SecA2 functions in the secretion of superoxide dismutase A and in the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Modular Organization of the ESX-5 Secretion System in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacteria utilize type VII secretion systems (T7SS) to export many of their important virulence proteins. The T7SS encompasses five homologous secretion systems (ESX-1 to ESX-5). Most pathogenic mycobacterial species, including the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, possess all five ESX systems. The ESX-1, -3, and -5 systems are important for virulence of mycobacteria but the molecular mechanisms of their secretion apparatus and the identity and activity of secreted effector proteins are not well characterized. The different ESX systems show similarities in gene composition due to their common phylogenetic origin but recent studies demonstrate mechanistic as well as functional variations between the systems. For example, the ESX-1 system is involved in lysis of the phagosomal membrane and phagosomal escape of the bacteria while the ESX-5 system is required for mycobacterial cell wall stability and host cell lysis. Mechanistically, the ESX-1 substrates show interdependence during secretion while the ESX-5 system may use a duplicated four-gene region (ESX-5a) as an accessory system for transport of a subset of proteins of the ESX-5 secretome. In the present review we will provide an overview of the molecular components of the T7SS and their function with a particular focus on the ESX-5 system.

SecA: a potential antimicrobial target

There is a consensus in the medical profession of the pressing need for novel antimicrobial agents due to issues related to drug resistance. In practice, solutions to this problem to a large degree lie with the identification of new and vital targets in bacteria and subsequently designing their inhibitors. We consider SecA a very promising antimicrobial target. In this review, we compile and analyze information available on SecA to show that inhibition of SecA has a multitude of consequences. Furthermore, we discuss issues critical to the design and evaluation of SecA inhibitors.

The Global Reciprocal Reprogramming between Mycobacteriophage SWU1 and Mycobacterium Reveals the Molecular Strategy of Subversion and Promotion of Phage Infection

Bacteriophages are the viruses of bacteria, which have contributed extensively to our understanding of life and modern biology. The phage-mediated bacterial growth inhibition represents immense untapped source for novel antimicrobials. Insights into the interaction between mycobacteriophage and Mycobacterium host will inform better utilizing of mycobacteriophage. In this study, RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was used to explore the global response of Mycobacterium smegmatis mc²155 at an early phase of infection with mycobacteriophage SWU1, key host metabolic processes of M. smegmatis mc²155 shut off by SWU1, and the responsible phage proteins. The results of RNA-seq were confirmed by Real-time PCR and functional assay. 1174 genes of M. smegmatis mc²155 (16.9% of the entire encoding capacity) were differentially regulated by phage infection. These genes belong to six functional categories: (i) signal transduction, (ii) cell energetics, (iii) cell wall biosynthesis, (iv) DNA, RNA, and protein biosynthesis, (v) iron uptake, (vi) central metabolism. The transcription patterns of phage SWU1 were also characterized. This study provided the first global glimpse of the reciprocal reprogramming between the mycobacteriophage and Mycobacterium host.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis effectors interfering host apoptosis signaling

Tuberculosis remains a serious human public health concern. The coevolution between its pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human host complicated the way to prevent and cure TB. Apoptosis plays subtle role in this interaction. The pathogen endeavors to manipulate the apoptosis via diverse effectors targeting key signaling nodes. In this paper, we summarized the effectors pathogen used to subvert the apoptosis, such as LpqH, ESAT-6/CFP-10, LAMs. The interplay between different forms of cell deaths, such as apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, is also discussed with a focus on the modes of action of effectors, and implications for better TB control.

An analysis of surface proteomics results reveals novel candidates for intracellular/surface moonlighting proteins in bacteria

Dozens of intracellular proteins have a second function on the cell surface, referred to as “intracellular/surface moonlighting proteins”. An analysis of the results of 22 cell surface proteomics studies was performed to address whether the hundreds of intracellular proteins found on the cell surface could be candidates for being additional intracellular/surface moonlighting proteins.

Structural Similarities and Differences between Two Functionally Distinct SecA Proteins, Mycobacterium tuberculosis SecA1 and SecA2

While SecA is the ATPase component of the major bacterial secretory (Sec) system, mycobacteria and some Gram-positive pathogens have a second paralog, SecA2. In bacteria with two SecA paralogs, each SecA is functionally distinct, and they cannot compensate for one another. Compared to SecA1, SecA2 exports a distinct and smaller set of substrates, some of which have roles in virulence. In the mycobacterial system, some SecA2-dependent substrates lack a signal peptide, while others contain a signal peptide but possess features in the mature protein that necessitate a role for SecA2 in their export. It is unclear how SecA2 functions in protein export, and one open question is whether SecA2 works with the canonical SecYEG channel to export proteins. In this study, we report the structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis SecA2 (MtbSecA2), which is the first structure of any SecA2 protein. A high level of structural similarity is observed between SecA2 and SecA1. The major structural difference is the absence of the helical wing domain, which is likely to play a role in how MtbSecA2 recognizes its unique substrates. Importantly, structural features critical to the interaction between SecA1 and SecYEG are preserved in SecA2. Furthermore, suppressor mutations of a dominant-negative secA2 mutant map to the surface of SecA2 and help identify functional regions of SecA2 that may promote interactions with SecYEG or the translocating polypeptide substrate. These results support a model in which the mycobacterial SecA2 works with SecYEG.

IMPORTANCE

SecA2 is a paralog of SecA1, which is the ATPase of the canonical bacterial Sec secretion system. SecA2 has a nonredundant function with SecA1, and SecA2 exports a distinct and smaller set of substrates than SecA1. This work reports the crystal structure of SecA2 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the first SecA2 structure reported for any organism). Many of the structural features of SecA1 are conserved in the SecA2 structure, including putative contacts with the SecYEG channel. Several structural differences are also identified that could relate to the unique function and selectivity of SecA2. Suppressor mutations of a secA2 mutant map to the surface of SecA2 and help identify functional regions of SecA2 that may promote interactions with SecYEG.

