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Ramírez-Rico G, Martinez-Castillo M, Ruiz-Mazón L, Meneses-Romero EP, Palacios JAF, Díaz-Aparicio E, Abascal EN, de la Garza M. Identification, Biochemical Characterization, and In Vivo Detection of a Zn-Metalloprotease with Collagenase Activity from Mannheimia haemolytica A2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1289. [PMID: 38279292 PMCID: PMC10816954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases in ruminants are a main cause of economic losses to farmers worldwide. Approximately 25% of ruminants experience at least one episode of respiratory disease during the first year of life. Mannheimia haemolytica is the main etiological bacterial agent in the ruminant respiratory disease complex. M. haemolytica can secrete several virulence factors, such as leukotoxin, lipopolysaccharide, and proteases, that can be targeted to treat infections. At present, little information has been reported on the secretion of M. haemolytica A2 proteases and their host protein targets. Here, we obtained evidence that M. haemolytica A2 proteases promote the degradation of hemoglobin, holo-lactoferrin, albumin, and fibrinogen. Additionally, we performed biochemical characterization for a specific 110 kDa Zn-dependent metalloprotease (110-Mh metalloprotease). This metalloprotease was purified through ion exchange chromatography and characterized using denaturing and chaotropic agents and through zymography assays. Furthermore, mass spectrometry identification and 3D modeling were performed. Then, antibodies against the 110 kDa-Mh metalloprotease were produced, which achieved great inhibition of proteolytic activity. Finally, the antibodies were used to perform immunohistochemical tests on postmortem lung samples from sheep with suggestive histology data of pneumonic mannheimiosis. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that the 110-Mh metalloprotease participates as a virulence mechanism that promotes damage to host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Ramírez-Rico
- Faculty of Professional Studies Cuautitlan, Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 54714, Mexico;
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Moises Martinez-Castillo
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Research in Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 06726, Mexico;
| | - Lucero Ruiz-Mazón
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | | | | | - Efrén Díaz-Aparicio
- National Center for Disciplinary Research in Animal Health and Safety, National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP), Mexico City 05110, Mexico
| | - Erasmo Negrete Abascal
- Faculty of Professional Studies Iztacala, Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 54090, Mexico;
| | - Mireya de la Garza
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
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2
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Liu Y, Liang J, Li JW, Xing LH, Li FX, Wang N, Wu YJ, Ma YZ, Xing ZR, Jiang X, Zhang XY, Lei ZX, Wang X, Yu SX. Phagocyte extracellular traps formation contributes to host defense against Clostridium perfringens infection. Cytokine 2023; 169:156276. [PMID: 37339556 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important Gram-positive anaerobic spore-forming pathogen that provokes life-threatening gas gangrene and acute enterotoxaemia, although it colonizes as a component of the symbiotic bacteria in humans and animals. However, the mechanisms by which C. perfringens is cleared from the host remains poorly understood, thereby impeding the development of novel strategies for control this infection. Here, we uncover a beneficial effect of extracellular traps (ETs) formation on bacterial killing and clearance by phagocytes. C. perfringens strain ATCC13124, and wild-type isolates CP1 and CP3 markedly trigger ETs formation in macrophages and neutrophils. As expected, visualization of DNA decorated with histone, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophils elastase (NE) in C. perfringens-triggered classical ETs structures. Notably, the bacteria-induced ETs formation is an ERK1/2-, P38 MAPK-, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE)-, NADPH oxidase-, histone-, NE-, and MPO-dependent process, and is independent of LDH activity. Meanwhile, the defect of bactericidal activity is mediated by impairing ETs formation in phagocytes. Moreover, In vivo studies indicated that degradation of ETs by DNase I administration leads to a defect in the protection against experimental gas gangrene, with higher mortality rates, exacerbated tissue damage, and more bacterial colonization. Together, these results suggest that phagocyte ETs formation is essential for the host defense against C. perfringens infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China; Animal Husbandry Institute, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Academy of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot 010031, China
| | - Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Jian-Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Li-Hua Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Fen-Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Na Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Yu-Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Yu-Ze Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Zhao-Rui Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Zheng-Xuan Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China.
| | - Shui-Xing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China.
