An unprecedented small RNA-riboswitch interaction controls expression of a bifunctional pump that is essential for Staphylococcus aureus infection

Abstract

Maintaining manganese and iron homeostasis is critical for the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. To counteract metal-based host defense strategies (e.g., nutritional immunity, metal poisoning), S. aureus uses a combination of metal-sensing transcription factors and regulatory RNAs to maintain metal homeostasis. In this study, we uncovered an unprecedented interaction between a cis- and a trans-acting regulatory RNA controlling a conditionally essential gene, mntY, encoding a Mn efflux pump. This broadly conserved RNA-RNA interaction between a Fe-responsive sRNA and a Mn-sensing riboswitch allows the integration of Fe- and Mn-related stresses, notably encountered at the infection site, to fine-tune mntY expression. Remarkably, deletion of the mntY gene is strongly pleomorphic, causing growth defects, altering virulence factor expression, immune evasion, and survival during infection. We demonstrated that MntY is critical for the adaptation of S. aureus to both low and high Mn environments, due to its dual role in metalation of Mn-dependent exoenzymes and Mn detoxification. These findings point to MntY as a promising new therapeutic target to combat multidrug-resistant staphylococcal infections.