Biosynthesis and functions of mycothiol, the unique protective thiol of Actinobacteria

The functional interplay of low molecular weight thiols in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Three low molecular weight thiols are synthesized by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), namely ergothioneine (ERG), mycothiol (MSH) and gamma-glutamylcysteine (GGC). They are able to counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or reactive nitrogen species (RNS). In addition, the production of ERG is elevated in the MSH-deficient M.tb mutant, while the production of MSH is elevated in the ERG-deficient mutants. Furthermore, the production of GGC is elevated in the MSH-deficient mutant and the ERG-deficient mutants. The propensity of one thiol to be elevated in the absence of the other prompted further investigations into their interplay in M.tb.

METHODS

To achieve that, we generated two M.tb mutants that are unable to produce ERG nor MSH but are able to produce a moderate (ΔegtD-mshA) or significantly high (ΔegtB-mshA) amount of GGC relative to the wild-type strain. In addition, we generated an M.tb mutant that is unable to produce GGC nor MSH but is able to produce a significantly low level of ERG (ΔegtA-mshA) relative to the wild-type strain. The susceptibilities of these mutants to various in vitro and ex vivo stress conditions were investigated and compared.

RESULTS

The ΔegtA-mshA mutant was the most susceptible to cellular stress relative to its parent single mutant strains (ΔegtA and ∆mshA) and the other double mutants. In addition, it displayed a growth-defect in vitro, in mouse and human macrophages suggesting; that the complete inhibition of ERG, MSH and GGC biosynthesis is deleterious for the growth of M.tb.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that ERG, MSH and GGC are able to compensate for each other to maximize the protection and ensure the fitness of M.tb. This study therefore suggests that the most effective strategy to target thiol biosynthesis for anti-tuberculosis drug development would be the simultaneous inhibition of the biosynthesis of ERG, MSH and GGC.

Host-pathogen redox dynamics modulate Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, encounters variable and hostile environments within the host. A major component of these hostile conditions is reductive and oxidative stresses induced by factors modified by the host immune response, such as oxygen tension, NO or CO gases, reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, the availability of different carbon sources and changes in pH. It is therefore essential for Mtb to continuously monitor and appropriately respond to the microenvironment. To this end, Mtb has developed various redox-sensitive systems capable of monitoring its intracellular redox environment and coordinating a response essential for virulence. Various aspects of Mtb physiology are regulated by these systems, including drug susceptibility, secretion systems, energy metabolism and dormancy. While great progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms and pathways that govern the response of Mtb to the host's redox environment, many questions in this area remain unanswered. The answers to these questions are promising avenues for addressing the tuberculosis crisis.

Mass spectrometric detection of iron nitrosyls, sulfide oxidation and mycothiolation during nitrosylation of the NO sensor [4Fe-4S] NsrR

Identification of RRE-type iron-nitrosyl species formed upon nitrosylation of [4Fe–4S] NsrR.

The bacterial nitric oxide (NO)-sensing transcriptional regulator NsrR binds a [4Fe–4S] cluster that enables DNA-binding and thus repression of the cell's NO stress response. Upon exposure to NO, the cluster undergoes a complex nitrosylation reaction resulting in a mixture of iron-nitrosyl species, which spectroscopic studies have indicated are similar to well characterized low molecular weight dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC), Roussin's Red Ester (RRE) and Roussin's Black Salt (RBS). Here we report mass spectrometric studies that enable the unambiguous identification of NsrR-bound RRE-type species, including a persulfide bound form that results from the oxidation of cluster sulfide. In the presence of the low molecular weight thiols glutathione and mycothiol, glutathionylated and mycothiolated forms of NsrR were readily formed.

Tracking gene expression and oxidative damage of O2-stressed Clostridioides difficile by a multi-omics approach

Clostridioides difficile is the major pathogen causing diarrhea following antibiotic treatment. It is considered to be a strictly anaerobic bacterium, however, previous studies have shown a certain and strain-dependent oxygen tolerance. In this study, the model strain C. difficile 630Δerm was shifted to micro-aerobiosis and was found to stay growing to the same extent as anaerobically growing cells with only few changes in the metabolite pattern. However, an extensive change in gene expression was determined by RNA-Seq. The most striking adaptation strategies involve a change in the reductive fermentation pathways of the amino acids proline, glycine and leucine. But also a far-reaching restructuring in the carbohydrate metabolism was detected with changes in the phosphotransferase system (PTS) facilitated uptake of sugars and a repression of enzymes of glycolysis and butyrate fermentation. Furthermore, a temporary induction in the synthesis of cofactor riboflavin was detected possibly due to an increased demand for flavin mononucleotid (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in redox reactions. However, biosynthesis of the cofactors thiamin pyrophosphate and cobalamin were repressed deducing oxidation-prone enzymes and intermediates in these pathways. Micro-aerobically shocked cells were characterized by an increased demand for cysteine and a thiol redox proteomics approach revealed a dramatic increase in the oxidative state of cysteine in more than 800 peptides after 15 min of micro-aerobic shock. This provides not only a catalogue of oxidation-prone cysteine residues in the C. difficile proteome but also puts the amino acid cysteine into a key position in the oxidative stress response. Our study suggests that tolerance of C. difficile towards O₂ is based on a complex and far-reaching adjustment of global gene expression which leads to only a slight change in phenotype.

Chemistry and Redox Biology of Mycothiol

SIGNIFICANCE

Mycothiol (MSH, AcCys-GlcN-Ins) is the main low-molecular weight (LMW) thiol of most Actinomycetes, including the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects millions of people worldwide. Strains with decreased MSH content show increased susceptibilities to hydroperoxides and electrophilic compounds. In M. tuberculosis, MSH modulates the response to several antituberculosis drugs. Enzymatic routes involving MSH could provide clues for specific drug design. Recent Advances: Physicochemical data argue against a rapid, nonenzymatic reaction of MSH with oxidants, disulfides, or electrophiles. Moreover, exposure of the bacteria to high concentrations of two-electron oxidants resulted in protein mycothiolation. The recently described glutaredoxin-like protein mycoredoxin-1 (Mrx-1) provides a route for catalytic reduction of mycothiolated proteins, protecting critical cysteines from irreversible oxidation. The description of MSH/Mrx-1-dependent activities of peroxidases helped to explain the higher susceptibility to oxidants observed in Actinomycetes lacking MSH. Moreover, the first mycothiol-S-transferase, member of the DinB superfamily of proteins, was described. In Corynebacterium, both the MSH/Mrx-1 and the thioredoxin pathways reduce methionine sulfoxide reductase A. A novel tool for in vivo imaging of the MSH/mycothiol disulfide (MSSM) status allows following changes in the mycothiol redox state during macrophage infection and its relationship with antibiotic sensitivity.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Redundancy of MSH with other LMW thiols is starting to be unraveled and could help to rationalize the differences in the reported importance of MSH synthesis observed in vitro versus in animal infection models.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Future work should be directed to establish the structural bases of the specificity of MSH-dependent enzymes, thus facilitating drug developments. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 487-504.