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3
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Kavela S, Vyas P, CP J, Kushwaha SK, Majumdar SS, Faisal SM. Use of an Integrated Multi-Omics Approach To Identify Molecular Mechanisms and Critical Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Leptospira. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0313522. [PMID: 36853003 PMCID: PMC10100824 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03135-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., is prevalent worldwide and has become a serious threat in recent years. Limited understanding of Leptospira pathogenesis and host response has hampered the development of effective vaccine and diagnostics. Although Leptospira is phagocytosed by innate immune cells, it resists its destruction, and the evading mechanism involved is unclear. In the present study, we used an integrative multi-omics approach to identify the critical molecular factors of Leptospira involved in pathogenesis during interaction with human macrophages. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed at 24 h postinfection of human macrophages (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate differentiated THP-1 cells) with the pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae strain RGA (LEPIRGA). Our results identified a total of 1,528 transcripts and 871 proteins that were significantly expressed with an adjusted P value of <0.05. The correlations between the transcriptomic and proteomic data were above average (r = 0.844), suggesting the role of the posttranscriptional processes during host interaction. The conjoint analysis revealed the expression of several virulence-associated proteins such as adhesins, invasins, and secretory and chemotaxis proteins that might be involved in various processes of attachment and invasion and as effectors during pathogenesis in the host. Further, the interaction of bacteria with the host cell (macrophages) was a major factor in the differential expression of these proteins. Finally, eight common differentially expressed RNA-protein pairs, predicted as virulent, outer membrane/extracellular proteins were validated by quantitative PCR. This is the first report using integrated multi-omics approach to identify critical factors involved in Leptospira pathogenesis. Validation of these critical factors may lead to the identification of target antigens for the development of improved diagnostics and vaccines against leptospirosis. IMPORTANCE Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. It is caused by a Gram-negative bacterial spirochete of the genus Leptospira. The current challenge is to detect the infection at early stage for treatment or to develop potent vaccines that can induce cross-protection against various pathogenic serovars. Understanding host-pathogen interactions is important to identify the critical factors involved in pathogenesis and host defense for developing improved vaccines and diagnostics. Utilizing an integrated multi-omics approach, our study provides important insight into the interaction of Leptospira with human macrophages and identifies a few critical factors (such as virulence-associated proteins) involved in pathogenesis. These factors can be exploited for the development of novel tools for the detection, treatment, or prevention of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Kavela
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pallavi Vyas
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Jusail CP
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Sandeep K. Kushwaha
- Bioinformatics Lab, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subeer S. Majumdar
- Gene and Protein Engineering Lab, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Syed M. Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
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Geier RR, Rehberger TG, Smith AH. Comparative Genomics of Clostridium perfringens Reveals Patterns of Host-Associated Phylogenetic Clades and Virulence Factors. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:649953. [PMID: 34177831 PMCID: PMC8220089 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.649953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium that infects both animals and humans. Clostridium perfringens genomes encode a diverse array of toxins and virulence proteins, which continues to expand as more genomes are sequenced. In this study, the genomes of 44 C. perfringens strains isolated from intestinal sections of diseased cattle and from broiler chickens from diseased and healthy flocks were sequenced. These newly assembled genomes were compared to 141 publicly available C. perfringens genome assemblies, by aligning known toxin and virulence protein sequences in the assemblies using BLASTp. The genes for alpha toxin, collagenase, a sialidase (nanH), and alpha-clostripain were present in at least 99% of assemblies analyzed. In contrast, beta toxin, epsilon toxin, iota toxin, and binary enterotoxin of toxinotypes B, C, D, and E were present in less than 5% of assemblies analyzed. Additional sequence variants of beta2 toxin were detected, some of which were missing the leader or signal peptide sequences and therefore likely not secreted. Some pore-forming toxins involved in intestinal diseases were host-associated, the netB gene was only found in avian isolates, while netE, netF, and netG were only present in canine and equine isolates. Alveolysin was positively associated with canine and equine strains and only present in a single monophyletic clade. Strains from ruminant were not associated with known virulence factors and, except for the food poisoning associated clade, were present across the phylogenetic diversity identified to date for C. perfringens. Many C. perfringens strains associated with food poisoning lacked the genes for hyaluronidases and sialidases, important for attaching to and digesting complex carbohydrates found in animal tissues. Overall, the diversity of virulence factors in C. perfringens makes these species capable of causing disease in a wide variety of hosts and niches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandra H. Smith
- Arm and Hammer Animal and Food Production, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Waukesha, WI, United States
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The Vibriolysin-Like Protease VnpA and the Collagenase ColA Are Required for Full Virulence of the Bivalve Mollusks Pathogen Vibrio neptunius. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040391. [PMID: 33917401 PMCID: PMC8067407 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio neptunius is an important pathogen of bivalve mollusks worldwide. Several metalloproteases have been described as virulence factors in species of Vibrio that are pathogenic to bivalves, but little is known about the contribution of these potential virulence factors to Vibrio neptunius pathogenesis. In silico analysis of the genome of V. neptunius strain PP-145.98 led to the identification of two hitherto uncharacterized chromosomal loci encoding a probable vibriolysin-like metalloprotease and a putative collagenase, which were designated VnpA and ColA, respectively. Single defective mutants of each gene were obtained in V. neptunius PP-145.98, and the phospholipase, esterase and collagenase activities were studied and compared with those of the wild-type strain. The results showed that the single inactivation of vnpA resulted in a 3-fold reduction in phospholipase/esterase activity. Inactivation of colA reduced the collagenase activity by 50%. Finally, infection challenges performed in oyster larvae showed that ΔvnpA and ΔcolA—single mutant strains of V. neptunius—are between 2–3-fold less virulent than the wild-type strain. Thus, the present work demonstrates that the production of both VnpA and ColA is required for the full virulence of the bivalve pathogen V. neptunius.
