A WYL transcription factor regulates Lactiplantibacillus plantarum intestinal colonization via perceiving c-di-GMP

The WYL transcription factor (LP_RS00300) is a c-di-GMP effector in L. plantarum WCFS1. LP_RS00300 binds to a special motif within the coding sequence, impeding the transcriptional elongation of LP_RS05345 and LP_RS05225, which encode mucus binding proteins (MucBPs). The perception of c-di-GMP by the WYL domain reversed the inhibitory effect of LP_RS00300 on the expression of MucBPs, resulting in increased adherence to intestinal epithelial cells by L. plantarum. Overall, our study provides evidence that a WYL transcription factor participates in probiotic colonization by sensing c-di-GMP.