Vibrio cholerae T3SS effector VopE modulates mitochondrial dynamics and innate immune signaling by targeting Miro GTPases

The Microbiome-Mitochondria Dance in Prodromal Parkinson's Disease

The brain is an immunologically active organ where neurons and glia cells orchestrate complex innate immune responses against infections and injuries. Neuronal responses involve Toll-like or Nod-like receptors and the secretion of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines. The endosymbiotic theory for the evolutionary origin of mitochondria from primitive bacteria, suggests that they may have also retained the capacity to activate neuronal innate immunity. In fact, it was shown that mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns could signal and activate innate immunity and inflammation. Moreover, the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis for sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) argues that altered mitochondrial metabolism and function can drive neurodegeneration. Additionally, a neuroinflammatory signature with increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in PD affected brain areas was recently detected. Herein, we propose that a cascade of events initiating in a dysbiotic gut microbiome drive the production of toxins or antibiotics that target and damage mitochondria. This in turn activates neuronal innate immunity and triggers sterile inflammation phenomena that culminate in the neurodegenerative processes observed in the enteric and in the central nervous systems and that ultimately lead to Parkinson’s disease.

Mitochondria Restrict Growth of the Intracellular Parasite Toxoplasma gondii by Limiting Its Uptake of Fatty Acids

How intracellular pathogens acquire essential non-diffusible host metabolites and whether the host cell counteracts the siphoning of these nutrients by its invaders are open questions. Here we show that host mitochondria fuse during infection by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii to limit its uptake of fatty acids (FAs). A combination of genetics and imaging of FA trafficking indicates that Toxoplasma infection triggers lipophagy, the autophagy of host lipid droplets (LDs), to secure cellular FAs essential for its proliferation. Indeed, Toxoplasma FA siphoning and growth are reduced in host cells genetically deficient for autophagy or triglyceride depots. Conversely, Toxoplasma FA uptake and proliferation are increased in host cells lacking mitochondrial fusion, required for efficient mitochondrial FA oxidation, or where mitochondrial FA oxidation is pharmacologically inhibited. Thus, mitochondrial fusion can be regarded as a cellular defense mechanism against intracellular parasites, by limiting Toxoplasma access to host nutrients liberated by lipophagy.

Mitochondrial fragmentation affects neither the sensitivity to TNFα-induced apoptosis of Brucella-infected cells nor the intracellular replication of the bacteria

Mitochondria are complex organelles that participate in many cellular functions, ranging from ATP production to immune responses against viruses and bacteria. This integration of a plethora of functions within a single organelle makes mitochondria a very attractive target to manipulate for intracellular pathogens. We characterised the crosstalk that exists between Brucella abortus, the causative agent of brucellosis, and the mitochondria of infected cells. Brucella replicates in a compartment derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and modulates ER functionality by activating the unfolded protein response. However, the impact of Brucella on the mitochondrial population of infected cells still requires a systematic study. We observed physical contacts between Brucella containing vacuoles and mitochondria. We also found that B. abortus replication is independent of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species do not participate to the control of B. abortus infection in vitro. We demonstrated that B. abortus and B. melitensis induce a drastic mitochondrial fragmentation at 48 hours post-infection in different cell types, including myeloid and non-myeloid cells. This fragmentation is DRP1-independent and might be caused by a deficit of mitochondrial fusion. However, mitochondrial fragmentation does not change neither Brucella replication efficiency, nor the susceptibility of infected cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis.

Mitochondrial Dynamics in Basal and Stressful Conditions

The historical role of mitochondria resides in converting the energy released during the oxidation of macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) into adenosine tri-phosphate, a major form of chemically stored energy which sustains cell growth and homeostasis. Beyond this role in bioenergetics regulation, mitochondria play a role in several other cellular processes including lipid metabolism, cellular calcium homeostasis, autophagy and immune responses. Furthermore, mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles: as all other cellular endomembranes, they are continuously moving along cytoskeleton, and, most importantly, they constantly interact one with each other by membrane tethering, fusion and fission. This review aims to highlight the tight correlation between the morphodynamics of mitochondria and their biological function(s), in physiological as well as stress conditions, in particular nutrient deprivation, pathogen attack and some human diseases. Finally, we emphasize some crosstalk between the fusion/fission machinery and the autophagy pathway to ending on some speculative hypothesis to inspire future research in the field.