Role of Ergothioneine in Microbial Physiology and Pathogenesis

SIGNIFICANCE

L-ergothioneine is synthesized in actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, methylobacteria, and some fungi. In contrast to other low-molecular-weight redox buffers, glutathione and mycothiol, ergothioneine is primarily present as a thione rather than a thiol at physiological pH, which makes it resistant to autoxidation. Ergothioneine regulates microbial physiology and enables the survival of microbes under stressful conditions encountered in their natural environments. In particular, ergothioneine enables pathogenic microbes, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), to withstand hostile environments within the host to establish infection. Recent Advances: Ergothioneine has been reported to maintain bioenergetic homeostasis in Mtb and protect Mtb against oxidative stresses, thereby enhancing the virulence of Mtb in a mouse model. Furthermore, ergothioneine augments the resistance of Mtb to current frontline anti-TB drugs. Recently, an opportunistic fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, which infects immunocompromised individuals, has been found to produce ergothioneine, which is important in conidial health and germination, and contributes to the fungal resistance against redox stresses.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The molecular mechanisms of the functions of ergothioneine in microbial physiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. It is currently not known if ergothioneine is used in detoxification or antioxidant enzymatic pathways. As ergothioneine is involved in bioenergetic and redox homeostasis and antibiotic susceptibility of Mtb, it is of utmost importance to advance our understanding of these mechanisms.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

A clear understanding of the role of ergothioneine in microbes will advance our knowledge of how this thione enhances microbial virulence and resistance to the host's defense mechanisms to avoid complete eradication. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 431-444.

A thioredoxin-dependent peroxiredoxin Q from Corynebacterium glutamicum plays an important role in defense against oxidative stress

Peroxiredoxin Q (PrxQ) that belonged to the cysteine-based peroxidases has long been identified in numerous bacteria, but the information on the physiological and biochemical functions of PrxQ remain largely lacking in Corynebacterium glutamicum. To better systematically understand PrxQ, we reported that PrxQ from model and important industrial organism C. glutamicum, encoded by the gene ncgl2403 annotated as a putative PrxQ, played important roles in adverse stress resistance. The lack of C. glutamicum prxQ gene resulted in enhanced cell sensitivity, increased ROS accumulation, and elevated protein carbonylation levels under adverse stress conditions. Accordingly, PrxQ-mediated resistance to adverse stresses mainly relied on the degradation of ROS. The physiological roles of PrxQ in resistance to adverse stresses were corroborated by its induced expression under adverse stresses, regulated directly by the stress-responsive ECF-sigma factor SigH. Through catalytical kinetic activity, heterodimer formation, and bacterial two-hybrid analysis, we proved that C. glutamicum PrxQ catalytically eliminated peroxides by exclusively receiving electrons from thioredoxin (Trx)/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system and had a broad range of oxidizing substrates, but a better efficiency for peroxynitrite and cumene hydroperoxide (CHP). Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that the conserved Cys49 and Cys54 are the peroxide oxidation site and the resolving Cys residue, respectively. It was also discovered that C. glutamicum PrxQ mainly existed in monomer whether under its native state or functional state. Based on these results, a catalytic model of PrxQ is being proposed. Moreover, our result that C. glutamicum PrxQ can prevent the damaging effects of adverse stresses by acting as thioredoxin-dependent monomeric peroxidase could be further applied to improve the survival ability and robustness of the important bacterium during fermentation process.

Substrate-induced structural alterations of Mycobacterial mycothione reductase and critical residues involved

Redox homeostasis is a prerequisite for survival of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) which employs the low molecular weight thiol mycothiol (MSH). The Mycobacterial NADPH-dependent mycothione reductase (MtMtr), composed of an NADPH-, FAD-, and a dimerization-domain connected by linkers, regulates the balance of oxidized-reduced MSH. Here, we demonstrate by small-angle X-ray scattering, that NADPH-binding alters the oligomeric state equilibrium of the protein with no significant overall structural change after MSH-binding. Mutation of critical residues in the linker regions of MtMtr eliminate partially or totally the NADPH-induced oligomerization effect with simultaneous effect on enzyme activity. The data provide insight into the MtMtr linker regions involved in the novel oligomerization equilibrium of the Mycobacterial enzyme.

Biosynthesis and incorporation of an alkylproline-derivative (APD) precursor into complex natural products

This review covers the biosynthetic and evolutionary aspects of lincosamide antibiotics, antitumour pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) and the quorum-sensing molecule hormaomycin.

Synthesis of substrate analogues as potential inhibitors for Mycobacterium tuberculosis enzyme MshC

Mycothiol cysteine ligase (MshC) is a key enzyme in the mycothiol (MSH) biosynthesis and a promising target for developing new anti-mycobacterial compounds. Herein, we report on the synthesis of substrate analogues, as potential inhibitors, for the MshC enzyme. The target molecules were synthesized employing a Schmidt glycosylation strategy using an enantiomerically pure inositol acceptor and 2-deoxy trichloroacetimidate glycosyl donors with glycosylation yields greater than 70% and overall yields >5%. The inositol acceptor was obtained via chiral resolution of (±)-myo-inositol.

European contribution to the study of ROS: A summary of the findings and prospects for the future from the COST action BM1203 (EU-ROS)

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides an ideal framework to establish multi-disciplinary research networks. COST Action BM1203 (EU-ROS) represents a consortium of researchers from different disciplines who are dedicated to providing new insights and tools for better understanding redox biology and medicine and, in the long run, to finding new therapeutic strategies to target dysregulated redox processes in various diseases. This report highlights the major achievements of EU-ROS as well as research updates and new perspectives arising from its members. The EU-ROS consortium comprised more than 140 active members who worked together for four years on the topics briefly described below. The formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is an established hallmark of our aerobic environment and metabolism but RONS also act as messengers via redox regulation of essential cellular processes. The fact that many diseases have been found to be associated with oxidative stress established the theory of oxidative stress as a trigger of diseases that can be corrected by antioxidant therapy. However, while experimental studies support this thesis, clinical studies still generate controversial results, due to complex pathophysiology of oxidative stress in humans. For future improvement of antioxidant therapy and better understanding of redox-associated disease progression detailed knowledge on the sources and targets of RONS formation and discrimination of their detrimental or beneficial roles is required. In order to advance this important area of biology and medicine, highly synergistic approaches combining a variety of diverse and contrasting disciplines are needed.

