Ellis, Harriet R., Behrends, Volker ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4855-5497, Larrouy-Maumus, Gerald, McQuail, Josh and Wignehweraraj, Sivaramesh (2026) Glutathione impacts Hfq condensation in nitrogen-starved Escherichia coli. Journal of Bacteriology. ISSN 0021-9193

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Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is essential for bacterial growth, and adaptation to N starvation involves extensive reprogramming of metabolism and gene expression. A hallmark subcellular feature in long-term N-starved Escherichia coli cells is the presence of biomolecular condensates of the major bacterial RNA regulator Hfq. The Hfq condensates, which accumulate gradually during N starvation, contribute to adaptation by modulating RNA metabolism and central metabolic pathways. Metabolites play central roles in stress responses, often acting as modulators of protein function to support survival and recovery. Glutathione (GSH), a universal stress protectant, has broad roles in bacterial stress adaptation, yet its function during N starvation remains unexplored. Using a GSH-deficient mutant (ΔgshAB), we show that GSH is required for optimal survival and recovery from prolonged N starvation. We reveal that GSH regulates the temporal dynamics of Hfq condensation and dissipation during N starvation and recovery from N starvation, respectively, via an as-yet unknown mechanism. However, the contribution of GSH to survival during and recovery from N starvation and Hfq condensation dynamics seems to be unlinked. Overall, the results point to a role for GSH in the adaptive response to N starvation, potentially extending its canonical function as a stress protectant.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.1128/jb.00012-26
Keywords:	Hfq, glutathione, phase condensation, nitrogen starvation, stress response
Subjects:	Natural sciences > Cell and molecular biology
Date Deposited:	16 Jun 2026
Dates:	Date Publication status 16 February 2026 Accepted 23 March 2026 Published Online
School, department or research centre:	School of Medicine and Biosciences
Keywords:	Hfq, glutathione, phase condensation, nitrogen starvation, stress response
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/15052

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