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6
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Kiu R, Hall LJ. An update on the human and animal enteric pathogen Clostridium perfringens. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:141. [PMID: 30082713 PMCID: PMC6079034 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens, a rapid-growing pathogen known to secrete an arsenal of >20 virulent toxins, has been associated with intestinal diseases in both animals and humans throughout the past century. Recent advances in genomic analysis and experimental systems make it timely to re-visit this clinically and veterinary important pathogen. This Review will summarise our understanding of the genomics and virulence-linked factors, including antimicrobial potentials and secreted toxins of this gut pathogen, and then its up-to-date clinical epidemiology and biological role in the pathogenesis of several important human and animal-associated intestinal diseases, including pre-term necrotising enterocolitis. Finally, we highlight some of the important unresolved questions in relation to C. perfringens-mediated infections, and implications for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Kiu
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
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7
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Kim YB, Kim JY, Song HS, Lee C, Kwon J, Kang J, Rhee JK, Jeong MS, Nam YD, Roh SW. Complete genome sequence of Clostridium perfringens CBA7123 isolated from a faecal sample from Korea. Gut Pathog 2017; 9:32. [PMID: 28588654 PMCID: PMC5457660 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-017-0181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium perfringens is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes necrotic enteritis, mild diarrhea, clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene, sepsis, etc. In this study, we aim to determine the pathogenesis of this bacterium at the genomic level. The genome of strain CBA7123 was sequenced, and a comparative genomic analysis between strain CBA7123 and four other related C. perfringens strains was performed. Results The genome of strain CBA7123 consisted of one circular chromosome and one plasmid that were 3,088,370 and 46,640 bp long with 28.5 and 27.1 mol% G+C content, respectively. The genomic DNA was predicted to contain 2798 open reading frames (ORFs), 10 rRNA genes, and 94 tRNA genes. The genomic comparison analysis between the five strains revealed the distinctive virulence properties of strain CBA7123 by highlighting certain strain-specific genes. Conclusions In this study, the C. perfringens CBA7123 genome was sequenced and compared with other C. perfringens genomes. Among the various genes sequenced, the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes and those encoding various virulence factors may extend the understanding of the pathogenesis of C. perfringens strains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13099-017-0181-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Bee Kim
- Microbiology and Functionality Research Group, World Institute of Kimchi, Gwangju, 61755 Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yong Kim
- Microbiology and Functionality Research Group, World Institute of Kimchi, Gwangju, 61755 Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Seon Song
- Microbiology and Functionality Research Group, World Institute of Kimchi, Gwangju, 61755 Republic of Korea
| | - Changsu Lee
- Microbiology and Functionality Research Group, World Institute of Kimchi, Gwangju, 61755 Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph Kwon
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, 34133 Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Kang
- Gut Microbiome Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam, 13539 Republic of Korea.,University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Kyu Rhee
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Seon Jeong
- Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Do Nam
- Gut Microbiome Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam, 13539 Republic of Korea.,University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Woon Roh
- Microbiology and Functionality Research Group, World Institute of Kimchi, Gwangju, 61755 Republic of Korea
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Goossens E, Valgaeren BR, Pardon B, Haesebrouck F, Ducatelle R, Deprez PR, Van Immerseel F. Rethinking the role of alpha toxin in Clostridium perfringens-associated enteric diseases: a review on bovine necro-haemorrhagic enteritis. Vet Res 2017; 48:9. [PMID: 28209206 PMCID: PMC5314468 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0413-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine necro-haemorrhagic enteritis is an economically important disease caused by Clostridium perfringens type A strains. The disease mainly affects calves under intensive rearing conditions and is characterized by sudden death associated with small intestinal haemorrhage, necrosis and mucosal neutrophil infiltration. The common assumption that, when causing intestinal disease, C. perfringens relies upon specific, plasmid-encoded toxins, was recently challenged by the finding that alpha toxin, which is produced by all C. perfringens strains, is essential for necro-haemorrhagic enteritis. In addition to alpha toxin, other C. perfringens toxins and/or enzymes might contribute to the pathogenesis of necro-haemorrhagic enteritis. These additional virulence factors might contribute to breakdown of the protective mucus layer during initial stage of pathogenesis, after which alpha toxin, either or not in synergy with other toxins such as perfringolysin O, can act on the mucosal tissue. Furthermore, alpha toxin alone does not cause intestinal necrosis, indicating that other virulence factors might be needed to cause the extensive tissue necrosis observed in necro-haemorrhagic enteritis. This review summarizes recent research that has increased our understanding of the pathogenesis of bovine necro-haemorrhagic enteritis and provides information that is indispensable for the development of novel control strategies, including vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evy Goossens
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bonnie R Valgaeren
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Piet R Deprez
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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9
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Schönauer E, Brandstetter H. Inhibition and Activity Regulation of Bacterial Collagenases. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2016_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Uzal FA, McClane BA, Cheung JK, Theoret J, Garcia JP, Moore RJ, Rood JI. Animal models to study the pathogenesis of human and animal Clostridium perfringens infections. Vet Microbiol 2015; 179:23-33. [PMID: 25770894 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The most common animal models used to study Clostridium perfringens infections in humans and animals are reviewed here. The classical C. perfringens-mediated histotoxic disease of humans is clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene and the use of a mouse myonecrosis model coupled with genetic studies has contributed greatly to our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Similarly, the use of a chicken model has enhanced our understanding of type A-mediated necrotic enteritis in poultry and has led to the identification of NetB as the primary toxin involved in disease. C. perfringens type A food poisoning is a highly prevalent bacterial illness in the USA and elsewhere. Rabbits and mice are the species most commonly used to study the action of enterotoxin, the causative toxin. Other animal models used to study the effect of this toxin are rats, non-human primates, sheep and cattle. In rabbits and mice, CPE produces severe necrosis of the small intestinal epithelium along with fluid accumulation. C. perfringens type D infection has been studied by inoculating epsilon toxin (ETX) intravenously into mice, rats, sheep, goats and cattle, and by intraduodenal inoculation of whole cultures of this microorganism in mice, sheep, goats and cattle. Molecular Koch's postulates have been fulfilled for enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type A in rabbits and mice, for C. perfringens type A necrotic enteritis and gas gangrene in chickens and mice, respectively, for C. perfringens type C in mice, rabbits and goats, and for C. perfringens type D in mice, sheep and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino Branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA.