Cellular Stress Responses and Monitored Cellular Activities

To survive, organisms require mechanisms that enable them to sense changes in the outside environment, introduce necessary responses, and resist unfavorable distortion. Consequently, through evolutionary adaptation, cells have become equipped with the apparatus required to monitor their fundamental intracellular processes and the mechanisms needed to try to offset malfunction without receiving any direct signals from the outside environment. It has been shown recently that eukaryotic cells are equipped with a special mechanism that monitors their fundamental cellular functions and that some pathogenic proteobacteria can override this monitoring mechanism to cause harm. The monitored cellular activities involved in the stressed intracellular response have been researched extensively in Caenorhabditis elegans, where discovery of an association between key mitochondrial activities and innate immune responses was named "cellular associated detoxification and defenses (cSADD)." This cellular surveillance pathway (cSADD) oversees core cellular activities such as mitochondrial respiration and protein transport into mitochondria, detects xenobiotics and invading pathogens, and activates the endocrine pathways controlling behavior, detoxification, and immunity. The cSADD pathway is probably associated with cellular responses to stress in human inflammatory diseases. In the critical care field, the pathogenesis of lethal inflammatory syndromes (e.g., respiratory distress syndromes and sepsis) involves the disturbance of mitochondrial respiration leading to cell death. Up-to-date knowledge about monitored cellular activities and cSADD, especially focusing on mitochondrial involvement, can probably help fill a knowledge gap regarding the pathogenesis of lethal inflammatory syndromes in the critical care field.

Pneumolysin induced mitochondrial dysfunction leads to release of mitochondrial DNA

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S.pn.) is the most common bacterial pathogen causing community acquired pneumonia. The pore-forming toxin pneumolysin (PLY) is the major virulence factor of S.pn. and supposed to affect alveolar epithelial cells thereby activating the immune system by liberation of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMP). To test this hypothesis, we established a novel live-cell imaging based assay to analyse mitochondrial function and associated release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as DAMP in real-time. We first revealed that bacterially released PLY caused significant changes of the cellular ATP homeostasis and led to morphologic alterations of mitochondria in human alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and, by use of spectral live-tissue imaging, in human alveoli. This was accompanied by strong mitochondrial calcium influx and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential resulting in opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and mtDNA release without activation of intrinsic apoptosis. Moreover, our data indicate cellular mtDNA liberation via microvesicles, which may contribute to S.pn. related pro-inflammatory immune activation in the human alveolar compartment.

Identification of Miro as a mitochondrial receptor for myosin XIX

Mitochondrial distribution in cells is critical for cellular function and proper inheritance during cell division. In mammalian cells, mitochondria are transported predominantly along microtubules by kinesin and dynein motors that bind indirectly via TRAK1/2 to outer mitochondrial membrane proteins Miro1/2. Here, using proximity labeling, we identified Miro1/2 as potential binding partners of myosin XIX (Myo19). Interaction studies show that Miro1 binds directly to a C-terminal fragment of the Myo19 tail region and that Miro recruits the Myo19 tail in vivo. This recruitment is regulated by the nucleotide-state of the N-terminal Rho-like GTPase domain of Miro. Notably, Myo19 protein stability in cells depends on its association with Miro. Downregulation of Miro or overexpression of the adapter proteins TRAK1 and TRAK2 caused a reduction in Myo19 protein levels. Finally, Myo19 regulates the subcellular distribution of mitochondria. Downregulation, as well as overexpression, of Myo19 induces perinuclear collapse of mitochondria, phenocopying the loss of kinesin KIF5, dynein or their mitochondrial receptor Miro. These results suggest that Miro coordinates microtubule- and actin-based mitochondrial movement.