Release of mycobacterial antigens

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has evolved from a Mycobacterium canettii-like progenitor pool into one of the most successful and widespread human pathogens. The pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis is linked to its ability to secrete/export/release selected mycobacterial proteins, and it is also established that active release of mycobacterial antigens is a prerequisite for strong immune recognition. Recent research has enabled mycobacterial secretion systems and vesicle-based release of mycobacterial antigens to be elucidated, which together with host-related specificities constitute key variables that determine the outcome of infection. Here, we discuss recently discovered, novel aspects on the nature and the regulation of antigen release of the tuberculosis agent with particular emphasis on the biological characterization of mycobacteria-specific ESX/type VII secretion systems and their secreted proteins, belonging to the Esx, PE, and PPE categories. The importance of specific mycobacterial antigen release is probably best exemplified by the striking differences observed between the cellular events during infection with the ESX-1-deficient, attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG compared to the virulent M. tuberculosis, which are clearly important for design of more specific diagnostics and more efficient vaccines.

A bug's life in the granuloma

The granuloma is the defining feature of the host response to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Despite knowing of its existence for centuries, much remains unclear regarding the host and bacterial factors that contribute to granuloma formation, heterogeneity of presentation, and the forces at play within. Mtb is highly adapted to life within the granuloma and employs many unique strategies to both create a niche within the host as well as survive the stresses imposed upon it. Adding to the complexity of the granuloma is the vast range of pathology observed, often within the same individual. Here, we explore some of the many ways in which Mtb crafts the immune response to its liking and builds a variety of granuloma features that contribute to its survival. We also consider the multitude of ways that Mtb is adapted to life in the granuloma and how variability in the deployment of these strategies may result in different fates for both the bacterium and the host. It is through better understanding of these complex interactions that we may begin to strategize novel approaches for tuberculosis treatments.

Understanding PGE2, LXA4 and LTB4 balance during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection through mathematical model

Infection of humans with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) results in diverse outcomes that range from acute disease to establishment of persistence and to even clearance of the pathogen. These different outcomes represent the combined result of host heterogeneity on the one hand, and virulence properties of the infecting strain of pathogen on the other. From the standpoint of the host, the balance between PGE2, LXA4 and LTB4 represents at least one of the factors that dictates the eventual pathophysiology. We therefore built an ODE model to describe the host-pathogen interaction and studied the local stability properties of the system, to obtain the parametric conditions that lead to different disease outcomes. We then modulated levels of the pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators to better understand the convergence between host phenotype and factors that relate to virulence properties of the pathogen. Global sensitivity analysis, using the variance-based method of extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (eFAST), revealed that disease severity was indeed defined by combined effects of phenotypic variability at the level of both host and pathogen. Interestingly here, [PGE2] was found to act as a switch between bacterial clearance and acute disease. Our mathematical model suggests that development of more effective treatments for tuberculosis will be contingent upon a better understanding of how the intrinsic variability at the level of both host and pathogen contribute to influence the nature of interactions between these two entities.

Bacillus anthracis SlaQ Promotes S-Layer Protein Assembly

Bacillus anthracis vegetative forms assemble an S-layer comprised of two S-layer proteins, Sap and EA1. A hallmark of S-layer proteins are their C-terminal crystallization domains, which assemble into a crystalline lattice once these polypeptides are deposited on the bacterial surface via association between their N-terminal S-layer homology domains and the secondary cell wall polysaccharide. Here we show that slaQ, encoding a small cytoplasmic protein conserved among pathogenic bacilli elaborating S-layers, is required for the efficient secretion and assembly of Sap and EA1. S-layer protein precursors cosediment with SlaQ, and SlaQ appears to facilitate Sap assembly. Purified SlaQ polymerizes and when mixed with purified Sap promotes the in vitro formation of tubular S-layer structures. A model is discussed whereby SlaQ, in conjunction with S-layer secretion factors SecA2 and SlaP, promotes localized secretion and S-layer assembly in B. anthracis.

IMPORTANCE

S-layer proteins are endowed with the propensity for self-assembly into crystalline arrays. Factors promoting S-layer protein assembly have heretofore not been reported. We identified Bacillus anthracis SlaQ, a small cytoplasmic protein that facilitates S-layer protein assembly in vivo and in vitro.

Current efforts and future prospects in the development of live mycobacteria as vaccines

The development of more effective vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a major goal in the effort to reduce the enormous global burden of disease caused by this pathogen. Whole-cell vaccines based on live mycobacteria with attenuated virulence represent an appealing approach, providing broad antigen exposure and intrinsic adjuvant properties to prime durable immune responses. However, designing vaccine strains with an optimal balance between attenuation and immunogenicity has proven to be extremely challenging. Recent basic and clinical research efforts have broadened our understanding of Mtb pathogenesis and created numerous new vaccine candidates that have been designed to overcome different aspects of immune evasion by Mtb. In this review, we provide an overview of the current efforts to create improved vaccines against tuberculosis based on modifications of live attenuated mycobacteria. In addition, we discuss the use of such vaccine strains as vectors for stimulating protective immunity against other infectious diseases and cancers.

A Duplicated ESAT-6 Region of ESX-5 Is Involved in Protein Export and Virulence of Mycobacteria

The ESX-5 secretion system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important for bacterial virulence and for the secretion of the large PE/PPE protein family, whose genes constitute 10% of the M. tuberculosis genome. A four-gene region of the ESX-5 system is duplicated three times in the M. tuberculosis genome, but the functions of these duplicates are unknown. Here we investigated one of these duplicates: the region carrying the esxI, esxJ, ppe15, and pe8 genes (ESX-5a). An ESX-5a deletion mutant in the model system M. marinum background was deficient in the secretion of some members of the PE/PPE family of proteins. Surprisingly, we also identified other proteins that are not members of this family, thus expanding the range of ESX-5 secretion substrates. In addition, we demonstrated that ESX-5a is important for the virulence of M. marinum in the zebrafish model. Furthermore, we showed the role of the M. tuberculosis ESX-5a region in inflammasome activation but not host cell death induction, which is different from the case for the M. tuberculosis ESX-5 system. In conclusion, the ESX-5a region is nonredundant with its ESX-5 paralog and is necessary for secretion of a specific subset of proteins in M. tuberculosis and M. marinum that are important for bacterial virulence of M. marinum. Our findings point to a role for the three ESX-5 duplicate regions in the selection of substrates for secretion via ESX-5, and hence, they provide the basis for a refined model of the molecular mechanism of this type VII secretion system.