| | - Bruce A McClane
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Theoret
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Jorge P Garcia
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National University of the Center of Buenos Aires Province, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Robert J Moore
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Chakravorty A, Awad MM, Cheung JK, Hiscox TJ, Lyras D, Rood JI. The pore-forming α-toxin from clostridium septicum activates the MAPK pathway in a Ras-c-Raf-dependent and independent manner. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:516-34. [PMID: 25675415 PMCID: PMC4344638 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7020516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium septicum is the causative agent of atraumatic gas gangrene, with α-toxin, an extracellular pore-forming toxin, essential for disease. How C. septicum modulates the host’s innate immune response is poorly defined, although α-toxin-intoxicated muscle cells undergo cellular oncosis, characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction and release of reactive oxygen species. Nonetheless, the signalling events that occur prior to the initiation of oncosis are poorly characterised. Our aims were to characterise the ability of α-toxin to activate the host mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of Vero cells with purified α-toxin activated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 arms of the MAPK pathway and stimulated the release of TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. Studies using inhibitors of all three MAPK components suggested that activation of ERK occurred in a Ras-c-Raf dependent manner, whereas activation of JNK and p38 occurred by a Ras-independent mechanism. Toxin-mediated activation was dependent on efficient receptor binding and pore formation and on an influx of extracellular calcium ions. In the mouse myonecrosis model we showed that the MAPK pathway was activated in tissues of infected mice, implying that it has an important role in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Chakravorty
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Milena M Awad
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Thomas J Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Dena Lyras
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Julian I Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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12
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Uzal FA, Freedman JC, Shrestha A, Theoret JR, Garcia J, Awad MM, Adams V, Moore RJ, Rood JI, McClane BA. Towards an understanding of the role of Clostridium perfringens toxins in human and animal disease. Future Microbiol 2015; 9:361-77. [PMID: 24762309 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.13.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens uses its arsenal of >16 toxins to cause histotoxic and intestinal infections in humans and animals. It has been unclear why this bacterium produces so many different toxins, especially since many target the plasma membrane of host cells. However, it is now established that C. perfringens uses chromosomally encoded alpha toxin (a phospholipase C) and perfringolysin O (a pore-forming toxin) during histotoxic infections. In contrast, this bacterium causes intestinal disease by employing toxins encoded by mobile genetic elements, including C. perfringens enterotoxin, necrotic enteritis toxin B-like, epsilon toxin and beta toxin. Like perfringolysin O, the toxins with established roles in intestinal disease form membrane pores. However, the intestinal disease-associated toxins vary in their target specificity, when they are produced (sporulation vs vegetative growth), and in their sensitivity to intestinal proteases. Producing many toxins with diverse characteristics likely imparts virulence flexibility to C. perfringens so it can cause an array of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
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13
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Abstract
Bacterial collagenases are metalloproteinases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrices of animal cells, due to their ability to digest native collagen. These enzymes are important virulence factors in a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Nonetheless, there is a lack of scientific consensus for a proper and well-defined classification of these enzymes and a vast controversy regarding the correct identification of collagenases. Clostridial collagenases were the first ones to be identified and characterized and are the reference enzymes for comparison of newly discovered collagenolytic enzymes. In this review we present the most recent data regarding bacterial collagenases and overview the functional and structural diversity of bacterial collagenases. An overall picture of the molecular diversity and distribution of these proteins in nature will also be given. Particular aspects of the different proteolytic activities will be contextualized within relevant areas of application, mainly biotechnological processes and therapeutic uses. At last, we will present a new classification guide for bacterial collagenases that will allow the correct and straightforward classification of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Duarte
- a Department of Biology and Cesam , University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Antonio Correia
- a Department of Biology and Cesam , University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Esteves
- a Department of Biology and Cesam , University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago , Aveiro , Portugal
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14
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Michaux C, Verneuil N, Hartke A, Giard JC. Physiological roles of small RNA molecules. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2014; 160:1007-1019. [PMID: 24694375 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.076208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Unlike proteins, RNA molecules have emerged lately as key players in regulation in bacteria. Most reviews hitherto focused on the experimental and/or in silico methods used to identify genes encoding small RNAs (sRNAs) or on the diverse mechanisms of these RNA regulators to modulate expression of their targets. However, less is known about their biological functions and their implications in various physiological responses. This review aims to compile what is known presently about the diverse roles of sRNA transcripts in the regulation of metabolic processes, in different growth conditions, in adaptation to stress and in microbial pathogenesis. Several recent studies revealed that sRNA molecules are implicated in carbon metabolism and transport, amino acid metabolism or metal sensing. Moreover, regulatory RNAs participate in cellular adaptation to environmental changes, e.g. through quorum sensing systems or development of biofilms, and analyses of several sRNAs under various physiological stresses and culture conditions have already been performed. In addition, recent experiments performed with Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens showed that regulatory RNAs play important roles in microbial virulence and during infection. The combined results show the diversity of regulation mechanisms and physiological processes in which sRNA molecules are key actors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Michaux
