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Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
2025;15 1509037.

An updated overview on the bacterial PhoP/PhoQ two-component signal transduction system.

Meiqin Mao, Li He, Qingpi Yan
Author Information
  1. Meiqin Mao: Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
  2. Li He: Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
  3. Qingpi Yan: Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
PMID: 39958932 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1509037

Abstract

The PhoP response regulator and the cognate sensor kinase PhoQ form one of the two-component signal transduction systems that is highly conserved in bacteria. The PhoP/PhoQ system is a crucial mediator of signal transduction. It regulates the expression of bacterial environmental tolerance genes, virulence factors, adhesion, and invasion-related genes by sensing various environmental signals in the host, including Mg, low pH, antimicrobial peptides, and osmotic pressure. In this review, we describe the PhoP/PhoQ system-induced signal composition and its feedback mechanism, and the abundance of PhoP phosphorylation in the activated state directly or indirectly controls the transcription and expression of related genes, regulating bacterial stability. Then, we discuss the relationship between the PhoP/PhoQ system and other components of the TCS system. Under the same induction conditions, their interaction relationship determines whether bacteria can quickly restore their homeostasis and exert virulence effects. Finally, we investigate the coordinated role of the PhoP/PhoQ system in acquiring pathogenic virulence.

Keywords

PhoP/PhoQ TCS bacterial phosphorylation virulence

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MeSH Term

Signal Transduction
Bacterial Proteins
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Virulence
Phosphorylation
Bacteria
Virulence Factors

Chemicals

PhoQ protein, Bacteria
PhoP protein, Bacteria
Bacterial Proteins
Virulence Factors
Journal Article Review
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