Deletion of FTL_0671 to determine the role of this gene in erythrocyte invasion by Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease tularemia. During infection, F. bacteria invade erythrocytes, phenomenon enhances colonization of ticks after blood meal. To gain insight into mechanism erythrocyte invasion, we hypothesized transcription bacterial genes important in red cell invasion would increase upon exposure to these host cells. An RNA-seq analysis revealed 7% increased when presence erythrocytes. Of these, identified three putative transcriptional regulators, namely FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665. The goal this work was determine role FTL_0671 by LVS. After successfully generating DFTL_0671 strain homologous recombination, tested ability mutant erythrocytes using gentamicin protection assay. As seemingly more invaded cells than wild-type LVS, preliminary experiment suggested may restrict invasion. In addition being potential regulator, PanK, protein required for CoA biosynthesis some bacteria. whether functioned capacity, LVS or cultured chemically defined medium, devoid CoA. experiment, did not exhibit diminished growth, suggesting either does encode an enzyme biosynthesis, can utilize alternative pathway synthesize critical coenzyme.