Cellular and physiological roles of sigma factors in Vibrio spp.: A comprehensive review

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-01, Vol.254 (Pt 1), p.127833-127833, Article 127833
• Main Authors: Jeong, Geum-Jae, Khan, Fazlurrahman, Tabassum, Nazia, Kim, Young-Mog
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Ecosystem; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Pathogenesis; Regulation; Sigma Factor - genetics; Sigma Factor - metabolism; Sigma factors; Stress conditions; Vibrio - metabolism; Vibrio spp; Virulence - genetics
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127833

Vibrio species are motile gram-negative bacteria commonly found in aquatic environments. Vibrio species include pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic strains. Pathogenic Vibrio species have been reported in invertebrates and humans, whereas non-pathogenic strains are involved in symbiotic relationships with their eukaryotic hosts. These bacteria are also able to adapt to fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and pH, in addition to oxidative stress, and osmotic pressure in aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, they have also developed protective mechanisms against the immune systems of their hosts. Vibrio species accomplish adaptation to changing environments outside or inside the host by altering their gene expression profiles. To this end, several sigma factors specifically regulate gene expression, particularly under stressful environmental conditions. Moreover, other sigma factors are associated with biofilm formation and virulence as well. This review discusses different types of sigma and anti-sigma factors of Vibrio species involved in virulence and regulation of gene expression upon changes in environmental conditions. The evolutionary relationships between sigma factors with various physiological roles in Vibrio species are also discussed extensively. •Vibrio spp. adapt to changing environments while inhabiting aquatic ecosystems and host systems.•Vibrio spp. respond to the changing environment by altering various gene expressions.•Sigma factors are specifically involved in regulation of gene expression under stressful environmental conditions.•Sigma factors also regulate the expression of genes involved in biofilm formation and virulence.