Mycobacterial tlyA gene product is localized to the cell-wall without signal sequence

The mycobacterial tlyA gene product, Rv1694 (MtbTlyA), has been annotated as “hemolysin” which was re-annotated as 2′-O rRNA methyl transferase. In order to function as a hemolysin, it must reach the extracellular milieu with the help of signal sequence(s) and/or transmembrane segment(s). However, the MtbTlyA neither has classical signals sequences that signify general/Sec/Tat pathways nor transmembrane segments. Interestingly, the tlyA gene appears to be restricted to pathogenic strains such as H37Rv, M. marinum, M. leprae, than M. smegmatis, M. vaccae, M. kansasii etc., which highlights the need for a detailed investigation to understand its functions. In this study, we have provided several evidences which highlight the presence of TlyA on the surface of M. marinum (native host) and upon expression in M. smegmatis (surrogate host) and E. coli (heterologous host). The TlyA was visualized at the bacterial-surface by confocal microscopy and accessible to Proteinase K. In addition, sub-cellular fractionation has revealed the presence of TlyA in the membrane fractions and this sequestration is not dependent on TatA, TatC or SecA2 pathways. As a consequence of expression, the recombinant bacteria exhibit distinct hemolysis. Interestingly, the MtbTlyA was also detected in both membrane vesicles secreted by M. smegmatis and outer membrane vesicles secreted by E. coli. Our experimental evidences unambiguously confirm that the mycobacterial TlyA can reach the extra cellular milieu without any signal sequence. Hence, the localization of TlyA class of proteins at the bacterial surface may highlight the existence of non-classical bacterial secretion mechanisms.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis evolutionary pathogenesis and its putative impact on drug development

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of human TB, is the most important mycobacterial pathogen in terms of global patient numbers and gravity of disease. The molecular mechanisms by which M. tuberculosis causes disease are complex and the result of host-pathogen coevolution that might have started already in the time of its Mycobacterium canettii-like progenitors. Despite research progress, M. tuberculosis still holds many secrets of its successful strategy for circumventing host defences, persisting in the host and developing resistance, which makes anti-TB treatment regimens extremely long and often inefficient. Here, we discuss what we have learned from recent studies on the evolution of the pathogen and its putative new drug targets that are essential for mycobacterial growth under in vitro or in vivo conditions.

Anticytolytic screen identifies inhibitors of mycobacterial virulence protein secretion

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) requires protein secretion systems like ESX-1 for intracellular survival and virulence. The major virulence determinant and ESX-1 substrate, EsxA, arrests phagosome maturation and lyses cell membranes, resulting in tissue damage and necrosis that promotes pathogen spread. To identify inhibitors of Mtb protein secretion, we developed a fibroblast survival assay exploiting this phenotype and selected molecules that protect host cells from Mtb-induced lysis without being bactericidal in vitro. Hit compounds blocked EsxA secretion and promoted phagosome maturation in macrophages, thus reducing bacterial loads. Target identification studies led to the discovery of BTP15, a benzothiophene inhibitor of the histidine kinase MprB that indirectly regulates ESX-1, and BBH7, a benzyloxybenzylidene-hydrazine compound. BBH7 affects Mtb metal-ion homeostasis and revealed zinc stress as an activating signal for EsxA secretion. This screening approach extends the target spectrum of small molecule libraries and will help tackle the mounting problem of antibiotic-resistant mycobacteria.

In Vitro Interaction of the Housekeeping SecA1 with the Accessory SecA2 Protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The majority of proteins that are secreted across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane leave the cell via the Sec pathway, which in its minimal form consists of the dimeric ATP-driven motor protein SecA that associates with the protein-conducting membrane pore SecYEG. Some Gram-positive bacteria contain two homologues of SecA, termed SecA1 and SecA2. SecA1 is the essential housekeeping protein, whereas SecA2 is not essential but is involved in the translocation of a subset of proteins, including various virulence factors. Some SecA2 containing bacteria also harbor a homologous SecY2 protein that may form a separate translocase. Interestingly, mycobacteria contain only one SecY protein and thus both SecA1 and SecA2 are required to interact with SecYEG, either individually or together as a heterodimer. In order to address whether SecA1 and SecA2 cooperate during secretion of SecA2 dependent proteins, we examined the oligomeric state of SecA1 and SecA2 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and their interactions with SecA2 and the cognate SecA1, respectively. We conclude that both SecA1 and SecA2 individually form homodimers in solution but when both proteins are present simultaneously, they form dissociable heterodimers.

Streptococcus pneumoniae GAPDH Is Released by Cell Lysis and Interacts with Peptidoglycan

Release of conserved cytoplasmic proteins is widely spread among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Because these proteins display additional functions when located at the bacterial surface, they have been qualified as moonlighting proteins. The GAPDH is a glycolytic enzyme which plays an important role in the virulence processes of pathogenic microorganisms like bacterial invasion and host immune system modulation. However, GAPDH, like other moonlighting proteins, cannot be secreted through active secretion systems since they do not contain an N-terminal predicted signal peptide. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of GAPDH export and surface retention in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major human pathogen. We addressed the role of the major autolysin LytA in the delivery process of GAPDH to the cell surface. Pneumococcal lysis is abolished in the ΔlytA mutant strain or when 1% choline chloride is added in the culture media. We showed that these conditions induce a marked reduction in the amount of surface-associated GAPDH. These data suggest that the presence of GAPDH at the surface of pneumococcal cells depends on the LytA-mediated lysis of a fraction of the cell population. Moreover, we demonstrated that pneumococcal GAPDH binds to the bacterial cell wall independently of the presence of the teichoic acids component, supporting peptidoglycan as a ligand to surface GAPDH. Finally, we showed that peptidoglycan-associated GAPDH recruits C1q from human serum but does not activate the complement pathway.

Label-free Quantitative Proteomics Reveals a Role for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis SecA2 Pathway in Exporting Solute Binding Proteins and Mce Transporters to the Cell Wall

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an example of a bacterial pathogen with a specialized SecA2-dependent protein export system that contributes to its virulence. Our understanding of the mechanistic basis of SecA2-dependent export and the role(s) of the SecA2 pathway in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis has been hindered by our limited knowledge of the proteins exported by the pathway. Here, we set out to identify M. tuberculosis proteins that use the SecA2 pathway for their export from the bacterial cytoplasm to the cell wall. Using label-free quantitative proteomics involving spectral counting, we compared the cell wall and cytoplasmic proteomes of wild type M. tuberculosis to that of a ΔsecA2 mutant. This work revealed a role for the M. tuberculosis SecA2 pathway in the cell wall localization of solute binding proteins that work with ABC transporters to import solutes. Another discovery was a profound effect of SecA2 on the cell wall localization of the Mce1 and Mce4 lipid transporters, which contribute to M. tuberculosis virulence. In addition to the effects on solute binding proteins and Mce transporter export, our label-free quantitative analysis revealed an unexpected relationship between SecA2 and the hypoxia-induced DosR regulon, which is associated with M. tuberculosis latency. Nearly half of the transcriptionally controlled DosR regulon of cytoplasmic proteins were detected at higher levels in the ΔsecA2 mutant versus wild type M. tuberculosis. By increasing the list of M. tuberculosis proteins known to be affected by the SecA2 pathway, this study expands our appreciation of the types of proteins exported by this pathway and guides our understanding of the mechanism of SecA2-dependent protein export in mycobacteria. At the same time, the newly identified SecA2-dependent proteins are helpful for understanding the significance of this pathway to M. tuberculosis virulence and physiology.