Legionella pneumophila Modulates Mitochondrial Dynamics to Trigger Metabolic Repurposing of Infected Macrophages

The intracellular bacteria Legionella pneumophila encodes a type IV secretion system (T4SS) that injects effector proteins into macrophages in order to establish and replicate within the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). Once generated, the LCV interacts with mitochondria through unclear mechanisms. We show that Legionella uses both T4SS-independent and T4SS-dependent mechanisms to respectively interact with mitochondria and induce mitochondrial fragmentation that ultimately alters mitochondrial metabolism. The T4SS effector MitF, a Ran GTPase activator, is required for fission of the mitochondrial network. These effects of MitF occur through accumulation of mitochondrial DNM1L, a GTPase critical for fission. Furthermore mitochondrial respiration is abruptly halted in a T4SS-dependent manner, while T4SS-independent upregulation of cellular glycolysis remains elevated. Collectively, these alterations in mitochondrial dynamics promote a Warburg-like phenotype in macrophages that favors bacterial replication. Hence the rewiring of cellular bioenergetics to create a replication permissive niche in host cells is a virulence strategy of L. pneumophila.

Insights into the immune manipulation mechanisms of pollen allergens by protein domain profiling

Plant pollens are airborne allergens, as their inhalation causes immune activation, leading to rhinitis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis and oral allergy syndrome. A myriad of pollen proteins belonging to profilin, expansin, polygalacturonase, glucan endoglucosidase, pectin esterase, and lipid transfer protein class have been identified. In the present in silico study, the protein domains of fifteen pollen sequences were extracted from the UniProt database and submitted to the interactive web tool SMART (Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool), for finding the protein domain profiles. Analysis of the data based on custom-made scripts revealed the conservation of pathogenic domains such as OmpH, PROF, PreSET, Bet_v_1, Cpl-7 and GAS2. Further, the retention of critical domains like CHASE2, Galanin, Dak2, DALR_1, HAMP, PWI, EFh, Excalibur, CT, PbH1, HELICc, and Kelch in pollen proteins, much like cockroach allergens and lethal viruses (such as HIV, HCV, Ebola, Dengue and Zika) was observed. Based on the shared motifs in proteins of taxonomicall-ydispersed organisms, it can be hypothesized that allergens and pathogens manipulate the human immune system in a similar manner. Allergens, being inanimate, cannot replicate in human body, and are neutralized by immune system. But, when the allergens are unremitting, the immune system becomes persistently hyper-sensitized, creating an inflammatory milieu. This study is expected to contribute to the understanding of pollen allergenicity and pathogenicity.

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response: Signaling from the powerhouse

Mitochondria are multifaceted and indispensable organelles required for cell performance. Accordingly, dysfunction to mitochondria can result in cellular decline and possibly the onset of disease. Cells use a variety of means to recover mitochondria and restore homeostasis, including the activation of retrograde pathways such as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt). In this Minireview, we will discuss how cells adapt to mitochondrial stress through UPR^mt regulation. Furthermore, we will explore the current repertoire of biological functions that are associated with this essential stress-response pathway.

How the study of Listeria monocytogenes has led to new concepts in biology

The opportunistic intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes has in 30 years emerged as an exceptional bacterial model system in infection biology. Research on this bacterium has provided considerable insight into how pathogenic bacteria adapt to mammalian hosts, invade eukaryotic cells, move intracellularly, interfere with host cell functions and disseminate within tissues. It also contributed to unveil features of normal host cell pathways and unsuspected functions of previously known cellular proteins. This review provides an updated overview of our knowledge on this pathogen. In many examples, findings on L. monocytogenes provided the basis for new concepts in bacterial regulation, cell biology and infection processes.