- Unité de Recherche Risques Microbiens (U2RM), Equipe Stress Virulence, Université de Caen, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Verneuil
- Unité de Recherche Risques Microbiens (U2RM), Equipe Stress Virulence, Université de Caen, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Axel Hartke
- Unité de Recherche Risques Microbiens (U2RM), Equipe Stress Virulence, Université de Caen, 14032 Caen, France
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15
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Chakravorty A, Awad MM, Hiscox TJ, Cheung JK, Choo JM, Lyras D, Rood JI. Opioid analgesics stop the development of clostridial gas gangrene. J Infect Dis 2014; 210:483-92. [PMID: 24550443 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas gangrene is a potentially fatal disease that is primarily caused by the ubiquitous, anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium septicum. Treatment is limited to antibiotic therapy, debridement of the infected tissue, and, in severe cases, amputation. The need for new treatment approaches is compelling. Opioid-based analgesics such as buprenorphine and morphine also have immunomodulatory properties, usually leading to faster disease progression. However, here we show that mice pretreated with buprenorphine and morphine do not die from clostridial myonecrosis. Treatment with buprenorphine after the onset of infection also arrested disease development. Protection against myonecrotic disease was specific to C. perfringens-mediated myonecrosis; buprenorphine did not protect against disease caused by C. septicum infection even though infections due to both species are very similar. These data provide the first evidence of a protective role for opioids during infection and suggest that new therapeutic strategies may be possible for the treatment of C. perfringens-mediated myonecrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena M Awad
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Thomas J Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M Choo
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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16
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Kassegne K, Hu W, Ojcius DM, Sun D, Ge Y, Zhao J, Yang XF, Li L, Yan J. Identification of collagenase as a critical virulence factor for invasiveness and transmission of pathogenic Leptospira species. J Infect Dis 2013; 209:1105-15. [PMID: 24277745 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease. Transmission of Leptospira from animals to humans occurs through contact with water contaminated with leptospire-containing urine of infected animals. However, the molecular basis for the invasiveness of Leptospira and transmission of leptospirosis remains unknown. METHODS Activity of Leptospira interrogans strain Lai colA gene product (ColA) to hydrolyze different collagenic substrates was determined by spectrophotometry. Expression and secretion of ColA during infection were detected by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. The colA gene-deleted (ΔcolA) and colA gene-complemented (CΔcolA) mutants were generated to determine the roles of ColA in transcytosis in vitro and virulence in hamsters. RESULTS Recombinant or native ColA hydrolyzed all the tested substrates in which type III collagen was the favorite substrate with 2.16 mg/mL Km and 35.6 h(-)(1) Kcat values. Coincubation of the spirochete with HUVEC or HEK293 cells directly caused the significant elevation of ColA expression and secretion. Compared with wild-type strain, ΔcolA mutant displayed much-attenuated transcytosis through HEK293 and HUVEC monolayers, and less leptospires in blood, lung, liver, kidney and urine and 25-fold-decreased 50% lethal dose and milder histopathological injury in hamsters. CONCLUSIONS The product of colA gene is a collagenase as a crucial virulence factor in the invasiveness and transmission of L. interrogans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokouvi Kassegne
- Division of Basic Medical Microbiology, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
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17
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Hiscox TJ, Harrison PF, Chakravorty A, Choo JM, Ohtani K, Shimizu T, Cheung JK, Rood JI. Regulation of sialidase production in Clostridium perfringens by the orphan sensor histidine kinase ReeS. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73525. [PMID: 24023881 PMCID: PMC3762733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is ubiquitous in nature and is often found as a commensal of the human and animal gastrointestinal tract. It is the primary etiological agent of clostridial myonecrosis, or gas gangrene, a serious infection that results in extensive tissue necrosis due to the action of one or more potent extracellular toxins. α-toxin and perfringolysin O are the major extracellular toxins involved in the pathogenesis of gas gangrene, but histotoxic strains of C. perfringens, such as strain 13, also produce many degradative enzymes such as collagenases, hyaluronidases, sialidases and the cysteine protease, α-clostripain. The production of many of these toxins is regulated either directly or indirectly by the global VirSR two-component signal transduction system. By isolating a chromosomal mutant and carrying out microarray analysis we have identified an orphan sensor histidine kinase, which we have named ReeS (regulator of extracellular enzymes sensor). Expression of the sialidase genes nanI and nanJ was down-regulated in a reeS mutant. Since complementation with the wild-type reeS gene restored nanI and nanJ expression to wild-type levels, as shown by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and sialidase assays we concluded that ReeS positively regulates the expression of these sialidase genes. However, mutation of the reeS gene had no significant effect on virulence in the mouse myonecrosis model. Sialidase production in C. perfringens has been previously shown to be regulated by both the VirSR system and RevR. In this report, we have analyzed a previously unknown sensor histidine kinase, ReeS, and have shown that it also is involved in controlling the expression of sialidase genes, adding further complexity to the regulatory network that controls sialidase production in C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul F. Harrison
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anjana Chakravorty
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M. Choo
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Takara-machi Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tohru Shimizu
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Takara-machi Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Jackie K. Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julian I. Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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18