ESX/type VII secretion systems of mycobacteria: Insights into evolution, pathogenicity and protection

Pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis depends on the secretion of key virulence factors, such as the 6 kDa early secreted antigenic target ESAT-6 (EsxA) and its protein partner, the 10 kDa culture filtrate protein CFP-10 (EsxB), via the ESX-1 secretion system. ESX-1 represents the prototype system of the recently named type VII secretion systems that exist in a range of actinobacteria. The M. tuberculosis genome harbours a total of five gene clusters potentially coding for type VII secretion systems, designated ESX-1 - ESX-5, with ESX-4 being the most ancient system from which other ESX systems seem to have evolved by gene duplication and gene insertion events. The five ESX systems show similarity in gene content and gene order but differ in function. ESX-1 and ESX-5 are both crucial virulence determinants of M. tuberculosis, but with different mechanisms. While ESX-1 is implicated in the lysis of the host cell phagosomes, ESX-5 is involved in secretion of the mycobacteria specific PE and PPE proteins and cell wall stability. Research on type VII secretion systems has thus become a large and competitive research topic that is tightly linked to studies of host-pathogen interaction of pathogenic mycobacteria. Insights into this matter are of relevance for redrawing the patho-evolution of M. tuberculosis, which might help improving current strategies for prevention, diagnostics and therapy of tuberculosis as well as elucidating the virulence mechanisms employed by this important human pathogen.

Breaking the bacterial protein targeting and translocation model: oral organisms as a case in point

Insights into the membrane biogenesis of oral and throat bacteria have highlighted key differences in protein localization by the general secretion pathway compared with the well-studied Escherichia coli model system. These intriguing novelties have advanced our understanding of both how these microorganisms have adapted to survive and cause disease in the oral cavity, and the field of protein translocation as a whole. This review focuses on findings that highlight where oral bacteria differ from the E. coli paradigm, why these differences are biologically important, and what questions remain about the differences in pathway function. The majority of insight into protein translocation in microbes of the oral cavity has come from streptococcal species, which will be the main topic of this review. However, other bacteria will be discussed when relevant. An overview of the E. coli model of protein targeting and translocation is provided for comparison.

Excretion of cytosolic proteins (ECP) in bacteria

Excretion of cytosolic proteins (ECP) has been reported in bacteria and eukaryotes. As none of the classical signal peptide (SP) dependent or SP-independent pathways could be associated with ECP, it has been also referred to as 'non-classical protein export'. When microbiologists first began to study this subject in 1990, mainly singular cytoplasmic proteins were investigated, such as GAPDH at the cell surface and in the supernatant of pathogenic streptococci or glutamine synthetase (GlnA) as a major extracellular protein in pathogenic mycobacteria. Later, with the rising popularity of proteomics, it became obvious that the secretome of most bacteria contained a copious amount of cytosolic proteins. In particular ancient proteins such as glycolytic enzymes, chaperones, translation factors or enzymes involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen were found in the supernatants. As the excreted proteins do not possess a common motive, the most widespread opinion is that ECP is due to cell lysis. Indeed, upregulation of autolysins or distortion of the murein structure increased ECP, suggesting that enhanced ECP is some sort of survival strategy to counteract osmotic stress. However, in the meantime there are mounting evidences and hints that speak against cell lysis as a primary mechanism for ECP. Very likely, ECP belongs to the normal life cycle of bacteria and involves a programmed process. This review provides a brief overview of the 'non-classical protein export'.

Immunity and Immunopathology in the Tuberculous Granuloma

Granulomas, organized aggregates of immune cells, are a defining feature of tuberculosis (TB). Granuloma formation is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory disorders. However, the tuberculous granuloma has been assigned the role of a host protective structure which "walls-off" mycobacteria. Work conducted over the past decade has provided a more nuanced view of its role in pathogenesis. On the one hand, pathogenic mycobacteria accelerate and exploit granuloma formation for their expansion and dissemination by manipulating host immune responses to turn leukocyte recruitment and cell death pathways in their favor. On the other hand, granuloma macrophages can preserve granuloma integrity by exerting a microbicidal immune response, thus preventing an even more rampant expansion of infection in the extracellular milieu. Even this host-beneficial immune response required to maintain the bacteria intracellular must be tempered, as an overly vigorous immune response can also cause granuloma breakdown, thereby directly supporting bacterial growth extracellularly. This review will discuss how mycobacteria manipulate inflammatory responses to drive granuloma formation and will consider the roles of the granuloma in pathogenesis and protective immunity, drawing from clinical studies of TB in humans and from animal models--rodents, zebrafish, and nonhuman primates. A deeper understanding of TB pathogenesis and immunity in the granuloma could suggest therapeutic approaches to abrogate the host-detrimental aspects of granuloma formation to convert it into the host-beneficial structure that it has been thought to be for nearly a century.

Interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with host cell death pathways

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has coevolved with humans for tens of thousands of years. It is thus highly adapted to its human host and has evolved multiple mechanisms to manipulate host immune responses to its advantage. One central host pathogen interaction modality is host cell death pathways. Host cell apoptosis is associated with a protective response to Mtb infection, whereas a necrotic response favors the pathogen. Consistently, Mtb inhibits host cell apoptosis signaling but promotes induction of programmed necrosis. The molecular mechanisms involved in Mtb-mediated host cell death manipulation, the consequences for host immunity, and the potential for therapeutic and preventive approaches will be discussed.