Pathogenicity-associated protein domains: The fiercely-conserved evolutionary signatures

Proteins have highly conserved domains that determine their functionality. Out of the thousands of domains discovered so far across all living forms, some of the predominant clinically-relevant domains include IENR1, HNHc, HELICc, Pro-kuma_activ, Tryp_SPc, Lactamase_B, PbH1, ChtBD3, CBM49, acidPPc, G3P_acyltransf, RPOL8c, KbaA, HAMP, HisKA, Hr1, Dak2, APC2, Citrate_ly_lig, DALR, VKc, YARHG, WR1, PWI, ZnF_BED, TUDOR, MHC_II_beta, Integrin_B_tail, Excalibur, DISIN, Cadherin, ACTIN, PROF, Robl_LC7, MIT, Kelch, GAS2, B41, Cyclin_C, Connexin_CCC, OmpH, Bac_rhodopsin, AAA, Knot1, NH, Galanin, IB, Elicitin, ACTH, Cache_2, CHASE, AgrB, PRP, IGR, and Antimicrobial21. These domains are distributed in nucleases/helicases, proteases, esterases, lipases, glycosylase, GTPases, phosphatases, methyltransferases, acyltransferase, acetyltransferase, polymerase, kinase, ligase, synthetase, oxidoreductase, protease inhibitors, nucleic acid binding proteins, adhesion and immunity-related proteins, cytoskeletal component-manipulating proteins, lipid biosynthesis and metabolism proteins, membrane-associated proteins, hormone-like and signaling proteins, etc. These domains are ubiquitous stretches or folds of the proteins in pathogens and allergens. Pathogenesis alleviation efforts can benefit enormously if the characteristics of these domains are known. Hence, this review catalogs and discusses the role of such pivotal domains, suggesting hypotheses for better understanding of pathogenesis at molecular level.

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Proteins have highly conserved regions or domains across pathogens and allergens.

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Knowledge on these critical domains can facilitate our understanding of pathogenesis mechanisms.

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Such immune manipulation-related domains include IENR1, HNHc, HELICc, ACTIN, PROF, Robl_LC7, OmpH etc.

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These domains are presnt in enzyme, transcription regulators, adhesion proteins, and hormones.

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This review discusses and hypothesizes on these domains.

VopE, a Vibrio cholerae Type III Effector, Attenuates the Activation of CWI-MAPK Pathway in Yeast Model System

VopE, a mitochondrial targeting T3SS effector protein of Vibrio cholerae, perturbs innate immunity by modulating mitochondrial dynamics. In the current study, ectopic expression of VopE was found to be toxic in a yeast model system and toxicity was further aggravated in the presence of various stressors. Interestingly, a VopE variant lacking predicted mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) also exhibited partial lethality in the yeast system. With the aid of yeast genetic tools and different stressors, we have demonstrated that VopE and its derivative VopE^ΔMTS modulate cell wall integrity (CWI-MAPK) signaling pathway and have identified several critical residues contributing to the lethality of VopE. Furthermore, co-expression of two effectors VopE^ΔMTS and VopX, interfering with the CWI-MAPK cellular pathway can partially suppress the VopX mediated yeast growth inhibition. Taken together, these results suggest that VopE alters signaling through the CWI-MAPK pathway, and demonstrates the usefulness of yeast model system to gain additional insights on the functionality of VopE.

Mitochondria as a centrally positioned hub in the innate immune response

Mitochondria are vital organelles involved in numerous cellular functions ranging from energy metabolism to cell survival. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondria provide a platform for signaling pathways involved in innate immune response. Mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) are key triggers in the activation of innate immune response following variety of stress signals that include infection, tissue damage and metabolic dysregulation. The process is mediated through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that consist of retinoic acid inducible gene like receptors (RLRs), c-type lectin receptors (CLRs), toll type receptors (TLRs) and nuclear oligomerization-domain like receptors (NLRs). These signals converge to form a multiprotein complex called inflammasome that leads to caspase-1 activation to promote processing of precursor cytokines (pro-IL1β and pro-IL-18) to active cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18). It appears that mitochondria induced inflammasome activation contributes to inflammatory process in many diverse disorders. Therefore, strategies aimed at modulating mitochondria mediated inflammasome activation might be beneficial in many pathophysiological conditions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Quality in Diabetes/Obesity and Critical Illness Spectrum of Diseases - edited by P. Hemachandra Reddy.

