ClpP-dependent and -independent activities encoded by the polycistronic clpK-encoding locus contribute to heat shock survival in Klebsiella pneumoniae

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The family of Clp ATPases plays an important role in bacterial physiology. Here we characterize the genetic locus encompassing a newly described plasmid-encoded ClpK protein protecting Klebsiella pneumoniae cells during heat shock. We demonstrate that the clpK gene is located in a polycistronic operon and that the variable downstream gene content correlates with heat-resistant phenotypes of different isolates. ClpK is encoded by a multifunctional transcriptional unit characterized by both ClpP-dependent and -independent activities. Notably, our data show that ClpP is indispensible for thermoprotection exerted by ClpK alone, suggesting that ClpK is a new member of the family of ClpP-interacting Clp ATPases.
Original languageEnglish
JournalResearch in Microbiology
Volume164
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)205-210
Number of pages6
ISSN0923-2508
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

ID: 91895808