A highly conserved sRNA downregulates multiple genes, including a Sigma-54 transcriptional activator, in the virulence mode of Bordetella pertussis

Bacterial sRNAs together with the RNA chaperone Hfq post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by affecting ribosome binding or mRNA cleavage. In the human pathogenBordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, hundreds of sRNAs have been identified, but their roles inB. pertussisbiology are mostly unknown. We have performed RNA-seq analyses to determine gene expression changes forB. pertussisTohama Ivs.its derivative with a deletion of the Hfq-dependent sRNA S17, whose level increases dramatically in the virulence (Bvg+) mode. Overall design: WT and delS17 strains were grown under nonmodulating conditions (no MgSO4; Bvg+ mode). This is the mode in which the level of S17 sRNA is enhanced. We then performed differential gene expression analysis between WT and delS17 samples.