Determination of the Absolute Configuration of (-)-Hydroxynitrilaphos and Related Biosynthetic Questions

The ongoing search for bioactive natural products has led to the development of new genome-based screening approaches to identify possible phosphonate producing microorganisms. From the identified phosphonate producers, several until now unknown phosphonic acid natural products were isolated, including (hydroxy)nitrilaphos (4 and 5) and (hydroxy)phosphonocystoximate (7 and 6). We present the synthesis of phosphonocystoximate via an aldoxime intermediate. Chlorination and coupling with methyl N-acetylcysteinate furnished 6 after global deprotection. The obtained experimental data confirm the previously assigned structure of the natural product. We were also able to determine the absolute configuration of (-)-hydroxynitrilaphos. Chiral resolution of diethyl cyanohydroxymethylphosphonate (24) with Noe's lactol furnished both enantiomers of 4. Conversion of (+)-24 to (R)-2-amino-1-hydroxyethylphosphonic acid by reduction of the cyano-group showed (-)-hydroxynitrilaphos ultimately to be S-configured. Further, we present a ¹³ C-isotope labeling strategy for 4 and 5 that will possibly solve the question of whether hydroxynitrilaphos is a biosynthetic intermediate or a downstream product of hydroxyphosphonocystoximate biosynthesis.

Delayed effects of transcriptional responses in Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposed to nitric oxide suggest other mechanisms involved in survival

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has succeeded as a human pathogen for tens of thousands of years thanks to its ability to resist and adapt to the adverse conditions it encounters upon infection. Bacterial adaptation to stress is commonly viewed in the context of transcriptional regulation, with the implicit expectation that an initial transcriptomic response is tightly coupled to an ensuing proteomic response. However, after challenging M. tuberculosis with nitric oxide we found that the rapid transcriptional responses, detectable within minutes of nitric oxide exposure, typically took several hours to manifest on the protein level. Furthermore, early proteomic responses were dominated by the degradation of a set of proteins, specifically those containing damaged iron-sulphur clusters. Overall, our findings are consistent with transcriptional responses participating mostly in late-stage recovery rather than in generating an immediate resistance to nitric oxide stress, suggesting that survival of M. tuberculosis under acute stress is contingent on mechanisms other than transcriptional regulation. These findings provide a revised molecular understanding of an important human pathogen.

The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GapDH of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is redox-controlled by protein S-mycothiolation under oxidative stress

Mycothiol (MSH) is the major low molecular weight (LMW) thiol in Actinomycetes and functions in post-translational thiol-modification by protein S-mycothiolation as emerging thiol-protection and redox-regulatory mechanism. Here, we have used shotgun-proteomics to identify 26 S-mycothiolated proteins in the pathogen Corynebacterium diphtheriae DSM43989 under hypochlorite stress that are involved in energy metabolism, amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis, antioxidant functions and translation. The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapDH) represents the most abundant S-mycothiolated protein that was modified at its active site Cys153 in vivo. Exposure of purified GapDH to H₂O₂ and NaOCl resulted in irreversible inactivation due to overoxidation of the active site in vitro. Treatment of GapDH with H₂O₂ or NaOCl in the presence of MSH resulted in S-mycothiolation and reversible GapDH inactivation in vitro which was faster compared to the overoxidation pathway. Reactivation of S-mycothiolated GapDH could be catalyzed by both, the Trx and the Mrx1 pathways in vitro, but demycothiolation by Mrx1 was faster compared to Trx. In summary, we show here that S-mycothiolation can function in redox-regulation and protection of the GapDH active site against overoxidation in C. diphtheriae which can be reversed by both, the Mrx1 and Trx pathways.

Monitoring global protein thiol-oxidation and protein S-mycothiolation in Mycobacterium smegmatis under hypochlorite stress

Mycothiol (MSH) is the major low molecular weight (LMW) thiol in Actinomycetes. Here, we used shotgun proteomics, OxICAT and RNA-seq transcriptomics to analyse protein S-mycothiolation, reversible thiol-oxidations and their impact on gene expression in Mycobacterium smegmatis under hypochlorite stress. In total, 58 S-mycothiolated proteins were identified under NaOCl stress that are involved in energy metabolism, fatty acid and mycolic acid biosynthesis, protein translation, redox regulation and detoxification. Protein S-mycothiolation was accompanied by MSH depletion in the thiol-metabolome. Quantification of the redox state of 1098 Cys residues using OxICAT revealed that 381 Cys residues (33.6%) showed >10% increased oxidations under NaOCl stress, which overlapped with 40 S-mycothiolated Cys-peptides. The absence of MSH resulted in a higher basal oxidation level of 338 Cys residues (41.1%). The RseA and RshA anti-sigma factors and the Zur and NrdR repressors were identified as NaOCl-sensitive proteins and their oxidation resulted in an up-regulation of the SigH, SigE, Zur and NrdR regulons in the RNA-seq transcriptome. In conclusion, we show here that NaOCl stress causes widespread thiol-oxidation including protein S-mycothiolation resulting in induction of antioxidant defense mechanisms in M. smegmatis. Our results further reveal that MSH is important to maintain the reduced state of protein thiols.

Comparative genomic analysis between Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strains isolated from buffalo

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-positive, pleomorphic, facultative intracellular pathogen that causes Oedematous Skin Disease (OSD) in buffalo. To better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of OSD, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of 11 strains of C. pseudotuberculosis isolated from different buffalo found to be infected in Egypt during an outbreak that occurred in 2008. Sixteen previously described pathogenicity islands (PiCp) were present in all of the new buffalo strains, but one of them, PiCp12, had an insertion that contained both a corynephage and a diphtheria toxin gene, both of which may play a role in the adaptation of C. pseudotuberculosis to this new host. Synteny analysis showed variations in the site of insertion of the corynephage during the same outbreak. A gene functional comparison showed the presence of a nitrate reductase operon that included genes involved in molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis, which is necessary for a positive nitrate reductase phenotype and is a possible adaptation for intracellular survival. Genomes from the buffalo strains also had fusions in minor pilin genes in the spaA and spaD gene cluster (spaCX and spaYEF), which could suggest either an adaptation to this particular host, or mutation events in the immediate ancestor before this particular epidemic. A phylogenomic analysis confirmed a clear separation between the Ovis and Equi biovars, but also showed what appears to be a clustering by host species within the Equi strains.