The non-catalytic "cap domain" of a mycobacterial metallophosphoesterase regulates its expression and localization in the cell

Despite highly conserved core catalytic domains, members of the metallophosphoesterase (MPE) superfamily perform diverse and crucial functions ranging from nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism to phospholipid hydrolysis. Unique structural elements outside of the catalytic core called "cap domains" are thought to provide specialization to these enzymes; however, no directed study has been performed to substantiate this. The cap domain of Rv0805, an MPE from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is located C-terminal to its catalytic domain and is dispensable for the catalytic activity of this enzyme in vitro. We show here that this C-terminal extension (CTE) mediates in vivo localization of the protein to the cell membrane and cell wall as well as modulates expression levels of Rv0805 in mycobacteria. We also demonstrate that Rv0805 interacts with the cell wall of mycobacteria, possibly with the mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan complex, by virtue of its C terminus, a hitherto unknown property of this MPE. Using a panel of mutant proteins, we identify interactions between active site residues of Rv0805 and the CTE that determine its association with the cell wall. Finally, we show that Rv0805 and a truncated mutant devoid of the CTE produce different phenotypic effects when expressed in mycobacteria. Our study thus provides a detailed dissection of the functions of the cap domain of an MPE and suggests that the repertoire of cellular functions of MPEs cannot be understood without exploring the modulatory effects of these subdomains.

Proteome and phosphoproteome analysis of the serine/threonine protein kinase E mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

AIMS

Serine/threonine protein kinases (STPKs) have prominent roles in the survival mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Previous studies from our laboratory underscored the role of PknE, an STPK in virulence, adaptation and the suppression of host cell apoptosis. In this study, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to study the proteome and phosphoproteome profiles of wild type M. tuberculosis and its isogenic pknE deletion mutant (ΔpknE) during growth in Middlebrook 7H9 and nitric oxide stress.

MAIN METHODS

Wild-type M. tuberculosis and its isogenic pknE deletion mutant strain were grown in Middlebrook 7H9 as well as subjected to nitric oxide stress using sodium nitroprusside. Whole cell lysates were prepared and analyzed by 2D-gel electrophoresis. Phosphoproteomes were analyzed using phospho serine and phospho threonine antibodies after subjecting the 2D-gels to western blotting. Proteins of interest were identified using mass spectrometry.

KEY FINDINGS

Our analysis provides insights into the targets that impose pro-apoptotic as well as altered cellular phenotypes on ΔpknE, revealing novel substrates and functions for PknE.

SIGNIFICANCE

For the first time, our proteome and phosphoproteome data decipher the function of PknE in cell division, virulence, dormancy, suppression of sigma factor B and its regulated genes, suppression of two-component systems and in the metabolic activity of M. tuberculosis.

The Physiology and Genetics of Oxidative Stress in Mycobacteria

During infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is exposed to a diverse array of microenvironments in the human host, each with its own unique set of redox conditions. Imbalances in the redox environment of the bacillus or the host environment serve as stimuli, which could regulate virulence. The ability of M. tuberculosis to evade the host immune response and cause disease is largely owing to the capacity of the mycobacterium to sense changes in its environment, such as host-generated gases, carbon sources, and pathological conditions, and alter its metabolism and redox balance accordingly for survival. In this article we discuss the redox sensors that are, to date, known to be present in M. tuberculosis , such as the Dos dormancy regulon, WhiB family, anti-σ factors, and MosR, in addition to the strategies present in the bacillus to neutralize free radicals, such as superoxide dismutases, catalase-peroxidase, thioredoxins, and methionine sulfoxide reductases, among others. M. tuberculosis is peculiar in that it appears to have a hierarchy of redox buffers, namely, mycothiol and ergothioneine. We discuss the current knowledge of their biosynthesis, function, and regulation. Ergothioneine is still an enigma, although it appears to have distinct and overlapping functions with mycothiol, which enable it to protect against a wide range of toxic metabolites and free radicals generated by the host. Developing approaches to quantify the intracellular redox status of the mycobacterium will enable us to determine how the redox balance is altered in response to signals and environments that mimic those encountered in the host.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3402c enhances mycobacterial survival within macrophages and modulates the host pro-inflammatory cytokines production via NF-kappa B/ERK/p38 signaling

Intracellular survival plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a process which depends on an array of virulence factors to colonize and replicate within the host. The M. tuberculosis iron regulated open reading frame (ORF) rv3402c, encoding a conserved hypothetical protein, was shown to be up-regulated upon infection in both human and mice macrophages. To explore the function of this ORF, we heterologously expressed the rv3402c gene in the non-pathogenic fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis strain, and demonstrated that Rv3402c, a cell envelope-associated protein, was able to enhance the intracellular survival of recombinant M. smegmatis. Enhanced growth was not found to be the result of an increased resistance to intracellular stresses, as growth of the Rv3402c expressing strain was unaffected by iron depletion, H₂O₂ exposure, or acidic conditions. Colonization of macrophages by M. smegmatis expressing Rv3402c was associated with substantial cell death and significantly greater amount of TNF-α and IL-1β compared with controls. Rv3402c-induced TNF-α and IL-1β production was found to be mediated by NF-κB, ERK and p38 pathway in macrophages. In summary, our study suggests that Rv3402c delivered in a live M. smegmatis vehicle can modify the cytokines profile of macrophage, promote host cell death and enhance the persistence of mycobacterium within host cells.

The BCG replacement vaccine VPM1002: from drawing board to clinical trial

Tuberculosis remains a major health threat and vaccines better than bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) are urgently required. Here we describe our experience with a recombinant BCG expressing listeriolysin and deficient in urease. This potential replacement vaccine has demonstrated superior efficacy and safety over BCG in Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerosol-challenged mice and was safe in numerous animal models including immune-deficient mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and nonhuman primates. Phase I clinical trials in adults in Germany and South Africa have proven safety and a current Phase IIa trial is under way to assess immunogenicity and safety in its target population, newborns in a high tuberculosis incidence setting, with promising early results. Second-generation candidates are being developed to improve safety and efficacy.

