A new component of the DNA damage response biofilm axis is a TetR-like DNA damage response regulator in Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that employs two main strategies to evade antibiotic treatment: developing antibiotic resistant through the DNA damage response (DDR), and forming biofilms, which are protective bacterial multicellular communities. Previously, we demonstrated that RecA, a key regulator of the DDR, connects the DDR and biofilm formation, with RecA levels inversely correlated with biofilm formation. In this study, we identify another DDR regulator, EppR-- a recently characterized TetR-family transcriptional repressor-- as also playing a role in biofilm formation. We show that an eppR-deficient strain is unable to form biofilms due to reduced expression of genes encoding adhesive pili. This occurs because EppR influences intracellular RecA levels. Our findings provide further insight into RecA regulation and the link between the DDR and biofilms.