Targeting mitochondria: how intravacuolar bacterial pathogens manipulate mitochondria

Manipulation of host cell function by bacterial pathogens is paramount for successful invasion and creation of a niche conducive to bacterial replication. Mitochondria play a role in many important cellular processes including energy production, cellular calcium homeostasis, lipid metabolism, haeme biosynthesis, immune signalling and apoptosis. The sophisticated integration of host cell processes by the mitochondrion have seen it emerge as a key target during bacterial infection of human host cells. This review highlights the targeting and interaction of this dynamic organelle by intravacuolar bacterial pathogens and the way that the modulation of mitochondrial function might contribute to pathogenesis.

Characterization of V. cholerae T3SS-dependent cytotoxicity in cultured intestinal epithelial cells

AM-19226 is a pathogenic, non-O1/non-O139 serogroup strain of Vibrio cholerae that uses a Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) mediated mechanism to colonize host tissues and disrupt homeostasis, causing cholera. Co-culturing the Caco2-BBE human intestinal epithelial cell line with AM-19226 in the presence of bile results in rapid mammalian cell death that requires a functional T3SS. We examined the role of bile, sought to identify the mechanism, and evaluated the contributions of T3SS translocated effectors in in vitro cell death. Our results suggest that Caco2-BBE cytotoxicity does not proceed by apoptotic or necrotic mechanisms, but rather displays characteristics consistent with osmotic lysis. Cell death was preceded by disassembly of epithelial junctions and reorganization of the cortical membrane skeleton, although neither cell death nor cell-cell disruption required VopM or VopF, two effectors known to alter actin dynamics. Using deletion strains, we identified a subset of AM-19226 Vops that are required for host cell death, which were previously assigned roles in protein translocation and colonization, suggesting that they function other than to promote cytotoxicity. The collective results therefore suggest that cooperative Vop activities are required to achieve cytotoxicity in vitro, or alternatively, that translocon pores destabilize the membrane in a bile dependent manner.

Regulation by ToxR-Like Proteins Converges on vttRB Expression To Control Type 3 Secretion System-Dependent Caco2-BBE Cytotoxicity in Vibrio cholerae

Genes carried on the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) pathogenicity island of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 serogroup strain AM-19226 must be precisely regulated in order for bacteria to cause disease. Previously reported results showed that both T3SS function and the presence of bile are required to cause Caco2-BBE cell cytotoxicity during coculture with strain AM-19226. We therefore investigated additional parameters affecting in vitro cell death, including bacterial load and the role of three transmembrane transcriptional regulatory proteins, VttRA, VttRB, and ToxR. VttRA and VttRB are encoded on the horizontally acquired T3SS genomic island, whereas ToxR is encoded on the ancestral chromosome. While strains carrying deletions in any one of the three transcriptional regulatory genes are unable to cause eukaryotic cell death, the results of complementation studies point to a hierarchy of regulatory control that converges on vttRB expression. The data suggest both that ToxR and VttRA act upstream of VttRB and that modifying the level of either vttRA or vttRB expression can strongly influence T3SS gene expression. We therefore propose a model whereby T3SS activity and, hence, in vitro cytotoxicity are ultimately regulated by vttRB expression.

IMPORTANCE

In contrast to O1 and O139 serogroup V. cholerae strains that cause cholera using two main virulence factors (toxin-coregulated pilus [TCP] and cholera toxin [CT]), O39 serogroup strain AM-19226 uses a type 3 secretion system as its principal virulence mechanism. Although the regulatory network governing TCP and CT expression is well understood, the factors influencing T3SS-associated virulence are not. Using an in vitro mammalian cell model to investigate the role of three ToxR-like transmembrane transcriptional activators in causing T3SS-dependent cytotoxicity, we found that expression levels and a hierarchical organization were important for promoting T3SS gene expression. Furthermore, our results suggest that horizontally acquired, ToxR-like proteins act in concert with the ancestral ToxR protein to orchestrate T3SS-mediated pathogenicity.

