Identification of the iron-limitation stimulon in Staphylococcus lugdunensis

During the infectious process, pathogens such as Staphylococcus lugdunensis have to cope with the condition of host-induced iron-limitation. Using the RNAseq approach, we performed the first global transcriptomic analysis of S. lugdunensis cells incubated in the absence and presence of iron chelator. One hundred and seventy-five genes were identified as members of the iron-limitation stimulon (127 up- and 48 downregulated). Six gene clusters known or likely required for the acquisition of iron have been identified. Among them, a novel Energy-Coupling Factor type transporter (ECF), homologous to the lhaSTA operon, has been found into a 13-gene putative operon and strongly overexpressed under iron-limitation condition. Moreover, the transcription of genes involved in resistance to oxidative stress (including catalase), virulence, transcriptional regulation, and hemin detoxification were also modified. These data provide some answers on the cellular response to the iron-limitation stress that is important for the opportunistic behavior of this pathogen.