Genetic requirements for uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> proliferation in the bladder cell infection cycle

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most frequent infections worldwide. Uropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (UPEC), which accounts for ~80% of UTIs, must rapidly adapt to highly variable host environments, such as the gut, bladder sub-surface, and urine. In this study, we searched for UPEC genes required for bacterial growth and survival throughout the cellular infection cycle. Genes required for <i>de novo</i> synthesis of biomolecules and cell envelope integrity appeared to be important, and other genes were also implicated in bacterial dispersal and recovery from infection of cultured bladder cells. With further studies of individual gene function, their potential as therapeutic targets may be realized. This study expands knowledge of the UTI cycle and establishes an approach to genome-wide functional analyses of stage-resolved microbial infections.