(Tartu Ülikool, 2016) Alves Oliveira, Sofia Raquel; Hauryliuk, Vasili; Varik, Vallo; Tartu Ülikool. Loodus- ja täppisteaduste valdkond
The stringent response is a near-universal bacterial adaptation system control mediated by
accumulation of two guanine nucleotides ppGpp and pppGpp, collectively known as (p)ppGpp. The
response monitors several environmental stress inputs, such as nutrient limitation and heat shock and
remodels bacterial physiology in order to overcome the challenges. In Echerichia coli (p)ppGpp levels
controlled by two enzymes – RelA and SpoT, the namesakes of RelA SpoT Homologue (RSH) protein
family. The stringent response is associated to induction of virulence, antibiotic resistance and was
recently suggested to be the driving force behind the formation of so-called persister cells – antibiotictolerant
phenotypic variants in antibiotic-sensitive population. Since drug resistance and tolerance
constitute a significant public health threat, understanding the connection amongst (p)ppGpp, antibiotic
treatment and persistence is of great importance.