Proteome analysis reveals differential expression of proteins involved in triacylglycerol accumulation by Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 after addition of methyl viologen

Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 is able to degrade toxic compounds and accumulate high amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) upon nitrogen starvation. These NADPH-dependent processes are essential for the adaptation of rhodococci to fluctuating environmental conditions. In this study, we used an MS-based, label-free and quantitative proteomic approach to better understand the integral response of R. jostii RHA1 to the presence of methyl viologen (MV) in relation to the synthesis and accumulation of TAG. The addition of MV promoted a decrease of TAG accumulation in comparison to cells cultivated under nitrogen-limiting conditions in the absence of this pro-oxidant. Proteomic analyses revealed that the abundance of key proteins of fatty acid biosynthesis, the Kennedy pathway, glyceroneogenesis and methylmalonyl-CoA pathway, among others, decreased in the presence of MV. In contrast, some proteins involved in lipolysis and β-oxidation of fatty acids were upregulated. Some metabolic pathways linked to the synthesis of NADPH remained activated during oxidative stress as well as under nitrogen starvation conditions. Additionally, exposure to MV resulted in the activation of complete antioxidant machinery comprising superoxide dismutases, catalases, mycothiol biosynthesis, mycothione reductase and alkyl hydroperoxide reductases, among others. Our study suggests that oxidative stress response affects TAG accumulation under nitrogen-limiting conditions through programmed molecular mechanisms when both stresses occur simultaneously.

A shift in the virulence potential of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis after passage in a murine host demonstrated through comparative proteomics

Background

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis, a facultative intracellular pathogen, is the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis in small ruminants. During the infection process, C. pseudotuberculosis changes its gene expression to resist different types of stresses and to evade the immune system of the host. However, factors contributing to the infectious process of this pathogen are still poorly documented. To better understand the C. pseudotuberculosis infection process and to identify potential factors which could be involved in its virulence, experimental infection was carried out in a murine model using the strain 1002_ovis and followed by a comparative proteomic analysis of the strain before and after passage.

Results

The experimental infection assays revealed that strain 1002_ovis exhibits low virulence potential. However, the strain recovered from the spleen of infected mice and used in a new infection challenge showed a dramatic change in its virulence potential. Label-free proteomic analysis of the culture supernatants of strain 1002_ovis before and after passage in mice revealed that 118 proteins were differentially expressed. The proteome exclusive to the recovered strain contained important virulence factors such as CP40 proteinase and phospholipase D exotoxin, the major virulence factor of C. pseudotuberculosis. Also, the proteome from recovered condition revealed different classes of proteins involved in detoxification processes, pathogenesis and export pathways, indicating the presence of distinct mechanisms that could contribute in the infectious process of this pathogen.

Conclusions

This study shows that C. pseudotuberculosis modifies its proteomic profile in the laboratory versus infection conditions and adapts to the host context during the infection process. The screening proteomic performed us enable identify known virulence factors, as well as potential proteins that could be related to virulence this pathogen. These results enhance our understanding of the factors that might influence in the virulence of C. pseudotuberculosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-017-0925-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Arsenic Detoxification System in Corynebacteria: Basis and Application for Bioremediation and Redox Control

Arsenic (As) is widespread in the environment and highly toxic. It has been released by volcanic and anthropogenic activities and causes serious health problems worldwide. To survive arsenic-rich environments, soil and saprophytic microorganisms have developed molecular detoxification mechanisms to survive arsenic-rich environments, mainly by the enzymatic conversion of inorganic arsenate (As^V) to arsenite (As^III) by arsenate reductases, which is then extruded by arsenite permeases. One of these Gram-positive bacteria, Corynebacterium glutamicum, the workhorse of biotechnological research, is also resistant to arsenic. To sanitize contaminated soils and waters, C. glutamicum strains were modified to work as arsenic "biocontainers." Two chromosomally encoded ars operons (ars1 and ars2) are responsible for As resistance. The genes within these operons encode for metalloregulatory proteins (ArsR1/R2), arsenite permeases (Acr3-1/-2), and arsenate reductases (ArsC1/C2/C1'). ArsC1/C2 arsenate reductases are coupled to the low molecular weight thiol mycothiol (MSH) and to the recently discovered mycoredoxin-1 (Mrx-1) present in most Actinobacteria. This MSH/Mrx-1 redox system protects cells against different forms of stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), metals, and antibiotics. ROS can modify functional sulfur cysteines by oxidizing the thiol (-SH) to a sulfenic acid (-SOH). These oxidation-sensitive protein cysteine thiols are redox regulated by the MSH/Mrx-1 couple in Corynebacterium and Mycobacterium. In summary, the molecular mechanisms involved in arsenic resistance system in C. glutamicum have paved the way for understanding the cellular response against oxidative stress in Actinobacteria.

Simultaneous Activation of Iron- and Thiol-Based Sensor-Regulator Systems by Redox-Active Compounds

Bacteria in natural habitats are exposed to myriad redox-active compounds (RACs), which include producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive electrophile species (RES) that alkylate or oxidize thiols. RACs can induce oxidative stress in cells and activate response pathways by modulating the activity of sensitive regulators. However, the effect of a certain compound on the cell has been investigated primarily with respect to a specific regulatory pathway. Since a single compound can exert multiple chemical effects in the cell, its effect can be better understood by time-course monitoring of multiple sensitive regulatory pathways that the compound induces. We investigated the effect of representative RACs by monitoring the activity of three sensor-regulators in the model actinobacterium Streptomyces coelicolor; SoxR that senses reactive compounds directly through oxidation of its [2Fe–2S] cluster, CatR/PerR that senses peroxides through bound iron, and an anti-sigma factor RsrA that senses RES via disulfide formation. The time course and magnitude of induction of their target transcripts were monitored to predict the chemical activities of each compound in S. coelicolor. Phenazine methosulfate (PMS) was found to be an effective RAC that directly activated SoxR and an effective ROS-producer that induced CatR/PerR with little thiol-perturbing activity. p-Benzoquinone was an effective RAC that directly activated SoxR, with slower ROS-producing activity, and an effective RES that induced the RsrA-SigR system. Plumbagin was an effective RAC that activated SoxR, an effective ROS-producer, and a less agile but effective RES. Diamide was an RES that effectively formed disulfides and a weak RAC that activated SoxR. Monobromobimane was a moderately effective RES and a slow producer of ROS. Interestingly, benzoquinone induced the SigR system by forming adducts on cysteine thiols in RsrA, revealing a new pathway to modulate RsrA activity. Overall, this study showed that multiple chemical activities of a reactive compound can be conveniently monitored in vivo by examining the temporal response of multiple sensitive regulators in the cell to reveal novel activities of the chemicals.

