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HilC

HilC is a transcriptional regulator encoded by the hilC gene within the Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) of Salmonella enterica. It belongs to the family of AraC-like transcriptional regulators and operates as part of the SPI-1 regulatory cascade that controls the expression of genes required for epithelial invasion.

Functionally, HilC participates in activating the transcription of hilA and other SPI-1 invasion genes, in concert

Regulation of HilC expression is modulated by environmental signals associated with the host intestinal environment and

Genomic context and significance: The hilC gene is located within SPI-1, a mobile genetic element critical for

Discovery and references: HilC was identified during studies of SPI-1 regulator genes in the 1990s alongside

with
the
master
regulator
HilD.
The
regulatory
network
consisting
of
HilD,
HilC,
and
HilA
coordinates
the
timely
induction
of
the
type
III
secretion
system.
Deletion
of
hilC
reduces
SPI-1
gene
expression
and
lowers
invasive
capacity
in
cell-based
assays
and
reduces
virulence
in
animal
models.
by
regulatory
cross-talk
within
SPI-1.
Its
activity
is
influenced
by
HilD
and
by
other
regulators
that
respond
to
cues
such
as
temperature,
osmolarity,
and
nutrient
availability,
enabling
Salmonella
to
turn
on
invasion
genes
under
suitable
conditions.
Salmonella
virulence.
Because
of
its
role
in
controlling
invasion
gene
expression,
HilC
has
been
a
focus
of
research
into
Salmonella
pathogenesis
and
anti-virulence
strategies.
HilA
and
HilD.