EmrA1 membrane fusion protein of Francisella tularensis LVS is required for resistance to oxidative stress, intramacrophage survival and virulence in mice

Francisella tularensis is a category A biodefence agent that causes a fatal human disease known as tularaemia. The pathogenicity of F. tularensis depends on its ability to persist inside host immune cells primarily by resisting an attack from host-generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Based on the ability of F. tularensis to resist high ROS/RNS levels, we have hypothesized that additional unknown factors act in conjunction with known antioxidant defences to render ROS resistance. By screening a transposon insertion library of F. tularensis LVS in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, we have identified an oxidant-sensitive mutant in putative EmrA1 (FTL_0687) secretion protein. The results demonstrate that the emrA1 mutant is highly sensitive to oxidants and several antimicrobial agents, and exhibits diminished intramacrophage growth that can be restored to wild-type F. tularensis LVS levels by either transcomplementation, inhibition of ROS generation or infection in NADPH oxidase deficient (gp91Phox(-/-)) macrophages. The emrA1 mutant is attenuated for virulence, which is restored by infection in gp91Phox(-/-) mice. Further, EmrA1 contributes to oxidative stress resistance by affecting secretion of Francisella antioxidant enzymes SodB and KatG. This study exposes unique links between transporter activity and the antioxidant defence mechanisms of F. tularensis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis exploits asparagine to assimilate nitrogen and resist acid stress during infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an intracellular pathogen. Within macrophages, M. tuberculosis thrives in a specialized membrane-bound vacuole, the phagosome, whose pH is slightly acidic, and where access to nutrients is limited. Understanding how the bacillus extracts and incorporates nutrients from its host may help develop novel strategies to combat tuberculosis. Here we show that M. tuberculosis employs the asparagine transporter AnsP2 and the secreted asparaginase AnsA to assimilate nitrogen and resist acid stress through asparagine hydrolysis and ammonia release. While the role of AnsP2 is partially spared by yet to be identified transporter(s), that of AnsA is crucial in both phagosome acidification arrest and intracellular replication, as an M. tuberculosis mutant lacking this asparaginase is ultimately attenuated in macrophages and in mice. Our study provides yet another example of the intimate link between physiology and virulence in the tubercle bacillus, and identifies a novel pathway to be targeted for therapeutic purposes.

ADP-dependent conformational changes distinguish Mycobacterium tuberculosis SecA2 from SecA1

In bacteria, most secreted proteins are exported through the SecYEG translocon by the SecA ATPase motor via the general secretion or "Sec" pathway. The identification of an additional SecA protein, particularly in Gram-positive pathogens, has raised important questions about the role of SecA2 in both protein export and establishment of virulence. We previously showed in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, the accessory SecA2 protein possesses ATPase activity that is required for bacterial survival in host macrophages, highlighting its importance in virulence. Here, we show that SecA2 binds ADP with much higher affinity than SecA1 and releases the nucleotide more slowly. Nucleotide binding also regulates movement of the precursor-binding domain in SecA2, unlike in SecA1 or conventional SecA proteins. This conformational change involving closure of the clamp in SecA2 may provide a mechanism for the cell to direct protein export through the conventional SecA1 pathway under normal growth conditions while preventing ordinary precursor proteins from interacting with the specialized SecA2 ATPase.

Surface-exposed proteins of pathogenic mycobacteria and the role of cu-zn superoxide dismutase in macrophages and neutrophil survival

Pathogenic mycobacteria are important agents causing human disease. Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (M. avium) is a species of recalcitrant environmental pathogen. The bacterium forms robust biofilms that allow it to colonize and persist in austere environments, such as residential and commercial water systems. M. avium is also an opportunistic pathogen that is a significant source of mortality for immune-compromised individuals. Proteins exposed at the bacterial surface play a central role in mediating the relationship between the bacterium and its environment. The processes underlying both biofilm formation and pathogenesis are directly dependent on this essential subset of the bacterial proteome. Therefore, the characterization of the surface-exposed proteome is an important step towards an improved understanding of the mycobacterial biology and pathogenesis. Here we examined the complement of surface exposed proteins from Mycobacterium avium 104, a clinical isolate and reference strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis. To profile the surface-exposed proteins of viable M. avium 104, bacteria were covalently labeled with a membrane impermeable biotinylation reagent and labeled proteins were affinity purified via the biotin-streptavidin interaction. The results provide a helpful snapshot of the surface-exposed proteome of this frequently utilized reference strain of M. avium. A Cu-Zn SOD knockout mutant, MAV_2043, a surface identified protein, was evaluated regarding its role in the survival in both macrophages and neutrophils.

Analysis of SecA2-dependent substrates in Mycobacterium marinum identifies protein kinase G (PknG) as a virulence effector

The pathogenicity of mycobacteria is closely associated with their ability to export virulence factors. For this purpose, mycobacteria possess different protein secretion systems, including the accessory Sec translocation pathway, SecA2. Although this pathway is associated with intracellular survival and virulence, the SecA2-dependent effector proteins remain largely undefined. In this work, we studied a Mycobacterium marinum secA2 mutant with an impaired capacity to initiate granuloma formation in zebrafish embryos. By comparing the proteomic profile of cell envelope fractions from the secA2 mutant with wild type M. marinum, we identified putative SecA2-dependent substrates. Immunoblotting procedures confirmed SecA2-dependent membrane localization for several of these proteins, including the virulence factor protein kinase G (PknG). Interestingly, phenotypical defects of the secA2 mutant are similar to those described for ΔpknG, including phagosomal maturation. Overexpression of PknG in the secA2 mutant restored its localization to the cell envelope. Importantly, PknG-overexpression also partially restored the virulence of the secA2 mutant, as indicated by enhanced infectivity in zebrafish embryos and restored inhibition of phagosomal maturation. These results suggest that SecA2-dependent membrane localization of PknG is an important determinant for M. marinum virulence.

Mechanisms of copper homeostasis in bacteria

Copper is an important micronutrient required as a redox co-factor in the catalytic centers of enzymes. However, free copper is a potential hazard because of its high chemical reactivity. Consequently, organisms exert a tight control on Cu(+) transport (entry-exit) and traffic through different compartments, ensuring the homeostasis required for cuproprotein synthesis and prevention of toxic effects. Recent studies based on biochemical, bioinformatics, and metalloproteomics approaches, reveal a highly regulated system of transcriptional regulators, soluble chaperones, membrane transporters, and target cuproproteins distributed in the various bacterial compartments. As a result, new questions have emerged regarding the diversity and apparent redundancies of these components, their irregular presence in different organisms, functional interactions, and resulting system architectures.

