Dataset for paper <b>"16S rRNA methyltransferase RsmI regulates </b><b>Staphylococcus aureus</b><b> </b><b>v</b><b>irulence through binding Elongation Factor EF-Tu"</b>

In this study, we identify the 16S rRNA methyltransferase RsmI as a previously unrecognized suppressor of S. aureus virulence. Mechanistically, RsmI functions as a dual regulator of the translation elongation factor EF-Tu. Through an integrated approach combining molecular genetics, transcriptomic and transcriptional analyses, protein–protein interaction assays, and multiple infection models, we demonstrate that RsmI attenuates bacterial pathogenicity by regulating EF-Tu via direct protein interaction and transcriptional repression through binding to the tuf promoter. These findings reveal a novel regulatory link between ribosome-associated RNA methylation and virulence control in S. aureus.