The CrdRS (HP1365-HP1364) two-component system is not involved in pH-responsive gene regulation in the Helicobacter pylori strains 26695 and G27

The human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is extremely well adapted to the highly acidic conditions encountered in the stomach. The pronounced acid resistance of H. pylori relies mainly on the ammonia-producing enzyme urease. However, urease-independent mechanisms are likely to contribute to acid adaptation. pH-responsive gene regulation in this organism is mediated by a two-component system (HP0166-HP0165) designated ArsRS and the metal-dependent regulators NikR and Fur. Recently, it was reported that another two-component system termed CrdRS (HP1365-HP1364) is required for pH-responsive regulation of the major acid-resistance systems in the H. pylori strain J99. By the analysis of crdRS null mutants of the H. pylori strains 26695 and G27, we show that low pH induction of both the urease and the amidase genes occurs in the absence of crdRS in these strains, suggesting substantial strain-specific differences in the regulation of a major virulence determinant.