The MprB extracytoplasmic domain negatively regulates activation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis MprAB two-component system

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an acid-fast pathogen of humans and the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB). It is estimated that one-third of the world's population is latently (persistently) infected with M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis persistence is regulated, in part, by the MprAB two-component signal transduction system, which is activated by and mediates resistance to cell envelope stress. Here we identify MprAB as part of an evolutionarily conserved cell envelope stress response network and demonstrate that MprAB-mediated signal transduction is negatively regulated by the MprB extracytoplasmic domain (ECD). In particular, we report that deregulated production of the MprB sensor kinase, or of derivatives of this protein, negatively impacts M. tuberculosis growth. The observed growth attenuation is dependent on MprAB-mediated signal transduction and is exacerbated in strains of M. tuberculosis producing an MprB variant lacking its ECD. Interestingly, full-length MprB, and the ECD of MprB specifically, immunoprecipitates the Hsp70 chaperone DnaK in vivo, while overexpression of dnaK inhibits MprAB-mediated signal transduction in M. tuberculosis grown in the absence or presence of cell envelope stress. We propose that under nonstress conditions, or under conditions in which proteins present in the extracytoplasmic space are properly folded, signaling through the MprAB system is inhibited by the MprB ECD. Following exposure to cell envelope stress, proteins present in the extracytoplasmic space become unfolded or misfolded, leading to removal of the ECD-mediated negative regulation of MprB and subsequent activation of MprAB.

Selective transport by SecA2: an expanding family of customized motor proteins

The SecA2 proteins are a special class of transport-associated ATPases that are related to the SecA component of the general Sec system, and are found in an increasingly large number of Gram-positive bacterial species. The SecA2 substrates are typically linked to the cell wall, but may be lipid-linked, peptidoglycan-linked, or non-covalently associated S-layer proteins. These substrates can have a significant impact on virulence of pathogenic organisms, but may also aid colonization by commensals. The SecA2 orthologues range from being highly similar to their SecA paralogues, to being distinctly different in apparent structure and function. Two broad classes of SecA2 are evident. One transports multiple substrates, and may interact with the general Sec system, or with an as yet unidentified transmembrane channel. The second type transports a single substrate, and is a component of the accessory Sec system, which includes the SecY paralogue SecY2 along with the accessory Sec proteins Asp1-3. Recent studies indicate that the latter three proteins may have a unique role in coordinating post-translational modification of the substrate with transport by SecA2. Comparative functional and phylogenetic analyses suggest that each SecA2 may be uniquely adapted for a specific type of substrate. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein trafficking and secretion in bacteria. Guest Editors: Anastassios Economou and Ross Dalbey.

Suppressor analysis reveals a role for SecY in the SecA2-dependent protein export pathway of Mycobacteria

All bacteria use the conserved Sec pathway to transport proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane, with the SecA ATPase playing a central role in the process. Mycobacteria are part of a small group of bacteria that have two SecA proteins: the canonical SecA (SecA1) and a second, specialized SecA (SecA2). The SecA2-dependent pathway exports a small subset of proteins and is required for Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence. The mechanism by which SecA2 drives export of proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane remains poorly understood. Here we performed suppressor analysis on a dominant negative secA2 mutant (secA2 K129R) of the model mycobacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis to better understand the pathway used by SecA2 to export proteins. Two extragenic suppressor mutations were identified as mapping to the promoter region of secY, which encodes the central component of the canonical Sec export channel. These suppressor mutations increased secY expression, and this effect was sufficient to alleviate the secA2 K129R phenotype. We also discovered that the level of SecY protein was greatly diminished in the secA2 K129R mutant, but at least partially restored in the suppressors. Furthermore, the level of SecY in a suppressor strongly correlated with the degree of suppression. Our findings reveal a detrimental effect of SecA2 K129R on SecY, arguing for an integrated system in which SecA2 works with SecY and the canonical Sec translocase to export proteins.

Elimination of intracellularly residing Mycobacterium tuberculosis through targeting of host and bacterial signaling mechanisms

With more than 2 billion latently infected people, TB continues to represent a serious threat to human health. According to the WHO, 1.1 million people died from TB in 2010, which is equal to approximately 3000 deaths per day. The causative agent of the disease, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a highly successful pathogen having evolved remarkable strategies to persist within the host. Although normally, upon phagocytosis by macrophages, bacteria are readily eliminated by lysosomes, pathogenic mycobacteria actively prevent destruction within macrophages. The strategies that pathogenic mycobacteria apply range from releasing virulence factors to manipulating host molecules resulting in the modulation of host signal transduction pathways in order to sustain their viability within the infected host. Here, we analyze the current status of how a better understanding of both the bacterial and host factors involved in virulence can be used to develop drugs that may be helpful to curb the TB epidemic.

Leaving home ain't easy: protein export systems in Gram-positive bacteria

Transport of proteins into or across biological membranes is catalyzed by membrane-bound transport machineries. In Gram-positive bacteria, the vast majority of proteins are exported out of the cytosol by the conserved general secretion (Sec) system or, alternatively, by the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system, that closely resemble their well-studied counterparts in Gram-negative bacteria. Besides these common major export routes, additional unique protein export systems (such as accessory Sec2 systems and/or type VII/WXG100 secretion systems) exist in some Gram-positive bacteria that are specifically involved in the secretion of limited subsets of proteins.

A novel P(1B)-type Mn2+-transporting ATPase is required for secreted protein metallation in mycobacteria

Transition metals are central for bacterial virulence and host defense. P(1B)-ATPases are responsible for cytoplasmic metal efflux and play roles either in limiting cytosolic metal concentrations or in the maturation of secreted metalloproteins. The P(1B)-ATPase, CtpC, is required for Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival in a mouse model (Sassetti, C. M., and Rubin, E. J. (2003) Genetic requirements for mycobacterial survival during infection. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100, 12989-12994). CtpC prevents Zn(2+) toxicity, suggesting a role in Zn(2+) export from the cytosol (Botella, H., Peyron, P., Levillain, F., Poincloux, R., Poquet, Y., Brandli, I., Wang, C., Tailleux, L., Tilleul, S., Charriere, G. M., Waddell, S. J., Foti, M., Lugo-Villarino, G., Gao, Q., Maridonneau-Parini, I., Butcher, P. D., Castagnoli, P. R., Gicquel, B., de Chastellièr, C., and Neyrolles, O. (2011) Mycobacterial P1-type ATPases mediate resistance to zinc poisoning in human macrophages. Cell Host Microbe 10, 248-259). However, key metal-coordinating residues and the overall structure of CtpC are distinct from Zn(2+)-ATPases. We found that isolated CtpC has metal-dependent ATPase activity with a strong preference for Mn(2+) over Zn(2+). In vivo, CtpC is unable to complement Escherichia coli lacking a functional Zn(2+)-ATPase. Deletion of M. tuberculosis or Mycobacterium smegmatis ctpC leads to cytosolic Mn(2+) accumulation but no alterations in other metals levels. Whereas ctpC-deficient M. tuberculosis is sensitive to extracellular Zn(2+), the M. smegmatis mutant is not. Both ctpC mutants are sensitive to oxidative stress, which might explain the Zn(2+)-sensitive phenotype of the M. tuberculosis ctpC mutant. CtpC is a high affinity/slow turnover ATPase, suggesting a role in protein metallation. Consistent with this hypothesis, mutation of CtpC leads to a decrease of Mn(2+) bound to secreted proteins and of the activity of secreted Fe/Mn-superoxide dismutase, particularly in M. smegmatis. Alterations in the assembly of metalloenzymes involved in redox stress response might explain the sensitivity of M. tuberculosis ctpC mutants to oxidative stress and growth and persistence defects in mice infection models.

