The findings raise the possibility of preventing infections by keeping bacteria in a harmless state.

The breakthrough, led by Prof. Ilan Rosenshine from Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine, centers on a protein known as CsrA, long recognized for its role in controlling bacterial virulence — the ability of bacteria to cause disease. Until now, researchers believed CsrA operated freely within bacterial cells. However, the new study reveals that CsrA actually gathers into a droplet-like, membrane-less compartment inside the cell, forming a temporary “control center” that manages the activation of disease-causing genes.

“This compartment acts like a temporary control center,” said Rosenshine. “It helps bacteria shift gears — either gearing up to infect or slowing down to conserve energy.”

Using fluorescent markers, Rosenshine’s team tracked CsrA inside live bacterial cells and observed that these control hubs formed naturally under certain environmental conditions, especially those mimicking the human gut. The structures also contained other crucial molecules involved in gene regulation, suggesting a sophisticated level of genetic management occurring within the droplet.

One of the most striking implications of the research is that this system may not be unique to a single bacterial species.

“We believe similar compartments may be common across many types of pathogenic bacteria,” Rosenshine said. “This could represent a universal strategy used by bacteria to regulate virulence.”

The findings not only shed new light on the internal organization of bacterial cells but also suggest several promising practical applications.

By targeting the formation of these compartments, future treatments could prevent bacteria from switching into their virulent mode, stopping infections before they take hold.

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