Genome Mining of Amino Group Carrier Protein-Mediated Machinery: Discovery and Biosynthetic Characterization of a Natural Product with Unique Hydrazone Unit

We recently revealed that a Streptomyces strain possesses the gene encoding amino group carrier protein (AmCP). AmCP is involved in the biosynthesis of a previously unidentified nonproteinogenic amino acid, (2S,6R)-diamino-(5R,7)-dihydroxy-heptanoic acid (DADH), which is a core compound for the synthesis of the dipeptide-containing novel natural product vazabitide A. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening to investigate the diversity of the biosynthetic machinery that uses AmCP; the results revealed that genes encoding AmCP are widely distributed among actinomycetes. The heterologous expression of the AmCP-containing gene cluster from Streptomyces sp. SoC090715LN-17 led to the discovery of s56-p1, a novel natural product. The structure of s56-p1 was determined by spectroscopic analysis; the results revealed that s56-p1 has a putative DADH-derived molecule as the core and also possesses a unique hydrazone unit that is rarely observed in natural products. Our results pave the way for investigations of unexploited AmCP-mediated biosynthesis routes among actinomycetes and of the biosynthetic mechanism of the unique hydrazone unit.

Theoretical Insights into the Reaction and Inhibition Mechanism of Metal-Independent Retaining Glycosyltransferase Responsible for Mycothiol Biosynthesis

Understanding enzymatic reactions with atomic resolution has proven in recent years to be of tremendous interest for biochemical research, and thus, the use of QM/MM methods for the study of reaction mechanisms is experiencing a continuous growth. Glycosyltransferases (GTs) catalyze the formation of glycosidic bonds, and are important for many biotechnological purposes, including drug targeting. Their reaction product may result with only one of the two possible stereochemical outcomes for the reacting anomeric center, and therefore, they are classified as either inverting or retaining GTs. While the inverting GT reaction mechanism has been widely studied, the retaining GT mechanism has always been controversial and several questions remain open to this day. In this work, we take advantage of our recent GPU implementation of a pure QM(DFT-PBE)/MM approach to explore the reaction and inhibition mechanism of MshA, a key retaining GT responsible for the first step of mycothiol biosynthesis, a low weight thiol compound found in pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is essential for its survival under oxidative stress conditions. Our results show that the reaction proceeds via a front-side S_Ni-like concerted reaction mechanism (D_NA_N in IUPAC nomenclature) and has a 17.5 kcal/mol free energy barrier, which is in remarkable agreement with experimental data. Detailed analysis shows that the key reaction step is the diphosphate leaving group dissociation, leading to an oxocarbenium-ion-like transition state. In contrast, fluorinated substrate analogues increase the reaction barrier significantly, rendering the enzyme effectively inactive. Detailed analysis of the electronic structure along the reaction suggests that this particular inhibition mechanism is associated with fluorine's high electronegative nature, which hinders phosphate release and proper stabilization of the transition state.

Graded Response of the Multifunctional 2-Cysteine Peroxiredoxin, CgPrx, to Increasing Levels of Hydrogen Peroxide in Corynebacterium glutamicum

AIMS

Eukaryotic typical 2-cysteine (Cys) peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are multifunctional proteins subjected to complex regulation and play important roles in oxidative stress resistance, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) signaling modulation, aging, and cancer, but the information on the biochemical functions and regulation mechanisms of prokaryotic atypical 2-Cys Prxs is largely lacking.

RESULTS

In this study, we show that at low peroxide concentrations, the atypical 2-Cys Prx in Corynebacterium glutamicum (CgPrx) mainly exists as monomers and displays thioredoxin (Trx)-dependent peroxidase activity. Moderate oxidative stress causes reversible S-mycothiolation of the H₂O₂-sensing Cys63 residue, which keeps CgPrx exclusively in dimer form with neither peroxidase nor chaperone activity. Then, the increased levels of H₂O₂ could act as a messenger to oxidize the redox-sensitive regulator hydrogen peroxide-inducible gene activator, leading to activation of expression of the more efficient mycothiol peroxidase and catalase to eliminate excessive peroxide. If oxidative stress is too severe, the H₂O₂-sensing Cys63 becomes hyperoxidized to sulfonic acid, which irreversibly inactivates the peroxidase activity, and most of CgPrx will be converted to multimeric chaperones for salvage of damaged proteins.

INNOVATION

We demonstrate for the first time that atypical 2-Cys CgPrx acts as both a Trx-dependent peroxidase and a molecular chaperone and plays a regulatory role in modulating the peroxide-mediated signaling cascades.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal that CgPrx functions as a multifunctional protein crucial for adapting appropriate responses to different levels of oxidative challenge in C. glutamicum. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 1-14.

Biochemical studies of inositol N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase involved in mycothiol biosynthesis in Corynebacterium diphtheria

First-time expression, isolation, biochemical characterization, and mutagenesis studies of a MshA from Corynebacterium diphtheria involved in its mycothiol biosynthesis.

A biocatalytic approach towards the stereoselective synthesis of protected inositols

Immobilized TbINO1 produces >400 mg of chiral inositol 1-phosphate in a biocatalytic flow process.

Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1 as cell factory for the production of intracellular tellurium nanorods under aerobic conditions

Background

Tellurite (TeO₃²⁻) is recognized as a toxic oxyanion to living organisms. However, mainly anaerobic or facultative-anaerobic microorganisms are able to tolerate and convert TeO₃²⁻ into the less toxic and available form of elemental Tellurium (Te⁰), producing Te-deposits or Te-nanostructures. The use of TeO₃²⁻-reducing bacteria can lead to the decontamination of polluted environments and the development of “green-synthesis” methods for the production of nanomaterials. In this study, the tolerance and the consumption of TeO₃²⁻ have been investigated, along with the production and characterization of Te-nanorods by Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1 grown under aerobic conditions.

