represses type VI secretion system through a manganese-dependent small RNA-mediated regulation.

Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is utilized by many Gram-negative bacteria to eliminate competing bacterial species and manipulate host cells. ATCC 17978 utilizes T6SS at the expense of losing pAB3 plasmid to induce contact-dependent killing of competitor microbes, resulting in the loss of antibiotic resistance carried by pAB3. However, the regulatory network associated with T6SS in remains poorly understood.

'GGFGGQ' repeats in Hfq of Acinetobacter baumannii are essential for nutrient utilization and virulence.

The nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is known for causing lung and soft tissue infections in immunocompromised hosts. Its ability to adapt to various environments through post-transcriptional gene regulation is key to its success. Central to this regulation is the RNA chaperone Hfq, which facilitates interactions between mRNA targets and their small RNA partners through a Sm-core domain.