Bacterial single cell RNA-seq unveils cyclic-di-GMP as an antitoxin critical for antibiotic tolerance in biofilm [RNA-seq]

Biofilms are heterogeneous bacterial communities featured by high persister prevalence, responsible for antibiotic tolerance. However, the mechanisms underlying persister formation within biofilms remained ambiguous. Here, by developing and utilizing a ribosomal RNA depleted bacterial single-cell RNA-seq method, RiboD-mSPLiT, we resolved biofilm heterogeneity and discovered pdeI as a marker gene for persister subgroup within biofilms. Remarkably, our findings elucidated that PdeI upregulates cellular levels of c-di-GMP, which acts as an antitoxin to modulate the toxicity of toxin protein HipH. HipH localizes on nucleoid and functions as a potent DNase, inducing cells into a viable but non-culturable state. Conversely, c-di-GMP interacts with HipH, reducing its genotoxic effects and enabling cells to enter a persister state, resulting in drug tolerance. Importantly, by targeting this toxin-antitoxin system, we repressed drug tolerance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli infections, offering promising therapeutic strategies against chronic and relapsing infections. we performed gene experssion profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq of exponential growth phase E.coli. Then we analysed consistency of RNA-seq data with single-cell sequencing data. ** The submitter states that the study's data have undergone significant changes and are no longer accurately reflected in SuperSeries GSE239505 [Feb 20, 2024]. The correct data are in SuperSeries GSE260458. **