Initiation of innate immune responses by surveillance of homeostasis perturbations

Pathogen recognition, signaling transduction pathways, and effector mechanisms are necessary steps of innate immune responses that play key roles in the early phase of defense and in the stimulation of the later specific response of adaptive immunity. Here, we argue that in addition to the direct recognition of conserved common structural and functional molecular signatures of microorganisms using pattern recognition receptors, hosts can mount an immune response following the sensing of disruption in homeostasis as proximal reporters for infections. Surveillance of disruption of core cellular activities leading to defense responses is a flexible strategy that requires few additional components and that can effectively detect relevant threats. It is likely to be evolutionarily very conserved and ancient because it is operational in organisms that lack pattern recognition triggered immunity. A homeostasis disruption model of immune response initiation and modulation has broad implications for pathophysiology and treatment of disease and might constitute an often overlooked but central component of a comprehensive conceptual framework for innate immunity.

Dynamics of the mitochondrial network during mitosis

During mitosis, cells undergo massive deformation and reorganization, impacting on all cellular structures. Mitochondria, in particular, are highly dynamic organelles, which constantly undergo events of fission, fusion and cytoskeleton-based transport. This plasticity ensures the proper distribution of the metabolism, and the proper inheritance of functional organelles. During cell cycle, mitochondria undergo dramatic changes in distribution. In this review, we focus on the dynamic events that target mitochondria during mitosis. We describe how the cell-cycle-dependent microtubule-associated protein centromeric protein F (Cenp-F) is recruited to mitochondria by the mitochondrial Rho GTPase (Miro) to promote mitochondrial transport and re-distribution following cell division.

MIRO GTPases in Mitochondrial Transport, Homeostasis and Pathology

The evolutionarily-conserved mitochondrial Rho (MIRO) small GTPase is a Ras superfamily member with three unique features. It has two GTPase domains instead of the one found in other small GTPases, and it also has two EF hand calcium binding domains, which allow Ca²⁺-dependent modulation of its activity and functions. Importantly, it is specifically associated with the mitochondria and via a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, rather than a lipid-based anchor more commonly found in other small GTPases. At the mitochondria, MIRO regulates mitochondrial homeostasis and turnover. In metazoans, MIRO regulates mitochondrial transport and organization at cellular extensions, such as axons, and, in some cases, intercellular transport of the organelle through tunneling nanotubes. Recent findings have revealed a myriad of molecules that are associated with MIRO, particularly the kinesin adaptor Milton/TRAK, mitofusin, PINK1 and Parkin, as well as the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES) complex. The mechanistic aspects of the roles of MIRO and its interactors in mitochondrial homeostasis and transport are gradually being revealed. On the other hand, MIRO is also increasingly associated with neurodegenerative diseases that have roots in mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, I discuss what is currently known about the cellular physiology and pathophysiology of MIRO functions.

Targeting of host organelles by pathogenic bacteria: a sophisticated subversion strategy

Many bacterial pathogens have evolved the ability to subvert and exploit host functions in order to enter and replicate in eukaryotic cells. For example, bacteria have developed specific mechanisms to target eukaryotic organelles such as the nucleus, the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. In this Review, we highlight the most recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that bacterial pathogens use to target these organelles. We also discuss how these strategies allow bacteria to manipulate host functions and to ultimately enable bacterial infection.

The Makes Caterpillars Floppy (MCF)-Like Domain of Vibrio vulnificus Induces Mitochondrion-Mediated Apoptosis

The multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTXVv) toxin of Vibrio vulnificus plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of this bacterium through delivery of up to five effector domains to the host cells. Previous studies have established that the MARTXVv toxin is linked to V. vulnificus dependent induction of apoptosis, but the region of the large multifunction protein essential for this activity was not previously identified. Recently, we showed that the Makes Caterpillar Floppy-like MARTX effector domain (MCFVv) is an autoproteolytic cysteine protease that induces rounding of various cell types. In this study, we demonstrate that cell rounding induced by MCFVv is coupled to reduced metabolic rate and inhibition of cellular proliferation. Moreover, delivery of MCFVv into host cells either as a fusion to the N-terminal fragment of anthrax toxin lethal factor or when naturally delivered as a V. vulnificus MARTX toxin led to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, activation of Bax and Bak, and processing of caspases and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-γ). These studies specifically link the MCFVv effector domain to induction of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by V. vulnificus.