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Structural requirement in Clostridium perfringens collagenase mRNA 5' leader sequence for translational induction through small RNA-mRNA base pairing. J Bacteriol 2013; 195:2937-46. [PMID: 23585542 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00148-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens is pathogenic to humans and animals, and the production of its toxins is strictly regulated during the exponential phase. We recently found that the 5' leader sequence of the colA transcript encoding collagenase, which is a major toxin of this organism, is processed and stabilized in the presence of the small RNA VR-RNA. The primary colA 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) forms a long stem-loop structure containing an internal bulge and masks its own ribosomal binding site. Here we found that VR-RNA directly regulates colA expression through base pairing with colA mRNA in vivo. However, when the internal bulge structure was closed by point mutations in colA mRNA, translation ceased despite the presence of VR-RNA. In addition, a mutation disrupting the colA stem-loop structure induced mRNA processing and ColA-FLAG translational activation in the absence of VR-RNA, indicating that the stem-loop and internal bulge structure of the colA 5' leader sequence is important for regulation by VR-RNA. On the other hand, processing was required for maximal ColA expression but was not essential for VR-RNA-dependent colA regulation. Finally, colA processing and translational activation were induced at a high temperature without VR-RNA. These results suggest that inhibition of the colA 5' leader structure through base pairing is the primary role of VR-RNA in colA regulation and that the colA 5' leader structure is a possible thermosensor.
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19
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Park S, Park M, Rafii F. Comparative transcription analysis and toxin production of two fluoroquinolone-resistant mutants of Clostridium perfringens. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:50. [PMID: 23452396 PMCID: PMC3599539 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fluoroquinolone use has been listed as a risk factor for the emergence of virulent clinical strains of some bacteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of fluoroquinolone (gatifloxacin) resistance selection on differential gene expression, including the toxin genes involved in virulence, in two fluoroquinolone-resistant strains of Clostridium perfringens by comparison with their wild-type isogenic strains. Results DNA microarray analyses were used to compare the gene transcription of two wild types, NCTR and ATCC 13124, with their gatifloxacin-resistant mutants, NCTRR and 13124R. Transcription of a variety of genes involved in bacterial metabolism was either higher or lower in the mutants than in the wild types. Some genes, including genes for toxins and regulatory genes, were upregulated in NCTRR and downregulated in 13124R. Transcription analysis by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed the altered expression of many of the genes that were affected differently in the fluoroquinolone-resistant mutants and wild types. The levels of gene expression and enzyme production for the toxins phospholipase C, perfringolysin O, collagenase and clostripain had decreased in 13124R and increased in NCTRR in comparison with the wild types. After centrifugation, the cytotoxicity of the supernatants of NCTRR and 13224R cultures for mouse peritoneal macrophages confirmed the increased cytotoxicity of NCTRR and the decreased cytotoxicity of 13124R in comparison with the respective wild types. Fluoroquinolone resistance selection also affected cell shape and colony morphology in both strains. Conclusion Our results indicate that gatifloxacin resistance selection was associated with altered gene expression in two C. perfringens strains and that the effect was strain-specific. This study clearly demonstrates that bacterial exposure to fluoroquinolones may affect virulence (toxin production) in addition to drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Park
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
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20
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Chakravorty A, Awad MM, Hiscox TJ, Cheung JK, Carter GP, Choo JM, Lyras D, Rood JI. The cysteine protease α-clostripain is not essential for the pathogenesis of Clostridium perfringens-mediated myonecrosis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22762. [PMID: 21829506 PMCID: PMC3146509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is the causative agent of clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene and produces many different extracellular toxins and enzymes, including the cysteine protease α-clostripain. Mutation of the α-clostripain structural gene, ccp, alters the turnover of secreted extracellular proteins in C. perfringens, but the role of α-clostripain in disease pathogenesis is not known. We insertionally inactivated the ccp gene C. perfringens strain 13 using TargeTron technology, constructing a strain that was no longer proteolytic on skim milk agar. Quantitative protease assays confirmed the absence of extracellular protease activity, which was restored by complementation with the wild-type ccp gene. The role of α-clostripain in virulence was assessed by analysing the isogenic wild-type, mutant and complemented strains in a mouse myonecrosis model. The results showed that although α-clostripain was the major extracellular protease, mutation of the ccp gene did not alter either the progression or the development of disease. These results do not rule out the possibility that this extracellular enzyme may still have a role in the early stages of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena M. Awad
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Thomas J. Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jackie K. Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Glen P. Carter
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M. Choo
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian I. Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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21
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Regulation of virulence by the RevR response regulator in Clostridium perfringens. Infect Immun 2011; 79:2145-53. [PMID: 21402758 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00060-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens causes clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene and produces several extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and toxins, many of which are regulated by the VirSR signal transduction system. The revR gene encodes a putative orphan response regulator that has similarity to the YycF (WalR), VicR, PhoB, and PhoP proteins from other Gram-positive bacteria. RevR appears to be a classical response regulator, with an N-terminal receiver domain and a C-terminal domain with a putative winged helix-turn-helix DNA binding region. To determine its functional role, a revR mutant was constructed by allelic exchange and compared to the wild type by microarray analysis. The results showed that more than 100 genes were differentially expressed in the mutant, including several genes involved in cell wall metabolism. The revR mutant had an altered cellular morphology; unlike the short rods observed with the wild type, the mutant cells formed long filaments. These changes were reversed upon complementation with a plasmid that carried the wild-type revR gene. Several genes encoding extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (sialidase, hyaluronidase, and α-clostripain) were differentially expressed in the revR mutant. Quantitative enzyme assays confirmed that these changes led to altered enzyme activity and that complementation restored the wild-type phenotype. Most importantly, the revR mutant was attenuated for virulence in the mouse myonecrosis model compared to the wild type and the complemented strains. These results provide evidence that RevR regulates virulence in C. perfringens; it is the first response regulator other than VirR to be shown to regulate virulence in this important pathogen.