Results

Aerobically grown BCP1 cells showed high tolerance towards TeO₃²⁻ with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2800 μg/mL (11.2 mM). TeO₃²⁻ consumption has been evaluated exposing the BCP1 strain to either 100 or 500 μg/mL of K₂TeO₃ (unconditioned growth) or after re-inoculation in fresh medium with new addition of K₂TeO₃ (conditioned growth). A complete consumption of TeO₃²⁻ at 100 μg/mL was observed under both growth conditions, although conditioned cells showed higher consumption rate. Unconditioned and conditioned BCP1 cells partially consumed TeO₃²⁻ at 500 μg/mL. However, a greater TeO₃²⁻ consumption was observed with conditioned cells. The production of intracellular, not aggregated and rod-shaped Te-nanostructures (TeNRs) was observed as a consequence of TeO₃²⁻ reduction. Extracted TeNRs appear to be embedded in an organic surrounding material, as suggested by the chemical–physical characterization. Moreover, we observed longer TeNRs depending on either the concentration of precursor (100 or 500 μg/mL of K₂TeO₃) or the growth conditions (unconditioned or conditioned grown cells).

Conclusions

Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1 is able to tolerate high concentrations of TeO₃²⁻ during its growth under aerobic conditions. Moreover, compared to unconditioned BCP1 cells, TeO₃²⁻conditioned cells showed a higher oxyanion consumption rate (for 100 μg/mL of K₂TeO₃) or to consume greater amount of TeO₃²⁻ (for 500 μg/mL of K₂TeO₃). TeO₃²⁻ consumption by BCP1 cells led to the production of intracellular and not aggregated TeNRs embedded in an organic surrounding material. The high resistance of BCP1 to TeO₃²⁻ along with its ability to produce Te-nanostructures supports the application of this microorganism as a possible eco-friendly nanofactory.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-016-0602-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Carbonyl Stress in Bacteria: Causes and Consequences

Pathways of synthesis of the α-reactive carbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MG) in prokaryotes are described in this review. Accumulation of MG leads to development of carbonyl stress. Some pathways of MG formation are similar for both pro- and eukaryotes, but there are reactions specific for prokaryotes, e.g. the methylglyoxal synthase reaction. This reaction and the glyoxalase system constitute an alternative pathway of glucose catabolism - the MG shunt not associated with the synthesis of ATP. In violation of the regulation of metabolism, the cell uses MG shunt as well as other glycolysis shunting pathways and futile cycles enabling stabilization of its energetic status. MG was first examined as a biologically active metabolic factor participating in the formation of phenotypic polymorphism and hyperpersistent potential of bacterial populations. The study of carbonyl stress is interesting for evolutionary biology and can be useful for constructing highly effective producer strains.

Phosphonate Biochemistry

Organophosphonic acids are unique as natural products in terms of stability and mimicry. The C-P bond that defines these compounds resists hydrolytic cleavage, while the phosphonyl group is a versatile mimic of transition-states, intermediates, and primary metabolites. This versatility may explain why a variety of organisms have extensively explored the use organophosphonic acids as bioactive secondary metabolites. Several of these compounds, such as fosfomycin and bialaphos, figure prominently in human health and agriculture. The enzyme reactions that create these molecules are an interesting mix of chemistry that has been adopted from primary metabolism as well as those with no chemical precedent. Additionally, the phosphonate moiety represents a source of inorganic phosphate to microorganisms that live in environments that lack this nutrient; thus, unusual enzyme reactions have also evolved to cleave the C-P bond. This review is a comprehensive summary of the occurrence and function of organophosphonic acids natural products along with the mechanisms of the enzymes that synthesize and catabolize these molecules.

Deletion of the hypothetical protein SCO2127 of Streptomyces coelicolor allowed identification of a new regulator of actinorhodin production

Although the specific function of SCO2127 remains elusive, it has been assumed that this hypothetical protein plays an important role in carbon catabolite regulation and therefore in antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces coelicolor. To shed light on the functional relationship of SCO2127 to the biosynthesis of actinorhodin, a detailed analysis of the proteins differentially produced between the strain M145 and the Δsco2127 mutant of S. coelicolor was performed. The delayed morphological differentiation and impaired production of actinorhodin showed by the deletion strain were accompanied by increased abundance of gluconeogenic enzymes, as well as downregulation of both glycolysis and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Repression of mycothiol biosynthetic enzymes was further observed in the absence of SCO2127, in addition to upregulation of hydroxyectoine biosynthetic enzymes and SCO0204, which controls nitrite formation. The data generated in this study reveal that the response regulator SCO0204 greatly contributes to prevent the formation of actinorhodin in the ∆sco2127 mutant, likely through the activation of some proteins associated with oxidative stress that include the nitrite producer SCO0216.

A systematic study of the whole genome sequence of Amycolatopsis methanolica strain 239T provides an insight into its physiological and taxonomic properties which correlate with its position in the genus

The complete genome of methanol-utilizing Amycolatopsis methanolica strain 239^T was generated, revealing a single 7,237,391 nucleotide circular chromosome with 7074 annotated protein-coding sequences (CDSs). Comparative analyses against the complete genome sequences of Amycolatopsis japonica strain MG417-CF17^T, Amycolatopsis mediterranei strain U32 and Amycolatopsis orientalis strain HCCB10007 revealed a broad spectrum of genomic structures, including various genome sizes, core/quasi-core/non-core configurations and different kinds of episomes. Although polyketide synthase gene clusters were absent from the A. methanolica genome, 12 gene clusters related to the biosynthesis of other specialized (secondary) metabolites were identified. Complete pathways attributable to the facultative methylotrophic physiology of A. methanolica strain 239^T, including both the mdo/mscR encoded methanol oxidation and the hps/hpi encoded formaldehyde assimilation via the ribulose monophosphate cycle, were identified together with evidence that the latter might be the result of horizontal gene transfer. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA or orthologues of AMETH_3452, a novel actinobacterial class-specific conserved gene against 62 or 18 Amycolatopsis type strains, respectively, revealed three major phyletic lineages, namely the mesophilic or moderately thermophilic A. orientalis subclade (AOS), the mesophilic Amycolatopsis taiwanensis subclade (ATS) and the thermophilic A. methanolica subclade (AMS). The distinct growth temperatures of members of the subclades correlated with corresponding genetic variations in their encoded compatible solutes. This study shows the value of integrating conventional taxonomic with whole genome sequence data.

