BlsA Is a Low to Moderate Temperature Blue Light Photoreceptor in the Human Pathogen .

Light is an environmental signal that produces extensive effects on the physiology of the human pathogen . Many of the bacterial responses to light depend on BlsA, a bluelight using FAD (BLUF)-type photoreceptor, which also integrates temperature signals. In this work, we disclose novel mechanistic aspects of the function of BlsA.

Genetic and Phenotypic Features of a Novel Acinetobacter Species, Strain A47, Isolated From the Clinical Setting.

In 2014, a novel species of , strain A47, determined to be hospital-acquired was recovered from a single patient soft tissue sample following a traumatic accident. The complexity of the genus has been established, and every year novel species are identified. However, specific features and virulence factors that allow members of this genus to be successful pathogens are not well understood.

The crystal structure of the malic enzyme from Candidatus Phytoplasma reveals the minimal structural determinants for a malic enzyme.

Phytoplasmas are wall-less phytopathogenic bacteria that produce devastating effects in a wide variety of plants. Reductive evolution has shaped their genome, with the loss of many genes, limiting their metabolic capacities. Owing to the high concentration of C compounds in plants, and the presence of malic enzyme (ME) in all phytoplasma genomes so far sequenced, the oxidative decarboxylation of L-malate might represent an adaptation to generate energy.

Integration of Temperature and Blue-Light Sensing in Acinetobacter baumannii Through the BlsA Sensor.

BlsA is a BLUF photoreceptor present in Acinetobacter baumannii, responsible for modulation of motility, biofilm formation and virulence by light. In this work, we have combined physiological and biophysical evidences to begin to understand the basis of the differential photoregulation observed as a function of temperature. Indeed, we show that blsA expression is reduced at 37°C, which correlates with negligible photoreceptor levels in the cells, likely accounting for absence of photoregulation at this temperature.

More Than Just Light: Clinical Relevance of Light Perception in the Nosocomial Pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii and Other Members of the Genus Acinetobacter.

A summary of the major findings concerning light modulation in Acinetobacter baumannii, which governs aspects related to the success of this microorganism as a nosocomial pathogen, is presented. Particularly, the evidence shows that light modulates the ability of the bacteria to persist in the environment, its virulence against eukaryotic hosts and even susceptibility to certain antibiotics. The light signal is sensed through different mechanisms, in some cases involving specialized photoreceptors of the BLUF-type, whereas in others, directly by a photosensitizer molecule.