Virulence Gene Regulation in Bacteria

Dear Colleagues,

The precise control of virulence gene expression underpins the pathogenicity of many important bacterial pathogens. This regulatory control can be triggered by diverse stimuli including rising bacterial numbers, environmental stressors encountered in the host environment or even physical parameters, like direct contact between a bacterium and its host. Responding to these cues are suites of transcription factors and regulatory RNA molecules that function alone or in combination to up- or down-regulate the synthesis or longevity of transcripts. While the complexity of the regulatory networks and the variety of molecular mechanisms employed is impressive, their exquisite coordination is undoubtedly central to the physiology and the pathogenic nature of these bacteria. An improved understanding of these regulatory events has the potential to reveal processes unique to bacteria that can be exploited as novel drug targets. In a single issue of Genes in Fall of 2016, we would like to convey our current understanding of virulence gene regulation in bacteria by showcasing some of the best research from around the world. We welcome reviews and original articles in the area of transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional control of bacterial virulence genes that are imparted by DNA binding proteins, small regulatory RNAs or even the transcripts themselves.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helen J. Wing
Guest Editor

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