Lack of mycothiol and ergothioneine induces different protective mechanisms in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Mycobacterium smegmatis contains the low molecular weight thiols, mycothiol (MSH) and ergothioneine (ESH). Examination of transposon mutants disrupted in mshC and egtA, involved in the biosynthesis of MSH and ESH respectively, demonstrated that both mutants were sensitive to oxidative, alkylating, and metal stress. However, the mshC mutant exhibited significantly more protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation than wildtype, while the egtA mutant had less protein and lipid damage than wildtype. We further show that Ohr, KatN, and AhpC, involved in protection against oxidative stress, are upregulated in the egtA mutant. In the mshC mutant, an Usp and a putative thiol peroxidase are upregulated. In addition, mutants lacking MSH also contained higher levels of Coenzyme F420 as compared to wildtype and two Coenzyme F420 dependent enzymes were found to be upregulated. These results indicate that lack of MSH and ESH result in induction of different mechanisms for protecting against oxidative stress.

Redox chemistry of Mycobacterium tuberculosis alkylhydroperoxide reductase E (AhpE): Structural and mechanistic insight into a mycoredoxin-1 independent reductive pathway of AhpE via mycothiol

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has the ability to persist within the human host for a long time in a dormant stage and re-merges when the immune system is compromised. The pathogenic bacterium employs an elaborate antioxidant defence machinery composed of the mycothiol- and thioredoxin system in addition to a superoxide dismutase, a catalase, and peroxiredoxins (Prxs). Among the family of Peroxiredoxins, Mtb expresses a 1-cysteine peroxiredoxin, known as alkylhydroperoxide reductase E (MtAhpE), and defined as a potential tuberculosis drug target. The reduced MtAhpE (MtAhpE-SH) scavenges peroxides to become converted to MtAhpE-SOH. To provide continuous availability of MtAhpE-SH, MtAhpE-SOH has to become reduced. Here, we used NMR spectroscopy to delineate the reduced (MtAhpE-SH), sulphenic (MtAhpE-SOH) and sulphinic (MtAhpE-SO2H) states of MtAhpE through cysteinyl-labelling, and provide for the first time evidence of a mycothiol-dependent mechanism of MtAhpE reduction. This is confirmed by crystallographic studies, wherein MtAhpE was crystallized in the presence of mycothiol and the structure was solved at 2.43Å resolution. Combined with NMR-studies, the crystallographic structures reveal conformational changes of important residues during the catalytic cycle of MtAhpE. In addition, alterations of the overall protein in solution due to redox modulation are observed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. Finally, by employing SAXS and dynamic light scattering, insight is provided into the most probable physiological oligomeric state of MtAhpE necessary for activity, being also discussed in the context of concerted substrate binding inside the dimeric MtAhpE.

Overexpression of Mycothiol Disulfide Reductase Enhances Corynebacterium glutamicum Robustness by Modulating Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Antioxidant Proteins under Oxidative Stress

Mycothiol (MSH) is the dominant low-molecular-weight thiol (LMWT) unique to high-(G+C)-content Gram-positive Actinobacteria, such as Corynebacterium glutamicum, and is oxidised into its disulfide form mycothiol disulfide (MSSM) under oxidative conditions. Mycothiol disulfide reductase (Mtr), an NADPH-dependent enzyme, reduces MSSM to MSH, thus maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis. In this study, a recombinant plasmid was constructed to overexpress Mtr in C. glutamicum using the expression vector pXMJ19-His₆. Mtr-overexpressing C. glutamicum cells showed increased tolerance to ROS induced by oxidants, bactericidal antibiotics, alkylating agents, and heavy metals. The physiological roles of Mtr in resistance to oxidative stresses were corroborated by decreased ROS levels, reduced carbonylation damage, decreased loss of reduced protein thiols, and a massive increase in the levels of reversible protein thiols in Mtr-overexpressing cells exposed to stressful conditions. Moreover, overexpression of Mtr caused a marked increase in the ratio of reduced to oxidised mycothiol (MSH:MSSM), and significantly enhanced the activities of a variety of antioxidant enzymes, including mycothiol peroxidase (MPx), mycoredoxin 1 (Mrx1), thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), and methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA). Taken together, these results indicate that the Mtr protein functions in C. glutamicum by protecting cells against oxidative stress.

MRA_1571 is required for isoleucine biosynthesis and improves Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra survival under stress

Threonine dehydratase is a pyridoxal 5-phosphate dependent enzyme required for isoleucine biosynthesis. Threonine dehydratase (IlvA) participates in conversion of threonine to 2-oxobutanoate and ammonia is released as a by-product. MRA_1571 is annotated to be coding for IlvA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (Mtb-Ra). We developed a recombinant (KD) Mtb-Ra strain by down-regulating IlvA. The growth studies on different carbon sources suggested reduced growth of KD compared to wild-type (WT), also, isoleucine concentration dependent KD growth restoration was observed. The expression profiling of IlvA suggested increased expression of IlvA during oxygen, acid and oxidative stress. In addition, KD showed reduced survival under pH, starvation, nitric oxide and peroxide stresses. KD was more susceptible to antimycobacterial agents such as streptomycin (STR), rifampicin (RIF) and levofloxacin (LVF), while, no such effect was noticeable when exposed to isoniazid. Also, an increase in expression of IlvA was observed when exposed to STR, RIF and LVF. The dye accumulation studies suggested increased permeability of KD to ethidium bromide and Nile Red as compared to WT. TLC and Mass studies confirmed altered lipid profile of KD. In summary down-regulation of IlvA affects Mtb growth, increases its susceptibility to stress and leads to altered cell wall lipid profile.

S-nitrosomycothiol reductase and mycothiol are required for survival under aldehyde stress and biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis

We show that Mycobacterium smegmatis mutants disrupted in mscR, coding for a dual function S-nitrosomycothiol reductase and formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and mshC, coding for a mycothiol ligase and lacking mycothiol (MSH), are more susceptible to S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and aldehydes than wild type. MSH is a cofactor for MscR, and both mshC and mscR are induced by GSNO and aldehydes. We also show that a mutant disrupted in egtA, coding for a γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase and lacking in ergothioneine, is sensitive to nitrosative stress but not to aldehydes. In addition, we find that MSH and S-nitrosomycothiol reductase are required for normal biofilm formation in M. smegmatis, suggesting potential new therapeutic pathways to target to inhibit or disrupt biofilm formation. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(8):621-628, 2016.