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22
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Abstract
Clostridia produce the highest number of toxins of any type of bacteria and are involved in severe diseases in humans and other animals. Most of the clostridial toxins are pore-forming toxins responsible for gangrenes and gastrointestinal diseases. Among them, perfringolysin has been extensively studied and it is the paradigm of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins, whereas Clostridium perfringens epsilon-toxin and Clostridium septicum alpha-toxin, which are related to aerolysin, are the prototypes of clostridial toxins that form small pores. Other toxins active on the cell surface possess an enzymatic activity, such as phospholipase C and collagenase, and are involved in the degradation of specific cell-membrane or extracellular-matrix components. Three groups of clostridial toxins have the ability to enter cells: large clostridial glucosylating toxins, binary toxins and neurotoxins. The binary and large clostridial glucosylating toxins alter the actin cytoskeleton by enzymatically modifying the actin monomers and the regulatory proteins from the Rho family, respectively. Clostridial neurotoxins proteolyse key components of neuroexocytosis. Botulinum neurotoxins inhibit neurotransmission at neuromuscular junctions, whereas tetanus toxin targets the inhibitory interneurons of the CNS. The high potency of clostridial toxins results from their specific targets, which have an essential cellular function, and from the type of modification that they induce. In addition, clostridial toxins are useful pharmacological and biological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel R Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
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Wu Q, Li C, Li C, Chen H, Shuliang L. Purification and Characterization of a Novel Collagenase from Bacillus pumilus Col-J. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2009; 160:129-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-009-8673-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2008] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Eckhard U, Nüss D, Ducka P, Schönauer E, Brandstetter H. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of the catalytic domain of collagenase G from Clostridium histolyticum. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2008; 64:419-21. [PMID: 18453715 PMCID: PMC2376405 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309108010476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The catalytic domain of collagenase G from Clostridium histolyticum has been cloned, recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity and size-exclusion column-chromatographic methods. Crystals of the catalytic domain were obtained from 0.12 M sodium citrate and 23%(v/v) PEG 3350 at 293 K. The crystals diffracted to 2.75 A resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystals belong to an orthorhombic space group, with unit-cell parameters a = 57, b = 109, c = 181 A. This unit cell is consistent with the presence of one molecule per asymmetric unit and a solvent content of approximately 53%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Eckhard
- Structural Biology Group, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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25
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Abstract
AIM: To study the cloning of α-β fusion gene from Clostridium perfringens and the immunogenicity of α-β fusion expression.
METHODS: Cloning was accomplished after PCR amplification from strains NCTC64609 and C58-1 of the protective antigen genes of α-toxin and β-toxin. The fragment of the gene was cloned using plasmid pZCPAB. This fragment coded for the gene with the stable expression of α-β fusion gene binding. In order to verify the exact location of the α-β fusion gene, domain plasmids were constructed. The two genes were fused into expression vector pBV221. The expressed α-β fusion protein was identified by ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and neutralization assay.
RESULTS: The protective α-toxin gene (cpa906) and the β-toxin gene (cpb930) were obtained. The recombinant plasmid pZCPAB carrying α-β fusion gene was constructed and transformed into BL21(DE3). The recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZCPAB) was obtained. After the recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZCPAB) was induced by 42°C,its expressed product was about 22.14% of total cellular protein at SDS-PAGE and thin-layer gel scanning analysis. Neutralization assay indicated that the antibody induced by immunization with α-β fusion protein could neutralize the toxicity of α-toxin and β-toxin.
