Genome-Wide Analysis of the Response of Brucella melitensis NI to Polymyxin B
Background: The ability of pathogenic bacteria to survive antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in various host niches may contribute to their virulence. Polymyxin B is a cationic AMP, and polymyxin drugs are considered to be the "last line of defense" in the clinical treatment of bacterial infections. Objective: The objectives of this study were to comprehensively study the response of Brucella melitensis strain NI to polymyxin B treatment and to identify the target genes in Brucella induced by polymyxin B stimulation. Methods: Following treatment with polymyxin B, differentially expressed genes in Brucella were detected using RNA-seq and validated using qRT-PCR. Results: In total, 874 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 560 up-regulated and 314 down-regulated genes. Functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that many of these genes are involved in metabolism, two-component systems, transcriptional regulation, transport/membrane proteins, and virulence factors. Expression of genes involved in T4SS and flagellar biosynthesis and assembly, which are important virulence factors in Brucella, were upregulated by polymyxin B treatment. Discussion: Additionally, genes encoding the ABC transporters YejABEF and the cold-shock protein CspA were also upregulated. These genes confer resistance to AMPs and contribute to the virulence of Brucella. The NI∆sufC, NI∆sufD, NI∆ompW, NI∆exbB, NI∆tetR, and NI∆cspA mutants were also more sensitive than B. melitensis NI to polymyxin B. Conclusion: The results of this study provide important insights into the comprehensive response of Brucella in response to polymyxin B stimulation.