The role of glutathione reductase and related enzymes on cellular redox homoeostasis network

In this review article we examine the role of glutathione reductase in the regulation, modulation and maintenance of cellular redox homoeostasis. Glutathione reductase is responsible for maintaining the supply of reduced glutathione; one of the most abundant reducing thiols in the majority of cells. In its reduced form, glutathione plays key roles in the cellular control of reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species act as intracellular and extracellular signalling molecules and complex cross talk between levels of reactive oxygen species, levels of oxidised and reduced glutathione and other thiols, and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase determine the most suitable conditions for redox control within a cell or for activation of programmed cell death. Additionally, we discuss the translation and expression of glutathione reductase in a number of organisms including yeast and humans. In yeast and human cells, a single gene expresses more than one form of glutathione reductase, destined for residence in the cytoplasm or for translocation to different organelles; in plants, however, two genes encoding this protein have been described. In general, insects and kinetoplastids (a group of protozoa, including Plasmodia and Trypanosoma) do not express glutathione reductase or glutathione biosynthetic enzymes. Instead, they express either the thioredoxin system or the trypanothione system. The thioredoxin system is also present in organisms that have the glutathione system and there may be overlapping functions with cross-talk between the two systems. Finally we evaluate therapeutic targets to overcome oxidative stress associated cellular disorders.

Differences in PLP-Dependent Cysteinyl Processing Lead to Diverse S-Functionalization of Lincosamide Antibiotics

Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent proteins constitute one of the largest and most important families of enzymes in living organisms. These proteins participate in numerous biochemical processes, many of which have not been characterized, and transform substrates containing an amino group through various reactions that share aldimine as a common intermediate. Herein, we report that the PLP-dependent enzymes CcbF and LmbF, which are highly related in phylogenesis, process cysteine S-conjugated intermediates in different ways and associate with individual downstream enzyme(s) toward distinct S-functionalization of the lincosamide antibiotics celesticetin and lincomycin A. CcbF catalyzes an unusual conversion that involves decarboxylation-coupled oxidative deamination of the cysteinyl group during the formation of a two-carbon alcohol linker, whereas LmbF is responsible for β-elimination, followed by S-methylation to produce a methylmercapto group. The two tailoring routes are variable and exchangeable with each other, allowing for in vitro combinatorial biosynthesis of a number of hybrid lincosamide antibiotics, including the natural product Bu-2545. These findings demonstrate the wide diversity of PLP chemistry in enzymatic catalysis and its promising applicability in creation of new molecules.

Regulating the Intersection of Metabolism and Pathogenesis in Gram-positive Bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria must contend with immune systems that actively restrict the availability of nutrients and cofactors, and create a hostile growth environment. To deal with these hostile environments, pathogenic bacteria have evolved or acquired virulence determinants that aid in the acquisition of nutrients. This connection between pathogenesis and nutrition may explain why regulators of metabolism in nonpathogenic bacteria are used by pathogenic bacteria to regulate both metabolism and virulence. Such coordinated regulation is presumably advantageous because it conserves carbon and energy by aligning synthesis of virulence determinants with the nutritional environment. In Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, at least three metabolite-responsive global regulators, CcpA, CodY, and Rex, have been shown to coordinate the expression of metabolism and virulence genes. In this chapter, we discuss how environmental challenges alter metabolism, the regulators that respond to this altered metabolism, and how these regulators influence the host-pathogen interaction.

Recombinant expression of a functional myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS, E.C. 5.5.1.4) catalyzes the first step in inositol production-the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6P) to myo-inositol-1-phosphate. While the three dimensional structure of MIPS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been solved, biochemical studies examining the in vitro activity have not been reported to date. Herein we report the in vitro activity of mycobacterial MIPS expressed in E. coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Recombinant expression in E. coli yields a soluble protein capable of binding the NAD(+) cofactor; however, it has no significant activity with the Glc-6P substrate. In contrast, recombinant expression in M. smegmatis mc(2)4517 yields a functionally active protein. Examination of structural data suggests that MtMIPS expressed in E. coli adopts a fold that is missing a key helix containing two critical (conserved) Lys side chains, which likely explains the inability of the E. coli expressed protein to bind and turnover the Glc-6P substrate. Recombinant expression in M. smegmatis may yield a protein that adopts a fold in which this key helix is formed enabling proper positioning of important side chains, thereby allowing for Glc-6P substrate binding and turnover. Detailed mechanistic studies may be feasible following optimization of the recombinant MIPS expression protocol in M. smegmatis.

Automated docking studies provide insights into molecular determinants of ligand recognition by N-acetyl-1-D-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranoside deacetylase (MshB)

The metal-dependent deacetylase N-acetyl-1-D-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranoside deacetylase (MshB) catalyzes the deacetylation of N-acetyl-1-D-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranoside (GlcNAc-Ins), the committed step in mycothiol (MSH) biosynthesis. MSH is the thiol redox buffer used by mycobacteria to protect against oxidative damage and is involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics. As such, MshB is a target for the discovery of new drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB). While MshB substrate specificity and inhibitor activity have been probed extensively using enzyme kinetics, information regarding the molecular basis for the observed differences in substrate specificity and inhibitor activity is lacking. Herein we begin to examine the molecular determinants of MshB substrate specificity using automated docking studies with a set of known MshB substrates. Results from these studies offer insights into molecular recognition by MshB via identification of side chains and dynamic loops that may play roles in ligand binding. Additionally, results from these studies suggest that a hydrophobic cavity adjacent to the active site may be one important determinant of MshB substrate specificity. Importantly, this hydrophobic cavity may be advantageous for the design of MshB inhibitors with high affinity and specificity as potential TB drugs.

Mycothiol synthesis by an anomerization reaction through endocyclic cleavage

Mycothiol is found in Gram-positive bacteria, where it helps in maintaining a reducing intracellular environment and it plays an important role in protecting the cell from toxic chemicals. The inhibition of the mycothiol biosynthesis is considered as a treatment for tuberculosis. Mycothiol contains an α-aminoglycoside, which is difficult to prepare stereoselectively by a conventional glycosylation reaction. In this study, mycothiol was synthesized by an anomerization reaction from an easily prepared β-aminoglycoside through endocyclic cleavage.

Copper homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Copper (Cu) is a trace element essential for the growth and development of almost all organisms, including bacteria. However, Cu overload in most systems is toxic. Studies show Cu accumulates in macrophage phagosomes infected with bacteria, suggesting Cu provides an innate immune mechanism to combat invading pathogens. To counteract the host-supplied Cu, increasing evidence suggests that bacteria have evolved Cu resistance mechanisms to facilitate their pathogenesis. In particular, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, has evolved multiple pathways to respond to Cu. Here, we summarize what is currently known about Cu homeostasis in Mtb and discuss potential sources of Cu encountered by this and other pathogens in a mammalian host.