Type 3 Secretion System Island Encoded Proteins Required for Colonization by Non-O1/non-O139 Serogroup Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae is a genetically diverse species, and pathogenic strains can encode different virulence factors that mediate colonization and secretory diarrhea. Although the toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP) is the primary colonization factor in epidemic causing V. cholerae strains, other strains do not encode TCP and instead promote colonization via the activity of a type three secretion system (T3SS). Using the infant mouse model and T3SS-positive O39 serogroup strain AM-19226, we sought to determine which of 12 previously identified, T3SS translocated proteins (Vops) are important for host colonization. We constructed in frame deletions in each of the 12 loci in strain AM-19226, and identified five Vop deletion strains, including ΔVopM, which were severely attenuated for colonization. Interestingly, a subset of deletion strains was also incompetent for effector protein transport. Our collective data therefore suggest that several translocated proteins may also function as components of the structural apparatus or translocation machinery, and indicate that while VopM is critical for establishing an infection, the combined activities of other effectors may also contribute to the ability of T3SS-positive strains to colonize host epithelial cell surfaces.

Role of RHOT1 on migration and proliferation of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors. Rho GTPases can affect several types of human cancers, including PC. In this study, we investigated the role of Ras homolog family member T1 (RHOT1), a new member of Rho GTPases in PC. IHC results showed that RHOT1 was expressed significantly higher in PC tissues than paracancerous tissues (P<0.01) and SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) was expressed lower in PC tissues (P<0.01). RHOT1 was widely expressed in PC cell lines analyzed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB). SiRNA-RHOT1 significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration of SW1990 cells. Moreover, SMAD4 was identified as an effector of RHOT1. Our findings suggest that RHOT1 can regulate cell migration and proliferation by suppressing the expression of SMAD4 in PC, which may provide a novel sight to explore the mechanism and therapeutic strategy for PC.

Mitochondria: a target for bacteria

Eukaryotic cells developed strategies to detect and eradicate infections. The innate immune system, which is the first line of defence against invading pathogens, relies on the recognition of molecular patterns conserved among pathogens. Pathogen associated molecular pattern binding to pattern recognition receptor triggers the activation of several signalling pathways leading to the establishment of a pro-inflammatory state required to control the infection. In addition, pathogens evolved to subvert those responses (with passive and active strategies) allowing their entry and persistence in the host cells and tissues. Indeed, several bacteria actively manipulate immune system or interfere with the cell fate for their own benefit. One can imagine that bacterial effectors can potentially manipulate every single organelle in the cell. However, the multiple functions fulfilled by mitochondria especially their involvement in the regulation of innate immune response, make mitochondria a target of choice for bacterial pathogens as they are not only a key component of the central metabolism through ATP production and synthesis of various biomolecules but they also take part to cell signalling through ROS production and control of calcium homeostasis as well as the control of cell survival/programmed cell death. Furthermore, considering that mitochondria derived from an ancestral bacterial endosymbiosis, it is not surprising that a special connection does exist between this organelle and bacteria. In this review, we will discuss different mitochondrial functions that are affected during bacterial infection as well as different strategies developed by bacterial pathogens to subvert functions related to calcium homeostasis, maintenance of redox status and mitochondrial morphology.

Dynamic intervention: pathogen disarmament of mitochondrial-based immune surveillance

In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Suzuki et al. (2014) describe a Vibrio cholerae Type-III-secreted effector that targets mitochondrial dynamics to dampen host innate immune signaling. This suggests that mammalian hosts possess surveillance mechanisms to monitor pathogen-mediated alterations in the integrity of normal cellular processes and organelles.