A Modified Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine with Reduced Activity of Antioxidants and Glutamine Synthetase Exhibits Enhanced Protection of Mice despite Diminished in Vivo Persistence

Early attempts to improve BCG have focused on increasing the expression of prominent antigens and adding recombinant toxins or cytokines to influence antigen presentation. One such modified BCG vaccine candidate has been withdrawn from human clinical trials due to adverse effects. BCG was derived from virulent Mycobacterium bovis and retains much of its capacity for suppressing host immune responses. Accordingly, we have used a different strategy for improving BCG based on reducing its immune suppressive capacity. We made four modifications to BCG Tice to produce 4dBCG and compared it to the parent vaccine in C57Bl/6 mice. The modifications included elimination of the oxidative stress sigma factor SigH, elimination of the SecA2 secretion channel, and reductions in the activity of iron co-factored superoxide dismutase and glutamine synthetase. After IV inoculation of 4dBCG, 95% of vaccine bacilli were eradicated from the spleens of mice within 60 days whereas the titer of BCG Tice was not significantly reduced. Subcutaneous vaccination with 4dBCG produced greater protection than vaccination with BCG against dissemination of an aerosolized challenge of M. tuberculosis to the spleen at 8 weeks post-challenge. At this time, 4dBCG-vaccinated mice also exhibited altered lung histopathology compared to BCG-vaccinated mice and control mice with less well-developed lymphohistiocytic nodules in the lung parenchyma. At 26 weeks post-challenge, 4dBCG-vaccinated mice but not BCG-vaccinated mice had significantly fewer challenge bacilli in the lungs than control mice. In conclusion, despite reduced persistence in mice a modified BCG vaccine with diminished antioxidants and glutamine synthetase is superior to the parent vaccine in conferring protection against M. tuberculosis. The targeting of multiple immune suppressive factors produced by BCG is a promising strategy for simultaneously improving vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Exoproteomic analysis of the SecA2-dependent secretion in Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e

As part of the Sec translocase, the accessory ATPase SecA2 is present in some pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. In Listeria monocytogenes, deletion of secA2 results in filamentous cells that form rough colonies and have lower virulence. However, only a few proteins have been identified that are secreted by this pathway. This investigation aims to provide the first exoproteomic analysis of the SecA2-dependent secretion in L. monocytogenes EGD-e. By using media and temperatures relevant to bacterial physiology, we demonstrated that the rough colony and elongated bacterial cell morphotypes are highly dependent on growth conditions. Subsequently, comparative exoproteomic analyses of the ΔsecA2 versus wt strains were performed in chemically defined medium at 20°C and 37°C. Analyzing the proteomic data following the secretomics-based method, part of the proteins appeared routed towards the Sec pathway and exhibited an N-terminal signal peptide. For another significant part, they were primarily cytoplasmic proteins, thus lacking signal peptide and with no predictable secretion pathway. In total, 13 proteins were newly identified as secreted via SecA2, which were essentially associated with cell-wall metabolism, adhesion and/or biofilm formation. From this comparative exoproteomic analysis, new insights into the L. monocytogenes physiology are discussed in relation to its saprophytic and pathogenic lifestyle.

Protein export by the mycobacterial SecA2 system is determined by the preprotein mature domain

At the core of the bacterial general secretion (Sec) pathway is the SecA ATPase, which powers translocation of unfolded preproteins containing Sec signal sequences through the SecYEG membrane channel. Mycobacteria have two nonredundant SecA homologs: SecA1 and SecA2. While the essential SecA1 handles "housekeeping" export, the nonessential SecA2 exports a subset of proteins and is required for Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence. Currently, it is not understood how SecA2 contributes to Sec export in mycobacteria. In this study, we focused on identifying the features of two SecA2 substrates that target them to SecA2 for export, the Ms1704 and Ms1712 lipoproteins of the model organism Mycobacterium smegmatis. We found that the mature domains of Ms1704 and Ms1712, not the N-terminal signal sequences, confer SecA2-dependent export. We also demonstrated that the lipid modification and the extreme N terminus of the mature protein do not impart the requirement for SecA2 in export. We further showed that the Ms1704 mature domain can be efficiently exported by the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway. Because the Tat system exports only folded proteins, this result implies that SecA2 substrates can fold in the cytoplasm and suggests a putative role of SecA2 in enabling export of such proteins. Thus, the mycobacterial SecA2 system may represent another way that bacteria solve the problem of exporting proteins that can fold in the cytoplasm.

Virulence factors of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) consists of closely related species that cause tuberculosis in both humans and animals. This illness, still today, remains to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The mycobacteria enter the host by air, and, once in the lungs, are phagocytated by macrophages. This may lead to the rapid elimination of the bacillus or to the triggering of an active tuberculosis infection. A large number of different virulence factors have evolved in MTBC members as a response to the host immune reaction. The aim of this review is to describe the bacterial genes/proteins that are essential for the virulence of MTBC species, and that have been demonstrated in an in vivo model of infection. Knowledge of MTBC virulence factors is essential for the development of new vaccines and drugs to help manage the disease toward an increasingly more tuberculosis-free world.

Emerging themes in SecA2-mediated protein export

The conserved general secretion (Sec) pathway carries out most protein export in bacteria and is powered by the essential ATPase SecA. Interestingly, mycobacteria and some Gram-positive bacteria possess two SecA proteins: SecA1 and SecA2. In these species, SecA1 is responsible for exporting most proteins, whereas SecA2 exports only a subset of substrates and is implicated in virulence. However, despite the impressive body of knowledge about the canonical SecA1, less is known concerning SecA2 function. Here, we review our current understanding of the different types of SecA2 systems and outline future directions for their study.