Acquisition of regulator on virulence plasmid of hypervirulent Klebsiella allows bacterial lifestyle switch in response to iron

Abstract

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae causes liver abscess and potentially devastating metastatic complications. The majority of Klebsiella-induced liver abscess are caused by the CG23-I sublineage of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. This and some other lineages possess a >200-kb virulence plasmid. We discovered a novel protein IroP nestled in the virulence plasmid-encoded salmochelin operon that cross-regulates and suppresses the promoter activity of chromosomal type 3 fimbriae (T3F) gene transcription. IroP is itself repressed by iron through the ferric uptake regulator. Iron-rich conditions increase T3F and suppress capsule mucoviscosity, leading to biofilm formation and cell adhesion. Conversely, iron-poor conditions cause a transcriptional switch to hypermucoid capsule production and T3F repression. The likely acquisition of iroP on mobile genetic elements and successful adaptive integration into the genetic circuitry of a major lineage of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae reveal a powerful example of plasmid chromosomal cross talk that confers an evolutionary advantage. Our discovery also addresses the conundrum of how the hypermucoid capsule that impedes adhesion could be regulated to facilitate biofilm formation and colonization. The acquired ability of the bacteria to alternate between a state favoring dissemination and one that favors colonization in response to iron availability through transcriptional regulation offers novel insights into the evolutionary success of this pathogen. IMPORTANCE Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae contributes to the majority of monomicrobial-induced liver abscess infections that can lead to several other metastatic complications. The large virulence plasmid is highly stable in major lineages, suggesting that it provides survival benefits. We discovered a protein IroP encoded on the virulence plasmid that suppresses expression of the type 3 fimbriae. IroP itself is regulated by iron, and we showed that iron regulates hypermucoid capsule production while inversely regulating type 3 fimbriae expression through IroP. The acquisition and integration of this inverse transcriptional switch between fimbriae and capsule mucoviscosity shows an evolved sophisticated plasmid-chromosomal cross talk that changes the behavior of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae in response to a key nutrient that could contribute to the evolutionary success of this pathogen.