P. aeruginosa virulence, as well as to compile data so far achieved on sRNAs from the Bcc and their possible roles on bacteria virulence.

Keywords: Burkholderia cepacia complex; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; cystic fibrosis; pathogenicity; small noncoding regulatory RNAs.

Figure 1

P. aeruginosa functionally characterized sRNAs and their involvement on virulence regulatory pathways. Grey box—characterized sRNAs (with red border- Hfq biding); Green box—indirect regulator, Light Blue box—direct regulator; Coral box—direct target; Yellow box—indirect target; Dark Blue—virulence factors; ↓: positive control; ┴: negative control; dashed lines: indirect control.