CONCLUSION: The obtained α-toxin and β-toxin genes are correct. The recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZCPAB) could produce α-β fusion protein. This protein can be used for immunization and is immunogenic. The antibody induced by immunization with α-β fusion protein could neutralize the toxicity of α-toxin and β-toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ning Bai
- College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050016, Hebei Province, China
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26
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McNeil HJ, Shewen PE, Lo RYC, Conlon JA, Miller MW. Novel protease produced by a Pasteurella trehalosi serotype 10 isolate from a pneumonic bighorn sheep: characteristics and potential relevance to protection. Vet Microbiol 2003; 93:145-52. [PMID: 12637002 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1135(03)00019-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A strain of Pasteurella trehalosi serotype 10, E(CO)-100, isolated from a bighorn sheep that had succumbed to pneumonic pasteurellosis during an epizootic, was compared to well-characterized strains of P. trehalosi serotype 10 and Mannheimia haemolytica serotype 1. The gene for leukotoxin A (lktA) from E(CO)-100 was sequenced and found to be identical on an amino acid basis to a published sequence for lktA from P. trehalosi serotype 10. However, the toxic activity in culture supernatant measured over time for E(CO)-100 was quite different from reference strains. Typically, the ability of the supernatant to lyse target cells increases over time corresponding to the logarithmic growth of the organism, peaks at mid to late phase, then declines gradually. Supernatant from E(CO)-100 exhibited a sharp decline in toxicity after mid-logarithmic growth to undetectable levels. Investigation of this anomaly using a commercial kit with a porcine gelatin/bovine albumin substrate matrix revealed high protease activity in the supernatant of this strain compared to another P. trehalosi serotype 10 and to a M. haemolytica serotype 1. Protease activity was also visualized using gelatin based zymogram gels. This protease was not substrate specific as it was shown to degrade leukotoxin. Activity was neutralized by bighorn sera in a titratable manner. There was an association between the ability to neutralize protease and low pneumonic lung scores in bighorn sheep experimentally challenged with E(CO)-100 (r=0.5, P=0.1). This previously unidentified protease may be an important protective antigen in vaccines designed to prevent pneumonic pasteurellosis resulting from P. trehalosi in bighorn sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J McNeil
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ont., N1G 2W1, Guelph, Canada.
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27
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Shimizu T, Shima K, Yoshino KI, Yonezawa K, Shimizu T, Hayashi H. Proteome and transcriptome analysis of the virulence genes regulated by the VirR/VirS system in Clostridium perfringens. J Bacteriol 2002; 184:2587-94. [PMID: 11976286 PMCID: PMC135029 DOI: 10.1128/jb.184.10.2587-2594.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteins under the control of the two-component system VirR/VirS in Clostridium perfringens were analyzed by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the culture supernatant from the wild type and the virR mutant. Based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight/mass spectrometry, seven positively regulated proteins and eight negatively regulated proteins were identified. Transcriptome analysis confirmed that 7 of the 15 proteins were regulated by the VirR/VirS system at the transcriptional level, but the remaining proteins were modified with a VirR/VirS-directed protease at the posttranslation and secretion levels. We purified and characterized the VirR/VirS-directed protease from the culture supernatant and identified it as a kind of clostripain. Because this proteolytic activity was strongly inhibited by leupeptin and antipain, it was concluded that this protease was a member of the family of cysteine proteases of C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Shimizu
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Ten-nohdai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
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Awad MM, Ellemor DM, Boyd RL, Emmins JJ, Rood JI. Synergistic effects of alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O in Clostridium perfringens-mediated gas gangrene. Infect Immun 2001; 69:7904-10. [PMID: 11705975 PMCID: PMC98889 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.12.7904-7910.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine the synergistic effects of alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O in clostridial myonecrosis, homologous recombination was used to construct an alpha-toxin deficient derivative of a perfringolysin O mutant of Clostridium perfringens. The subsequent strain was complemented with separate plasmids that carried the alpha-toxin structural gene (plc), the perfringolysin O gene (pfoA), or both toxin genes, and the resultant isogenic strains were examined in a mouse myonecrosis model. Synergistic effects were clearly observed in these experiments. Infection with the control strain, which did not produce either toxin, resulted in very minimal gross pathological changes, whereas the isogenic strain that was reconstituted for both toxins produced a pathology that was clearly more severe than when alpha-toxin alone was reconstituted. These changes were most apparent in the rapid spread of the disease, the gross pathology of the footpad and in the rate at which the mice had to be euthanatized for ethical reasons. Elimination of both alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O production removed most of the histopathological features typical of clostridial myonecrosis. These effects were restored when the mutant was complemented with the alpha-toxin structural gene, but reconstituting only perfringolysin O activity produced vastly different results, with regions of coagulative necrosis, apparently enhanced by vascular disruption, being observed. Reconstitution of both alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O activity produced histopathology most similar to that observed with the alpha-toxin reconstituted strain. The spreading of myonecrosis was very rapid in these tissues, and coagulative necrosis appeared to be restricted to the lumen of the blood vessels. The results of these virulence experiments clearly support the hypothesis that alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O have a synergistic effect in the pathology of gas gangrene.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Awad
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium, both glycolytic and proteolytic, and both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, produce a battery of hydrolytic enzymes to obtain nutrients from various biopolymers. The clostridial hydrolytic enzymes are diverse, and are used or are potentially useful for fundamental and applied research purposes. Among them, enzymes degrading the major components in the extracellular matrix or on the cell surface in vertebrates are herein reviewed with special emphasis on recent knowledge gained through molecular biology of clostridial collagenases, sialidases and hyaluronidases. This paper also reviews some literature on the biotechnological approach to the designing of new molecular tools and drug delivery systems involving clostridial hydrolytic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Matsushita
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa Medical University, 1750-1 Miki-cho, Kita-gun, 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan.
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